This post covers the bigger, much needed items we’ve recently purchased for baby including a bassinet, stroller, bath tub, baby monitor and diaper bag.
1. Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper – Premier Series in Classic Damask
When I first heard of this bassinet, I thought it was another ridiculously priced baby item that you wouldn’t get much use out of. After visiting my sister and seeing it in action with my nephew, I was sold.
Our bedroom is not very wide. We need a bassinet over a play yard if we are to keep baby in our room for the first few months. Our bed is also fairly high off the ground. The Halo bassinet adjusts to accommodate the height of your bed; and swivels for easy access in and out of bed. This allows for little to no bending if you end up being a c-section Momma. I also like how it’s see through for visible sight lines to baby. I initially thought the stand would be floppy, but it’s actually quite substantial and heavy.
The Premier series also comes with the following electronic features (batteries required): a night light, 3 soothing sounds, 3 lullabies, a nursing timer, 3 levels of vibration – all with 30 minute auto shut off.
They say the bassinet is good for up to 5 months old or a maximum weight of 30 lbs. My sister just switched my nephew to his crib and he’s 4 months old – nowhere close to the weight limit though.
At most stores in Canada, this bassinet model will run you $299.99 plus $18.99 for a fitted sheet. The model without the electronic features is $239.99. We got ours in excellent used condition for $200 including the crib sheet. If we factor in the taxes (10% in our province), we saved over $150 by purchasing it used. SCORE!
2. 2015 Uppababy Vista in Georgie (Marine Blue/Carbon)
Our stroller is by far our biggest splurge. We narrowed down the options by reading online reviews, then actually going into the stores and pushing the strollers around.
We had an excellent Sales Associate who thoroughly went through all the features with us multiple times. Yes, that means I went into the store and looked at the strollers MANY times before we took the plurge and swiped our card. We made sure we knew how to use everything and understood why the features were worth it before making our final decision.
Both my husband and I agreed the Uppababy Vista just felt “the best” to us. I know lots of people rav about the City Select, but in comparison, it felt clunkier. We liked the 2nd seat option of the Uppababy, but since we don’t know what our future plans are for growing our family, a second seat wasn’t a 100% required feature. We LOVED the colour choices of the Uppababy and all of the accessories it comes with for no added cost: the bassinet, bassinet bug shield, bassinet storage bag, toddler seat rain shield, toddler seat bug shield, and the bumper bar.
The best part about the Vista was how easy it is to change seat positions and fold the stroller up. Not only that, it’s one of the few strollers on the market capable of standing up on it’s own when folded. The true weight of this model is 27.5 lbs, but neither one of us have had difficulty manoeuvring it. It has one of the best SPF sunshades and includes an extra large basket that holds up to 30 lbs (or in my case – 2 chihuahuas and a diaper bag). A large basket was a MUST HAVE for us and surprisingly, so many strollers have tiny baskets.
At first, I felt a bit silly about buying a stroller that comes with another bassinet. I do hope to use the Uppababy bassinet in our family room for nap time when it’s not being used on the stroller.
The catch with the Uppababy is that some colours are more expensive than others. The pricing generally ranges from $924-964. We purchased this stroller at a local speciality baby store for $964 – a full-priced splurge, but well worth it in our minds.
3. Boon Naked Collapsible Baby Bath Tub – in Purple
This was one of our first baby purchases. We got it when I was only 7 weeks pregnant.
Our godson has one and his parent’s love it. I like how it collapses for easy storage. I plan to hang it on the wall or the back of the bathroom door when it’s not in use. It’s also eco-friendly – BpA-free, Phthalate-free and PVC-free.
I’ve heard some mixed reviews about the simplicity of using this with a newborn. Some suggestions include using a foam insert at the bottom until baby is a bit bigger. We will see how it works out for us.
I have seen this bath tub go for $69-79 regular price. I found ours at Marshall’s for $35. It was a discontinued colour, but who cares! For that price, I’ll take it.
4. Philips Avent – SCD570/10 Dect Baby Monitor
This purchase was a bit more impulsive. I had done a bit of research into monitors, but really didn’t know which way I would go. I found this model on sale on and decided to take the plunge.
This is an audio-only monitor. In the age of technology, it may seem odd that I chose to NOT go with a video monitor. I’ve read lots of mixed reviews on the quality of the video monitors. Being a huge tech geek I knew if I went video, I’d want high quality, but I did not want to spend the money on this luxury.
We live in a 4-level split home. There’s only a handful of steps between the main floor and our bedrooms. I don’t ever think I will be that far from our child. Our basement level (4 levels down) is closer than most people’s 2nd story.
