First of all registering for a baby is so much more intimidating than registering for a wedding. When Matt and I were registering when we got married for the most part we knew what we wanted and how to use it. For a baby it was a totally different situation. We had no idea what half of the stuff even was. When we were registering we asked other people that have recently had babies, but I also used a blog, Create Studio, that my sister told me about. The author wrote a blog post "How in the World to Register for Your First Baby!". So I mostly went off this list, but I had some things that I liked better than what she recommended. When registering for/ buying baby products, keep in mind that every baby is different. One thing that my baby liked, yours may not like. So here we go!!
Layette
Aden & Anais Swaddling Blankets- I used these all the time for the first 3 months until baby learned to get out of the swaddle. I will say that only about 4 of these blankets are really necessary.
Halo SleepSack- We used this swaddling blanket from about 3 months- 5 months. We used the microfleece one, only because baby was born in the winter. One or two of these may be useful, but you could survive with just one.
Aden & Anias Sleeping Bag- Now we use this and have since baby was 5 months. We don't use it every time we lay baby down, only when baby is cold. I also bought the "cozy" one, only because I found it on sale at BabySteals.com. (Two other website to check out for cheaper baby items are BabyHalfOff.com and Zulily)
Nursery
Summer Infant Baby Touch Digital Video Monitor- The things that I like about this monitor are: you can rotate the camera from the video screen, it clicks in easily on the charging dock, and a percentage of battery life is on the screen.
Portable Crib-
There are lots of options out there. Probably the most common is the Graco Pack N' Play. We got one with a reversible napper/ changing station.
It seemed like a good concept. But the napper/ changing station was never level when we flipped it. So if I bought another one I would buy one with separate napper and changing station
The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light 2 looks to be pretty cool. It is super light, small, and goes up quickly.
Phil & Teds Lightweight Traveller is very similar to the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib, but it looks like it may require a little longer assembly. This one does has a zip away side, though.
Guava Family Lotus Everywhere Crib is basically the same concept too.
Swings/ Bouncers- We got a used swing from a friend and a new bouncer seat with music and vibrations. We put baby in the swing more often then the bouncer seat. Although, I wish I would have just registered for a Portable Swing.
Mobile- I never found a mobile that I liked and matched the baby room. So my sister in law made a really cute decorative one. But now that baby is pulling up in his crib, we took it down. I don't think it's a super necessary item, but I have heard of it entertain baby, especially if they can start the motion.
Feeding
Bibs- I've heard the Baby Bjorn Soft bibs are great. I don't have any yet.
Breast Pump- I have the Medela Pump In Style Advanced.
I have loved it! But have I really needed this pump, since I'm a stay-at-home-mom? Probably not. If you are not going to use a pump daily, a Medela Swing may be a better choice economically.
Nursing Cover- There are lots of covers out there, but Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover is one of the biggest and has a stiff rim to look in while nursing.
Nursing Bras- I bought the Medela Ultra- Soft Cotton Nursing Bra and the Medela Ultra-Stretch Nursing Bra. Both of them have been good. I never got a sleeping bra. I just wear nursing cami/ tank top with bra inside.
Bottles- I rarely use bottles, but I have just used the 4oz Medela bottles that came with my pump. I did try a Calma nipple. It worked well when he was young, now the regular nipples that came with the pump and bottles work best.
Nursing Pillow- My Brest Friend was my favorite over the Boppy, because it was firmer and more supportive.
Nursing Pads- A friend recommended Lansinoh Ultra Soft Disposable Nursing Pads. They are pretty much all I've used. They have worked well.
Soothie Gel Pads were awesome, especially the first few weeks. They really helped with soreness, especially when they are cold from the refrigerator.
High Chair- We have just started using ours, but the Fisher-Price Space Saver High Chair is great and turns into a booster seat when baby is bigger.
Bumbo Seat- I've heard other babies and parents love these, but our baby could only sit in these for a few minutes before he was tired of it.
Travelling
Stroller- We got the Baby Jogger Summit primarily for jogging. Some the feature we liked best are: hand brake, shocks, rubber handle, and folds up with one pull. We did not get the adapter for our infant carseat, just to save the money. We put baby in the jogging stroller fully reclined when he had pretty good head control and was six weeks old.
Since the jogging stroller is bigger and heavier, we also got an umbrella stroller. We didn't get just any old umbrella stroller. We got a Chicco Liteway Plus. This stroller is awesome! It can hold our carseat and has a seat.
Car Seat- We got the Chicco Keyfit 30. We love this carseat. It is so easy to install.
Baby Carriers- I have used my carriers probably more than I have used our strollers. Our baby loves baby wearing.
Moby Wrap- I used this all the time until baby was about 4 months old, when he was a little too heavy for the Moby. I used it every week at church and even flew with it when baby was 10 weeks old. Highly recommend.
Just a heads up at first they are kinda complicated to tie. So here's the video I used to learn how.
Baby Ergo- This is an awesome baby carrier, very supportive and comfortable. The only down fall is that I need help snapping it in the back. You can wear it on the front or on your back, but I have only worn it on the front. I did get the infant insert, but didn't use it much. I used the Moby instead when he was smaller, unless I was walking outside in the cold.
Bathing
Some of my favorites are the Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo and Coconut oil for diaper rash.
Apps
I use the IBabyLog all the time to track nursing, diaper change, sleep, pumping, medication, and bottle feeding. It tracks lots of other things too, but this is what I use it for.
Books
There are tons of baby books out there. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child is what I use as far a sleep patterns and sleep training. The other book that is helpful as far as development and stimulation The Wonder Weeks.
Another helpful blog post to help with baby savings is How to Save on Everything Baby.
Well, there it is... My favorite things! Sorry, for the lengthy post, but hopefully it's helpful. I hope you enjoy these products just as much as I do!
