The Developmentally Friendly Baby Registry.
Welcome, friends!
I have been asked many times about what items I used for my little one, what I recommend, and what is developmentally friendly for kiddos. So, here it is! I have compiled a list of things to include on a baby registry. These are the items that I found most helpful during the first six-ish months. Now listen- I preach "no buckets" for babies all day every day, but I’m also realistic. I’m a mom. I understand that there are times when you just need to put baby somewhere while you shower. So, here are the best recommendations!
Please use these links as they are a part of my Amazon Affiliate program! I also included a little description for each item below.
Baby Bjorn Bouncer Seat
This seat is a must if you’re looking for somewhere to put baby while also containing baby. I did a lot of research about "seats" because I had some serious criteria; and this one takes the cake! Yes, it is pricey. But I’'ll tell you right now, I will buy another one when the next baby comes just to have one upstairs and one downstairs. They’re THAT useful!
No hip restrictions
Adjustable incline (30 degrees is best for an infant and at the lowest setting, this one is perfect)
No noise or added stimulation
Light and portable
Machine washable cover
Tummy Time Toys!
Check out my blog on tummy time for more info about why spending time in this position is so important. Here are some toys to help make it more entertaining!
Motivates baby to stay engaged during tummy time
High contrast is good for the brain and the eyes!
Different shapes, textures, etc are all important ways to stimulate baby
4moms Mamaroo Swing
If you need a swing, I really liked this one! Admittedly, I didn’t use this much and I ended up selling it but some moms really love it!
No hip restaints
Can play sound from your phone or from the swing
Different motions (sideways, up and down, forward and backward, etc)
High contrast sensory toys/mobile
Reclines to almost flat for newborns
Sound Machine(s)
Ah, sound machines. My baby really loved this sound for sleep! We had a Dohm machine (linked below) until recently and it worked great! Nice and simple. We now have a Hatch Rest+ (linked below) and it is really great for toddlers. You can program light colors, brightness, sound type, sound level, and more. It’s really helpful for "alarm clock" training for toddlers too! Bonus- the Hatch also works off of a battery if the power goes out! I also linked a stroller/car seat sound machine if you feel that you need that. I used ours on walks in the early newborn days.
THE Diaper Pail
I didn’t think we needed one until I realized we definitely needed one! This brand is my go-to because you can use ANY type of garbage bag with it. There are so many on the market that have to use their certain brand of bags or liners; this one is very convenient!
A Multi-Functional Pack-N-Play
If you’re looking for an option that isn’t a bassinet, this is a good one! We wanted something to last a little longer than a bassinet in our home. We also wanted something to use as a changing table for those middle-of-the-night diaper changes. So, we landed on this! The play dome is great to use outside (supervised, of course) and the changing table is super convenient!
Waterproof changing table
We added a newborn-safe pack-n-play mattress to this to make it more comfy
There is an included bassinet attachment that raises the mattress up for easy baby-grabbing!
The diaper/cream/wipes holder comes with!
A Play Mat
Honestly, a must-have! These are so nice to keep baby busy on the back while also stimulating baby an appropriate amount. We have the "Sassy Stages" mat and we love it! The toy arches also fold down around the edges of the mat which makes it into more of a tummy time mat. Highly recommend!
Indoor/Outdoor Safe Play Area
I got some flack for having this on my baby registry, but we use it SO MUCH! It can be used inside as a baby-safe play area OR outside! It comes with a removable shade canopy and a thin bottom that is attached. It unfolds basically like an outdoor folding chair. We added a mat for outdoors and I wish I had gotten it sooner! It is waterproof, cushioned, and self-inflates. Now that my little guy is one, we use it outside on our deck almost exclusively. All around, a great buy.
Baby Carriers
Okay, here is the chiropractor in me- I haven’t seen ANY carrier that is good when used with the baby facing outward. Not a single one. Please don’t compromise the hips. However, if you’re looking for a carrier to have baby facing you, these are great options! I used the wrap carrier when my baby was 0-5 months. We then moved more to the ring sling carriers and still use them now that he’s over a year old. I added the Boppy carrier to this list because it is more of a "structured" carrier; like if a wrap and a backpack carrier had a baby, this would be it! I have all of the carriers linked and I definitely use the ring slings most.
Extras!
These are some fun extras to add to your list of "must-haves"!
The butt paste applicator: I laughed at these too. However, now that I have a little one with a very sensitive bottom I am eating my words. We have several. Also great if you plan to circumcise your boy- just apply the aquaphor with this instead of your fingers.
Stroller fan: Absolutely get! The bendy legs make it easy to attach it to basically any surface.
Rotating nail file: Avoid the clippers at all cost! This guy gets the job done without blood. We still use this!
LifeVac: If I could force you to buy one thing off of this list, this would be it! Every parent should have one. I hope you never have to use it. We have one (and we have used it). Now it goes wherever we go!
Car changing station: If you plan to travel with your little at all, I recommend this! It folds easily and can live in the car. We have used this a ton!
Cold and Flu kit: Just get this and have it on hand! My little had RSV when he was six months old and having this was really convenient. Again, I hope you won’t need any of it, but it’s nice to have just in case!
Thank you for checking out this list and for using these links! I hope this was helpful as you begin building your baby registry.
I’ll be adding more things as time goes on so keep checking back!
PS- If you use Amazon to build your registry, you will get 20% off of the remaining items that don’t get purchased! Just sayin’.
