New Parent Products

Gilligham-Ryan's guide to what you need (and don't) for baby's first year.

Low-cost Crib

"IKEA's Gulliver is the pinnacle of all modern cribs," says Gillingham-Ryan of the sleek, affordable slatted model. "The company's design sensibility is always amazing."

$100, Ikea.

 
Makeshift Toys

"You don't need many toys," he declares. "Kids like spoons and wallets and phones and keys. When they get to be about a year old, the first two are still good, but they'll be bored with the second two."

 
Simple Seat
 

With its decor-friendly looks and soothing quality, "the Oeuf bouncer is an amazingly great nesting spot for a newborn when you're working in the kitchen," Gillingham-Ryan says.

$98, Oeuf.

 
Multitaskers

One of the few toys he does swear by is IKEA's super-functional Ekorre wagon: "It started out as a walker for Ursula, and now she uses it for storing her blocks."

$25, Ikea.

 
Compact Carriers

Parents can hold off on buying a stroller. "For months, we just carried Ursula on our bodies with the Ergo," he says. "We did get a stroller when she got heavier, though."

$92, Ergo Baby Carriers.

 

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