I chose this monitor because it’s the top rated audio monitor on the market. It’s features include:
- DECT technology that guarantees zero interferance with other transmitting electronics
- High quality, crystal clear sound
- A temperature sensor to monitor the climate in baby’s room
- A night light and lullabies
- Talk-back ability
- A range of up to 330 metres
Full-priced, this monitor sells for $199 at most specialist baby stores; although, I did find it on amazon.ca for $161. I got mineon sale for 30% off from West Coast Kids which totalled $146.99 with taxes and shipping included.
6. Timi & Leslie 7-piece Diaper Bag Set in Ocean Blue
I tend to be a Matt & Nat kinda gal. I wanted a diaper bag that is versatile and looks more like a purse. When I found this diaper bag, I was IN LOVE! ❤
This particular style can be worn cross-body or over the shoulder with adjustable, detachable straps. It comes with a changing pad, a zippered waterproof sac for soiled clothes, a clutch that can be used as a wallet or a small purse, an insulated bottle tote, and matching stroller straps.
My husband bought it for me as a gift for my upcoming birthday. We purchased this item without seeing it in real life. I had never even heard of the brand before. Once it arrived, I was even more impressed! The quality and size is exactly what I wanted.
I found the bag online at Chapters listed at a regular price of $180. We got it sale on for $40 off plus an extra 20% off putting the final cost at $140.80 after taxes ($128 before taxes). A mighty-fine birthday present if I do say so myself!
To me, an investment in high quality items that have great reviews is totally worth it if you can fit it into your budget. I’m confident that many of our big ticket items – especially the bassinet and the stroller – will retain decent resale value.
Don’t forget to refer back to Baby Buys: Part 1, the items we purchased before we conceived: a high chair, play yard, swing, bouncy chair, and changing pad.
And stay tuned for Baby Buys: Part 3… the nursery!
Thanks for all the great advice! I love hearing what other mom’s are buying. 🙂
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I’m so stuck on a carseat. Going to write about that tomorrow! Need some advice from the community. It’s been interesting to see where we feel we want to splurge and want to save. I hope our plans all work out in the end.
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Oh, I’m so excited for your car seat post! I have one coming up too – we just found out we need 2 – one for the USA and one for Canada!!! I’m so not happy about this!
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What!?!?! Why????
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Different requirements on each side of the border! Even if we buy the exact same model, they only stamp them with the certification of the country they are sold in. I’m so not impressed.
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Wow! That’s crazy! Will your child be a dual citizen? You would think the fact that you are taking the baby home to Canada would mean a Canadian one would fit the bill? Hopefully you can resell the US one after or pay it forward to another adoptive family.
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Our child will be a dual citizen, which we think is pretty cool especially when they get to the point of university because they will have so many more options.
We’ve talked about just using a Canadian one in the USA, but we really don’t think it’s a good idea to get a ticket for it in the USA while our adoption is being processed – that might be considered an epic adoptive parent fail! 🙂
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Ah yes. Better safe than sorry. That actually is an amazing perk. Not many Canadians can easily go to school in the US.
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This one is so hard! We are stuck between 2 carseats…the Cybex and the Nuna. This will be a splurge for us, but we travel by car so much (6+ hours one way) that I feel like it’s an important splurge!!
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I don’t know if we have either option in Canada. Are they infant bucket seats?
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Yes! Nuna is a Dutch company and not really available where I live unless at boutique shops or online (albee baby, nordstrom and some others). Cybex is in the US and more readily available. The main reason I love these is that they have a load leg as an added safety feature.
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I just bought the Nuna Pipa and I have to say how much I love the weight of it, plus the sunshade. It’s awesome. However, since you own an uppababy, I would consider getting the car seat they make so you can save money on adapters. Both are super high-quality car seats (with a reasonably high price tag) but since your baby’s safety depends on it, well worth the splurge IMHO. Hope this helps!
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Thanks! Unfortunately the Nuna and the Mesa from Uppababy aren’t available in Canada yet. We’ve been waiting for the Mesa to get cleared due to Canadian Regulations but the launch date keeps getting pushed back.
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I love reading your Baby Buys!! I was thinking of posting about our buys too, but haven’t yet. It’s always great to hear what others are buying based on their research! A few if these are on my short list and it helps narrow it down 🙂 We also got the new vista in Georgie!!! I am in love with that thing! I drive it around the house like a weirdo!! Haha!! Can’t wait for #3 list!! 🙂
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Oh I wish my husband would let me. I’ve begged him to let me put the chihuahuas in the bassinet and take it for a spin around the block. Maybe I can sneak out this weekend and do it? Haha I seriously recommend the site Lucie’s List and that Baby Bargains book too. Both have helped us decide on many items or at least get the validation that we are making a good choice.
