My thoughts:
I have the Sony Trv-900 and love it. I bought it shortly after it came out for my daughter. Picture quality and color saturation are superb. Image stabilization works especially well. There are two approaches to stabilization: Mechanical and Digital (Electronic).
If you figure you'll do digital editing in the future then be sure you have a model with Time Code and Command Language/Connection capabilities. (RC Time Code and LANC were the standards last I shopped)
I previously had a Cannon Hi-8 which had quality issues after 2 years. Until then it was a very good camera.
My advice is to "try it on" before you buy. Ergonomics are very important to me. For example Cannon put the battery under the grip area, If you wanted an extended life battery you'd have this uncomfortable bulge under your palm. The bigger the battery the worse off I was....not good.
Also, be aware of the LUX rating. The lower the better. Sony is not known for low light capabilities on there standard line-up. This may be especially important when taping your son when he's sleeping or resting.
Get a decent power optical zoom as digital zoom will diminish quality.
All in all I'd buy another Sony....BUT
Panasonic just announced a RAM based Camcorder. No tapes or DVD disk...video and audio go straight to a 1 - 2 gig SD memory card!!!!
Only 10 minutes recording time but that would fit into 80% of my taping habits. I'll probably wait for a larger SD card, 3ccd and HDTV compatibility to purchase.
Two places to see reviews from camera owners:
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/camcorder/amateur-camcorders-ratings.html
and
www.epinions.com