So while I was preggo and working on my baby registry I wasn't sure which baby items would actually come in handy and which would be a waste of money. I asked around to friends and family who had recently had babies. They told me some of the things that they loved and some that they didn't ever use.
The following items are my top picks for Wyatt's nursery and everyday use. They're also pretty inexpensive and affordable. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of high-end, pricey toys and gadgets that mom's out there are buying and I'm sure they're great! But this first time mom likes to find well priced, good quality items that will be used over and over, kid after kid.
1. Summer 3D Lite Stroller
I seriously love this light-weight packable stroller. It takes the idea of an umbrella stroller to the next level. It has a sun canopy, padded handles, a storage basket and it reclines! We used this on our trip to Hawaii this fall and it was perfect for traveling. Obviously you won't be using it in the first few months but once your babe is a little more sturdy, this comes in handy. It also has a shoulder strap for easy carrying.
2. Easy Swaddle by Aden + Anais
This swaddle was a life saver for the first 3 months of Wyatt's sleeping career! It's muslin and so soft. It snaps the baby into the sleep sack part of the swaddle, then has outer pieces that wrap around the baby to keep their arms tucked in nice and snug. Babies sleep well in swaddles because it reminds them of their sleeping positions in the womb...cramped! ;) I had a big ol' baby so I think he outgrew this sleep sack quicker than most average sized babies. This swaddle is double lined, so it's warm but not too warm. You can use it in the summer in lighter PJs or in the winter with fleece PJs.
3. Baby Gym
4. Baby Bouncy Seat
5. Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing
Swings are amazing. Personally I wish they made swings like these in my size. This thing vibrates, plays nature sounds and classical music with adjustable volume. Wyatt spent A LOT of time in this swing as a newborn. He still loves it and he's almost 6 months old. Swings should be a staple in every nursery!
6. Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger
7. Play-Yard
8. Ergobaby 360 4 Position Carrier
9. Solly Wrap
10. Diaper Bag- Backpack Style
If you're anything like me you like to weigh your options, side bag vs back pack? Leather vs. canvas? Expensive vs. cheap? Haha. I decided to go with a backpack because I knew my hands would always be full and I'm sure glad I did! This particular bag was only $44 and doesn't look weird when worn by the hubs. It's easy to clean, light-weight, has great pockets and bottle holders on each side. The straps unclip and can be used as stroller straps for easy carrying while out and about. I like the out-doorsy vibes of this bag!
I dig these bottles! The silicon nipple is "breast-like" for lack of a better adjective, haha. I love that there is a nipple cover, it makes it easy for transport in the diaper bag. Easy to hold, drink from and wash. 5 stars!
12. Winter Jumpsuit
Living in Southeast Idaho comes with cold, snowy winters. Because any momma would go crazy spending all their time indoors for 5 months, we got this SUPER soft, warm jumpsuit for our babe so we could head outside everyday. I seriously can't stop snuggling him whenever we dress him in this outfit. It can be worn over jammies or regular clothes. It has built in hand covers to keep their tiny fingers toasty. I recommend buying up a size in things like this so that they have room to grow throughout the winter months. When Wyatt was 2.5 months we bought a 6 month size for him to grow into. (He is a big boy though, haha).
THIS STUFF WORKS! It heals diaper rash so quickly and helps prevent it from returning. It's thick stuff because of the zinc and a little bit goes a long way making for lots of use from one bottle. It can be bought at any convenience store or on Amazon. There are a few different sizes too which is awesome.
14. Moccasins
I love how cute and inexpensive these mocs are! There are lots of these types of baby shoes out there, but these are high quality for about $10, win-win! The pair I purchased is sized 0-6 so you get a lot of wear out of them.
15. 50 SPF Sun Hat
Not gonna lie, Wyatt looks adorable in this fun sun hat. It has been to Kauai and back with us. We bought it when he was about 5 weeks old for his first trip to the lake. It's 50 SPF and adjustable so it stays on baby's head pretty well. Babies and toddlers can wear this hat so it will be a while before your kiddo outgrows this one.
