Newborn and Baby Items
Save your sanity during the first-year (especially the newborn phase), and make sure you have these items for your newborn baby added to your registry. I have personally tested each item, and have done the research. I was in graduate school when I had my daughter, and I needed baby gear that would actually work and perform – I needed baby gear that would make my life easier, and my baby happier. This list also makes a great list for baby gift idea inspiration.
The Rock n’ Play Cradle
“The Magic Cradle”
Baby Bjorn Infant Carrier
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BabyBJORN |
The BABYBJORN Baby Carrier Air is great for carrying baby around the house, or through airports. If you are looking for a sling wrap, then the The Moby Wrap (Moby Wrap Baby Carrier) is great.
The Podster (BEST ITEM EVER)
Link: Leachco Newborn Podster
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Leachco Newborn Podster |
I am obsessed with the Podster (Leachco Newborn Podster). It was the greatest item to ever happen to me as a new mom. Boppy makes a very similar item (called the Boppy Newborn Lounger
) that we have tried, but it doesn’t have the same curvature and amazingness (washable cover) that the Leachco brand offers.
Fisher-Price
The Fisher-Price Kick and Play Piano Gym is our favorite because not only does it provide a mirror (babies love mirrors), but the kick-able piano feature provides for a ton of entertainment for baby by playing music and lighting up – babies love it. Another great feature about this baby gym is that you can level up the piano as baby grows and starts sitting. The only downfall to this baby gym is that it is hard for the baby to roll over all the way without getting caught in the arch. You can see my little one playing with this baby gym at my post: Favorite Baby Gym Photo Time. She loves this thing! This baby gym also made my post Top 25 Baby Toys and Top 25 Must-Have Newborn and Baby Items.
Take Along Deluxe Swing and Seat, by Fisher-Price
Link: Fisher-Price Deluxe Take Along Deluxe Swing
I love the Take Along Swing and Seat, by Fisher-Price
. It vibrates, and it will fit in your trunk for when baby goes to grandma’s. The other gigantic swings are adorable, but they are almost impossible to transport, and they take up a huge footprint in your living room.
Snugabunny Bouncer by Fisher-Price
Link: Fisher-Price My Little Snugabunny Bouncer
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Snugabunny Bouncer |
Baby Einstein Musical Jumper |
Skip-Hop Diaper Bag
Link: Skip Hop City Diaper Bag Tote
Skip-Hop Studio Diaper Bag Skip Hop Studio Diaper Tote Bag. This thing is practical and has a ton of room – and it’s not ridiculously expensive.
“Daddy” Diaper Bag
Link: Fisher-Price Fastfinder Deluxe Fashion Diaper Tote, Brown Nylon
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Daddy Diaper Bag |
Fisher-Price Daddy Diaper Bag Fisher-Price Fastfinder Deluxe Fashion Diaper Tote, Brown Nylon. It was brought to my attention that “daddy” did not want a flowered diaper bag, nor a diaper bag that looks like a purse.
Jolly Jumper Car Seat Cover
Link: Jolly Jumper Carseat Cover
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Jolly Jumper Car Seat Cover |
Travel Changing Pad
Link: Skip Hop Pronto Diaper Changer Kit
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Travel Changing Pad, by SkipHop |
Disposable Diaper Bags
Link: Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser
You can’t go wrong with the Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser or with the Playtex Diaper Genie On-The-Go Dispenser Playtex Diaper Genie On The Go Dispenser for your baby’s stinky diapers.
Wipes
My personal favorite for my newborn was the Target Brand that are unscented (the Target brand stays nice and moist and is sensitive enough for a newborn’s sensitive skin)
Diaper Pail
Link: Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Pail System
Don’t Forget: Diaper Pail Liner Refill Bags Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Pail Refill Bags
Diaper Caddy
Diaper Caddy |
I like using cute baskets with colored liners. If you insist on buying neon-colored storage bins, check out Target’s “dollar aisle” – they have neon colored bins that are great (for $3 each).
Changing Pad and Covers Change Pad Cover
MyKazoe Diaper Changing Pads
Link: MyKazoe Diaper Changing Pads
Sleeping Made Easier
Sooth N Glow Seahorse, by Fisher-Price
Link: Fisher-Price Soothe and Glow Seahorse Baby Soother
Magic Seahorse |
The Fisher-Price Soothe and Glow Seahorse Baby Soother has calmed my fussy baby down so many times that I lost track. Even I start to become calm and sleepy when this thing plays it’s enchanting music and glows so subtly in the dark. Love this thing.
White Noise Machine
Link: Timex Color Changing Alarm Clock with Soothing Sounds
Swaddle Wraps and Sleep Sacks
Links: Summer Infant SwaddleMe and HALO Sleepsack
Swaddle Blankets by Summer Infant SwaddleMe and Sleep Sacks by HALO Sleepsack
are both must-have items. When you are done swaddling you baby (which happens when your baby can roll over on her own), then you move to the Halo Sleep Sacks.
