We replaced the one inch mattress that came with the portable crib with this two inch one because it seemed like it would be a bit more comfortable and fit the sheets better.

Don't waste $$$ on a big travel system! This stroller frame is extremely lightweight, has a large basket and cupholders, stands independently when collapsed, has adjustable handlebars, and will carry the Graco Snugride carseat securely.

Entertainment value that grows with the child makes it worth it's bigger size. At 7 months, our daughter liked to push on the smoke stacks to turn on the lights and sounds. At 1 year, she likes to chase it around as it drives across the carpet. Her 3-year-old friends play imagination games with the animals.

For the run-of-the-mill baby you won't need a massive swinging, vibrating, baby soothing center that takes up half the living room! But one of these is worth having because they don't take up much space but still give baby a place to sit and survey the world while you're cooking, eating, showering, etc.

Another reason not to get a big bulky travel system stroller: you can easily carry your baby around the mall or on walks with a convenient carrier like this. We got a hand-me-down used version of the Baby Bjorn which worked great for many outings in place of a stroller. It was at least 5-6 months before she started getting a bit too heavy to haul around this way.

Worth its size. Provided prolonged periods of that coveted "awake happy time" for our daughter during the months before she could sit up to play with toys. Folds flat to make for easy storage.

We used the 4 bottles in this kit for the first several months while I was pumping/nursing. By 7 months old, she was ready for a faster flow nipple than even the Stage 2 could provide, so we switched to VentAire bottles but still get by with just two. You don't need bottle warmers, sanitizers, or special drying racks!