For the budget conscious (which we all should be!) the addition of diaper funds to each month's budget can be a bit daunting. At first we were using a cocktail of pampers and huggies diapers, both of which I liked. Bit forking out the cash for those name brands box after box started to stress me out. So we switched to Parent's Choice (Walmart brand) and realized that they weren't really that different. They have the wetness indicator, swaddle style material and are inexpensive. If your baby doesn't have overly sensitive skin and isn't prone to diaper rash, these diapers are a good, cost effective option.
16. Nursing Cover
This Boho Mama Nursing Cover was given to me as a baby shower gift and I love it. Made from bamboo it's kosher for both baby and mama. It gives great coverage while breastfeeding but it doesn't make either of you hot and sweaty while ya'll are covered up. The wrap can be worn in 12 different ways too, though I typically put it back in the diaper bag when I'm done. (It was a great blanket/poncho while flying! Airplanes are so cold!) It doesn't wrinkle and is machine washable!
17. Bumbo Seat
We love this floor seat. Ours is the light grey one (I love neutrals for baby stuff!) and it has helped Wyatt strengthen his back muscles. After sitting in this seat frequently for about two weeks, he's now sitting up on his own! We use it for feeding him, propping him up to play with toys and just for him to hang out (and not be able to roll away!) these are a great addition to all baby nurseries.
Having some kind of support for the baby while feeding was key for me! I always noticed that I tended to hunch over which was bad for my back, shoulders and breasts. When I use the Boppy pillow it brings Wyatt up to me instead of me leaning down towards him. There are a few other things that the Boppy can be used for besides feeding- a prop for tummy time, support for baby while he's laying on his back and as a support for when he's learning to sit up on his own! There are a few different brands of slip covers that can be bought on amazon.com and most of them are pretty inexpensive.
I know that most mom's like to have their new babies in the bedroom with them for the first few months and this cradle is a great option. Wyatt didn't sleep in this at first, but now that he's a bit bigger he takes naps in this rocker frequently. I also like to use it when he's got a cold or runny nose because it keeps him slightly inclined. Now, as far as newborn stages, I felt more comfortable with him sleeping completely flat in his other basinet. But I really do love this rocker because 1. it's portable and easy to store, 2. it vibrates which helps soothe the baby and 3. it's easy to squeeze into whatever corner of our bedroom or take on trips. It also rocks (not on it's own) which is good to helping a half sleeping baby rock back to sleep from your bedside!
20. Nose Frida
Ok... so this totally grosses my husband out, and me out. At least, at first it did. But I am now converted to the Snot Sucker movement! I waited to really use this until Wyatt was a bit bigger (small nostrils, you feel me?) and it works like a charm. Wyatt does loathe the Nose Frida, but it is so much easier to use and to clean than a regular bulb. (I do keep a bulb in the diaper bag though for emergencies!) Using this type of a nasal aspirator also frees up one of mama's hands so that she can get that little nose cleaned up all the more easily. There are knock offs of this brand which I'm sure work just as well at a cheaper price tag.
Wyatt LOVES his muslin swaddle blankies! We use them all the time for sleeping, nursing and playing. I always look over at him and see him pushing his face into the soft blankets! I love the Aden + Anais brand, but there are other less expensive ones out there. I bought Wyatt's at HomeGoods :)
Last but not least, new babies are so much easier to care for if you have a comfy rocker for all the nursing and late nights. There are lots of great rocking chairs out there, but the things I look for are comfy, easy to clean and good leg and back support. I love my glider style rocking chair. While recovering postpartum I spent a lot of time sitting (learning to nurse also kept me sedentary, hah) and having a comfortable place to do rest was critical!
I hope that this list of my top favorite baby items is helpful. While I was pregnant I was constantly asking my friends which things I would need for my babe- I like to be prepared as well as find the best deals while shopping. Thank goodness for Pinterest for ideas and Amazon for cheap prices!
- M -
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