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sleeping

bathtime

gear

diaper changing

feeding

toys

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jump to: gear | sleeping | feeding | diaper changing | bathtime | comfort | toys + development | for mom

jump to: gear | sleeping | feeding | diaper changing

| bathtime | comfort | toys + development | for mom

gear

for the newborn stage

What to consider when choosing a car seat:

  • decide between infant, convertible, and all-in-one style (differences explained below)
  • if you go with an infant car seat, that means you need a new car seat at around age 2. Technically, there is no such thing as a “front-facing car seat” — you either need a convertible car seat (one that can face both forward and backward) or an all-in-one.
  • whether the car seat is installed by a seat belt or by a LATCH system, as your car may only be able to accommodate one or the other.

What are the differences between infant car seats, convertible car seats, and all-in-one seats?

  • Infant car seats are typically rear-facing only and tend to fit onto stroller bases. They’re the most mobile and compact option when getting in-and-out of a car. Highly recommend for city-living. If this isn’t something that’s important for your lifestyle, skip the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible seat with an infant insert.
  • Convertibles are typically heavier and cannot be easily removed from a car / carried around by the handle like an infant seat. You cannot attach a convertible seat to a stroller base, like you can an infant seat. Convertibles can interchange from rear-facing to front-facing (at around 2 years old).
  • All-in-one seats are the most expensive because they can take your child from infancy (rear-facing) through childhood (booster). Again, they won’t have the same capabilities as an infant seat, they’re heavier and designed to stay in the car.

Top Brands: Nuna | Maxi Cosi | Britax | Doona

If you want more information on car seats, what to buy/how to choose, and most importantly: safety, Safe in the Seat is a great resource.

Rear Facing Mirror for the first 18 months+ when the car seat faces the back.

Car window shades if your car doesn’t have them built-in. I’ve tried a few brands/styles and these work best universally.

There are so many brands and styles, it can be overwhelming. I highly recommend going to a local store that has many brands so you can see/feel them in person and then ask a million questions. It’s 10x easier than reading an overwhelming amount of online reviews.

Top Brands: Bugaboo | UPPAbaby

…but also worth considering:

We ultimately chose the Bugaboo Lynx and I’m thrilled with it. It’s lightweight, compact, folds easily, and has a 3-position recline so it grows with your boo. It’s so easy to navigate with one hand, and feels smooth on any surface the city throws at you. It comes with a breathable rain cover, plus you can get other add-ons like a cup holder, zipper pouch, etc. Because the seat can lay flat, we didn’t get the bassinet attachment; but it’s available if it fits your lifestyle.

Keep in mind: lots of strollers say they’re for kids up to like 6 years old (which makes it easier to justify the price tag), but at around 2.5 years old, they don’t want to be in the stroller all the time and can easily walk most places — so you won’t get as much daily use out of them.

Also known as an “umbrella stroller” or foldable stroller. You don’t need one unless you plan to travel a lot.

Top Brands: Babyzen Yoyo | The Baby Jogger Mini City Mini G2

For reference, I have the Ergobaby Metro Compact City stroller and I don’t love it.

You only need this if you’re an actual runner and plan to jog a lot with your bebe. The most popular one among moms is the BOB Revolution stroller.

Depending on your stroller, you may need to get a cup holder attachment, stroller organizer caddy, rain cover, etc. Make sure whatever you get is universal (or) fits with your specific stroller brand and model!

I was convinced to put a swing on our registry because it’s a safe place to put down your baby when your arms need a rest from rocking. It’s annoying because it takes up so much space but it’s worth it.

We were content with our Graco Simple Sway (1 motion, 6 speeds, 13 songs), but had I known we would use it so much (multiple times a day for the first 4 months), I would’ve gone for the 4moms mamaRoo®. It looks like an egg (not my personal design aesthetic) and is double the cost of the Graco, but its features are unmatched (5 irregular motions, Bluetooth sync to your phone, multiple seat recline positions, machine-washable cushion), and it takes up less space. (Not to be confused with the 4moms rockaRoo, which only has 1 back-and-forth motion and no seat recline).

