- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Detroit Babies
Question for the Moms
I'm bored at work and am doing a "dry run" on our baby registry - basically checking things out to see if I want/need them or not.
So what are your top must have items for new moms?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Question for the Moms
I loved this for my winter baby (born 3/4).
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4282476
He loved this, he had colic and this soothed him and he slept in it until almost 6 months old
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3090973
We used cloth diapers as bibs, so we got 3 packages and it was enough, but DS also had reflux so he spit up more often.
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2459691
We used this often because he spit up, so we could jsut change this instead of the whole bedding!
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3256036
We also used Playtex drop in bottles once I was done nursing. It was so easy to clean!
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3247623
I could go on and on
I agree about the swing. It was a blessing and he napped in it until he could not fit anymore! Plus because it goes side to side it is better for babies who do have colic. SIL got a Graco swing and her son never went in it because it only went one way and I think they put it away. The other "must-have" for us would have been the highchair. We got the Graco 4-in-1 Blossom high chair and it is great. It has a booster with it which we take with us on vacation for him to sit in.
I had someone at work who recently had a baby edit my list after I was done with it and she told me which things I could do without and which were a waste of money, etc. and I took her advice and am glad I did. I figured you can add all you want to the list because it is so easy to go online and remove the things you do not end up wanting or needing.
Good luck! This was one of my favorite things to do, so I hope you have as much fun as I did
Great catch w/ the high chair. We got the space saver. We didn't have a big kitchen and wanted to use as less space as possible. It's worked out well. We could technically take it with us place if we wanted to, but we haven't.
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3867646
You also defintiely need an exersaucer for when he/she is 4 months old or so. Also an activty mat for the floor so they can play there and look at the toys hanging. We also got a door jumperoo and at around 6 months DS LOVED IT! It was amazing. It was a life saver too! He could play in it for 45 mins sometimes. It was awesome!
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3393725
Ditto on just about everything listed above! We had a similar swing (just different pattern) and loved it. Make sure it plugs-in though. Not all the FP swings do. We spent a small fortune on batteries for all the baby gear, so it was nice not needing them for the swing.
This got the name baby crack machine for good reason! DS still loves watching the light show and gets insanely excited
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3951396
I love this thermometer. It's an ear thermometer, so it's super easy and fast. It's also been extremely accurate. I can take multiple readings and get the same exact reading each time
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2815320
I loved this for his carseat. I got so sick of all his toys falling to the side of the carseat. This stays put, plus there's music and it lights up. DS LOVED it!
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2567102
Bundle Me
Boppy Pillow
Swing or Bouncer (I liked having both)
Activity Mat (I recommend the FP Rainforest one)
Playtex Bottles w/ drop in liners
Sleep Sheep (mini size)
Halo Sleepsacks
A good diaper bag with lots of pockets
Boppy Pillow for sure, or something similar...there are all different kinds of brands.
The advent bottles work good for us.
This :https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3819672
Also we got the carters diaper bags that have multiple sizes included with them, I like them because I can choose the smaller size if it is a quick trip and I dont have to lug the giant bag around.
Also the sleep gowns without zippers or snaps. Lucas still wears them, they are so easy when you have to change them...https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3927562
Desitin.
I'm not sure if youve decided on which diapers/wipes to use, but I'll give you my imput
We use Pampers because Huggies stunk to us. Like stunk like in smell, and they leak big time, and they have a piece of the diaper on the back in theory to keep blow outs up the back from happening but it pulls the tabs in when you take the diaper off, which if it is a poopy diaper the tabs fold right into the poop so you cant ball it up and fasten the tabs to secure it. We do use Huggie wipes though, because you can easily rip them in half, where pampers you cant....babies butts are small you dont need the giant wipe 
(That was longer than I wanted it to be and I know you'll make your own judgement, because there are tons and tons of diapers, but I wanted to share because I bought a butt load of huggies before Lucas was born and couldnt return them I was counting down the days until they were gone 
Not sure what carseat you have but the travel system didnt fit in my car, i got this and love it: https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2327597
Good Luck!
Mommy's little helper
Ooh, I love these kinds of questions!
