3 Baby Registry MUST haves
Assembling your baby registry is a daunting task! The “baby stuff” industry is overwhelming… there seems to be dozens of choices for every little thing. Here’s my advice to clients: don’t stress about it, and don’t take everything out of the packaging! You will be surprised to find how little you actually need, how easy it is to find baby items secondhand, and how happy you will be to return that swing that takes up your entire apartment.
That being said, there are a few baby items that I think are invaluable. Here are my three top recommendations in a variety of price points.
Cheap
NoseFrida: The Snotsucker ($15.99)
Remember those little blue bulbs that your parents used in your nose when you were little? Those things are hard to use and virtually impossible to clean (yuck!). While this product may seem absolutely disgusting to people who aren’t yet parents (I was one of those people!), it really works! One end of the tube goes into baby’s nostril, and the other end goes into your mouth… and with a filter barrier in between, you give it a good suck and rejoice! It’s oddly satisfying. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to wash.
Mid-Priced
Miracle Blanket swaddle ($29.95)
The swaddle industry is, admittedly, out of control and incredibly overwhelming for new parents. Don’t bother with the muslin blankets - they won’t contain a baby older than a few weeks old. While I also love the Velcro swaddles, the Miracle Blanket is the most Houdini-proof swaddle out there. You can use it from birth, and it’s one size so it will last a long time. If your baby is breaking out of this thing… it’s probably time to start unswaddling them! Remember that there are always other parents looking for swaddles so these have great resale value as well.
Expensive
I am a bit of a Lovevery fan girl. My 2-year-old loves their curated age-specific toy boxes full of wooden, Montessori-inspired play things. So it’s no surprise that I love their play gym (well I love everything except the price tag, but when you think about how many months of use this will get, I think it’s worth it). It’s attractive to look at, durable, doesn’t make any obnoxious noises, and (most importantly) will grow with your child. Swappable cards are black-and-white for newborns but in full color for older kids. There are different “stations” for baby to explore during tummy time, and it even turns into a fort for toddlers. I love a toy with longevity!
Do you agree with me? Are there any products that you recommend to all of your pregnant friends? Share your ideas in the comments!
Sarah is a postpartum doula and lactation counselor in the Greater Boston area and the North Shore of Massachusetts. Contact her for more information about her services.