For new moms, creating a baby registry may seem like fun at first but then can turn into a daunting task. With so many different baby items and options for each, where do you begin? Most people know the basics (clothes, diapers, etc.) but what about everything else?
We broke it down to our top 10 must-haves to help new moms in creating their registry list.
Stroller and Car Seat Combo
Of course you need a car seat and you will want a stroller but make sure to get the travel system. With the travel system, the car seat slides out of its base and snaps right into the stroller and vice versa. This is perfect for when you’re running errands or taking your little one for a walk around the neighborhood. The last thing you want to do is wake your baby and this combo makes transitioning from car to stroller unnoticeable!
Our favorite: The Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller and Graco SnugRide Click Connect™ Car Seat, Buy Buy Baby.
Smart Connect Rocker
This rocker offers soothing music and an automated rocking and vibrating motion. Just use your smart device to connect and give your hands a break. This rocker also folds together making it easy to transport.
Our favorite: Fisher Price Deluxe Sleeper Smart Connect, Amazon.
Secure-a-toy
Whether it is a pacifier or a toy, you will need to secure it to whatever your baby is sitting in. Instead of constantly bending over to pick up the most recently dropped item from your baby’s hands, secure it to his/her chair, stroller, car seat, etc.
Trust me; this little item will be your new best friend.
Our favorite: Secure-a-toy, Amazon.
Bobby Pillow
The bobby pillow is great way to support your baby and give him/her the opportunity to relax while you’re getting things done. This pillow also works as a nursing pillow, supporting your arm or baby’s head. These pillows are light and versatile with plenty of size and cover options which can be customized to your specific style.
Our favorite: Bobby Pillow, Babies R Us.
Baby Monitor/Camera
You want to feel comfortable when leaving your baby, whether you’re just leaving the room for a minute or for the night. There are many different versions but our favorite is the Panorama Digital Monitor. This camera offers video with night vision, allowing you to zoom, tilt, etc., and even offers 2-way communications.
Our favorite: Summer Infant® Panorama™ Digital Video Monitor, Buy Buy Baby.
Breast Pump
If you are looking to breast feed during your pregnancy you will want to register for a breast pump. While they all do the same thing, you want to find one that is not only durable but portable as well (especially if you are going to be pumping at work). Make sure to check with your insurance company as most will cover the cost of a breast pump!
Our favorite: Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump, Target.
Newborn Bath Tub
Parents used to put their child in the sink but now there are so many different and safer ways to wash your newborn. After doing a little research we suggest the 4mom Infant Tub. Super high tech, this basin tub filters out dirty water as it lets clean water in. It also detects if the water is too cold or hot with its temperature gauge.
Our favorite: 4moms Infant Tub, 4moms.
Cord Blood/Tissue Banking
At Maze Cord Blood, you can let your friends and family know you have made the important decision to store your baby’s cord blood and tissue and give them the opportunity to help pay for this extremely unique baby gift that will keep giving for years to come. See how to set up a Cord Blood Gift Register here.
In case you’re unfamiliar, cord blood is the blood collected from the umbilical cord immediately following the birth of a child and is rich in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). These cord blood stem cells produce the cellular ingredients necessary for the blood and the immune system and these stem cells are being used to treat about 80 different blood, immune, and bone diseases such as Leukemia, Anemias, various blood diseases, and other cancers.
Cord tissue is obtained from the umbilical cord itself and contains Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). These cells can differentiate into a variety of cell types and there are over 50 medical trials researching the use of cord tissue to treat diseases such as Autism, Type 1 Diabetes, Heart Disease, HIV, Alzheimer’s, and Liver Disease.
While your baby may grow out of some of these must-have items, cord blood and tissue banking will last 20+ years and can be potentially life-saving.
For more information, visit mazecordblood.com