Boppy + at least one extra cover
Fisher Price Little Lamb Swing- my absolute #1 registry item. Like pp's, my LO slept in that thing all night for the first 4 months of her life. Total lifesaver, esp. if your baby does have reflux.
More burp cloths than you think you will ever need
multiple nail clippers and thermometers- we keep one of each in the diaper bag (and have used them many times!)
lanolin, if you are planning to bf (and take it to the hospital with you!)
Summer SwaddleMe's
Summer Day/Night Video Monitor- I did not think we needed a video monitor- I was so wrong! It is awesome and gives you such peace of mind, esp if you are nervous like I was:)
smaller diaper bag- agree with pp's
Snap & Go (or similar)- agree with pp's- even if you are getting a travel system, it's nice to have a small lightweight option
bottles of some sort- even if you are planning to bf, it's nice to have bottles on hand just in case you need to supplement or things don't go as planned. We use Born Free and like them.
Changing pad covers- at least 2
I also liked and got a lot of use out of a variety of waterproof pads- they come in all different sizes- I would say a couple packs of small, medium, and large
That's all I can think of for now- have fun!
How fun! I use my Aden and Anais swaddle blankets every. single. day. Free shipping on them now at BBB.
I'd also get a good carrier or wrap, like the Ergo or Moby. You will need free hands sometimes.
And I really like A&D Ointment. It really just melts into their skin.
The Fisher Price Rainforest Bouncer. It's one of the top rated in the Baby Bargains book and Gabriel LOVES it. It was my life saver. Also, the Baby Einstein Around the World playmat. We also have the Around the World Exersaucer and Gabriel is just starting to be big enough to go in that and so far he really loves it too.
Gabriel hated his swing, huge waste of $ for us, as was the bassinet. He was too big for it. The pack n play is a must have, at least in our case. He slept in it for the first 6 weeks and naps in it at daycare now. Everyone registers for a bumbo, but I'm not a huge fan of it. Gabriel doesn't like it, he can't move his legs around and kick.
We love the Dr. Brown's bottles. We started off using the Medela bottles, but they were causing way too much gas. I would suggest registering for a variety of different kinds of bottles, in smaller packages, and see what your baby likes.
In terms of bath products we love the Aveeno bath stuff. Their calming bath stuff is amazing.
There was a lot of junk that I received that I never used. Swaddle Me's were one thing. Gabriel hated to be swaddled, so I took them back.
Carter's makes the best crib sheets and changing mattress sheets. They are sooooo soft. They hold up very well too.
I absolutely cannot live without my travel system. I got a Graco system with the Snugride. Super easy to install the base, the stroller is lightweight. I know there are quite a few people that don't like the travel systems because they are bulky, but I love mine.
The boppy is a must have, especially if you are going to nurse. If you are planning on nursing and going back to work and pumping I love my Medela Pump In Style Advance. Totally worth every single penny.
BFP#2: 8/14/11 M/C 8/30/11 6w1d
BFP #3: 10/26/11
Beta #1 @11dpo: 22 Beta #2 @13dpo: 90 Beta #3 @17dpo: 480
Missed m/c 12w3d 12/28/11, d&c 12/30/11
dx Homozygous C677T MTHFR
Don't get the Gerber crib sheets!! They seem very similar to the Carters, but they shrink like crazy to the point they won't fit the mattress. Same goes for their onsies. Many of their stuff seems to run small and then they shrink!
Ditto this. Gerber stay away from. Gabriel is 3 months and is wearing 12month onsies from Gerber. They are awful. Carters all the way!
BFP#2: 8/14/11 M/C 8/30/11 6w1d
BFP #3: 10/26/11
Beta #1 @11dpo: 22 Beta #2 @13dpo: 90 Beta #3 @17dpo: 480
Missed m/c 12w3d 12/28/11, d&c 12/30/11
dx Homozygous C677T MTHFR
I'm late here ... so pretty much what everyone else said. We were lucky with bottles. I didn't have to try many. We used Born Free from the start.
My DD also hated the swing. My DH insisted we buy it b/c all his nieces and nephews loved theirs. I think it depends on the kid. We'll try it with the next one. We let some friends borrow ours, and it's been their lifesaver.
