There's plenty to learn when becoming a new parent. During pregnancy, one of the areas you'll likely research is baby gear. From highchairs to strollers and everything in between, how do you know which items to choose? Should you buy economy or go for all the bells and whistles? Here are a few ideas to help you sort through it all.

When it comes to certain items, many moms and dads would rather look for a trusted name-brand item than go generic – especially when it comes to their children's safety. Car seats are a prime example. Rear-facing infant car seats with carriers range in cost from about $60 to more than $250, and most parents have no qualms about buying the higher end product.

Sharon Moran from New Jersey is one of them. "I usually am concerned with name first," Moran says. "If I am purchasing something as important as a car seat, I would tend to buy a well-trusted name. I will look at cost as a way to confirm my purchasing decision. If the item cost is too 'cheap,' I would assume that the product is inferior."

Alexandra Hall, senior editor for Daily Candy, a newsletter and Web site that researches what is hot, new and undiscovered from fashion and style to gadgets and travel, agrees. "Certain items and certain trusted brands are most certainly worth springing for," she says. "For my money, it's always worth the extra $200 to pay for a [high-end] car seat if it's going to save my kid's life in an accident."

Consider cribs carefully, too. "Cribs are another area you shouldn't skimp," Hall says. "You don't need splinters sticking out of a place your baby's going to sleep."

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.