My hubby and I are spending a romantic evening researching baby cribs and stroller systems! We’ve found a few items we like, but we wanted to see what you all found in your research, as well as what you were looking for when you shopped.

For us, we have several things we’re looking for in a crib (not in order):
1) white finish (this is just a preference)
2) non-toxic finish (because babies suck on their cribs!)
3) solid wood (not pressed wood, because the glue can off-gas; also, solid wood will last longer through many, many babies)
4) meets or exceeds all safety standards
5) a style we like (we like clean modern lines, as well as the more classic sleigh style)
6) (added bonus) convertible to something else besides just a crib (toddler bed, day bed, etc.)
7) fits a standard sized mattress
8) non-moving parts (so many drop-side cribs have been recalled lately)
9) free shipping!

We found this Baby Mod Lily 4-in1 that we really like. We’re still looking around and considering other options too!

Looking at stroller systems is for some reason much more overwhelming to me. Maybe because there are so many options… maybe because it is such a huge safety issue. We learned recently that car seats EXPIRE after 6 years, so we definitely want to get a brand new one so we can get our money out of it before it “goes bad”!

Here’s our stroller must-haves list (not in order):
1) meets or exceeds all safety standards
2) gender-neutral color (so that future babies can enjoy it too)
3) 3-in-1 travel system (car seat/baby carrier, stroller, base unit that gets left in car)
4) has good reviews by actual consumers
5) free shipping

We found one we like here (the Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe Travel System). Again, we are still continuing to look and price other strollers. Lots to think and pray about! These are exciting times!