We didn't get a bouncer until my DD was 4 months old. I wish I would have had it from day one. She lived in that thing. I could strap her in and set in on the floor of the bathroom so I could shower.
I thought the pack n play was a waste at the beginning b/c we hardly used it, but we're STILL using it 2 1/2 years later--when we go camping or visit friends/family. We got one with all kinds of bells and whistles, which we never set up. Just a basic one does the job.
I wouldn't go crazy with clothes. Though, I'm sure you'll get a lot for gifts. My DD is petite and grew really slow (she still wears 18 months pants at 2 1/2). Other babies grow quickly. We didn't wear many outfits b/c they were in the wrong season by the time they fit.
Lots of bibs! I had a drooler. She wore bibs during the day.
The only thing I regret getting is the bedding set, because we didn't use the bumper or the comforter. It looks cute, but it would have been smarter to buy everything separate.
Thanks for the post ... I just realized I have to start thinking about all this again.
I have to disagree with the Playtex Bottles w/drop in liners. They are easy to clean but if you are watching the baby's intake (specially if they are a preemie) then the oz are incorrect when you read them due to the plastic liner.
Ok. I know this is ridiculously long, but I just C&P'ed it from an email I sent to my friend the other day.
Activity Stationhttps://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3904494
This particular model is a bit different than the one we have, but I absolutely love this thing. So does Emma. The nice thing about it is that the seat goes around the table, as opposed to putting baby in the middle of the table. We have gotten so much use out of it for that reason. When she was about 5 months old, we could just put her in the seat and she would basically hang because her feet weren?t long enough. She could still play the little piano though, which she loves. As her legs got longer, she could start walking around the table, which was entertaining in and of itself. Now that she?s walking, we?ve taken the seat off the table, and she just walks up to it and plays. Definitely worth the money and lasts a lot longer than some of the other activity tables. Also has a snack tray/cup holder which is helpful.
Breast Pump
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2588014
I ended up pumping exclusively for Emma, so you can only imagine how much pumping I was doing throughout the year! I did a ton of research on breast pumps, and this is the one I settled on. From what I gathered (at least at the time), this is the only single pump that has a motor and isn?t a manual one, and was relatively inexpensive compared to other models. It only has the single pump, but to be honest the double pumps are overrated in my opinion. I was able to use a double pump in the hospital and I still only used one pump at a time. Basically because you need a hand free to help express the milk, at least I did. This particular model doesn?t have a huge carrying case, but the little bag that came with it fit everything and worked just fine for me. My only suggestion is that if you buy this pump, you will probably want to also buy a longer tube, some more bottles, and maybe another breastshield piece. It?s always nice to have extras.
Bouncer
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3160407
Initially we did not purchase/register for a bouncer because we had borrowed a swing and I didn?t think we?d need it. However, when Emma was about 3 months old, we bought this model and it was the best decision. It is so much more portable than a swing, and she fell asleep in it constantly. It was great for getting her to sleep during the day, and when she got a bit older she loved to just play in it and smack the toys around. This one is pretty inexpensive, and definitely did the trick.
Swing
https://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=2002&e=product&pid=38822&ncat=thumbnail&pcat=bgsw_cs
We borrowed this swing from my cousin, and we ended up using it a lot. Emma didn?t care for it too much at first, but by around 6 weeks old she liked it a lot. This one is nice (as are the other cradle swings from Fisher Price) because it goes either front/back or side/side. Emma liked going side to side which a lot of other swings don?t do. The little canopy was adorable and when the lights were off you could really see the little starlight display. The other thing I liked a lot about this particular model is that you can plug it in to a wall outlet. For some reason, Fisher Price only offers certain models that allow the AC Adapter (I believe it?s called), so check to see if your swing has this option or you?ll be going through batteries left and right.
Bibs
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3504448
These bibs (or any similar product) are awesome. Once you start feeding baby solids, they?re super easy to wipe off and are ready to use for the next feeding. The little pocket is great from catching anything that doesn?t quite make it into baby?s mouth. Initially I thought they were overpriced, but now that I see how useful they are I think they?re definitely worth it.