Note that the RockaRoo and MamaRoo had safety recalls in 2022 so the newest versions include a safety strap fastener.

The most attractive (and expensive) one on the market is the Nuna Leaf Grow Seat (motor-free, 3 reclining positions). It’s very nice to look at, just know that it’ll only swing for a few minutes on its own.

A baby carrier is not a necessity, but it’s definitely nice to have when your baby wants to be close but you want to be hands-free (aka all the time). There are 2 types: wrap (or sling) or structured.

What is the difference?

While I love the easy-breezy idea of a wrap, there is a major learning curve on how to use them, and I do not want to spend my non-existent free time watching video tutorials. Some people LOVE them and some people HATE them. I suggest buying a sling to see if you like it. Either way, get a structured carrier because it’s foolproof, comfortable, and allows for both inward and outward carrying.

Top Brands: BABYBJORN Mini | Nuna CUDL | Ergobaby Omni 360 | Artipoppe | Sakura Bloom 

The Ergobaby and the Artipoppe can carry newborn through 2 years old, whereas the BABYBJORN Mini and the Nuna CUDL are through 9 months. Once your baby is over 20 pounds, though (about 16 months), you won’t want to use a carrier.

for the BABY stage

  1. before you buy one, read reviews and product recalls – there are a lot of cute ones on the market but some aren’t safe.
  2. baby should be supervised when they’re in a bouncer and you shouldn’t let them nap in it, so if they start dozing off, move them to crib.
  3. stop using at the weight capacity (usually around 20 lbs).

Not to be confused with BABY walkers (which should be avoided, read more below). I like the wooden push walkers that don’t have flashing lights, sounds and buttons: this one by Asweets and this one by Bigjigs.

Why avoid baby walkers?

I read this NY Mag article and this Parents article, which explained that these are very unsafe for babies, and parents should opt for a stationary bouncer and/or a push walker instead.

At about 6 months (only when your baby masters head/neck control) you can start them in a bouncing activity center or door jumper for like 15 min sessions. I’m not into plastic toys, but we had the Fisher-Price Jumperoo and LOVED it.

Other Top Recs:

Two safety notes on a jumper:

  1. before you buy one, read reviews and product recalls – there are a lot of cute ones on the market but some aren’t safe.
  2. stop using at the weight capacity (usually around 25 lbs).

For the outdoorsy parents that like to hike / walk paths that strollers just can’t handle. We have the Osprey Poco Child Carrier and love it. It’s safe, it’s comfortable for both the parent and the child, and it has a sun shade.

for the toddler stage

At about 2 years old, it’s time to switch your car seat from rear-facing to front-facing.

If you have an infant car seat that only has rear-facing capabilities, that means you need a new car seat. Technically, there is no such thing as a “front facing car seat” so you have two options:

  1. Convertibles are typically heavier, cannot be easily removed from a car, cannot attach to a stroller base, and can change from rear-facing to front-facing
  2. All-in-one seats (most expensive) because they can take your child from infancy (rear-facing) through childhood (booster). Again, they won’t have the same capabilities as an infant seat, they’re heavier and designed to stay in the car.

Remember, take into consideration how the car seat is installed (by a seat belt or by a LATCH system), as your car may only be able to accommodate one or the other.

If you want more information on car seats, what to buy/how to choose, and most importantly: safety, Safe in the Seat is a great resource.

feeding

for the newborn stage

Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding, you’ll need bottles.

I’m partial to the Comotomo bottles because they are soft silicone, have anti-colic vents, and have an ultra wide-neck design so they’re very easy to hand-wash, but most importantly: they are dishwasher safe! They’re a solid choice for breastfed babies who occasionally have bottles or are transitioning to the bottle. Dr. Brown’s bottles also come highly recommended and are an excellent choice for bottle-fed babies.

How many do I need?

Most experts recommend purchasing anywhere from 5-10 bottles so you’ve always got a clean one ready. Newborns eat 8-12 times a day, so if you’re solely formula feeding, you will need at least 8 bottles.

What sizes do I need?

Regarding size, you’ll use 4-ounce bottles for a newborn, then transition to 8 or 9-ounce bottles when your little one’s appetite grows (and it will) at around 4 months.

