Tummy Talk- Entering the world of baby gear

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Lifestyle

Wed, December 6, 2023 | 01:13

Healthcare

Tummy Talk- Entering the world of baby gear

Posted : 2013-04-19 17:40

Updated : 2013-04-19 17:40

By Jane Han

I thought a play gym and a set of two bouncers would be enough for my twin girls. But then I discovered that the jumperoo, walker and swing are also must-haves.

If you have no idea what on earth I'm talking about, welcome to the world of baby gear.

It's truly a whole range of all kinds of elaborate and exquisite items that a non-parent would never come across. I considered myself a pretty savvy shopper, but I, too, had never heard of these "must-haves" up until last week when I officially started my baby gear shopping.

And that's also when the painful process of selection and elimination began.

If you think that newborns just lie around staring at the ceiling all day, you need to hurry up and join me in 2013 baby world.

From high-tech LED safari mobiles to lay-and-play musical piano mats, so many cool gadgets and toys are designed for infant babies; perhaps too many. Even getting acquainted with all the new terminology takes time.

I spent hours on the Internet researching, studying and reviewing all the different products, models and makers of dozens of today's hottest baby gear, but I'm still nowhere as savvy as experienced moms who seem to know exactly what to buy and what to pass up.

Shopping for babies — I never knew it would be this tough.

As a parent, you want to provide as much as possible for your child. But of course, the twin factor kicks in yet again. These items aren't cheap, so trying to buy two of everything isn't exactly going to work.

Should there be two swings? One jumperoo and one walker? What if both girls like one and hate the other?

I think the last time I contemplated this much before deciding on something was when my husband and I moved into our first home together. Yes, that's how much I'm mulling over baby play mats these days.

But in the midst of all this painful pondering, I got a pleasant surprise this past weekend.

My brother-in-law and sister-in-law generously bought two bouncers as a gift for the girls. The snuggly lounge chair vibrates, plays music and works wonders for babies, or so I hear, so I already feel like I have a helpful tool on hand.

After being exposed to so many baby things though, I wondered, are all of these really necessary? I know that I grew up with no bouncer or jumperoo.

I guess, at some point, parents need to draw a line as to what they give their children. But there are endless temptations for eager moms and dads. But it seems like now is the time to practice control and restraint, at least for me.

I don't want my babies to get too used to always getting soothed by some fancy device. I know they're going to have to learn how to self-soothe because, after all, that's life.

jhan@koreatimes.co.kr