The reality of the matter is that registering for your baby is a personal experience. Rather than get carried away by checklists, it’s important to consider your living space and the geographical area you reside in when you’re prepping for your little one.
Recommendations from veteran moms will certainly come in handy but remember: every baby is different.
Nothing is quite as overwhelming as preparing for the arrival of your tiny new human, which is only magnified by the multitude of items that stock store shelves. Any woman that’s pregnant for the first time has definitely been there; all of a sudden you’re thrust into a whole new world filled with a completely new vocabulary, while everything claims to be the best and safest option for your baby. How can you decipher between all the new baby gadgets and a plethora of bibs and onesies?
How do you know what items youreally need?
Don’t get frustrated if the item your friend swore by isn’t so popular with your little one. Although essentials will vary from one mom-to-be to the next, there are some surefire items that are guaranteed to make your life as a new mom a little easier. In order to jumpstart the process, we rounded up the most functional items and mom-approved finds you won’t want to leave off your list.
BEABA Babycook Plus ($199. 95; amazon. com)
Ensure your baby is getting healthy, nutritious, delicious meals in just 15 minutes. The device allows you to steam cook and blend fruits, vegetables, meat or fish from raw to any stage baby food. The Babycook pro 2x makes over 9 cups of food at one time, which you can then freeze and refrigerate. When meal time rolls around, simply defrost and reheat right in the device.
Baby Brezza Formula Pro ($179; amazon. com)
If you’re planning on feeding your child formula, this ground-breaking device will make mealtime a breeze. The device utilizes patent-pending technology as it measures and mixes water with powdered formula to create a bottle that features the perfect temperature and consistency every time.
Doona Infant Car Seat, ($499. 99; shopdoona. com)
The only infant car seat that offers an integrated mobility solution, the Doona is a practical, innovative option that’s ideal for city living, traveling, and so much more. It’s a two-in-one that you can instantly transform from car seat to stroller and back again, all while your child is safely strapped in. The best part? The device can be used as a car seatwithout the base, making it great for taxis, ubers, car rentals, and planes.
Mamas Papas Urbo2 Stroller ($669. 99; amazon. com)
This lightweight stroller is ideal for city living and comes in a slew of cool colorways, making it a practical and stylish choice for pushing around your precious cargo–in fact, this is the same stroller Kim Kardashian selected for North West. It’s also perfect for travel.
Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer ($62. 89; amazon. com)
You can easily sterilize 6 bottles in just 12 minutes, ensuring the quality clean that’s crucial for your little one. Tongs and an accessory tray allow you to also sterilize pacifiers, nipples, and more.
Aquascale Digital Scale Thermometer 3-in-1 Infant Bath Tub ($69; buybuybaby. com)
This smart bath displays your baby’s weight right down to the ounce thanks to the digital scale. It also features a water thermometer to ensure bath time is safe and enjoyable for your little one. The convenient memory function also stores your baby’s previous weight.
Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gym, ($79. 99; amazon. com)
This cute, comfortable activity gym is perfect for your newborn and they’ll be able to use it up til their first birthday. It features five hanging toys and music and sounds that will stimulate your child. It’s perfect for tummy time, which allows your baby to get in a little exercise.
Ubbi Diaper Pail, ($79. 99, amazon. com)
Optimum style without the smell, the Ubbi diaper pail is made of powder-coated steel that ensures maximum odor control. You can use standard trash bags which are a time and money-saver for parents and the essential comes in 12+ colorways, allowing you to easily match the pail to your decor.
Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Premiere in Riverstone ($249; halosleep. com;)
A major newborn essential is a place for baby to sleep that’s nearby so you can keep an eye on your little one. Keep baby within arm’s reach and at eye level thanks to the ability to rotate the bassinet a full 360 degrees.
Not only do the mesh walls provide breathability for baby, but they offer extra visibility for parents allowing them to always keep an eye on their little one, who is as close to possible while still secure in their own safe sleep space, (as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics). The soothing center features vibration, sounds, lullabies, nightlight, and back to bed feature. Simply tuck your child into the Halo® SleepSack® and rest-assured knowing your child is getting a safe, sound sleep, thanks to the warm, cuddly blanket they can’t kick off.