Differences between nipples?

Use the slow flow for the first 4 months, and then you can switch to medium or fast flow. I don’t like the “Y” variable flow – it tears easily when cleaning and can be harder for your baby to latch.

Do I need a bottle warmer?

Not necessary unless you get a portable one for traveling. Room temperature is perfectly safe, or you can run the bottle under hot water.

Do I need a bottle sterilizer?

Not necessary – just submerge them in boiling water.

The Boon Lawn Countertop Drying Rack is essential. If you can afford the counter space, get two!

Obsessed with the MoonWomb™. It’s great for nursing, bottle feeding, and overall comfort. It’s slightly weighted, smells lovely (it comes with a lavender aromatherapy pack inside), it’s soft, machine-washable, and it’s pretty.

DockATot® and SnuggleMe Organic also make beautiful nursing pillows.

Favorite Burp Cloths: Little Unicorn | mushie

I also bought a bunch of these large muslin washcloths, which we used for everything!

Favorite Bibs: Hanna Andersson | Winter Water Factory | Bebe au Lait | green sprouts

Note: I also used bibs by Copper Pearl and Burt’s Bees Baby, but I didn’t like them as much as the others mentioned.

If you’re exclusively formula feeding (not a necessity otherwise), The Baby Brezza Pro is helpful because it prepares and warms all brands/types of formula. Like a baby coffee machine.

Baby’s Brew portable bottle warmer is a necessity for traveling / parents on-the-go. Otherwise, you don’t need!

shop newborn feeding

for the “starting solids” stage

In my honest opinion, there are really only two options to consider:

Lalo The Chair (ages 4m – 3y) The closest thing I’ve found to a perfect high chair. The positives: If you buy the full kit, it can convert from a high chair to a booster seat to a play chair. The simple design and the material is extremely easy to clean. The negatives: Even at the smallest setting, the seat is still big for the average 4-month-old. The legs are wide so it takes up a lot of floor space. Also, the multi-function is great but you typically use a booster seat and a play chair at the same age/stage so you’ll need to purchase a 2nd booster or 2nd play chair.

Stokke Tripp Trapp® (ages 6m – 3y) The positives: completely adjustable so you can remove the tray and pull the chair up the dining table. Once they are older, you can remove the harness and eventually the high chair seat so they can use as a regular chair. Great for smaller spaces. The negatives: it’s hard to assemble, and because of all the customizations, every piece needs to be purchased separately so it can get costly. It’s also not super easy to deep clean (you have to take take it apart), and the harness is not easy to adjust size once it’s originally set up.

Smocks seem silly until you are letting your baby self-feed and explore textures. At that stage, the easiest thing to do is cover the baby and the highchair so it’s less cleanup for you.

I also started using silicone catch bibs at this stage.

My top rec is the Inglesina fast table chair because it’s the most versatile (fits on almost any table). Note that the tray is sold separately!

phil&ted’s lobster chair is a comparable option: it’s a little less bulky, folds flat and is lighter, however it’s a bit harder to clean and doesn’t work on thin tables or tables with a lip.

This isn’t necessarily for restaurants, (although it has come in handy on that off chance that the restaurant doesn’t have a high chair). It’s great to keep in your car for on-the-go (picnic tables or random adventures) or travel (delays at the airport, staying at hotels, airbnbs, visiting friends/family that don’t have high chairs, etc.)

If you plan to make your own baby food, the BEABA Babycook® Duo is one of the best appliances out there. It steam-cooks, blends in various consistencies, defrosts, and reheats. The steam basket and cooking bowl are also dishwasher safe. There’s also a smaller version if you are concerned about counter space.

Can’t I just use a food processor, blender, or immersion blender?

Yes, however what sets a baby food maker apart is the cooking capabilities. It’s a one-stop-shop.

Note: I have the Baby Brezza and like the BEABA better.

Depending on your kitchen floor, you may want to get an easy-to-clean highchair mat. Check out the House of Noa highchair mat or the Lalo Splat Mat.

shop baby feeding

sleeping

for the newborn stage

What’s the difference?

