I remember how absolutely elated and lucky I felt when I found out we were expecting Rory. To be honest though when it came to creating his registry I felt SO overwhelmed, stumped, and just stuck. Thinking back I think it is because today we have TOO many options and you don’t even know where to begin. Everyone is particular about what you must have when you are expecting a baby but the beauty is their is no right or wrong answer. Envisioning what our life would look like and what baby “things” we would need seemed like another language and an arena in which I knew absolutely NOTHING about.
I want this to be a helpful reference tool for you because if you are anything like me you need a visual of what something looks like and what it is going to be used for. To save your sanity I broke everything down for you below and have linked my top 10 favorite lifesaving items that we used when Rory was born:)
A few things to keep in mind when you are adding items to your baby registry is to think about how you currently live and how you will incorporate your new little one into your life when they arrive. Of course it is so hard to know until they arrive what your day to day will look like but somethings to think about:
Are you someone who loves to stay home and nest and do an occasional Target run if you absolutely have to?
Or are you someone who plans to incorporate your new addition into your shopping outings, errands, and get togethers with your girlfriends?
Whichever style you are envisioning any of the below will be so helpful to have around when you have the baby with you. The beautiful thing about motherhood is that everyone has a different way of incorporating routines, and things that work for their family.
TOP 10 LIFESAVING BABY ESSENTIALS
Dock A Tot: This is such a great and safe way to keep your baby all snuggled up and kept in one place. Think of this as an on the go pillow for your baby to lay on. Easy to transport around your house and babies love them. They can be swaddled up and lay on your couch with you!
Graco Swing: We absolutely loved this swing. It was a lifesaver for both us and Rory! Great price point and it comes with different features that help soothe the baby (sound and a massage feature).
Slumber Pod: LIFE CHANGING. We traveled quite a bit and still do with Rory and I bring this every time. Think of this as your on the go nursery room. Basically it completely blacks out your babies sleep environment and all you need is a pack and play and this goes right over the top of it. I recommend watching a video when you first try to set it up it will make your life way easier. Also, the other really cool thing about this is that you can put your baby camera on top to keep an eye on your little one:)
Product of the North Diaper Bag: This diaper bag is great quality, stylish, and does the job. Nothing too over the top but so reliable and light weight when you are on the go!
Gliding Reclining Rocking Chair: My friend recommended this to me when I was pregnant and it was such a great idea! I HIGHLY recommend getting a reclining rocking chair that has the gliding reclining option. SO perfect for late nights and early mornings with a newborn and also it is so comfortable.
Skip Hop Activity Center: We still use this now. This is so great to have as your baby starts getting a little older. What I love about it is that they are safe and contained inside and it is an activity center so they can play around with the toys attached as well as eat snacks on this.
Hatch Sound Machine: We love our sound machine! This is so user friendly and gives off a great white noise sound for the baby at night.
Toy Storage: They sell so many options like this for your kids toys. Let’s be honest all of the toys can tend to get out of control so why not have a nice storage unit to put some of them in. This is a great option for your living room space because it is a two in one and has a changing table on the top.
Muslin Swaddle Blankets: These are the absolute BEST! They wash so well in the washing machine and I used them for everything when we were n the newborn stage. Swaddle, blanket, and burp cloth all in one.
Uppa Baby: This stroller is literally like a Ferarri. Obviously I don’t own one but if I did I think it would be similar. Yes it is pricey BUT I promise you worth EVERY penny. These are designed to be a breeze for parents and kids. They have thought of everything and have kept convenience, safety, and durability in mind. What I love the most about these strollers is that they are three in one. They come with a bassinet for when they are in their newborn stage, and a larger seat for the stroller when they get bigger. The actual stroller is also included in the purchase. Everything can be made compact and flattened to make for easy travel.
I hope this helps you on your journey to parenthood and that you are able to narrow down your choices a little easier.
xx Jordan