As a first-time mom, I will admit that creating a baby registry from scratch was an overwhelming endeavor. I spent countless hours researching brands and educating myself on BPA-free bottles and the difference between muslin and bamboo swaddles.
While most of my research was fueled by raging pregnancy hormones, it wasn’t until I was swimming in a sea of assorted newborn sleepers and assembling two different brands of highchairs (yes – you read that correctly) that I realized I *might* have made a few mistakes when creating my registry the first time around.
If you are anything like me and the thought of creating a baby registry seems daunting, you have come to the right place! Our experts at Registry Finder have curated a list of our favorite baby registry items to help you feel confident clicking “add to registry.” Read on for our essentials!
On the Go:
In 2015, The Doona Car Seat & Stroller changed the travel gear game for parents around the world! I will admit that I was extremely skeptical about this device when I was pregnant with our first child. A car seat that transforms into a stroller? Why not just register for a car seat that clicks into a stroller?
It wasn’t until I spoke with fellow mom friends that I quickly realized I had made a mistake in not adding this item to my registry the first time around. I will never forget circling the grocery store parking lot while my newborn slept because I was terrified to wake him up during the transfer from car seat to stroller; it was in those moments that I thought to myself, “I really wish I had the Doona!”
One of the reasons the Doona has become a hot ticket item is its convenience. Whether you’re transporting your sleepy newborn around town or jetting off on a family vacation, this versatile device makes transportation a breeze for parents alike with its effortless conversion from car seat to stroller.
Baby Wearing Essentials:
Babywearing has so many benefits: it’s soothing to a fussy baby and a solution for getting things done when all the baby wants is to be held. But with so many different carriers on the market, how could one ever decide? Don’t panic, mama: we’ve got you covered with our top 3 favorite carriers at various price points to make your decision a little easier!
First on our list is the Omni Breeze Baby Carrier by Ergo Baby. This carrier is designed with lightweight mesh to keep you and your baby comfortable no matter the climate, and its carrying options are designed to grow with your baby from newborn to toddler.
A fierce competitor is the Baby Bjorn One Air Carrier. While higher in price compared to Ergo Baby, the Baby Bjorn has a weight capacity of 8 – 33 lbs, offers four carrying positions, and a variety of color options to fit your style!
Last but not least (and a personal favorite of mine) is the Solly Baby Wrap.
I was given the Solly Baby Wrap when I was pregnant with our first child, and I often wish someone had videotaped the look on my face the first time I unboxed this product. I was extremely confused about how this long strip of fabric could possibly hold my tiny newborn safely! Thankfully, Solly Baby provides their customers with easy-to-follow video tutorials, and after a few attempts, I deemed myself a Solly Baby Wrap professional! And thus began my love for baby-wearing!
Our son is living his best life on the go in his baby-wearing gear!
Whether you’re preparing dinner for your partner, doing a load of dishes, or attempting a nap on the go… our experts agree that adding baby-wearing gear to your registry is a surefire way to get in some extra cuddles with your little one.
It’s Play Time:
In the early 1900s, educator and psychologist Maria Montessori developed an educational method based on independence, discovery, and choice. Montessori’s philosophies and studies have resulted in Montessori schools throughout the world and, most recently, a toy category for even the tiniest learners!
So, what makes a toy “Montessori?” According to the Whitby School, “A Montessori toy is one that stimulates learning by encouraging kids to experiment.”
Lovevery (pronounced “Love-every”) was created with those values in mind. Every detail of Lovevery’s products is about learning, curiosity, and developmental experiences. We recommend starting with the play gym (pictured above) and registering for a few play kits in various stages for your little one to enjoy.
Every play kit comes packed with engaging toys and materials ideally suited for your child’s stage of development. They’re also incredibly high quality, ensuring years of use for younger siblings!
Sweet Dreams Little One:
Nothing unites (or divides) mothers quite like the topic of sleep. Everyone wants more of it, but we don’t always agree on how to go about it. A quick scroll on Instagram will show you how many philosophies, techniques, and systems there are to just get that tiny person to close their eyes and rest!
But before you get caught up in all the sleep theories, let’s start with the basics:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that new parents sleep in the same room—but not in the same bed—as the baby, preferably for at least the first six months. In addition, the AAP states that babies should sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface.
That’s why we recommend the Halo Sleep Bassinet, labeled the closest, safest alternative to co-sleeping. Loved for its swivel capabilities, the Halo Sleep Bassinet is designed to help parents navigate those middle-of-the-night wakings with the ability to fit closely to the side of the bed, making transferring after feeding a breeze!
Rub a Dub Dub, A Little Cutie is in The Tub:
The best piece of advice I received as a new mom that rings true to this day is that bath time fixes most (if not all) things. Even as a mom, if I can sneak away from the craziness of a long day to a nice bubble bath, whatever was stressing me out suddenly seems like nothing at all!
Make your baby’s bath just as relaxing and fun with the Skip Hop Moby line at Target. Aside from how cute this tub is, we love that it grows with your child through three stages: newborn (0-3 months), infant (3-6 months), and sitters (6+ months).
Don’t forget to complete the set with the Skip Hop Moby Baby Bath Set! This four-piece set includes a bath rinser, bath spout cover, bath kneeler, and bathtub elbow rest. I will forever cherish the sweet memories that our nightly bath time routine gave us in those first few months with our firstborn, and even still – toddler bath time really does fix those fussy moments!
So there you have it mama! Our hot ticket, must-have baby registry items! Whether you’re a first-time mama or are welcoming a new addition to your crew, Registry Finder is here to help you! Be sure to check out our Give It Blog for more tips on creating the baby registry of your dreams.
