Borrow a breast pump?

Question: "I'm in the market for an electric breast pump and a friend offered to loan me hers. Should I take it? It would save me about $300."

While it's a gracious offer, you're better off declining. That's because most breast pumps (unless they're a hospital-grade rental), are designed for one user only. It's largely a hygiene issue. Using a pre-owned pump can put your baby's health at risk because breast milk can carry bacteria and viruses. These potentially bad bugs can lodge in the pump's internal mechanism — the part that connects to the tubing — which can't be removed, replaced, or fully sterilized. With each suction and release, these contaminants can be microscopically blown into the milk you're expressing and possibly infect your baby. That's why breast pump manufacturers encourage nursing moms to think of a breast pump like any personal-use item you wouldn't loan, such as a toothbrush or lipstick.

There's one exception and that's the Purely Yours Breast Pump by Ameda; it's the only personal-use pump on the market to date that features a patented silicone diaphragm that provides a barrier against contamination. That same diaphgragm is also used in Ameda's rental pumps, which are designed for multi-users. But the Ameda Purely Yours isn't marketed as a multi-user pump because its motor isn't the heavy-duty, "industrial-strength" motor their rental pumps offer. Besides the risk of contamination, there's nothing worse than borrowing someone's pump or buying a secondhand one that conks out as soon as you start using it.

So, don't borrow or buy used; buy new or consider renting. A lot depends on how often and where you'll be pumping. If you're going back to work, buy an electric, personal use double pump, such as the Medela Pump In Style. You'll need the power and efficiency to get the job done quickly and keep up your milk supply. A price tag in the range of $300 can be tough on the budget, but consider how much money you're saving by not having to buy formula. If you're not going back to work, but want to pump occasionally, you can get by with a lesser pump, and you'll pay less, too. Small electric or battery-operated units range from $65 to $130. Or consider renting a breast pump for your hospital or local lactation center. These units don't tend to be portable, so they're not really an option for outside the home. But they can make sense if you only plan to pump for three months or less, or aren't sure how much you'll use a breast pump. After three months or so, cost-wise, buying generally becomes a better deal, though.

See our buying advice for baby bottles and nipples.

Time to ditch the paci?

Question: My 13-month old loves her pacifier. Should we wean her from it at some point? Don't they cause dental problems?

It's true that prolonged pacifier use can lead to trouble. The sucking action can narrow the jaw in the wrong places and widen it in others, which could lead to a need for orthodontic treatment down the road. It can also allow bacteria from the mouth to pass through the auditory tube in the middle ear, increasing the risk of ear infection. To avoid these problems, experts says you should wean a baby off the pacifier between her first and second birthday, so 13 months is a good time to start the process.

There's no right way to do it. When my daughter was about 2, we took the tough-love approach and just hid her pacifier one day to see if she would be distraught without it. When that day passed and nothing terrible happened, and then the next, we decided it was safe to just toss it. That was that. It's funny how some major milestones, such as giving up the pacifier, are over in a day.

Friends of mine have taken more gradual tactics that have also worked well, such as tapering off by allowing the pacifier only at certain times, such as bed and naptime, but not between. Then, after a while, they eliminated it at bed and naptime, too. It all depends on what you and your child are comfortable with.

If your baby wants something to suck on as a replacement, dentists recommend offering a water-filled sippy cup with a collapsible straw, rather than the rounded, plastic spout. Drinking from a squishy straw helps promote normal facial muscle development and won't lead to ear infections. It also helps toddlers learn to drink from a cup because sucking through a straw and drinking from a cup use the same muscles.

Baby thermometers: Ear, mouth, or you-know-where?

Question: "I have a digital ear thermometer. Is that a good way to take my newborn baby's temperature?"

Answer: Ear thermometers make taking a baby's temperature easy, but unfortunately, the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't consider an ear thermometer to be as accurate as a rectal thermometer — the "gold standard" temperature-taking method for infants and children younger than 3. (In our tests with older children, we found that you have to align an ear thermometer in the ear canal perfectly to be accurate.)

In babies, especially, accuracy is key. For example, for babies under 3 months old, the difference between a temp of 100.3 degrees F and 100.4 degrees F can dictate whether you stay home or take your baby to the emergency room. So I recommend taking back the ear thermometer and getting an inexpensive digital thermometer that can be used rectally, and later, orally. (You'll probably want to switch to the oral method as soon as you can; ask your pediatrician when it's safe to do so.)

Look for a digital oral/rectal thermometer with an LCD display that's easy to read, a start button that's easy to press, and that gives a reading in just 20 to 60 seconds.

Carrier conundrum

Question: "Should I use a soft infant carrier like the Baby Bjorn Active. It's rated high in your tests, but we're just not sure we'll use it. Is it something we'll need?"

Answer: A soft infant carrier is definitely something you can hold off on buying until after your baby is born. In fact, because some babies don't like "being worn — which is, in effect, what you're doing when you strap your baby into a soft carrier  — we recommend not buying one ahead of time, if ever. (See our full report on soft infant carriers.)

If you can, see if your baby takes to a soft infant carrier by trying on a friend's carrier. When first putting your baby in it, practice over a soft surface, such as a bed or sofa, until you get the hang of it. The suspension aspect can feel a little precarious initially.

If you can't borrow a soft infant carrier, go ahead and buy one, but feel free to wait until the need arises. If you have a baby that constantly wants to be held, for example, a soft infant carrier may be just the ticket to relieve your tired arms. But keep the receipt just in case the carrier isn't the answer. To help you choose one, see more soft infant carrier information and Ratings.