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Haha!! I really want to stroll around the grocery store with it, but I’m afraid that may be going too far!! 😂 I need to check out the Baby Bargains book! I love Lucie’s list too! Also, babygearlab.com is great!!
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Oh I’ll check out babygearlab too then!
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Super cute bag! 🙂
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we plan on getting the halo bassinet too. We checked it out in store and love it. We’re gonna get the Chicco Keyfit for a car seat. When we checked some out at BRU, it seemed the most comfortable for us to carry, and we plan to use a travel system. We also plan to have three strollers- a cheap Snap and Go to keep in the car at all times for a quick in/out for grocery shopping or whatever, a second hand BOB revolution (being gifted to us), and something more rugged for our dog hikes. we didn’t want to spend a lot on a stroller, since there’s a chance we’ll have a second baby within a couple of years, so we can afford to upgrade to a nicer double stroller. We’ve decided not to do a diaper bag, but to just use a backpack (I’m rarely looking very fashionable lol. I almost always look like I’m going hiking haha). Our house is small, maybe smaller than yours, so we’ve decided against a baby monitor- for now. We also have a wifi-accessible webcam with night vision that we bought as a joke to spy on the dogs, which would work really well too. It is viewable from our iPhones, and from anywhere.
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The keyfit is going on sale at Babies R Us on July 3rd for $70 off. I found a leaked flyer online because their baby fest sale is starting then.
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Oh good to know! Thanks!
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You are welcome 🙂
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You got some high quality items! I loved the feel of the Uppababy too, but we couldn’t figure out how to spend $1000 on a stroller. I think I’d like to get the bassinet for the City Select though cause so many people love it.
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Trust me. I had to think long and hard about it. We had some savings that we used so it wasn’t a huge hit on the budget.
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I have the Halo on my registry. I really wanted it so I’m glad to hear you’ve experienced it! Such exciting stuff!
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Love hearing what other mommas are buying! I’ve been agonizing over every. single. choice. We are also planning to get a HALO bassinet, and I’m happy to hear you think it’s worth the price tag, because I was finally getting comfortable with the idea of a co-sleeper when my husband put his foot down and said absolutely not. The man is terrified he will roll over and kill the baby. After checking out a bunch of bassinet models in the stores we agreed the HALO seemed the best option by far, but I still feel a little hesitant about dropping $200.
I also looked at the Boon bathtub but wasn’t sure how it would work for a newborn… it’s supposed to have a “recline” function where it only partially collapses to help keep baby upright, but I wasn’t sure if that worked really well. You’ll have to let me know! I’ll probably get one if it can recline, though I got a tub from my SIL… but it’s fabric which just grosses me out. Mildew. Ick.
I’ve heard awesome things about the Avent monitor, which I didn’t register for because of its price tag, but if I find it on sale I might grab it. I’ve had a lot of people tell me that the video monitors aren’t at all worth their price tags, and I feel especially at the beginning you’re probably going to go in and check on the baby when he/she fusses, video or no. Video seems much more useful for toddlers.
Thank you for posting!
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I will let you know how the tub works out! I seriously think the Halo will be a great investment. I will feel much better knowing baby is close by, yet safe.
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Great buys! I picked up a HALO Bassinest for $180 (was used for ONE night and I got it back in the box, you could never tell it was used at all), same edition as yours. Was thrilled!
I love the Uppababy Vista as well. I debated for a LONG time between that and the Bugaboo and went with the Bugaboo in the end. I’m sure I’d have been happy if I’d gone with the UB as well.
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Score! You got a good deal too. I love how you can buy alternate colours with the Bugaboo. If we ever have a girl, she’s getting a blue stroller as we have no choice – except we love blue!
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Love it! I am going to do a post like this after Jonathan is a little older so I can share what ended up working best!
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Yes, I’ll definitely need to let everyone know if we made the right choices. 🙂 I love the post-baby updates.
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Sorry that I couldn’t figure out how to contact you privately. Just wondering if you heard of the Uppababy recall for 2015? Looks like the recall just happened this month:http://blogs.babycenter.com/mom_stories/uppababy-recalls-71000-seats-and-strollers-due-to-choking-hazard/
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Yes I think we actually got ours after the period of recall. Ours came with a bumper bar cover. Either way, I will contact them and make sure. Thanks!
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What is your email address if you don’t mind sharing it(or you can email me at effinfertility at gmail dot com)…we had a small but solvable safety issue with our halo bassinet I’d like to share with you before your baby arrives. Thanks!
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ah thanks! It’s awaitingautumn14@gmail.com
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