Descriptions And Alternatives To The View's Elizabeth Hasselback's "Must Have" Baby Items

The View's Elizabeth Hasselback began her maternity leave this week. She's due to have her second baby in November. Before she left, she graced viewers with her must-have baby items, while giving audience members all of the items free. Most of the items are super-pricey but do offer the latest in baby convenience, safety and organization: Here's a description of Elizabeth's must have items, complete with the price tag. Some of the more expensive items have reasonably-priced alternatives which are every bit as cute as the original - at a fraction of the costs:

Storksak Bags (Link): These chic, mostly leather diaper bags run about $150-$300, depending on size and materials. No doubt they are beautiful bags that look nothing like a diaper bag. But, considering you will be putting dirty diapers and spit cloths in them, the price tag is hard to swallow. There are countless cute, inexpensive alternatives on ebay - most less than $50 Also, Nunzia's Fall Diaper Bag (Link): looks very similar to Storksak's version for only about $60.

Diaper bag organizer pouches from babycrazy.com: These are cute little diaper bag organizers run under $20. They are plastic, compact, washable and can be used to seal dirty diapers or used to keep snacks from spilling while keeping them fresh.

ERGO® Baby Carrier (Link): The ERGO Baby Carrier is supposed to feature an ergonomic design that encourages the baby to sit in a position that correctly supports baby's hips pelvis and spine while alleviating physical stress on the parent that is carrying the baby. This baby carrier costs about $90. Baby Basic's version is $15, while Infantino (Link) has a carrier that looks very similar to Ergo for only $20.

Snack-traps(Link): These cute little snack containers have a lid that allows the child to get the snack out easily, but closes when the child removes his hands so that the snack can't spill - no matter what. Very reasonable at around $15 for three containers.

Fisher-Price® Rainforest™ Swing and Bouncer (Link): This is bouncer is basically a kicked-up version of the old, classic basic baby bouncer that offers baby a chance to play while he's bouncing. The baby can turn 360 degrees so he can play with the electronic music and lights, the bobbling elephant, the swinging monkey, the hanging parrot, the hide and seek tiger, or the rattling lizard. This item retails for about $80. Baby Einstein's Water Rocker Seat (Link):is loved by parents at only $60.

Books by Robert Crowther (Link), Julie Appel (Link)), Amy Guglielmo (Link): These are amazing children's books that are actually little works of art in the pages of a book. These interactive, touch and feel and pop up books explore transportation and several different types of modern and classic art by famous artists. They are about $10 each.

Mabel's Sticky Labels: Mabel's sticky labels stand up to the dishwasher, the microwave,and active children. There are several different types - which stick on everything from toys, containers, clothes, backpacks, cups and more. They retail for about $20 for each set.

On-the-Go Potty (Link): This little portable potty would be great if you have a toddler and are stuck somewhere without a toilet. It has a tripod base to which you attach one of the disposable bags and pads. (The system comes with 5 bags and pads. You can use a garbage bag with any type of disposable pad (nursing or sanitary pad) once you run out.) It retails for about $30.

Britax Diplomat Car Seat (Link): This car seat is designed for use in smaller vehicles that are becoming popular today and is also great for use in airplanes. However, it's quite expensive with a $260 price tag. Safety First's All In One Car Seat (Link)is a very viable alternative at $150.

BéBé Au Lait™ Hooter Hiders (Link): This is a pretty, discrete nursing cover that allows a nursing mother to see and bond with her baby without revealing her breasts. It retails for about $35.

Here are Elizabeth's Must Haves:



My Picks For Reasonably-Priced Alternatives:

Relax! You Already Have Access To Everything Your Baby Needs

You don't need a degree in child development or a huge bank account to give your baby what he needs to grow and thrive. Luckily, research confirms what parents intuitively know: you already have access to everything your baby needs. Providing love, attention and basic care goes a long way toward raising a healthy, happy baby. Here's the nutshell version of what experts say parents can do to ensure your baby gets off to the best possible start:

Love Your Baby Every Chance You Get: Scientific evidence shows that unconditional love, demonstrated affection, and lots of attention in the first years of your baby's life greatly impact his physical, mental and emotional health. Hug, play, laugh, engage in eye contact, and listen as often as you can. Experts say it is impossible to spoil a baby before his first birthday. Shower your baby with joyful love and attention without holding back.

Prioritize Your Baby's Basic Needs Over Material Things: One of the most important things you can do for your baby is to prioritize his basic needs so that he'll enjoy the good health and energy necessary for learning, growing and thriving. You can do this by:

responding to your baby's physical needs promptly by soothing and reassuring your baby quickly if he's cold, hungry, wet or just needs a cuddle;

providing your baby a balanced diet adequate in protein, vitamins, minerals and nutrients which is neither too low nor too high in calories;

staying up to date on his regular well-baby checkups and immunizations;

Making his sleep and rest a priority. Your baby's brain cells need sleep for the development of learning, movement and thought.

Stimulate Your Baby's Senses By Talking, Reading, Singing, Moving And Playing: Research shows that babies whose parents regularly engaged and read to them have significantly higher IQs and larger vocabularies than babies who didn't receive much parental stimulation. Converse with baby as you diaper, feed or bathe him and make eye contact. Reading is one of the most important things you can do to help build your baby's vocabulary, stimulate his imagination and improve his language skills. Reading at bedtime is a wonderful tradition, but also schedule regular trips to libraries and story times. Sensory stimulation feeds a baby's brain. Provide sensory experiences through playing with toys, singing, playing games and introducing your baby to new, safe experiences compatible with your comfort level. Give your baby plenty of room to explore and play. To develop strong muscles, coordination, and balance babies need plenty of space to explore where they aren't told "no" or "carefree."

Take Care Of Yourself To Take Care Of Your Baby: Parents who are depressed or upset are often unable to respond swiftly and sensitively to their baby's needs. Talk with your doctor any time you think you may be struggling. If you're feeling drained, find ways to divide the household and parenting responsibilities with others who are usually more than willing to help. Take even small, regular amounts of time for your own enjoyment. Realize that practicing self care will make you a more refreshed, patient, and effective parent.

Parents can understandably experience anxiety at adequately meeting their baby's every need. Relax in the knowledge that you already have access to everything your baby needs right inside your own loving home and within your own giving heart.