A bassinet is free-standing so it can be placed anywhere in the room. If you’re looking for the Rolls Royce of bassinets, splurge on the SNOO Smart Sleeper with automatic rocking technology, white noise, a built-in swaddle, and mesh sides so if your baby’s face gets too close to the side, she can breathe freely. Also, you can now RENT the SNOO for a monthly fee. We went with the simple BABYBJORN Cradle, which does not have all the bells and whistles, but it does have mesh sides.

A co-sleeper attaches to the parent’s bed and has side walls. The natural and compact babybay has beautiful, minimalist options.

Most bassinets and co-sleepers include the mattress, but don’t forget to purchase 2-3 fitted sheets.

We have the Nanit (highly recommend), and then we have the Owlet for travel (also good but I like the Nanit better). For both, you can get wearable breathing monitors (the owlet has a sock, and the nanit has a chest band)… we didn’t use those but I could definitely see why/ how moms would.

The Hello Baby is the leading traditional option – it comes with a portable monitor (it’s not a smart monitor so you cannot connect it to your phone through Bluetooth like the others do.

Humidifiers keep skin from drying out and decrease congestion, making it a must-have for your newborn. The annoying part is the upkeep (refilling and cleaning) but it’s worth the effort.

  • Miro NR07G— powerful (600-foot range), quiet (SILENT), and easy to clean, but it takes up a lot of space
  • Honeywell HCM-350 is a more compact version, very quiet and easy-to-clean (dishwasher-safe!) and has a 400-foot range
  • Little Dreams by Canopy has a 500-foot range, is dishwasher-safe, and has sensors that maintain optimal moisture day and night

The Hatch products are great; they really come in handy during the toddler stage because of the nightlight features.

For travel, I love the Yogasleep Hushh.

If you don’t purchase this right away, you can also use different iOS apps and Spotify playlists through a Sonos speaker.

Using a white noise / sound machine is based on personal preference — there are numerous studies on the pros and cons if you google it. While it can aid in sleep and mask household/city noise, your baby can become dependent on it to fall asleep, some models exceed recommended noise limits for little ears, and some babies just don’t find it soothing.

Note: If your baby has trouble falling asleep (or staying asleep), I’d recommend talking to your pediatrician and doing further research before buying a specific white noise machine.

My favorite traditional swaddle blanket is from Lou Lou & Company (see also: newborn bundle) because of how soft and stretchy it is. But unless you are a swaddle magician and your baby loves being restricted (a very rare combination of which neither applies to me), you’re going to want pre-wrapped swaddles:

Note: there are so many adorable swaddle blankets out there it’s hard to resist getting just one more… but swaddling stops at about 3 months (when your baby can roll over), so 5 is plenty! Plus lots of people like to buy them for you as gifts. We had like 20 and didn’t use most of them.

Lou Lou & Company makes soft newborn essentials in beautiful colors and prints. A newborn essentials bundle includes a matching swaddle, hat, and a pair of non-scratch mittens. The first time I saw a photo of someone’s baby in non-scratch mittens I was like, is that really necessary? Then I had a baby who did not like her arms swaddled at night, and therefore frequently woke up with scratches on her face. So, yes, they are necessary. We really only needed 1 pair of mittens since most of our infant onesies had fold-over mitten cuffs.

for the BABY stage

If you’re co-sleeping or using a bassinet, it’s common to switch to a crib at around 3 or 4 months old. I highly recommend a 3-in-1 crib, as this allows you to go from crib to toddler bed with ease. 

My Favorites: Jenny Lind Crib | Stokke Sleepi | Babyletto | Nestig | Oeuf Sparrow

A note on mini cribs: If you have a small space and need a temporary solution, look into the bloom alma or the babyletto origami. Both are nice they’re on wheels and fold up for easy storage. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to upgrade to a larger crib after about a year.

Unlike bassinets, most cribs (and mini cribs) do not include a mattress. When choosing a mattress, you want to pick something with these important criteria:

  1. breathable and non-toxic
  2. lightweight for easy sheet changes (note that innerspring are heavier than foam)
  3. wipeable, waterproof, and/or easy to clean
  4. firm (if it’s foam, higher density is better) – double sided mattresses are ideal because one side is firm (newborn, infant) and one side is softer (toddler)

Favorite mattress brands that fit the above:

During the infant days, simplicity is key when it comes to bedding: you only need 3-4 fitted crib sheets and a mattress protector. If you’re worried about your baby being cold, that’s where the swaddles and sleep sacks come in.

