I did a TON of research on baby stuff before setting up my registry and buying things myself. I wanted to get items that would last through more than one kid and would make our lives easier. These are the things I have absolutely loved for the first 4 weeks of Stanfords life! Most of them are not necessary but really have made life easier. There is a lot of stuff on here, and I definitely didn't have to buy most of it thanks to super generous friends and family at my baby showers! Make sure to register for all the things you really want and don't feel bad taking back the million newborn clothes you get at showers to exchange for things you really need or want.
Big ticket items:
Carseat- I got the Nuna Pipa carseat, I absolutely love its light weight, classic colors/design, comfort, extra safety features. As a bonus it has a crash tested drape that you can pull down from the canopy so you dont have to throw a blanket or cover over the seat ever. I was able to find it 40% off so the sticker shock wasn't quite as painful. If I wasn't going back to work and didn't need the ability to use the seat without the base, I would have gotten this version cuz its only 5 pounds!
Stroller- We got the Baby Jogger city mini GT. The biggest selling points for me for this stroller was how light weight it is and the one handed fold. Plus they came out with a nicer version (anniversary edition) of the fabric right as I was researching which totally sold me. I got bunch of accessories for it as well. The parent console, carseat adapters and bassinet attachment. I got the stroller for 15% off but have seen city select sales since then for as much as 30% off.
Bassinet- I got the Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Premier. I knew I wanted to room share for the first 3-6 months and having him up close to the bed was important to me. I couldn't find a way to get it new for a discount so I ended up buying one on KSL that the previous owners hadn't actually ended up using. They threw in a halo sleepsack swaddle and the infant insert for free. So far Ford doesn't love sleeping on his back (like most babies) but the bassinet itself has been great! I don't think you need the premier cuz the light and vibrate are the only things that are remotely useful (and just barely).
Breastfeeding:
I kept all the receipts for breastfeeding stuff in case it didn't work out for us, luckily we figured it out after a couple weeks of struggle.
Pump- You should be able to get one for free from your insurance so look into that, most will let you get it 30-60 days before your due date. Id recommend the Willow (completely hands free) or Spectra (cheaper and more likely covered by insurance). If neither is covered the Medella has good reviews too Ive just heard people like the other 2 better. I have the spectra and love it! Even if you arent going back to work having a pump is really nice if things arent going perfectly with breastfeeding and you need to supplement. It can also help you boost your supply.
Hand pump- If you dont need a serious pump cuz you don't need to or plan on doing any bottle feeding OR if you just want something that can travel easily with you when on the road or when you are gonna be away for more than one feeding/ your baby starts sleeping through the night and just want to relief a hand pump is super helpful! I got this super cheap lansinoh one and it works AMAZING!
A hands free pumping bra- is a must if you are going to pump- holding up the flanges during a pumping session is surprisingly hard and you cant do something else while pumping. I got the Lansinoh hands free pumping bra and have no complaints.
Lanolin - apply after every feeding or pumping session to prevent sore/dry/cracking nipples
Kiinde Twist direct to pouch system- this is super awesome if you are going back to work, you pump right into a storage bag instead of pumping into a bottle and having to transfer into a storage bag. It gets rid of a step and lowers the amount of parts you need to wash.
Ice packs for after pumping/feeding. I got some breast ice packs from Lansinoh but you can get them from anywhere. Helps with soreness from engorgement.
Breast pads- My favorites have been the Lilypadz which not only protect your clothes but actually help discourage leaking to begin with. because the completely stay in place you dont have the rubbing of fabric against your nipples all the time which causes discomfort. I also use the reusable bamboobies.
Kiinde Bottle warmer- Slower than some of the other bottle warmers out there but is perfect for refrigerated or frozen breast milk in a bottle or a storage bag!
Silicone breast pump- milk catcher- This is a nice gadget. I cant believe how much milk it catches on the other side when Im breastfeeding. It helps you not get engorged on the one side if they don't eat from both sides at each feeding and if you don't want to pump it'll allow you to still have some stored milk if its ever needed! Since my first couple weeks Ive liked using my hand pump more when needed!
