Rating: 
Summary: Working Mom-to-Be's Friend
Review: As a first-time mother-to-be, I was at my wit's end trying to figure out what I needed, what I did not need and whether or not I have to pay the highest dollar to get the best in safety and reliability. Cribs, strollers, car seats, nursing bras - it's all new to me. Finally, a friend recommended this book. The black clouds parted, the light shone again . . . . After reading this book, I was able to feel comfortable and educated about all baby gear. The time savings was invaluable as well. I was able to focus product testing/searching on makes and models that met my needs and budget requirements. I feel as though I have avoided many misteps and applied my resources to the products that really matter. As far as I am concerned this is a must-have book that I will be giving to all of my pregnant friends in the future.
Rating: 
Summary: Good starting point
Review: This book is the most comprehensive guide for baby gear, but seems geared for suburban consumers (e.g., their advice to put a pack n play play yard in the parent's bedroom as a baby sleep area assumes a pretty big bedroom). I actually found the other book, Girlfriend's Gd to Baby Gear, a little more useful because it has a stronger focus on safety and conveyed a clearer sense of how to use all of the gear. The Baby Bargains book is a handy reference though if you can get past some of the weird judgement calls and its lame jokes.
Rating:
Summary: Reduces confusion of first-time parents
Review: When we first walked into a baby superstore we were overwhelmed and confused. Plus, the big stores have no knowledgable assistance available. A friend told us about this book, and I read it cover to cover. It really took the confusion out of all of the brands and features of the products that are out there. When we first looked at cribs and strollers, we had nothing to go on but looks and price. But now, I feel armed with information about the differences in qualities and features that will allow me to make smarter buying decisions. Don't look for bargains though. This is more like an expanded consumer reports than a bargain book.
Rating:
Summary: A must for new parents
Review: I read about this book and was initially skeptical. Finally, after my husband's friend wouldn't let up about how great it was we broke down and bought it. It is worth every penny! We found reviews on everything we needed as well as insight into what products are a waste of money. Now I recommend it to all my friends having babies.
Rating:
Summary: Great guide for first timers
Review: I had no idea where to start when I found out I was pregnant. This book taught me what features to look for in products. Which products I REALLY needed. It is a must have for moms-to-be like me who have not a clue.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book
Review: Although I am not yet pregnant, I wanted to get a head start on things so I had a good idea of what I would need for my upcoming arrival. I am so glad I discovered this book. It has truly been a lifesaver so far.
The book has several sections (like cribs, strollers, toys, etc.) broken down by manufacturer and gives descriptions and ratings of each. Also, the book is guaranteed so that if it doesn't save you money, they will give you your money back! The sections are easy to follow and nicely arranged. If you can't find something specific, you can go to the index or to thier site at babybargains.com and it will be there. They are much like Consumer Reports, but I find myself liking what they have to say a little better. They give you direction to find quality items for bargain prices.
I am thoroughly pleased with this book as I have already gone through it (I've only had it for 2 days) and have a better idea of things that my baby will need and things that I can blow off. I have already told several expecting friends that they HAVE to get this book. Now, I'm not so lost.
Rating:
Summary: seasoned mom rethinks opinion on book
Review: If I had reviewed this book during my pregnancy (as it appears many do), I would have given it 5 stars. The book was helpful in providing reviews of many products. When I was doing my pre-baby purchasing, this book was my "bible". I recommended it to several others.However, post-baby, I found that many of the products even the authors said I "needed" were a big waste of money. I also strongly disagreed with them on a number of products, and ended up giving away or returning several highly-recommended products in exchange for others. Most of the book seems to be their opinion, and doesn't jive well with many seasoned parents that I know. Furthermore, their tips for saving money are mainly common sense, or impractical. For instance, to save on maternity
clothes, they recommend getting ONE outfit with a skirt, pair of pants, and top, and switching them around... don't think most of us need a book for that. If I had it to do over, I would buy a car seat, clothes, diapers, some baby wash , bassinet...and wait to see what else I'd really need and want til after baby was born. This book tends to promote unnecessary consumerism to vulnerable first-time parents.
Rating:
Summary: Great resource but beware!
Review: I love this book and it really can be a great resource especially for the new parent. As the owner of a bargain site, itsrainingbargains.com, I can highly recommend it. However, the only pitfall is that you may end up spending more money on things that you don't need for that new arrival! My suggestion is to write down a list of things you want to buy, then consult the book.
Rating:
Summary: A must have for pregnant moms!!
Review: I am pregnant with my first baby and just finished reading "Baby Bargains." If I hadn't read this book, I would have spent hundreds of dollars more than I needed! This book cuts through the BS and tells you what you really need at the very best price. I used it to create my registry for my shower. I strongly recommend this book!!
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I was quite disappointed with this book. As one other reviewer remarked, I found a lot of "their" opinions being offered and even items that they recommended a year ago and now they weren't recommending. Up until reading this book, I spent most of my time reading reviews at Amazon[.com]on the different products that interested me and personally I think that is everyone's best bet. My baby is due in June, so I had most all of my baby items selected already when I went to read this book. A few things that bothered me included their criticism of the Graco stroller, which was highly rated by Consumer Reports, and mind you CR actually tests the stroller and points out the good and bad things. I felt what they had to say was their opinion, and then for them to recommend strollers costing [way to much]I thought was absurd. In one part they mention saving ... by buying a swing that required you to wind it manually -- all to save [very little]. Ridiculous. They mention to save money swapping toys with a neighbor so that your kid's toy always seem "new" to them. What about swapping germs and whatever else too. Another stupid idea. They took info they read on walkers hindering a baby's development and applied it to saucers. I read the same info they had in their book on walkers not being good at some other site, but at the other site they were applying their info to just walkers, not saucers. Some of the furniture they recommended I thought was flimsy. I actually saw some of the brands the book recommended, especially the changing tables, and the top part was flimsy particle board. Also, they took a problem applied to Baby Dreams swing gate crib and applied it to Forever Mine that makes a swing gate crib, yet they have never had a recall on their crib. One more comment to throw in -- their recommendations as far as monitors. I think I would say I have researched them all, and when I saw them recommend Fisher Price I was astonished, especially after all the problems I read at Amazon[.com] with the different ones. I think the best one out there is the SONY Babycall, and I think they say in the book that they didn't think it was worth the [money], it doesn't cost [that much],[it's] less. Take some time, days, weeks, whatever, and sit down here at Amazon[.com] and pull up the different products available, read the reviews, and go from there. I think you will be much happier.
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