Forget everything you've been reading about what you need for a baby registry. This short list will provide some advice for first timers, from the mom of a 7 month old.
A car seat, DOT approved that meets all current safety standards - they're expensive and a great gift for an awesome Aunt to grab you. (don't forget an extra base for dad if you plan on daycare shuffles)
Mama’s and Papa’s baby snug, it’s like a Bumbo but it can adjust to fit a 12 month old (most children will not fit in a bumbo for long, she was just over 3 month when a friend lent me theirs and her legs we're already too pudgy to fit)
Elsa is 7 months and we've been using the baby snug for all her mashed meals
Car seat blanket – I love the JJ Cole Bundle Me it comes in a variety of colors and fits all car seats, if you live somewhere that had cold weather this is a must have
Playard - I have two and the Jeep one is by far my favorite. It isn't very compact when folded, there is a side zip compartment that is rather large for diapers, and you can leave that packed while compacted. Also very easy to collapse.
We kept our playard in the bedroom for the first few month we had her, it was her primary bed.
Swing/ bouncer – I got a combo that Graco makes, the swing pops out and can be placed on the floor and used a bouncer (great for naps).It's a must have, but I would look into the large variety of swing for one that has multiple motions, also would want a bouncer with some visual stimulation, she loves the ones at daycare.
The bouncer below retails at $19.99
I think a Boppy or equivalent is another must, I didn't want to spent the ridiculous amount of money for one so I didn't get one this time around, will get one if we have another kid. My best friend has 2 kids and both babies spent their daytime naps happily propped in the boppy, also makes a good support when they are learning to sit.
DIAPERS 101
We stoked up on diapers at Target with the buy 2 get a gift card deals. I chose pampers because of the value. Pampers Swaddlers are great (just remember to fold the back of the diaper over and in to avoid messes getting out).
We bought the 12 hr baby dry by pampers but found that the inside was soaked in blue dry, when I tried to use them they caused a rash. Pampers customer service was great through this and the reason we still use their swaddlers brand.
WIPES
For wipes I use Huggies brand, they're thick and 1 wipe can clean up what would take 3 pampers or target brand wipes.
Bedding, so pretty but a giant waste of money.
Bumpers are a suffocation risk and our Mayo doctors advised strongly against them, along with letting our baby sleep with a blanket.
At that point all you can use is the dust ruffle and fitted sheet, which is insanely expensive.
and on that note, I love the Swaddle Sleep Sack by Halo
It's Dr/Daycare approved, just wish I bough 2 newborn sized ones to avoid having to wash it so frequently.
They are frequently on sale for buy one get one half off at Babies R Us and Target
I have also found some great products through Citrus Lane, they're a sample box company that sends me everything from baby food and accessories to teethers and toys. The teether we just got last month I haven't seen in stores, she has three teeth now and will not put it down (I had to order two more to make sure I have a back-up and one to put in the diaper bag.)
This link will get you 50% off your first box, great to do when baby gets here
https://www.citruslane.com/invitedby/Natalie.Kok.4162867
