When I was pregnant, I spent A LOT of time researching baby products by reading reviews on websites like Babies R Us, Diapers.com, and google searching reviews of products. It took hours of time for products but it really paid off because I felt like I picked products that were going to last.
Now that I've put those products to use, I can confidently give a run down of my go-to list for new moms that are looking to start a registry. While this list should help narrow down what you need, make sure to look up some of the reviews yourself just to make sure the product is what you need.
*make sure when you find a company or product you like to research the recalls associated with that company. You want a company you can trust that has a good history and works with consumers to keep babies as safe as product. Don't settle for a cheaper brand to dave some money...you don't want your baby being an example of why a recall was issued.
Things you SHOULD register for:
1. Bob Stroller: (www.bobgear.com)
these bad boys are built to last. They have suspensions, heavy duty wheels, jogger friendly design and are overall well thought out strollers. There are more expensive brands out there for those wanting a good quality jogger but this one is just as good. My personal pick was the Stroller Strides edition because the price included a cupholder, resistance bands, and one week free to a Stroller Strides class (worth checking out by the way).
Want to save a little? Check them out on craigslist...they go fast though, so be on your game!
2. Ergo Carrier: (www.ergobabycarrier.com)
can I say love??? This this is wonderful! There are so many baby carriers out there but this one beats them all. It is incredibly important you realize that not all carriers are alike. In fact, some are not good for babies as they position their spine and bodies in weird suspensions...if you wear your baby in the carrier a lot (which I recommend) then you need one that is good for baby and you. Ergo takes extra special care to make sure baby is seated in just the right ERGOnomical way to ensure safety for their developing spine as well as taking super precaution to your own back. Carrying baby may seem easy at first but they will get heavy! Starting baby out in this with the infant insert allows you to go from newborn stage all the way past toddler stage. You can even wear your child on your back once they get big enough...totally worth it!
*babysteals.com sometimes has the ergo for their deal a day steal!
3. Tummy Tub: (www.tummytubusa.com)
A European take on the baby bath. Some might say this is a waste of money for a "bucket" but that just means they haven't done their research. This tub is curved at the bottom so when you put baby in, it mimics the comfort of the womb. This things rocks! My little one loves it and was so helpful even in the early stages. Forget the regular baby tubs...they keep the baby cold and awkwardly placed while this one allows you to hold your baby and keeps the water warm for much longer since it's confined. Baby can even stand in the tub for awhile and use it for as long as they are comfortable...then it doubles as a bath toy bucket!
*save a little money by skipping the stool that comes with it
4. Miracle Blanket: (www.miracleblanket.com)
Oh my goodness...get this! Swaddling is so good for the baby and keeps them comforted when they sleep. Being out of the womb is such a shock and swaddling helps their little arms from flailing in that newborn stage while they sleep. This blanket takes some practice at first but watch the video on the website and you'll become a pro in no time. As soon as baby starts to roll over, stop using it. You can gradually introduce baby to unswaddling by wrapping one arm and leaving the other free. This thing is worth it, though...adds HOURS of sleep which is precious time to new parents!
5. Happiest Baby on the Block DVD:www.happiestbaby.com)
Skip the book unless you're pregnant and have time to read. Otherwise, plop yourself down and watch the DVD which gets straight to the point about the 5 S's...it really works! Helps you calm baby down when they won't stop crying...
6. Car Seats:
A few options:
If you want a super safe, well made car seat that transitions so you don't have to buy one for a while, go with the Britax convertible car seats (www.britax.com)...these are great a very well made. Look at the reviews...there are people who have actually gotten in huge car wrecks and everyone was hurt except the baby because of the car seat!
If you want something smaller to start, go with the Graco baby Snugride...so conforming for a little one and keeps them snug and safe. You'll quickly find that your pick for a car seat goes a long way when in the car. Not all car seats are alike and your baby will let you know! Save yourself the crying and go with one of these...
*if you buy a car seat with a base, register for 2 bases so that you can have one in each car and move the seat from car to car. They snap into the base which makes car switching a bit easier!
7. Swing: Graco Sweetpeace newborn soother center:
You are going to want a swing!!! This one rocks the baby in the same motion that you would...you can position the seat to move front to back or sway side to side...if you get the Graco Snugride car seat, you can snap this onto the swing as well...even has a place for your ipod!
Mamaroo Swing: I haven't personally tried this swing but I have heard raving reviews about it!
Worth checking out!
8. diaper bag: there are so many diaper bags out there that look like purses and while they are super cute, it's hard to hold them when chasing after a little one...try a backpack diaper bag. That way your hubby and you can share it and it is portable!
9. the basics:
-burp rags (lots of them!!!) any and all work
-washcloths for bath - Carter's makes some great ones that are short cotton and rinse baby better than others- some towels soak well but end up just soaping baby up more
-hooded towels- so cute and great for keeping baby warm after bath
-blankets
-first aid kit: nail clippers, thermometer (try to get a digital), brush, toothbrush
-DIAPERS!!!
10. breastpump: If planning on breastfeeding, go with Medela! This is the best and you want the best when you are hooking it up to something so tender!
11. Play pen: Graco makes great ones that have a bassinet, changing table in the play pen, and growing stages for baby
-if you want to co-sleep Graco also makes a travel lite play pen that works really well as a bassinet and grows to use as a full play pen as baby gets bigger...really a great bargain if you want to cart the play pen around or are in a small space!
12. co-sleeper: they make great sleepers now that can fit in the bed with you and your spouse so that the baby can safely sleep in between you...Summer Infant was our pick and came with a removable vibration and sound machine that we actually used on the playpen as well....vibration is your baby's friend!!!
13. baby food maker: my choice: Beaba babycook
Ok, I started off trying to save money by purchasing a cheaper version of a baby food maker but nothing works quite like the Beaba...The cheaper one I got just didn't work and heat the food so I had to return it. I finally caved into the Beaba and I am so glad I did...it steams and purees like a dream! Making baby food is such a great way to save money and give the best food to your child apart from breast feeding! You just can't trust everything that is out there now!
On the go idea: For those times when you can't take the frozen food with you, opt for organic pacs of food. My favorites: Happy baby, Plum Organics, and Ella's Kitchen...they look like sacs of food and are so portable and easy...read the ingredients...they are great!
Products you DON'T need:
1. Changing table: I think a changing table is a waste. Once the baby can roll or move, you can't use it anymore since it's a serious hazard. Use a table, play pen, floor, etc.
2. cute outfits for newborns: Seriously, you're probably going to be a hermit for the first couple months so yes, have some outfits, but don't go crazy on the first months of clothes...
And while we are on this subject, don't be afraid of hand me downs! They can be wonderful and you'll be soooo surprised how quickly you go through clothes be it spit up, pee, or just growth! Find a friend who has some clothes stashed away. You will still have to buy some but anything helps!
REGISTRY:
www.myregistry.com
www.babiesrus.com
www.target.com
www.diapers.com - best site ever for delivery to your home ....you'll need this because the amount of diapers you go through is unreal! They also have a sister site called www.soap.com, too!
So here is a start! Yes, it's overwhelming but take it step by step...just like a baby! You'll become a pro in no time!