Big-ticket strollers

Question: "Everyone seems to have a Bugaboo Frog, which costs around $730. Is a high-priced stroller like this really worth the extra money?"

Answer: Although big-ticket strollers like the Bugaboo Frog and the Stokke Xplory ($770) have scored highly in our recent stroller tests, we've found that you don't have to pay a lot to get a good-quality stroller. In fact, our top-rated traditional stroller, a CR Best Buy, is the Graco Quattro Tour (pictured), which retails for around $130. Another top-scorer is the Safety 1st Acella Alumilite 01902, another CR Best Buy at just $70. So when you're looking for a stellar stroller, don't go by price alone.

That said, keep in mind that there are several factors that tend to drive up stroller prices. Higher-end strollers tend to be made of high-grade, light-weight aluminum, and are easier to lift in and out of the car. The seat tends to be cushier, and offer more back support. The wheels, especially the back wheels, may be large and shock-absorbing; the front wheel may swivel, all of which help make the stroller easier to push, especially over rough terrain. Higher-end strollers may also have amenities such as adjustable handles, a reversible seat so your baby can face toward or away from you. They also tend to be durable, lasting from child to child. So despite their steep price, in the long run, they may actually be a good deal.

Overall though, a lot depends on how much and how long you plan to use a stroller and where you plan to use it. The Graco Quattro Tour, for example, has average-size wheels that may not handle snow, grass, sand, or gravel as well as the Bugaboo Frog or Stokke Xplory might. For infrequent travel or trips to the mall, a lower-end stroller (less than $100) may be all you need. But if you're going to be strolling more often and through all kinds of weather and conditions, consider spending more. With your budget of $250, you shouldn't have a problem finding a good-quality traditional stroller that will serve you well. To help narrow the field, when you're stroller shopping, take our stroller Ratings into consideration and bring along a list of must-have features. Right in the store, compare features such as maneuverability and how easy it is to fold and recline the stroller seat. Does it have a large storage basket (a definite plus) and foot brakes that can be easily activated (with the touch of your foot). Does it have a five-point safety harness? A five-point safety harness can give your baby extra support and help keep him/her from climbing out of the seat (when you're not looking). With strollers, especially, we think it's a good idea to get some hands-on experience before you buy.

Once you know what you want, you can shop around online to find the best price and compare prices at local retailers. A price-comparison site, such as www.shopping.com can help you quickly find the best 'wheel' deals.

Diaper-bag dilemma

Question: "Which diaper bag should I get  —  a stylish, trendy, dry-clean only one, or a  — yawn  — practical one?"

Answer: Unless you plan to get two diaper bags — one for dress-up and one for everyday — I'd definitely return this bag for one that's low maintenence. Diaper bags are mess magnets. The best, in our opinion, are made of a wipe-clean durable nylon microfiber shell and a plastic liner, since the gunk tends to go both ways. Backpack or sling diapers bags are good choices since they keep your hands free, and when you've got a baby to lug, you probably need more hands then you've got. You'll also want tons of velcro or zipper pockets; they can help you stay organized as long as you assign each compartment to a specific task, such one for baby wipes, one for toys and snacks, etc. I went through three diaper bags myself, before I settled on one — a durable, top-designer shoulder diaper bag a friend had given me as a gift. It was so expensive that I felt compelled to carry it. But looking back, I should have returned it. Although it was made of durable nylon, it was a shoulder bag and the straps always fell off my shoulder. It also had one main compartment and was stylishly black on the outside — and on the inside. So everything ended up in one spot: a black hole. I spent tons of time digging for things. That's how I learned that babies demand a certain amount of efficiency, such as when they want their pacifier NOW. Multiple pockets can help keep a pacifier search from turning into a crisis.

Get more tips on picking the right diaper bag at ConsumerReports.org.

The best time to childproof

Question: "When is the best time to start baby-proofing? I've heard that it's when your baby starts crawling. Is that right?"

Answer: When your baby starts crawling is certainly a good time to get down on all fours and scan the house for small and breakable objects (choking hazards) at your baby's level that he/she may have access to, but actually, we think baby-proofing should start much earlier — even before your baby is born, when you're getting ready for your baby. Your mission then, and after your baby is born, should be to choose the safest products you can find, such as a safe car seat, crib, crib mattress, stroller, baby bathtub, play yard, and changing table, and use them correctly. With a crib mattress, for example, we advocate buying one that's super firm and putting it in the crib with a mattress pad and crib sheet — but nothing else. No bumpers, blankets, toys, stuffed animals or pillows. When it comes to cribs, our motto is "bare is best." And since babies tend to spend lots of time in their cribs, making sure the crib is safe is a major form of baby-proofing. That's just one example. We have lots of baby-proofing tips you may find helpful. Visit our room-by-room baby-proofing guide for more information.   

Also keep in mind that child-proofing is a continuous process, not a one-shot deal. Reading up on baby-proofing can turn your radar on so you know what's a danger. An innocent plastic bag from your dry cleaning, for example, is a suffocation hazard when you've got a baby around.

It gets easier as your child gets older and learns the difference between right and risk. But even with my 5-year-old, I'm still childproofing to some extent. Just yesterday, I took away a necklace with a tiny medallion she'd been sucking just for fun (radar: choking hazard). But who knew that stick-on earrings could get lodged in the ear? Looking back — after a trip to the ear, nose, and throat specialist for an expensive, one-minute procedure to remove the tiny obstruction — I should have seen that one coming. Needless to say, we've sworn off stick-on earrings at our house.

See Also: Keeping babies safe with Jack Walsh, from Consumer Reports on Safety