There are so many products and gadgets on the market for new moms and babies that it’s hard to know where your hard-earned money is best spent. What’s known for sure is that it helps to have reliable information about infant gear, whether it’s from your friends with kids (maybe you can score some hand-me-downs!) or from other moms who have been there. Here are a few products tested and recommended by moms:

Feeding

Easy Expression Bra for Hands-Free Pumping
Easy Expression Products, Inc.
Reviewed by Laurie Dove

For some, pumping breast milk often feels like a chore. For most, it takes a significant chunk of time. Now there is a bra that allows a woman to achieve hands-free pumping effortlessly. “You can read, write, talk on the phone, use a computer, tend to a baby or just relax – all while pumping!” says creator Gretchen Penny. With its zip-front, strapless design, the Easy Expression Bustier can be worn with or without a nursing bra during pumping, and there is no need for a woman to remove her blouse. I do think it works, because it does free up one's hands to do other things while pumping, and that's handy. I mean, conceivably I could type or eat lunch or take notes while pumping. I give it a thumbs up. For more information, log on to www.easyexpression.com.

Baby Bjorn Spoons
Baby Bjorn/Regal Lager, Inc.
Reviewed by Belinda Clarke

In the feeding section at Babies R Us you’ll find a plethora of spoons, but you might notice (after trying several) that the heads are a little too small for older infants. Baby Bjorn offers two spoon types, one of which has a rounder, larger head. “I find that baby food just fits better on these spoons,” says Greg Clarke, father of 1-year-old Nolan. “Some of the other oblong-shaped spoons don’t seem to hold but the tiniest amount of food, which gets exhausting after a while!” For more information, visit www.babybjorn.com.

The First Years Disposable Sippy and Snack Cups
The First Years
Reviewed by Belinda Clarke

Finally, someone came up with the idea to create a durable, disposable sippy cup for on the go. Having lost several more expensive cups, I find that this is the ideal solution. For about $3, you get six cups (that are reusable) to take anywhere. They aren't as spill-proof as the more high-tech kind, but you don't feel so bad when your baby throws them out of the stroller and they're gone forever. Similar to the Take & Toss cups, the Take & Toss snack cups have good, tight-fitting lids and are reusable, but if you leave one behind at daycare you won't feel bad about losing it. They hold a single serving of baby food or applesauce but also can be used for Cheerios and other snacks. A great idea! For more information, visit www.thefirstyears.com.

Nursery

Bravo Baby Duvet
Bravo Baby Company
Reviewed by Belinda Clarke

This flannel duvet cover is so soft that I have been tempted to take naps with it myself! What's fun about these bedding products is that they are a bold and bright departure from standard nursery linens and new baby gifts. You won't find pastels, only explosive colors such as bright greens, oranges, reds and blues. One thing I particularly like about the company is that along with the duvet cover came an enclosed card advising parents to remove all soft bedding from babies' cribs per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. They suggest using this soft, luxurious duvet cover as a soft infant napping pad or a cozy heavyweight stroller warmer. The throw is a good-sized 41 inches x 41 inches and is made of the same soft flannel on both sides. It's great for taking in the car and packing in the diaper bag. It also would make a terrific shower gift. The 5-inch x 14-inch cylindrical pillow adds a flash of color to any nursery. I found it to be extremely useful as a comfy headrest for my son when he was feeding at night. For more information, visit www.bravobaby.com.

Taggies Baby Blanket
Taggies, Inc.
Reviewed by Donna Smith

My daughter had a favorite blanket when she was a toddler. She would suck her thumb and the tag of the blanket at the same time. While I thought this was odd, I found by talking to other parents that my child wasn’t the only one doing this, thus, the concept for this adorable, and oh-so-soft baby blanket. Colorful ribbon tags in different patterns are sewn all around the edges of the blanket. Will your child’s favorite be the yellow ducks, bright polka dots, lovable bears or maybe a simple solid? Whichever they choose, this blanket is sure to get a lot of use from your baby. If you’re looking for something different for your child or a unique baby shower gift, look no further! This product can be purchased by visiting the Web site www.taggies.com. Retail value: 18-inch x 18-inch blanket, $24; 12-inch x 12-inch blanket, $19.

Jungle/Cow Baby Blanket and Play Mat
A Smart Baby, LLC
Reviewed by Donna Smith

This large blanket is eye candy for your baby! One side is a colorful jungle print featuring red rhinos, spotted cheetahs, rainbow zebras, pink monkeys and red lions to name a few. The other side is a black and white cow print that provides a lot of contrast for little eyes. Baby will love lying on it for playtime and covering up with it at naptime. A great investment – and it makes a great gift! This product can be purchased by visiting the Web site www.asmartbaby.com. Retail value: $49.95

Stars and Moon Chenille Moses Basket
PoshTots.com
Reviewed by Donna Smith

Are you looking for a unique, safe, elegant and convenient way to carry your new baby? Look no further! This luxurious Moses basket covers all those, plus lots more! I was so impressed by the quality of this basket. From the sturdy, yet flexible, basket itself to the soft chenille fabric liner and blanket, this basket exudes excellent craftsmanship. I loved the yellow stars and moons on the medium blue – it works for either a boy or girl. I felt safe carrying around Baby, even up and down the stairs. The basket can be placed anywhere you are, so Baby is never far from reach. I loved that I could throw it in the car and have a safe place for Baby to sleep while away from home. This is a perfect gift for the mom-to-be! This product can be purchased by visiting the Web site www.PoshTots.com. Retail value: $170.

Diaper Bags

Sunset Dragon Backpack Diaper Bag
Petunia Pickle Bottom
Reviewed by Donna Smith

Luxurious. That’s the first word I thought of when I set eyes on this bag. The velvety soft fabric is an Asian brocade in exotic red, gold and black. The generous size of the bag guarantees it will stylishly hold all of Baby’s essentials. I loved the attached changing pad and the pocket inside to hold my valuables. The bag also has a removable pouch for dirty diapers, bottle holders and even a key ring! A large Velcro closure keeps everything inside safe and sound, and it can even be worn as a backpack. This is a diaper bag you’ll want to carry even after Baby is out of diapers! This product can be purchased by visiting the Web site www.PoshTots.com. Retail value: $136.

Black and White Toile Diaper Bag
PoshTots.com
Reviewed by Donna Smith

Subtle and sophisticated are two words that describe this diaper bag perfectly. This roomy bag holds all of Baby’s essentials easily. The zipper pouch inside keeps important items, such as keys and money, safe and sound. The long shoulder strap made it easy to carry. I loved the durable fabric and removable changing pad. The elegant fabric makes this something you’ll want to carry long after you need a diaper bag. It would also be perfect for overnight trips or just when you require a bit more room than an ordinary purse. A great investment that can be used year after year – beyond Baby! This product can be purchased by visiting the Web site www.PoshTots.com. Retail value: $127.

Want to see more?

• Baby Gadgets – Are They for You?
• Baby Stuff: What Does Baby Need?
• Winter Babies! What Works Best for Bundling Baby
• Talk about it!