The latter part of 2017 came with quite a few announcements: proposals, save the dates, and new additions to the family. As a new momma, I am thrilled to welcome more friends to the sleepless land of motherhood. Seriously, there is nothing better than having mommy friends and playmates for your little ones. To assist in this beautiful journey, I’ve shared some of my top and quite frankly my absolute must-haves from my baby registry. My sweet Elle has benefited a great deal from the items below, and it has made motherhood that much easier to navigate. Below, I’ve described each item and where to find them.
In no particular order:
One // 4moms rockaRoo // Basically it’s my babysitter. I use the rockaRoo to occupy baby girl while mom is cooking dinner, tackling laundry, or doing a deep cleaning. Who am I kidding, there is no time for deep cleaning. 🙂
Two // ErgoBaby // (ErgoBaby All Position Baby Carrier) This carrier is a life saver. During the first few months of being a mother, my daughter enjoyed being nestled next to her parents. And, if I can be honest, it’s impossible to get anything done and hold a baby 24/7. I came across the ErgoBaby at a discounted price at one of my favorite bargain stores (Bargain Hunt). The ErgoBaby can be quite expensive, so coming across this big ticket item for half the price was a huge win. Pocket win and baby win. Not only did I give Elle precisely what she wanted, snuggle time with mommy, but I was also able to get more done – laundry, cleaning, writing, and tons more. If you purchase this item, I’d also encourage you to get an infant insert. This helps when you have a new baby who falls below the weight minimum. Most recently, ErgoBaby released the Omni 360 (found out about this one after I purchased the 3 Position Baby Carrier) and I recommend this one for sure. Click here, to see more options.
Three // Graco Pack ‘n Play // We have the Playard with the Napper and Changer Bassinet, and let me say my daughter has never slept in her nursery bed — ever. I take that back; she took a 15-minute cat nap in it once. From the day I brought Elle home the Pack ‘n Play has been a must. For things like quick naps and frequent changes. I also like it because it gets baby girl out of our bed at times and in her space. The Pack ‘n Play is right beside our bed. Other cool things, it grows with the baby, so once your little one is a little older, it can serve as a play area. It is worth the money and can be easily broken down for travel. The Pack ‘n Play also comes with a diaper and wipes organizer for the late nights when you need a diaper asap.
Four // JJ Cole Diaper Bag // Forget all the cool features, I love how stylish this bag is, and us mom’s love a compliment even it is for our diaper bag. Beyond the style, this bag comes with lots of compartments (compartments are essential), handles for attaching to your stroller, and can be worn as a crossbody or as a backpack.
Five // Medela Pump in Style Advance // If you’re considering nursing your infant, you’ll need some a breast pump. The Medela came highly recommended. I haven’t tried any other electric pumps, so I have nothing to compare the Medela too. Just know it gets the job done. I’d also encourage you to call your insurance and inquire about getting your pump through the coverage; this is a big ticket item starting at $200. So if you can get it at no cost do so. I received this one hassle-free, and it was shipped to my home within two days!
Six // Echo Dot // This happens to be a want and not necessarily a need; however it comes in handy for play time. I set the Echo Dot in my daughter’s room, and we use it for playtime and music time. I enjoy worship music and creating an atmosphere of worship in my daughter’s room.
Seven // Dock-A-Tot // The Dock-A-Tot is an absolute must. If you don’t invest in any of the other suggestions listed above or below, please do you and baby a favor and buy the dock. I’m not sure what it is about the dock, but this bed saves my life daily. Elle snuggles in this bed for hours at a time, and it serves as the perfect co-sleeper for our bed and overnight trips. This would also fall under being a big ticket item, but again it is entirely worth it.
Eight // Maxi Cosi Travel System // I really really love my Maxi Cosi – that is all.
Nine // Avent Bottles and Tommee Tippee Bottles // The bottles will ultimately be your baby’s choice. Elle happens to like the Avent and Tommee Tippee ones. I also love the small size of the bottle, perfect for traveling and storing in small cooler bags. They also come in great colors with fun designs, yea, I’m that mom.
Ten // Boon Grass Drying Rack // I got quite a few of these from family and friends, and they come in handy. Washing and drying bottles is an all-day task. Especially for moms who nurse and pump. Since I got multiple drying racks, I keep a set at my in-laws and my mom’s home. There is nothing more annoying than wasting a thousand paper towels to dry bottles.
These items are only a few of my top 10 must haves, there are so many more items that help round out a registry, such as Boppy Nursing & Support Pillow, Medela Bra & Pump Accessories, Moby Wrap, and Fisher-Price Sit Me Up Floor Seat.
What are some of your registry must haves? Share below with other moms.