Swaddling Blankets
https://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=115340&
My cousin gave me one of these blankets for a shower gift, and I can honestly say that I think it was one of the most useful gifts I received. They are a bit pricey, but completely worth it in my opinion. If you plan on swaddling baby, then this is hands down the best blanket for it. I had registered for some of the swaddle wraps and things of that nature, but personally I didn?t feel like they worked all that well. They certainly weren?t easy to use, either. Just using a blanket and swaddling her the old fashioned way worked the best. We tried so many of our receiving blankets, but were never able to get a good tight swaddle going because they were too small. These blankets are big enough to do the trick, wash really well, and are the perfect weight?not too heavy, but not too light. We used them year-round for Emma. They come in tons of colors and designs.
Drying Rack
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2747237
Not too much to say about this product. It folds flat when needed if you don?t want it sitting out on the counter and holds a ton of bottles/parts. I found it to be a really useful product.
BundleMe
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266848
Anyone who lives in a cold climate needs to have this product. It is SOOO much easier that having to throw a blanket over the carrier. I was kinda? freaked out at first, thinking ?how do you put the cover up over the baby?s face? Doesn?t it smother the baby?? but I quickly realized I was being silly. The cover doesn?t even touch the baby?s face, and they?re really only covered up from the time it takes you to get indoors. Super warm and snuggly feeling. We ended up buying the Lite version as well for Spring. That product was lighter weight and repelled water so it was nice on rainy days.
Sheet Protector
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3613458
These little sheets tie on the rails of the crib and go width-wise across the crib, basically underneath baby?s head. They?re great if baby drools a lot at night, or spits up occasionally. They saved me from having to strip the whole bed on more than one occasion. The material is super soft as well.
Placemat
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2908461
I bought this product on a whim, and then later felt like a nut. However, it has really come in handy now that Emma is old enough to sit in a highchair at restaurants/ etc. The mat suctions to the table, and just feels a lot ?cleaner? than letting your baby eat food right off the table. There is a little tray that hangs off the table, which stops a lot of food from falling in baby?s lap. I?ve gotten a lot of compliments on this product.
Cart Cover
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3739308
I have used this product more than I can count. They?re great at the grocery store, especially when baby is teething and trying to gnaw on everything in sight?including the handle of the shopping cart. They?re big enough to stretch over even really big carts like those at Costco or Sam?s Club, which is surprising.
We?ve used ours a ton at restaurants too. I?m a bit of a Germ-a-phobe, so being able to just throw this cover down over dirty highchairs/carts makes me feel so much better. They?re super easy to wash too. The particular model that I have was purchased from Walmart, and it was only about $20.
Sound Machine
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14643125
This product was recommended to me and described as a ?Baby Crack? machine. Sounds funny, but it?s kinda? true. The music is super cute and used to put Emma to sleep, especially the heartbeat sound. The little light displays are super cute as well. Be advised if you?re looking for this in the store that it?s actually a lot smaller than you?d think. I thought the little discs were going to be the size of a CD, but they?re really about half that size.
Random list of products that I didn?t use/returned/etc.
Bottle Warmer: Cousin let me borrow hers and I found it more hassle then it was worth. I found it easier to just throw a bottle in a cup of warm water and let it sit for a few minutes.
Wipe Warmer: I had one and returned it because I quickly realized it was a waste of money. The thinking behind these is supposedly ?if the wipe is warm, then baby won?t wake up in the middle of the night when I?m changing him,? but this thought is pretty funny considering the baby is most likely already awake and screaming because they?re dirty to begin with. Just my opinion.
Motion Detecting Monitor: We have the AngelCare Monitor, which I had heard a lot of good things about. The monitor works alright, I suppose, but honestly I wouldn?t recommend it. It?s a bit complicated to use, and I felt like it had so many false alarms (even with the sensitivity adjusted) that it just became annoying. When baby starts to roll around a bit in their sleep, it becomes impossible to use because it constants starts beeping when baby rolls off the sensor pad, and that in itself wakes baby up. My favorite thing about this product was the nightlight, so that?s not saying much. Moral of the story, you?re probably better off with another monitor.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
DD1 born 5/24/10.
Missed M/C at 14 wks Feb 2012.
DD2 born 5/14/13.
Missed M/C at 9 wks July 2015.