Bump Club and Beyond’s Gearapalooza: The Ultimate Baby Gear and Registry Event started five years ago in Chicago at Galt Baby in Lincoln Park. This year, this event made nearly 20 stops across the country and is getting ready for its homecoming in Chicago on Nov. 4.
Many of the most popular baby gear brands will be present and parents will walk away with a wealth of knowledge from baby expert Jamie Grayson, The BabyGuyNYC. Grayson will cover everything you need to know about baby gear (and how to multi-purpose it, too!).
You can expect to see some of these fan favorites:
Breast pumps
With insurance companies now providing breast pumps, you may not have a choice in which one you get. Our friends at Illinois-based Ashland Health will help you navigate the process of getting your breast pump from insurance for free. This is a top-notch service every expectant mom should look into!
Crib mattresses
Babies sleep A LOT, so your baby will spend a lot of time on their mattress. If you choose to buy one item that is organic, this is the one. Fan favorite: Naturepedic’s 2-Stage Crib Mattress. It is firm on one side for a newborn and softer on the other for a toddler.
Strollers
There is no one-size-fits-all in this category, and it’s imperative to try them out in the store. Popular brands include Jane, Orbit Baby, Contours, Quinny, Thule and phil&teds. A 2015 fan favorite has been the new 2015 UPPAbaby VISTA. With its new stadium seating configuration and lighter frame, this Windy City favorite has become more popular than ever.
Car seats
Your car seats are the most important item you will buy for your child. An essential tip that Grayson always shares is to “read your manual.” Sounds simple, but it’s important to know how to properly install your car seat, how to use it and when your child has outgrown it. A tip for city parents: Buy your car seat at a specialty store such as Galt Baby that has Certified Car Passenger Safety technicians on staff who will not only install the seat you buy, but will also teach you how to do it. Some infant favorites include the Nuna PIPA, Cybex Aton Q and the Chicco KeyFit30. Convertible favorites: Clek Foonf and Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35.
Carriers
With so many to choose from, it’s important to know the types and your options. Try them out (once baby arrives!) and ask for help if you are uncertain. Wearing your baby and being hands-free can make life so much easier with a newborn, plus mom and baby both benefit from the closeness of babywearing. Some of our favorites include the Beco Gemini (with new patterns coming out this fall), Ergobaby 360, Baby K’tan Wrap and BabyBjorn One.
