Baby Buys: Part 2

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!