At-Home Necessities
The high chair ($40-$220) should have a wide, stable base -and an adjustable deep-rimmed tray that can be operated with one hand. It should also have adjustable waist-and-crotch straps of leather or fabric. If you have very little space, choose a folding high chair with a good locking mechanism so it wont collapse. If it also has a removable tray and is adjustable in height, you'll be able to use it as the baby gets older when you can slide the chair up to the table-provided the chair arms fit under the table.
The feature of a reclining seat may not be useful; if the baby can't sit up, you won't use a high chair anyway. It's best to avoid chair seats that hook on to tables. They don't work safely with all tables, and babies can more easily reach what's sharp and what's too hot.
A bathtub ($10 -$30) should have a reclining backrest, drainage holes, and a no-slip surface. It it's meant to fit over your bathtub or sink, measure your equipment first. You might try a terry cloth bath-frame instead, or simply a wash your baby on a towel placed in the sink.
Nice-to-have
Infant seat: ($25-$60). Look for adjustable angles, portability, a sturdy non-skid base, washability, and easy-to-use straps. Some seats have built-in vibrators or are rockable. If you have one of the newer multi-use car seats or baby swings, an infant seat may not be necessary.
Automatic baby swing: ($85-$l45). Look for a wide stable base, non-skid feet, a quiet motor with a long running-time between battery changes or winding, an adjustable reclining seat, and open access; if there is no bar on top, there's less risk of hitting the baby's head. Because this item is useful only while the baby is not active enough to tip it over - until about seven months of age, you may prefer to borrow one.