Baby items:
An easy swaddle- we use halo Velcro swaddle but everyone has their preference- we just did halo cuz we got one for free and they are cheap so we got 2 extras for when he spits up or blows out of them in the night
Baby bum brush- (seems unnecessary but seriously so nice not having to try to scrub bum cream off your hands every time you use it since the cream literally repels water)
Some type of white noise machine + a portable one too- babies sleep SO MUCH BETTER when a white noise machine is used during night sleep and all naps. We use the ocean sound, cuz the actual white noise gives me a headache.
Diapers with a wetness indicator- pampers or Huggies both have it. Make sure to put diapers on your registry!
Target cloud island sleepers- zip bottom to top making night changes so much easier. Ford has lived in sleepers since he came home from the hospital and probably will till he goes up to 0-3 months clothing or longer.
Ubbi diaper pail- can’t smell it at all because its steel instead of plastic so it doesn’t soak up the smell.
Wipeable changing Mat- getting a cloth one is a waste of everyone’s time. Use travel ones or get a silicone one (skip hop)
Owlet- I LOVE this thing, we were able to pay for it with our HSA which made it not feel painful to pay for but its definitely brought me peace of mind.
Puj tub- perfect for newborn baths if it fits in your sink (no having to bend over a tub), also heard good things about the angelcare
Boppy lounger- having multiple things to lay your baby on safely is nice for different rooms
Something that rocks/vibrates or swings. A lot of people love the rock n play, but it isn’t something you want to put your baby in all the time because of the potential for misshapen head (honestly anything in this area has that potential, its the same with leaving your kid in a car seat or swing) I have the rock and play and he loves it. If you are interested in a swing, Id borrow one from a friend to see if your kid likes it before buying one, they seem to be hit or miss.
Wrap or carrier- I got my moby wrap for free and he really likes it, I havent used it a ton since he sleeps so well and often during the day, but when he's been especially fussy putting him in there calms him down and allows him to sleep on me while still allowing me to do other things! We also got a super discounted Ergo baby which I plan on using but we havent yet!
Muslin Swaddle blankets- so great for summer keeping them warm but still breathable, laying baby down on the ground, a nursing cover, and for spit up, etc. I got a million of these at baby showers so definitely didn't need to buy any on my own.
Classes:
Again these aren't necessary but definitely taught me things I did not know and helped me be more confident! I thought they were more than worth what I paid!
Hosptial birthing/infant class for you and your partner.
Lactation link- all day Saturday class- I bought the vip ticket which came with all the online classes + a moby wrap which I love (next in person class is in September) I also did an in home consult with one of their specialists after we came home from the hospital and it was so helpful!
Taking cara babies newborn sleep online class- BELIEVER, after only 2 days of implementing her tips he was doing a 4-5 hour stretch each night and sleeping amazingly throughout the rest of the day. She teaches you as they get older to get up to 10-12 hour stretches by 10ish weeks old.
Places to find deals:
Baby stuff goes on sale ALL THE TIME. There is no point to ever pay full price for something especially when you can get coupons and registry completion discounts.
Blinq- open box items for 20-80% off. I wouldn’t buy from here unless its over 25% off since you can use a buybuybaby 20% coupon on pretty much anything new. Got my ergo baby carrier on here for 80% off and my high chair for 40% off
Facebook pages/ craigslist/ KSL- Got my bassinet on KSL for 30% off and it had never been used + they threw in $60 worth of extras they had purchased for the bassinet.
Buybuybaby- 20% off coupons
Any registry you set up will also have a 10-15% off completion discount.
Free stuff:
Make an amazon registry list- they’ll send you a box of free stuff when you finish the steps- comes with bottles, diaper and lotion samples, and sometimes a swaddle or bandana.
Target- make a registry and get your free sample kit in store
My favorite things from here were the changing pads and little pampers bags they came with which we use as “emergency kits” for both of our cars.
