Where to put the baby.

My car seat, circa 1975

*Car-seat: Graco SnugRide ($70) has top safety ratings and is lightweight and roomy (and inexpensive). Peg Perego ($170) is nice but very small and baby outgrows it quickly. You could also go straight to the convertible seat (which is made for infant through toddler sizes), which you will need around 6 months or so anyway, but this does not allow you to transport the baby while asleep; very important for most people. Britax Roundabout ($220) or Marathon (for taller kids) is unanimously the best convertible seat for safety, quality, comfort, and ease of use. Expensive but worth it.

[Note on installation: one of the best features of the Britax is a tether strap that can be used in rear-facing as well as forward-facing positions. It is technically "optional" in rear-facing mode so many people don't use it, but CHP told me the seat wasn't properly installed without it. It corrects the angle of the seat, stabilizes it, and allows it to bounce back but not forward (ie., ejecting toward the window) in a crash. Just loop the anchor strap around the track that holds the passenger seat to the floor. Then attach the tether and tighten. It will be rock solid. This is really a great seat!]

*Standard stroller ($150-$300): you don't really need this at all until your baby outgrows the car seat; you can just use a cheap, lightweight Snap n Go or similar model (a frame to hold the car-seat; $50 new) while you figure out what kind of stroller you need based on real experience toting the baby around. And this way, you are not limited to strollers that accommodate car seats; you can just pick the one you really like best. Whenever you decide to buy your stroller, the most important stroller features tend to be weight and ease of folding. Definitely try folding and lifting a few strollers in the store before you buy! After that, look at things like whether it reclines for naps, has a canopy that will really block the sun, has a big basket, and is easy to steer over curbs and potholes. Ask moms on the street what they like/don't like about the one they have. I have a Pliko P3, and I like it; it is of good quality, has a full recline (for naps), stands up when folded (for bringing into restaurants, etc.) and provides a smooth ride. It is also one of the few strollers with a snack tray, which has been invaluable since my son was able to eat Cheerios. But, the basket is hard to access, the extended handles still aren't tall enough for my husband, and the folding mechanism is difficult to use. There is no perfect stroller! Here are some of the other strollers I have investigated:

Zooper Waltz or Swing: Comes with glare filter; seat is angled back so baby doesn't slide out. I haven't had much of a chance to check this one out in person, but it sounds like a great primary stroller.

Peg Perego Aria: Cheaper and lighter than the Pliko (only 10 pounds!), and has a bar instead of handles for one-handed pushing. [Note: PP improved the folding mechanism on the Pliko in 2005 . . . maybe it is almost perfect now??]

Maclaren Volo / Silver Cross Micro: extremely light (9.2 pounds), shoulder strap, easy one-hand fold mechanism, nice steering. Does not recline or carry a diaper bag, though . . . this would probably be your second, "travel" stroller.

Graco Metrolite or Literider: Huge accessible basket, easy fold, adult cupholder/tray, light weight, cheap. Unfortunately, these strollers are not as well made as Peg Peregos and Maclarens (no suspension, cheaper materials), but otherwise they seem to be the most conveniently arranged.

*Carrier: The toughest item to buy. There are literally hundreds to choose from; check out some reviews on babywearer.com. What you want is: easy to get baby in and out; comfortable to wear over the course of an hour, easy to throw in your bag, and your baby likes it and will sleep in there. Unfortunately, nothing like this exists, so you may need more than one carrier, and you may not like any of them wholeheartedly. Don't be fooled by the advertiser's boast that a carrier holds 35 pounds or more; it's your back that ends up being the weakest link here. Up to about 15 pounds, a sling is great and very snuggly. I think this is the one carrier you need, to get you through the first 3 months (when frequently the baby won't sleep unless he's attached to your body). When the baby gets heavier, as early as 4 months or so, you may need to switch to a waist-support style. But by this time, the baby is more independent and you don't need to wear him as much anyway -- carrier may be optional at this point if your baby isn't too fussy. (Later, once he can sit up on your hip, the sling may become useful again in this new position. Or, if you're feeling indulgent, buy yet another carrier: the cute and easy Hiphugger.). The Maya Wrap sling ($50) is pretty great if you learn to use it properly (make sure to get the instructional DVD): comfortable, versatile, attractive and easy to pack. If you only get one carrier, I'd suggest this one (or the hipper version, called the Rockin' Baby Sling, available online). The New Native carrier (a non-adjustable over-the-shoulder sling/pouch) is simpler and is well-reviewed, but noone I know used this one. Some people really like the Ultimate Baby Wrap (or similar models), which consists of a really long piece of stretchy fabric that wraps around you and the baby like a mummy. It seems to be versatile, comfortable (even for heavier babies), and lightweight, but the elaborate process of putting it on may be an issue. Waist-support styles: the Sutemi Pack ($75) can be worn front, back, or hip (similar model: Ergo carrier). I don't know anyone who uses a frame backpack; seems like too much trouble and bulk. [A note on the Baby Bjorn ($90, the one without a waist strap): this is incredibly popular and older babies (supporting their own heads) like facing out in it; unfortunately, it hurts your back and puts baby's weight on his crotch, so it's not as great as it's cracked up to be. You can't use it for babies under 8 pounds, and it's not so good for naps because it allows the baby's arms and legs to flail. So don't let this be your only carrier. If you really like it, it's easy to find a used one cheap.]

*Play yard: most people get the Graco Pack n Play ($60-$140, depending on model). It's a miracle of modern design. The one with the extra bassinette and diaper rack is very useful; you can always use an extra place to set the baby down safely (and/or, you can use this as your baby's primary bed for the first few months!). The music/nature sounds/vibration feature that comes with the fancy version is actually really good, too.

*Bouncer/rocker: Babies love the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium bouncer ($40), which has a little moving show of bubbles and fish. It's ugly and a tiny bit like Baby TV, but you will resort to it in desperation and come to love it. Don't worry, he'll outgrow it in 6 months and you'll never have to look at it again. The Combi Activity Rocker ($80) is a nicer place to set your baby down, especially if he hates lying flat, but not really an essential item.

*Swing. Some babies never like swings, but some require them. The low, on-the-ground kind are cozier for small babies to sleep in, but can be outgrown fairly quickly. The large ones ($60-$80) are pretty easy to find used at resale shops; try not to pay full retail for this item, unless you already know your baby loves it. Some people really like the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders swing ($100), because it goes side to side as well as back and forth.

Charlie's car seat, 2004