First Baby Must-Haves
- lofir16
- Aug 15, 2024
- 5 min read
I have to admit that I feel like I never really went through the nesting phase. I was fully working up until the week before I gave birth. I work events so I was on my feet running a three-day wedding. Luckily I had a few moms share info that was put into a document! And now that my baby is two I feel I have even more to add. So here's my ultimate first baby buying guide:
Favorite Registry:
ZOLA BABY - Guys, I am not kidding when I say: I emailed Zola like 10 times begging them to do a baby registry. They started as a wedding registry and I was obssesed. Yes, as a wedding planner, but also for my own wedding registry! Zola allows you to add things in your registry and instead of automatically getting that item in the mail, they can send you the money straight to your bank account. So, why is this awesome? Let's say your baby shower is in month 6 and you aren't sure yet what stroller you want, put one and someone will buy it for you and you get the cash in your bank waiting for you when you are ready to buy a stroller. Or maybe you are in the process of moving and don't want to get packages sent to your wrong address! Or lastly, if you are like me I got a few items passed down to me but people still wanted to buy me gifts!
Key Things to Remember
Your baby grows up, so don’t just register for “baby baby” items.
You want to put a variety of items covering different age groups. That way you aren’t spending a ton on other things as they get bigger.
Don’t be afraid to put pricier items on your registry.
Some people love doing group gifts and it is a way to get some of those pricier things.
Also be sure to put a whole variety of items from all prices on. That way if people want to buy you a bunch of little things or add on a cheaper thing they can.
Always try and google if something you are looking at was recalled. For example: I was looking at the Mamaroo swing but it was recalled!
Register at lots of places to get their discount!!!
You don’t need to make every register public or list all 10 registries to your people. Just do it to get the free gifts or the 10-20% off in the end.
Buy Buy Baby, Amazon, Babylist, Pottery Barn, Target, Walmart, etc.
Books and Courses:
https://takingcarababies.com/ – I was having trouble with my baby sleeping. A friend recommended this they have online courses that we found helpful — The sleep course alone was worth the $75 -- highly recommend.
Twelve Hours Sleep by Twelve Weeks Old - I originally tried a book called "Moms on Call" - This book definitely worked for some people but for me by 4 months I was desperate for sleep and used this book instead and felt it worked better for me.
https://amzn.to/3M6qRYF - My mom is a pediatrician and she gifted me this book LOL. But here is this thing we did NOT read this book cover to cover, but instead used it like a Dictionary/reference book. We read it as needed to see the important milestones throughout our baby's first year. If he had any particular symptoms, etc...
Favorite Baby Products
Baby Bouncer - Baby Bjorn Bouncer
Lounger/Lounging Pillow - Dock-a-tot or non-brand on Amazon
Expensive, we got one through a friend. It is useful for the first 3 months when the baby is not going anywhere or doing much. If you are just hinging out on the couch, etc...
Bassinets - Snoo Bassinet
OK sooo there is a lot of chit chat around the Snoo. You are going to find some mentions on the internet saying that people are worried their baby will get dependent on the snoo and need it to go to sleep. I swear these mentions are other bassinets trying to bash the Snoo. After a month of struggling to get our baby to sleep longer throughout the night, we tried the Snoo (borrowed from a friend) and it was a lifesaver.
Lots of options for getting the snoo: I posted on my instagram story and a distant friend reached out and said they had one sitting in the garage. The actual Snoo website has options to buy new, used, and rent! Facebook Marketplace is another option or there is a Snoo Group on Facebook to buy used as well.
Car Seat: Uppa Mesa Car Seat
Whatever one you choose I would recommend it be the same company as the stroller
What's the deal with the Doona and is it worth it?
I kind of wish I got it - but it's hard because you only use it the first 4-5 months of the baby's life. But if you plan on having more than one kid I recommend. It just makes going from the car out so easy and not needing to wake up the baby is very worth it!
Stroller: Uppa Vista Stroller
Other recommendations: Nuna, Bugaboo, Mockingbird
Go to Buy Buy Baby and test them out see what’s most comfortable for you and husband
Travel Strollers (don’t need this immediately) - We got the Baby Jogger for a trip when our baby was 6 months old. We still use this stroller. We leave it in the car and that was we just always have a stroller in the car.
Diaper Bag: Dagne Dover
We started with a different ultimately because the Dagne seemed expensive. But then I ended up getting this and still have it and love it. Honestly it is the best material, most worht it diaper bag (I tried a bunch others)
Beis - The Ultimate Diaper Backpack- On the bigger side. This used ot be our main diaper bag, but noticed because of the size I had a tendency to overstuff it and then eventually the strap ripped. They have amazing customer service and sent me a new one. Now, I mainly use it for travel/flights for him. But after 6 more months that strap is ripping a bit again.
Diapers and wipes: Coterie diapers
The best honestly. Love everything about this brand!
Shower/Moisturizers/Etc.
My favorite: Babo Botanicals shampoo and soap (I prefer products that are fragrance-fee)
THIS is currently saving my knees and elbows, 10/10 recommend
We love the this bathtub - changes as they grow
Sound Machine - Hatch
Monitors - Vtech Baby Monitor with Wifi
We like to have both a monitor AND App access, especially for grandparents or other people babysitting (so they don't need to download an app).
A friend also has both app and monitor: Motorola Monitor
Miscellaneous
Graco Pack and Play - Going to need this for travel or family sleepovers!
I hade the House of noa playmat (very pretty) but peeled after time so instead got these and still in perfect condition.
Changing Pad: I like the water proof ones. I got the Keekaroo from a friend but now Hatch makes one that looks updated!
Bottles, pacifiers, etc you are going to see that this is just going to depend on the baby - keep trying till you find the one THEY like not the one you hear is good!
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