14 Top Essentials To Add To Your Baby Registry
All opinions are my own in this post!
*This post may contain affiliate links. That means I may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you!
Hello friends, It has been a hot minute since I have popped up on this side of the internet. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that baby Alex made his way into our family last August. Yes! You can officially call me MOB (mom of boys).
As a mom of three, I took the much-needed rest during and after pregnancy to get into the swing of things. If you are a parent, I am sure you get it; balancing the family-work life is sometimes challenging. But now that Alex Hendrix is almost six months old, I am excited to get back to blogging to share all things motherhood and lifestyle. And it is only fitting to introduce him to Cami's Happy Tribe blog page by sharing some of my favorite baby products/gear that have made my life easier and his life happier.
To get you started, here are some of my favorites that should be on every baby registry. Babies need certain essentials, and having the right products can make a huge difference in your daily life. As parents, we deal with colics, health-related issues, feeding, breastfeeding, and lack of sleep. Any baby essentials that help us sail through the first year are a win. Hopefully, this post will save you the trouble of returning things—;(any parent nightmare.)
Sleep
First is a high-quality, breathable baby mattress. A good bed is essential for keeping your baby safe and comfortable during sleep. When looking for a crib mattress, It would be best to look for one that is made of firm foam and free of harmful chemicals. Another factor to consider is the mattress should also be hypoallergenic and waterproof to protect your little one from mold and mildew. I went with The Newton Baby Crib Mattress. This mattress is breathable, and the company recommends “no sheet” since it will defeat the purpose of it being breathable. The bed has a mattress cover, and the two outer layers are washable. Overall this mattress is great; it helps reduce the risk of suffocation and also helps your baby with a good night's sleep.
A bedside bassinet is also an excellent option for babies and moms, especially for late-night feedings and moms recovering from c-sections. I’ve always co-sleep with all my kids, Heck! I sometimes still fall asleep in my now eleven and nine-year-old room. Some things I kept in mind while searching for a bedside bassinet were the mattress had to be firm and fit the bassinet without any gap. I also knew I wanted something sturdy, and I had a personal preference for minimal design. This led me to the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper. Honestly, it is one of my favorite baby items. The Halo bassinet is the only bedside nest with a 360º swivel. The swivel allowed the bassinet to go over the bed, which is a game changer. I had a lot of peaceful rest, knowing Alex was beside me, safe. It is also fully meshed, which helps with airflow and makes him visible at all times. I would recommend the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper and give it a 10/10. There are also soothing sounds, gentle vibrations, and adjustable height. Compared to the SNOO, the price is also budget-friendly.
Remember always to research and follow The U.S consumer Product safety commission (CPSC) guidelines.
Transportations
Mesa infant car seat & UPPAbaby Cruz V2
I think car seats and strollers are the most challenging part of any parent's decision; when thinking about what to add to your baby registry. There are so many to choose from and, of course, what fits your lifestyle and budget.
When buying a car seat, some things to consider are safety, installation, comfort, and size. After much research, I ultimately went with the Mesa infant car seat from UPPAbaby. I had the opportunity to test it at the Babylist event hosted in NYC and loved it. I also knew I had a history of delivering babies early, so I wanted a car seat that would work with small-weight babies. With the Messa Infant Car Seat, the recommended baby weight is from 4 lbs to 35 lbs. I also love this car seat because it is lightweight and comes with the base. Alex was born weighing 4 lbs and stayed in the NICI until he gained 5 lbs; I was worried about him being so tiny, but after the newborn car seat test, he was fine and deemed ready for discharge. Although he looked small, he did not cry or show any sigh of discomfort in the Mesa infant car seat. Today at almost six months, he loves it and is always up for a ride. Since we spend a lot of time in the car because of the older boys, I wanted a stroller compatible with our car seat but also lightweight and easy to fold for the days I had all three kids. I went with the UPPAbaby Cruz V2, and I’m happy with my decision. The canopy extension is the focal point of this stroller, adding lots of sun protection to shade baby from the sun; when that time comes. The stroller is sturdy and easy to use. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s stylish and modern.
Changing Pad
One thing I knew I wanted to do differently with my third baby was to have everything be minimalistic as possible. I fell in love with the skip-and-hop changing pad. It has a simple, modern style and added entertainment for babies to enjoy while changing.
The Skip hop changing pad is functional, safe, and cleans easily with a wet wipe or washcloth. It is made of foam, so you don’t have to worry about your baby feeling uncomfortable. I also like the oval shape, like a cocoon; as Alex started wiggling and rolling over, I could strap him with the strap, ensuring he was always safe. Additionally, this changing pad is unisex, making it ideal for new moms and moms planning on expanding their families.
Feeding
Baby Products have significantly changed since I had a baby Eleven years ago. Baby food makers are next level, and the cost is as high as a coffee machine. While I had a good experience with BEABA Babycook Solo 4-in-1 Baby Food Maker in the past, I wanted a baby food processor that would still get the job done without sacrificing much corner space. I found a Baby Food Maker Baby Food Processor from Evlas that checked all the boxes I was looking for and would save tons of counter space. There are a variety of colors to choose from. This baby food maker has a digital touch display that steams, blends, reheats, defrosts, and self-cleans. It also comes with six reusable pouches, perfect for storage or the days I will feed on the go.
