I was asked to write about this topic like… a lot! And I was really looking forward to it because (and let’s be honest here)between the morning sickness, all the health issues, and mental anxiety that pregnancies come with;working on a baby registry is probably one of the most exciting parts of being pregnant. Here you’ll find all the items that were, and still are, super useful to me. Without further ado, let’s get to it.
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1) Baby Sound Machine
If you think it’s a fancy toy you’ll get tired of and never use, think again. As its name implies, this gadget gives you the option to play different sounds and lullabies to help your baby fall asleep easily. Nobody wants to hear their baby cry despairingly, right? The continuous sound helps the baby connect with the different sleep cycles and stay asleep for longer.
“It also comes with different color lights and can be used as a night lamp. So there you have a second use in the same appliance.”
Tip: What I do, and it always works, is pair the device to my phone by Bluetooth. (Yes, this is a smart machine of course) So when my baby wakes up and starts crying while waiting for us to get her, I just change the sound from my phone and she calms down. Pretty cool, right? I don’t know if it’s the new sound that I put in, or just the change of sound in general that calms her down, but it works like magic and it gives me a few minutes to get ready before I go get her.
2) Boppy Original Newborn Lounger
It is super useful to have your baby sleep next to you when you’re not in the bedroom. This comfy lounger can be easily moved from room to room and is really comfortable. Well, at least our little princess hasn’t complained about it! We used to keep our baby in it whenever she was sleeping and we had visitors (before COVID of course). It was really helpful since we didn’t have to move her from the crib too much. She also liked taking some of her short (and this is important: supervised) naps in it.
Tip: I recommend using the crib for nighttime sleep mostly. We did it, and I think it helped her distinguish daytime from night quicker. Or maybe she’s just super-smart like mommy, who knows? Who am I to judge, right?
3) Diaper Backpack
You will be carrying your own purse, car keys, mobile phone, sometimes paperwork, groceries, etc, and you’ll need your hands to open doors, manipulate things, and hold the baby of course! In these situations, a backpack diaper bag is a gift from heaven, useful and practicable. Non-negotiable.
Tip: Include it in your list! You won’t regret it. (You can thank me in the comments)
4) Stroller Travel System (with Infant Car Seat)
It took me a long time to start using it. I used the removable infant car seat for a long time. However, when my baby turned 4 months, I started using the stroller and found it more useful and comfortable. It is super easy to insert the car seat carrier into the stroller and move around with the baby, as compared to carry the heavy car seat around. There are so many models available that I won’t even start to talk about each of them but I recommend that you do your own research and pick the one you think will meet your needs best.
Tip: Choose one that has a space for diapers bags, cup holders and to keep your own purse in them too! Most of them come with that compartment, so why not make the most of it?
5) Onesies WITH zippers for evening changes
These are lifesavers. Trust me: in the middle of the night when you’re worn out, the last thing you want to do is fight with many buttons and snaps. The onesies with zippers easily come off for quick diapers changes. You won’t regret them!
Tip: Oh, there’s none here. Do get onesies with zippers! Plenty of them! I talk from experience here. Prove me wrong in the comments below.
6) Baby Medicines Kit
As a pharmacist, I could not write this list without what I call “my goodies’’. These are some basic medications that can be carried in the diaper bag, so they are always at hand in case you need them on any occasion. Take notes:
- Saline spray/drops and nose aspirator for baby stuffy nose
- Gas relief drops/Gripe water for baby tummies
- Diaper cream/ointment
- Infant fever and pain reliever (consult your pediatrician before using it) 5) Infant thermometer
Tip: I bought those items individually, but then I realized that Little Remedies has a kit with most of them packed together. So, in case you didn’t take notes, you’ll just have to remember to buy the Little Remedies pack. You’re welcome.
7) Baby Carrier
A baby carrier is very convenient. I liked using it to move around the apartment, cook, or clean while carrying my baby. Also, most babies fall asleep faster in it because the movement reminds them of being in the womb. My baby went through different phases of “sleep habits’’ but there was a moment when she would only fall asleep while in the carrier. Spoiler alert: Forget about your fancy dresses, and favorite tops, because the baby carrier is going to be your daily outfit. So picture yourself in it and start getting used to it. Now seriously, jokes aside, the baby carrier is truly a must-have item if you have to continue with your routine and take care of the baby at the same time.
“Yep! Not all heroes wear capes, some of them wear baby carriers!”
Tip: Most of them come with practical pockets, so you may want one of those to keep phone, wallet, keys, small toys, whatever you need to have at hand while you work around the house, do the shopping, etc.
8) Sleeping Bags Sacs
They are great to safely cover the baby when asleep. It is not safe or recommended to keep anything in the crib anyways. Then a sleep sack is one of the safest ways to make sure your baby is not freezing and is also not struggling with a blanket on him/her. So, if you have a baby that moves around in her sleep a lot (like mine) you will find it easier and safer not to use any blankets to cover them when they sleep.
Tip: There are different models and brands to be recommended like the Halo or the Swaddle. I just use the basic ones: the ones with long sleeves during the cold weather and the ones with short sleeves when it is warmer. Besides, most of them have zips, which make them easier to open and close for diaper changes!
9) Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat
I used it to help my baby practice sitting on her own. I started slowly, like 5 minutes per day, and then increased gradually until she could be more comfortable in it. It really helped her learn to sit on her own easily and faster.
“They are foldable so you can carry it around wherever you want and are also machine washable! How convenient is that?”
Tip: There are many brands and designs to choose from, but apart from choosing a pretty pattern or design make sure you get one with a wide and sturdy base for higher safety.
10) Baby Video Monitor
This is not a must, but the baby monitor definitely gives me peace of mind. It was very reassuring when we moved the baby to her own room. Besides, I love to watch her sleep from the living room, kitchen, or wherever I am. No, it’s not creepy. I mean, who doesn’t love watching their little angel sleep peacefully? Anyway, the screen is small and lightweight and I just carry it like my cellphone.
Tip: The one I have also gives me the opportunity to talk to the baby directly from where I am and also add or change the music. It has infrared night vision, room temperature display and alert, sound level LED indicator, and few lullabies to choose from. It’s one of the most complete, so you’d probably want to get one of those. There are different brands (some of them are super fancy) so you will have plenty of options to choose from.
Well! Those are my top 10 baby essentials and, of course, the list is not comprehensive. Obviously, your baby will need clothes, blankets, a crib, diapers, and many other items. I just wanted to focus on some items that may be overlooked. How about you moms (or moms to be)? What are your Baby Essentials? Let me know in the comments!
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