I am kind of past the baby stage, probably closer to being a grandma though I still do respite foster care for newborns. I enjoyed your article! I just had a couple thoughts to add.

About strollers. I think it is important to get the best stroller you can afford. That being said, I DON'T think that means the same thing as getting the most expensive one! If you or your spouse is tall, or if there is a great disparity in your heights, it's nice to get one that has an adjustable handle. Also, check to see that the rear axle is far enough away when you push the stroller, that you don't come close to stepping on it. A stroller that is too cheap, won't have good quality wheels and you'll end up wrestling with it a lot when you use it to make it go the right direction (remember the last time you picked a bad cart at the grocery store?) These are things we learned the hard way.

And I have heard some people say they are worthless, but personally, I would not have survived without a baby swing! My favorite one is one I borrowed for the last foster baby we had. It was a portable table top version with lights and music made by Fisher Price. I think it retails for about $60, but if a few people wanted to go in on a shower gift...I loved it! I borrowed swings for all three of my babies and I thought they were a real sanity saver.