They can start using pillows, blankets, and comfort items in bed at the early toddler stage, but these aren’t necessary to register for.

A note on sleep safety:

  • Avoid blankets, pillows, comforters, and stuffed animals in the bed until at least 1 year old (per the AAP).
  • Avoid crib bumpers, weighted blankets and swaddles, and inclined sleep surfaces (per the AAP).

Swaddling is ideal for newborns, but once they can roll onto their stomach on their own (as early as 2 months), it’s safer to switch to a sleep sack / wearable blanket. Wearable blankets keep your child cozy, warm, and safe.

My Favorites: Kyte Baby | aden + anais | Mori | Halo (the original maker of the Sleep Sack) | DockATot

Pay attention to the TOG rating (Thermal Overall Grade) so you know how to dress your little one under the wearable blanket and how warm/cool the room should be.

A travel crib / pack ‘n play can be used both as a portable playpen and a crib when you’re traveling.

  • BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib (simple, lightweight)
  • Guava Lotus (best for traveling because it’s light and comes with a backpack-style travel case)
  • Bugaboo Stardust (ideal for small spaces – this is the most compact option)
  • 4moms Breeze (great for a vacation home and comes with a bassinet and changing station, but very heavy to travel with compared to the others)

Note: I also love the look of the Nuna Sena Aire, but it’s quite small (baby will outgrow pretty quickly) and it’s heavy / bulky so not ideal for traveling or storage. While it looks nice, the other options are more practical.

If you’re a frequent traveler, the SlumberPod is genius when you have to share a room with a little one. It’s a portable, machine-washable privacy tent that blocks 90% of light — just pop it right over your travel crib. It’s designed with a monitor pouch so you can see your child, plus a fan (with another built-in pouch) to enhance airflow and create white noise for better sleep.  

for the toddler stage

If you didn’t put this on the registry yet for a noise machine, I highly recommend a Hatch for the toddler stage because of the nightlight features.

bathtime

for the newborn stage

Bath seats provide support and safety for your child and they are completely necessary. There are 3 different types, and it’s easiest to think of them as stages.

Stage 1 (0-3 months): Sink Inserts are padded, flexible inserts that mold inside your sink, making it a makeshift bathtub. Newborns usually outgrow this around 3-4 months. If you have a big enough sink, it’s a nice thing to have because it’s at waist-level when you are postpartum and in recovery mode (no leaning over a tub).

Stage 2 (3-7 months): A basin tub is a portable mini plastic tub that sits inside the full-size tub (or anywhere, really). Typically they come with a newborn insert so you can use this from the start (and skip the sink insert). Babies don’t technically outgrow them until a year.

Note: we also had the Baby Delight Cushy Nest Lite Infant Bather for traveling – but I would not recommend it.

Stage 3 (7-12 months): A bath seat is a safe seat that holds your baby in place in the tub. At about 6-7 months old, your child becomes more mobile / squirmy (and slippery), so bathtime becomes a stressful challenge.

Safety note: Some experts advise against bath seats as they require very close supervision / monitoring. Do your research and decide what’s best for you and your family.

Newborn skin is very sensitive, so choose a brand you trust for shampoo, soap, and lotion. Make sure it’s all non-scented, tear-free, and alcohol-free.

Note: Our baby had eczema-prone, dry skin so we did a lot of testing. We tried Honest, Burt’s Bees Baby, Dove, Cetaphil, and CeraVe but favored the above.

Hooded towels are adorable and necessary, especially for newborns — they are a lot smaller and softer than your average bath towel. At the newborn stage, you won’t need more than 2 towels, but once your baby gets into solid foods and bathing more frequently (daily), you’ll need a few more.

