In our big baby registry list, we acknowledge the need for the true basics like a car seat and a changing pad, but here is where we’ve identified the items that we felt most strongly attached to, the things we didn’t know would be so important, but turned out to be worth recommending.
(The formerly-known-as Amazing) Miracle swaddle blanket – I cannot believe how dorky the name is, but I would buy two if doing it all over again. Don’t waste your time with imitations or anything with velcro. Trust me. And watch this video — with your partner — to get the technique down. It’s a seasoned parent’s duty to force expectant parents to watch this video before your baby arrives. It will save you. I promise.- Hands-free Pumping Bra – ok, maybe you don’t want this on your Registry, but the other infomercial-product I heartily recommend is the bizarro-looking hands free pumping bra. Don’t think about it, just get your mom or best friend to buy you one.
- Extra laundry basket – I’m not married to this brand, but a new little person in the house generates more than his share of laundry. Buy one more basket than people that live in your home. Make sure they stack.
- Front carrier – Some sort of hands-free carrier is a must-have. BabyBjorn was the easiest to use for us (including Daddy), we also loved the Ergobaby. You might try some different slings too. The options are limitless (for better and worse) and getting them used is a-okay because they are washable!
- Bottle warmer – this little thing is completely optional, but we loved ours and used it every day for quick, easy bottle heating overnight (dream feed, oh yeah!).
- White noise machine – We like the Homedics Sound Spa. Julian sleeps with it every day and night and we take it everywhere we expect him to sleep. Don’t worry, when your baby is born, you’ll become a sleep nut, too.
- Pack ‘n Play – can have many lives as a bassinet, play-yard, sleeping quarters for visiting babies…I wouldn’t spend too much on the extra features.
- New mom pants – black (slimming) athletic pants that would fit a 5-months pregnant woman to wear every day for the first two months. Bonus: the fold-down top can cover your middle during public nursing.
- Rearview mirror for car – Something like this will allow you to check out your rear facing baby while you drive. It’s more dangerous than eating or talking on a cell phone, but you won’t be able to help yourself.
- Changing table/dresser combo – Of course people have made do without such a thing for thousands of years, but I really like the convenience of having everything in arm’s reach.