ToteSavvy Purse Organizer, ($72; totesavvy. com)
While the majority of the items on our list are mainly for baby, this lifesaving organizer allows a new mom to turn any purse into a diaper bag, ensuring she’s armed with all the essentials she needs for her little one.
Fisher-Price® Premium Auto Rock ‘n Play™ Sleeper with Smart Connect™ ($119. 99; buybuybaby. com)
The perfect place for baby to sleep and play, this sleeper comes complete with SmartConnect technology allowing you to control the device from your smartphone. New moms love how compact it is and how content it keeps their babies, making it ideal for a variety of living spaces
DockATot Deluxe + Stage 1 Dock, ($195;nordstrom. com)
The DockATot®creates a snug, soothing environment that mimics the womb, making it the perfect place for baby to nap, lounge, and play –and it’s compact, making it easy to carry from room to room around the house. Not only is it washable, (simply slip off the cover for cleaning), but it boasts a slew of celeb mom fans, including Kourtney Kardashian and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Suitable for baby’s up to 8 months or 22 pounds, you can also convert the DockATot into a fun place for play, thanks to the arches and toy sets.
BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light, ($299. 99; buybuybaby. com)
Whether you’re heading out of town with your baby for the first time or are simply looking for a portable sleep station that won’t take up too much space at home, you can’t go wrong with this practical, chic option that easily folds up and fits into a carry bag. Airy mesh sides allow you to keep your eye on your baby as they sleep on the soft mattress.
HoMedics MyBaby SoundSpa Ultrasonic Humidifier, ($59. 99; homedics. com)
A humidifier creates optimal breathing conditions–and when your baby can breathe easy, they’re bound to sleep soundly, too. This trusty device will also aid in the build-up of mucus and can combat dry skin. We especially love the HoMedics version because it features an optional night light and four relaxing sounds to lull your little one to sleep.
Owlet Smart Sock 2, ($299. 99; target. com)
Voted the best baby monitor of 2018, the Owlet silently tracks your infant’s heart rate and oxygen while they sleep and will notify parents if anything’s wrong, eliminating the need you may feel to hover over your baby’s bassinet all night. The app will send you real-time notifications and stream heart rate and oxygen levels to your phone.
FridaBaby Big Bundle of Joy Newborn Care Kit, ($99; nordstrom. com)
This is the ultimate health and grooming kit. The one-stop-shop makes caring for your little one much easier. From hangnails to stuffy noses and fevers, you’ll be perfectly prepared. (The set includes:1 NoseFrida the SnotSucker 24 Hygiene Filters, 1 10-pack of Windi the GasPasser Relief Tubes, 1 NailFrida the SnipperClipper Set, 1 Fridet the MomWasher, 1 FeverFrida the iThermonitor, 1 Keep-It-All-In-One-Case Zippered Pouch).
Oribel Cocoon, ($199. 99; loveoribel. com)
From 6 months to three years, a highchair is a necessity in any home with a new baby–but you don’t need to sacrifice style, thanks to this aesthetically pleasing option that is as practical as it is chic. Not only is it available in a pretty new pistachio hue but it boasts the same features parents have come to rely on, from three recline positions to a waterproof foam pad, oversized tray, and food and cup holder.
Ollie World Swaddle, ($59; amazon. com)
While a swaddle is a must-have for putting any infant to sleep, new moms especially rave about how secure the fit of the Ollie World swaddle is– even the mostsquirmy babes stay put. Moisture-wicking fabric will ensure your child won’t overheat, while velcro allows you to customize the fit and an opening at the bottom makes diaper changes a breeze.
Baby Einstein™ Neptune’s Ocean Discovery Jumper, ($109. 99; buybuybaby. com)
Once your baby hits 6 months, you’ll want to ensure they get some exercise, (while also keeping them entertained). Not only does the adjustable seat allow you to find the perfect fit for your child, but the jumper offers up numbers and colors in three languages: English, French, and Spanish.