Favorite Brands: Mori | Loulou Lollipop | Bebe au Lait | Burt’s Bees Baby | Pehr

for the toddler stage

At around 1 year, you can move from a bath seat to a non-slip mat or treads.

diaper changing

Your changing table is completely a personal preference, but definitely a necessity. You need a comfortable place to change your baby because you’re going to be doing it all damn day. We have this one and I love it because it also acts as a dresser and the top is wide enough to fit my Keekaroo Peanut Changer (more on this below). When we moved, I was without a changing table and my back was in so much pain because it’s a lot of floor-changing on a mat or on a low bed.

When looking at changers, get one that can be wiped clean. You do not want more laundry. The Keekaroo was one of my best purchases because of how easy it is to clean, no matter how big the mess is. It’s made of a non-toxic, soft, water-and-crack-resistant material and comes in neutral colors so it’ll match any nursery. Highly recommend it over a soft pad with a cover, no matter how tempting!

A subscription service is the ONLY way to go if you can afford it. I’m a huge fan of Coterie for both wipes and dipes— which they now carry at Whole Foods— and I tested more than 8 brands (Honest has cute prints but they’re not soft, Parasol is super soft but not absorbent.. the list goes on). Since you don’t REALLY know when your baby will actually arrive, pre-purchase 2 packs of diapers/wipes when you’re pregnant, then sign up for a subscription once the baby arrives.

A wipe holder and diaper caddy are nice (aesthetically), but they are not necessary, nor do they make your life easier.

You do not need a wipe warmer.

Note: Diapers are sized by baby’s weight (not age). Typically, newborn diapers fit babies up to 10 pounds and size 1 is for babies 8-14 pounds.

We had a Diaper Genie, and it was a great little item to have until 4-5 months, but then once the baby starts eating things beyond formula or milk, the odor became significantly harder to contain— which is where the Diaper Genie fails in comparison to others on the market. Instead, opt for either the Ubbi or the Munchkin UV Diaper Pail.

  • The Ubbi comes in lots of nice colors and works with any standard trash bag, but it does not have a hands-free foot pedal.
  • The Munchkin requires its own proprietary bags (as does the diaper genie), only comes in white, and requires power for the UV light, but it holds the most diapers, has a hands-free foot pedal, and disinfects bacteria.

Don’t forget to buy a LOT of refill bags and refill air filters.

For when you are on the go, whether you’re traveling far or walking a few blocks. In terms of style and comfort, choose something that you and your partner agree on since it’s likely that you will both be carrying it around. I am a huge fan of a waterproof backpack (you’ll want to be hands-free) that has multiple compartments. There are SO many to choose from but here are some of my favorites.

The Indi Diaper Backpack from Dagne Dover has all that, plus comes with stroller clips AND it comes in 3 sizes and 6 colors. Not to mention, the company is women-founded, the bags are non-toxic and vegan, AND they donate a portion of your purchase to causes like Black Lives Matter, Fair Fight, BEAM, and Feeding America. If that isn’t enough for you, I also like Shay Mitchell’s Beis Diaper Bag Backpack (marketed as the anti-diaper bag) and the Humble-Bee Kokoro Bag.

I love this one from Storq, and this one by DockATot. Definitely a good thing to keep in your diaper bag or your car.

This extremely goofy (and award-winning) toy is called a Dingle Dangle and it was (obviously) invented by two dads. It comes with a headband so it can entertain your squirmy baby, making changing easier. Not a necessity, definitely helpful.

shop diaper changing

toys

Opt for something black and white for infancy because it helps with development. The colorful/neutral ones are beautiful but more for nursery aesthetics than development.

The Wimmer-Ferguson Infant Stim-Mobile is a classic and comes with the stand/holder.

This black and white one is another favorite, but you need to get a holder for it (I purchased a random one on Amazon that you have to constantly wind up which only lasts for 20 seconds. Not ideal!)

Safety Note: If you have a mobile hanging over your baby’s crib, remove it once they are able to stand. You do not want them grabbing it, pulling it down, etc.

I cannot recommend the Lovevery Play Gym enough – we used it every day. It also comes with 2 teething rings that our daughter was obsessed with for the first year.

