This Baby Registry List Does the Thinking For You
Do you know what’s a nearly universal experience for new moms? Nope, I’m not thinking morning sickness. Or cravings. Or back aches, swollen ankles or stretch marks. I’m not talking not all-night utero acrobatics or getting up to pee every hour through the night. The universal experience I’m thinking of is the Emotional Meltdown at a Baby Superstore. Almost every pregnant mom seems to have had the overwhelmed tearful moment while registering or shopping for the future baby. I’m not sure why the decisions of which swing is the best or which burp cloths will make your baby the happiest genius to ever have spit up are so wrought with emotion, but they JUST ARE.
If you’re currently putting together your baby registry list and feel yourself grabbing the tissues because you’re already worried about picking the wrong thing, fear not! This list from American Baby is full of the best of the best when it comes to baby gear (head over there for more details on the items!). I can personally vouch for many of the items on the list; I lucked out when registering in my emotional state, I guess. I’ve added my personal comments if you need any more convincing.
Best Nursing Pillow: Boppy nursing pillow, Boppy.com
I used my Boppy so much that I got a second so I’d have one on both floors of my house. A necessity for breastfeeding and early sitters.
Best Breast Pump: Medela Pump in Style, MedelaBreastfeedingUSA.com
Whenever I pumped, I used my Pump in Style. It did the trick, has lasted through three babies and it talks to me.
Best Full Size Highchair: Graco Slim Snacker, GracoBaby.com
Best Compact Highchair: Fisher-Price SpaceSaver Highchair, Fisher-Price.com
I love my SpaceSaver, but do be aware that it can be a little tough on the chair it’s sitting on — plus you can’t use that chair for anything other than baby, obviously. Still, I’d purchase it all over again.
Best Bottle: It’s a Tie! Munchkin Latch, Munchkin.com and Dr. Brown’s Options, DrBrownsBaby.com
Best Diaper Bag: Skip-Hop Tote, SkipHop.com
Best Carrier: Ergo Infant Carrier, ErgoBaby.com
Of all the carriers I have, the Ergo is by far my favorite. It’s the one I’ve used the most, on my front and back. Can’t say enough good things about it.
Best Travel System: Graco Aire3 Click Connect Travel System, GracoBaby.com
Best Lightweight Stroller: Chicco Liteway, ChiccoShop.com
Best Jogger: Graco Relay Click Connect Jogger, GracoBaby.com
Best Swaddler: Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddlers, AdenAndAnais.com
Best Bath Wash: Johnson’s Baby Bath Wash, JohnsonsBaby.com
Best Pacifier: MAM pacifiers, MAMBaby.com
Best Swing: Fisher-Price Smart Connect Swing, Fisher-Price.com
Best Portable Sleeper: Fisher-Price Rock ’N Play Sleeper, Fisher-Price.com
We got the Rock ‘N Play Sleeper with my third, and I wish I’d had it for all three of my babies. She slept like a dream in this thing, even sleeping in it overnight. It was a miracle worker for us and I made Jenn get one for herself when Gwen came along. We fondly call it the Sheep Taco, and it’s amazing.
Best Bouncer Seat: Fisher-Price Comfort Curve Bouncer Seat, Fisher-Price.com
Best Activity Center: It’s a Tie! Baby Einstein Jumper by Kids II and Fisher-Price’s Jumperoo, Fisher-Price.com
I love my Fisher-Price Jumperoo, but find that kiddos adore anything Baby Einstein and Little Einstein, so I don’t think you can go wrong here. (Seriously, my kids still fight over this little radio. Maybe they’re weird or maybe it’s just that awesome.)
Best Activity Mat: Fisher-Price SnugaMonkey Musical Play Gym, Fisher-Price.com
This list makes a couple of things clear. 1) The most expensive isn’t always the best and 2) You can’t go wrong with Fisher-Price!
What are your must-haves for a new baby? Besides sleep because you know you’re not getting that! —Erin