Baby Registry Ideas: My Top 10 Picks
As a doula, I am often asked if I have any recommendations for a baby registry. In fact I do! Having two young kids myself, as well as having heard feedback on baby products from many new parents, I definitely have ideas to share. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to start, you’re totally overwhelmed with options, or on the fence on whether something is worth it, read on.
My Top 10 Recommended Baby Items:
1) Bassinet: HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper
The AAP recommends infants sleep in its parents’ room for at least the first six months, and up to a year in order to reduce the risk of SIDS. It also recommends a separate, flat sleep surface for the baby. This bassinet swivels and adjusts, saves space as the base slides right under the bed, and one side wall even retracts for easy access during the night. The mesh sides also allow for good visibility and breathability which will put your mind at ease for better rest.
2) Glider: Davinci Ruby Recliner and Swivel Glider
Do yourself a favor and invest in a comfortable chair! You will likely be spending a LOT of time rocking, feeding, snuggling and reading with your little one and this is a comfy place to do all of the above for years as your child grows. Glides smoothly and quietly, swivels and reclines well.
3) Carrier: Luxury Ring Sling Baby Carrier
I LOOOOVED my ring sling. With my first baby I was handed down a Moby wrap and an Ergo. For me, the Moby seemed to be way too much work, and I just never got around to using the Ergo much. With my second, a carrier was much more of a necessity while caring for two littles, and the ring sling was so easy to get my daughter into! She also absolutely loved it, and I loved having my hands free.
4) Stroller System: UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller
This is a smooth ride with a slim design that turns on a dime. The Mesa seat can be placed forward or backward and can recline to all the way flat. Includes SPF 50 canopy, mesh bug net, a rain cover, a huge storage basket, telescoping handlebar and a red-to-green light indicator on the car seat base so you know when it’s been properly secured.
5) Swaddle: HALO SleepSack Swaddle
Swaddling is one of The 5 S's. It's actually the very first S- the first recommended step in calming your little one so you get get them to sleep. You'll likely learn how to swaddle the old fashioned way in a newborn care class or from the nurses at the hospital using those thin muslin blankets. You may even get really good at it, which is great in case of emergency; however, in my opinion this is one of the areas where you should invest a little (money) to save a lot (of time and frustration). These swaddles have velcro to make the job very easy and more secure so you aren’t worried about the blanket getting over your baby’s face. These come in cotton and fleece for the colder months.
6) Sleepers: Touched by Nature Unisex Baby Organic Cotton Sleep and Play or Magnificent Baby Magnetic Modal Sack Gown and Hat Set
Who has time for buttons?! Trust me on this, you will be changing a LOT of diapers, and you don’t want to undo and re-do all those buttons that many times a day (or night)!! Zipper sleepers are comfy and easy, and if budget allows magnetic ones are even better.
7) Manual Breast Pump: Haakaa
This award winning and best-selling product is such a handy little piece of silicone. Express milk using the power of natural suction by simply squeezing, attaching to your breast and letting it work its magic. Perfect for short trips away from your baby (with a little manual expression) or for passively collecting milk from the opposite side while feeding. Using this is great way to start building your fridge or freezer stash without getting out the big electric pump or overstimulating your supply.
8) Bottles: Babylist Bottle Box
Knowing which bottle your little one will prefer can often take some trial and error. This box is the perfect solution, providing five of the most popular bottle brands so you can test the waters before diving in. Some babies are very particular, and this box offers bottles in various sizes and shapes so you can find the perfect one before buying a whole set.
9) Blankets: aden + anais Silky Soft Swaddle Blanket,100% Bamboo Viscose Muslin Blankets
These blankets are SO SOFT, and are the favorite lovey item of more than one child I know. My 5 and 3 year old still fight over their favorite one! These are a wonderful weight to use as a sun shade over a stroller or to throw over your shoulder as a nursing cover.
10) Sound Machine/Night Light: Rest Sound Machine, Night Light & Time-to-Rise
Combines nightlight, sound machine, and time-to-rise alert in one. You can customize color, brightness, sound, and volume level. Set programs to turn off and on automatically based on your family’s sleep schedule, control from your phone or adjust manually.
So, there you have my top picks. Obviously, this isn’t an exhaustive list, and you’ll definitely hear different must haves from everyone you talk to, so don’t be afraid to go your own way or even wait and see on items you’re unsure about!
Looking for more ideas? Visit our Resources page!
Whether you love researching options or want a ready-made registry Babylist.com is also an awesome site for guides, reviews and the best part is you can use it to create a custom registry with items from any website, or cash funds for anything you like- including doula support!
Written by Angie Traska, coordinator of Align Doula Services, providing intuitive, attentive doula support that aligns with you. Serving Madison, WI and the surrounding areas.
Want to meet a few excellent doulas, learn more about Align’s classes or other services? Please join us for our complimentary meet the doulas event, happening monthly.
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