Baby Bottle Sterilizer
The Brezza bottle sterilizer and dryer is another excellent investment; I received this as a gift from my baby registry and couldn’t be happier. For one, there is no need for a drying Rack. The brezza bottle and dryer is an all-in-one that dries baby bottles and pumps parts entirely, making them ready for use or stored away. It has Hepa filtration and a four-way design, which makes it large enough to wash bottles and breast pumps or small enough to rinse bottle nipples and pacifiers. I love the color and the simplicity. It holds eight bottles at a time, with A 30,45, to 60 minutes steam and dry cycle depending on your preference. There is also an option to sterilize or dry only, or my favorite, sterilize AND dry because why not? The process makes it safe to rid of bacteria for babies. While the Brezza bottle sterilizer and dryer is more expensive than the average bottle sterilizer, it is worth every penny. It is a luxury for new and busy moms, leaving that extra time for playtime, cuddles, or sleep.
High Chair
I am all for baby products that help make parenting easier; like every baby product, safety is number one. I love this all-in-one Stokke high chair because of the five-point safety harness and adjustable footrest. The high chair is easily clean, lightweight, and has a modern minimalistic design, which makes it aesthetically pleasing. It comes in seven beautiful colors. while a chair cover is not included, one can be purchased separately for additional comfort for your baby. So far, Alex loves this highchair and has the best time sharing family time at the dinner table.
Bathtub
It is important to find a bathtub that is comfortable, safe, and easy to use. A baby bathtub should be wide and deep enough to fully submerge your baby in the water while still being shallow enough to provide support and stability. Additionally, look for a baby bathtub with a slip-resistant bottom, a comfortable seat, or a reclining back. Another favorite of mine is the OXO Tot Splash & Store Bath Tub. It is simple, lightweight, and portable and checks all the boxes. A great bonus of this tub is that it folds flat when not in use, making it ideal for storing away in small living spaces.
Baby Carrier
This is a must-have for keeping your baby close to you and your hands-free. I wanted a comfortable carrier for my baby and me that offered the proper support for his head and back. After trying out the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Infant Carrier at the baby list event, I knew I wanted this carrier. It felt comfortable, modern, and, most importantly, versatile. The Omni was a splurge purchase since it is on the expensive side. The Omni breeze carrier is adjustable for newborns to toddlers and has every carry position you need, including hip and forward facing. The Softflex mesh material is a plus because it will keep you and your baby cool. What I love most about the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Infant Carrier is its easy-to-use setup to put your baby in; the privacy hood is also an excellent option for days when you need sun protection or for nursing babies.
Swing/Rocker
Baby swings can be a great way to soothe and entertain your little one. Not only can a baby swing help to lull your baby to sleep, but it can also provide a safe and secure place for them to play.
When selecting a baby swing, it is important to look for one with adjustable speed and volume settings. Additionally, you should look for a baby swing with a large variety of music and sounds and a wide range of motion options. This brings me to another favorite, the 4moms MamaRoo motion swing. I admit I didn’t plan on getting a swing this time because it is sometimes a hit or miss depending on the baby. My first swing as a new mom was cumbersome and took up a lot of foot space. But one of my dear friends gifted me this swing, and I was sold after several uses. First, the swing falls under the worthy “gadget” category, meaning it can work with Bluetooth, allowing you to control motion and sound from your device across the room. It has five unique motions and sounds and does not operate with batteries. The 4moms MamaRoo motion swing seat reclines to relax your baby and has a soft, washable fabric that zips on/off. The MamaRoo has several models with slightly different features, so you have options. I use the swing daily, whether it's while folding laundry, while Alex lounges doing his thing, or watching his favorite show.
Play Mat
Before you know it, it’s time for tummy time, to roll over, reach for their favorite toys, and crawl. UANLAUO Baby Play Mat is hand down the best play mat, in my opinion. Keep in mind that it’s large, 71" x 59". If you have a small space, you may have to move furniture out of the way. It is foldable and comes with a storage bag. The sides are reversible; one has a height ruler to record babies’ growth, which is fun, and the other has animals and colors. The UANLAUO Baby Play Mat is non-toxic, waterproof & easily cleaned.
Another favorite baby registry item is the wooden Baby Play Gym. My baby loves it, and I love that I can move around the parts separately to different areas of the room because it is not attached. The Mat is 100% cotton cloth and machine washable. It has five hanging toys that help develop eye coordination and motor skills.
Drawer
A Bonus because why not
I came across this DaVinci Dresser on amazon and fell in love. (Pictured above with changing table). Everything about this dress is perfect because it also fits the changing pad. The price point is excellent. The drawers, however, don’t pull all the way out as I would love, but they are functional and sturdy. These are just a few essential products you should add to your baby registry. Take your time to find the right products, and don’t hesitate to ask your friends and family for advice.e With these ten items, you’ll surely have the right items for you and your baby!