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Best Baby Gear

1998 vs. 2008 More of our 10th Anniversary Cover Story

By Marie Loggia-KeePublished: May, 2008

What’s cute, cuddly and never goes to sleep? No, we’re not talking about your adorable baby, but the toy that rocked the market in 1998. Remember Furby? A few years ago, toymakers updated the dynamo with a revolutionary device: an off button. Sounds a bit like our top toy pick in 2007 – the Transformers Ultimate Bumblebee – except the cuddly part.

With no further ado, let’s go back in time and see what was hot in 1998, the same year we gave birth to OC Family Magazine, and see how these items have changed.

1) Getting back in shape

Then: Jogger II Twinner Baby Jogger (About $250)
The Baby Jogger took parents places they couldn’t go – in the streets, traversing uneven pavement, cracks and stray rocks. Offering durability and a secure ride, it got moms out of the house for leisurely “walks.”

Now: Baby Jogger City Mini ($199)
Slimmed down and sexy, the City Mini released in 2007 combined many of the features that moms loved about the Baby Jogger models – dependability with the patented, quick-fold technology – in a lightweight package.

2) Staying safe

Then: Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat (About $35-$55)
With a click-in base that remained in the auto, the car seat doubled as a carrier.

Now: Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat ($149)
The car seat industry changed dramatically in 2002 with the LATCH system, which secures the seat to the vehicle. The SnugRide also features a 5-point harness, an ergonomic carrying handle and new EPS energy-absorbing foam liner.

Orbit Infant Car Seat & System ($900)
Features a patent-pending SmartHub interface that mounts in the car and lets parents install the carrier from any angle or direction without having to align the unit. The carrier then simply turns and locks into place. The car seat only comes as part of the Orbit Infant System, which includes a stroller that allows the chair to rotate 360 degrees.

3) Rock-a-bye baby

Then: Graco Bordeaux Swing (About $80)
The Consumer Reports Guide to Baby Products explains that swings “take advantage of a baby’s love of rhythmic motion.” The first models were very basic.

Now: Graco’s Sweetpeace Newborn Soothing Center ($169.99)
It features 3 cradling motions, 6 speeds and 3 carrier angles. The seat offers a removable swaddling blanket and head support. The center also includes built-in sounds and an MP3 connection and holder.

4) Feeding comfort

Then: Boppy Original ($24.99)
It offered much-needed support and comfort during nursing. The half-circle-shaped pillow fits around a mother’s waist, and the baby rests without a lot of awkward maneuvering. The design was so simple, it’s lasted this long with only minor changes.

Now: Boppy with Miracle Middle Stretch Panel ($34.99)
The Boppy now features a Miracle Middle Stretch Panel, which allows the pillow to stretch while maintaining its shape because more men are using the product to bottle-feed and not all moms “bounce back” right away.

5) Watch and listen

Then: Summer Quiet Sounds Day and Night Video Monitor ($99.99)
Allowed parents to check in on their kids without stepping into the room. The original monitor is still on the market.

Now: The Day and Night Color Video Monitor with Baby’s Crib Soother ($199.99)
The new model features an energy-saving, 7-inch, color flat panel on a swivel stand, or it can be mounted under a counter. The unit that installs in the baby’s room uses digital technology and offers multiple-viewing angles and nighttime LED lights. The model with the “crib soother” allows parents to remotely respond to a child’s fussing by turning on a soothing lullaby or nature sounds without having to enter the room.

5) Transporting

Then: Stroller Systems (Varies)
According to Consumer Reports, in 1998, the stroller “systems” were beginning to take hold, with popular models sold by Century (now Graco) and Kolcraft. The models featured “4-in-1 systems” that included an infant stroller that converted to a toddler stroller and a car seat that doubled as an infant seat and carrier.

Now: Stokke Xplory ($1,099.99)
Gorgeous, ultra-modern, with chunky wheels, Stokke’s Xplory offers a unique stroller system that elevates the child, increasing the connection with the parent and offering protection. It can also be used as an adjustable high chair.

6) Play it up

Then: Combi Play Yard (Price varies)
Play yards offer a lot of flexibility, whether traveling with a baby, or simply going for a visit to grandma’s house. Combi’s models offered transportability and versatility.

Now: Combi Jazz Deluxe ($190)
Gone are the dark blues and browns of previous models. The new Combi Jazz Deluxe comes with a color line that includes the ever-popular wasabi, mandarin and chili. Set to launch in June 2008, the Jazz features a contoured shape, compact folding and built-in wheels. It also comes with lights, music and vibrations. fam

7) Nursing accessories

Then: Medela Pump in Style Breastpump ($198)
Offered freedom, portability and ease in a breastpump. For those moms who could afford it, and those who scrimped for it, the Pump in Style was the only choice because it allowed a mom to pump boths sides at once in an efficient manner.

Now: Medela Freestyle ($314.99)
New for 2008 comes the Medela Freestyle – hands-free and featuring a rechargeable battery, which means no longer being anchored to an electrical outlet. Uses a technology that resembles the sucking pattern of infants.

9) Wrap it up

Then: BabyBjörn Original Pinstripe (About $80)
While most soft carriers were limited to a child facing inward, the BabyBjörn added the option of the baby turning out, keeping them close to the wearer, but also providing a view of the world.

Now: BabyBjörn Synergy ($159.99)
BabyBjörn continues to be one of the best-selling carriers because of its style and versatility. Within the past few years, the company has updated the carriers with breathable material, and a more comfortable support system with wider, padded shoulder straps. The Synergy model received the IF Product Design Award for 2008.

10) All in the bag

Then: Backpack Diaper Bag ($35)
Backpack diaper bags surged in popularity with styling selections in denim and leather. The bags offered a welcome alternative to shoulder-slung bags.

Now: Petunia Pickle Bottom ($68 to $158)
While Petunia sells a line of “Boxy Backpacks” that feature everything from 3 bottle pockets to a detachable dirty diaper pouch, the truly alluring bag is the “Cross Town Clutch” ($68). The dainty Clutch includes a diapers/wipes pocket, a fold-out, wipeable changing pad and water-resistant fabric. Fam

Then & Now:

The most popular children’s stores in 1998:
> Bergstrom’s
> Toy Boat, Toy Boat, Toy Boat
> Kids R’ Us
> Hobie
> Limited Too!
> Gap
> Abercrombie
> Gymboree
Source: Local Moms

Today’s favorite kid stores:
> Target
> Bellysprout
> Bergstroms
> Children’s Place
> Children’s Orchard
> Gap
> Janie and Jack
> Gymboree
> Old Navy
> H&M
Voted by local MOMS Clubs

Most popular children’s shows in 1998
> Are You Afraid of the Dark?
> The Secret World of Alex Mack
> Wishbone
> Goosebumps
> Muppets Tonight
> Mister Roger’s Neighborhood
> Bug Juice
> Little Bear
> City Guys
> Bear In the Big Blue House
> PB&J Otter
> The Big Comfy Couch
> Teletubbies
Source: TV.com

Favorite children’s TV shows in 2007
> Hannah Montana
> Suite Life of Zack and Cody
> That’s So Raven
> Batman
> Tom and Jerry Tales
> Legion of Super Heroes
> Yu-Gi-Oh
> Shaggy and Scooby Doo Get A Clue fam

Source: Nielsen Research Media Group