Play mats are easy to clean and have a soft landing for newborns and little ones. House of Noa soft foam playmats look like bohemian rugs and come in a variety of different sizes. They’re also great because they come in puzzle piece squares so you can always add or take away pieces depending on your space. If minimalism is more your style, Gathre padded mats are beautiful and functional. Gathre also makes (non-padded) play mats that can easily fold for on-the-go.

Reading from day 1 is key to language development!

We got this set as a gift and it was an awesome start to our library. It’s really all you need in the beginning!

People love to gift books (and clothes) when you have a baby, so so you don’t really need to register for any unless they are super special to you. Here’s a book list to get you started.

Register for a Lovevery gift card or play kit subscription; you will not be disappointed.

Keep in mind, babies aren’t interested in books, toys, or even teethers until at least 3 months old.

shop infant toys

comfort

Loungers can pose a suffocation risk if your baby rolls or shifts into certain positions, particularly if they sleep in one unsupervised. As a new mom, this made me hesitant to register for one. However, I was very grateful when it was gifted to me as we used it daily for the first 3 months.

Safety Note: The boppy newborn lounger was recently recalled, as was the Leachco Podster. However, since these are being recalled for improper use, it doesn’t mean they are not safe products. As with all newborn gear, make sure you are fully monitoring when in use- loungers are not intended for sleeping.

Blankets are great for the stroller or when you are closely monitoring but experts say to avoid using them for sleep time until toddlerhood.

There are a ton of beautiful, cozy baby blankets on the market — my only suggestion is to avoid anything that’s not machine-washable.

This is only necessary if you live somewhere that gets cold. Make sure the one you register for / buy is appropriate for the age of your baby when it’s cold out.

I love the 7 AM Enfant bunting (we have the blanket 212 plush for 6M-4T) for freezing cold. There are also cute ones for spring/fall that are lighter weight (smallable has beautiful ones).

Babylist’s Pacifier Sampler Box has 6 different styles — highly recommend this route for your registry because every child is so different with preferences.

For example, mine only liked Wubbanub Pacifiers, and only until about 2 months old. Some kiddos like pacifiers for 18+ months.

To avoid the constant dropping-pacifier-on-the-floor situation.

January Moon makes beaded pacifier clips in beautiful colors that double as teethers.

Safety Note: Any pacifier clip or teether with beads requires parental supervision at all times to prevent choking.

A paci case is ideal for your diaper bag or stroller, keeping the pacifier ready-to-use.

for mom

You’ll need somewhere comfortable to sit where you can breastfeed or bottle feed. I did not think a glider chair was a necessity (I assumed I would just feed on the couch or bed), but I’m so glad I splurged on a good one.

You want something very soft and comfortable because you’ll spend half your day sitting in it. After you give birth (if not C-section), you won’t be able to sit comfortably in many places – you need extra, extra, extra soft for a few weeks. I tested many chairs when I was pregnant but ultimately landed on the Monte Como Glider + Ottoman.

I’ve heard this PB Kids one is great too, and a little less expensive.

Some prefer a rocker (instead of a glider), in which case I recommend the Sleepytime Rocker by Nursery Works.

I used this during my 3rd trimester and still used it 8 months after giving birth. It’s great for nursing, bottle feeding, and overall comfort. It’s slightly weighted, smells lovely (it comes with a lavender aromatherapy pack inside), it’s soft, machine-washable, and it’s pretty.

nce you have a bump, it starts to become very uncomfortable to sleep. I found that sleeping with a huge body pillow gave me a better night’s rest. The Pillow Bar makes a great side-sleeping pillow, and FridaMom has an adjustable cooling pillow. You can also try a full-body pillow like the Leachco.

An often-forgotten-about service to add to your registry. Seriously life-changing to not have to think about preparing (or ordering) dinner. 

A great thing to add to your registry so you can document and remember this insane time of your life!

registry resources
Babylist

baby registry platform & website that provides guidance for new parents

Be Her Village

gift registry platform for maternal services

CPSC

product recalls database

EWG

consumer guides for product toxicity

Gugu Guru

baby product reviews by real moms

Katie Montell

maternity concierge and parent coaching

Lucie’s List

baby product and gear reviews

Michelle Pratt

expert in car seats, founder of Safe in the Seat

more resources

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