Aden and Anais Muslin Wraps (Blankets)
Link: aden + anais Muslin Wraps
The aden + anais Muslin Wraps are great blankets for the summer (great stroller blankets). They are rather pricey compared to other swaddle blankets, but they are big and stretchy, which comes in handy as your baby grows.
Baby Video Monitor, by Summer
Baby Video Monitor, by Summer |
Summer Infant Baby Touch Video Monitor Summer Infant Baby Touch Digital Color Video Monitor. Get one with a “mute” button! The Motorola brand may be less expensive, but there isn’t a “mute” button for when you don’t need to hear your baby, but would like to be able to see them.
Link: Go Mama Go designs Wonder Bumpers
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Safer Bumpers |
Go Mama Go designs Wonder Bumpers – (Go Mama Go designs Wonder Bumpers) make a great compromise for those who do not feel comfortable using the traditional bumpers.
Night Light
Link: Little Boutique Night Light – Frog
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Night Light |
Nosefrida
Link: Nosefrida Baby Nasal Aspirator
I absolutely love this thing (see my post How the Nosefrida Changed by Boogie Little Life for more information and a video about how great this thing is for babies).
Crane Cool Mist Humidifier
Link: Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier (more colors available)
The Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier tank fits in most sinks, and it’s easy to use and clean (filter-less). See Best Humidifiers for Baby (Easy-to-Use) for more information on baby humidifiers.
Boogie Wipes
Link: Boogie Wipes Saline Nose Wipes
Little Tummys Gas Relief Drops
Link: Little Tummys Gas Relief Drops
Nipple Medication Dispenser
Link: Munchkin The Medicator – Nipple Medication Dispenser
Vick’s Baby Rub
Link: Vick’s Baby Rub
Vitamin D Drops
Link: Enfamil D-vi-sol, Vitamin D
If you’re breast feeding in the wintertime or if you don’t get access to a lot of sunlight (sunlight provides Vitamin D), then ask your doctor if you need to give your baby a vitamin D supplement.
Link(s): Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment or Vaseline
Aveeno Baby Lotion
Link: Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream, 5 Ounce
Baby Nail Clippers
Link: Sleepy Baby Nail Clipper
I must warn you – clipping your child’s nails is terrifying.
Baby Tooth Brush and Toothpaste
Link: NUK Infant Tooth and Gum Cleanser
This isn’t really relevant until your baby has teeth, but I like the NUK Infant Tooth and Gum Cleanser simply because my baby likes the taste and is willing to brush her teeth with this toothpaste. We tried other brands and didn’t have great luck.
Baby Bath Tub – The First Year’s Infant To Toddler Tub with Sling
Link: The First Year’s Infant To Toddler Tub with Sling
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First Year’s Bath Tub |
The First Year’s Infant To Toddler Tub with Sling is fantastic because it fits newborns safely with the sling. You can take the sling out of the The First Year’s Infant To Toddler Tub with Sling
for when your baby gets older.
Baby Puppet Wash Clothes with Faces
Baby Towels with Hoods
Bathtub Faucet Cover
Link: Skip Hop Bath Whale Spout Cover
Baby Bath Soap and Shampoo
Link: Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Bath, Lavender and Vanilla or
Pour and Float Froggy Bath Toy, by VTech
Link: VTech Pour and Float Froggy Electronic Bath Toy)
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Pour and Float Froggy Bath Toy |
Babies love light up bath toys and this Froggy Bath Toy (VTech Pour and Float Froggy Electronic Bath Toy
) is the greatest bath toy every invented (for when baby can sit in an actual grown-up tub for bath time). It’s super fun! It squirts up water and sings!
Side Snap Onesies
Link: Kimono Bodysuit Side-Snap Onesie
Sleep and Plays with Zippers

Get Sleepers that have zippers! Buttons are a pain in the butt to deal with in the middle of the night (in the dark and when you’re tired) Circo Sleep and Play with Zippers from Target or Carter’s Sleep and Play With Zippers
Oball
Link: Oball
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The Oball |
Activity Table. by Fisher-Price
Link: Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Fun with Friends Musical Table
Dino Walker
Link: Fisher-Price Go Baby Go! Stride-to-Ride Dino
Secure-a-Toy
Link: Baby Buddy Secure-A-Toy
Toy Links
Link: Sassy Ring O’ Links Rattle Developmental
Laugh and Learn Click and Grow Remote
Link: Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Click ‘n Learn Remote
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes
Link: Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes
Toy Winkel by Manhattan
Link: Manhattan Toy Winkel
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Toy Winkel |
Crazy Lady Bug Toy
Link: VTech – Crazy Legs Learning Bugs
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Crazy Ladybug by VTech |
Grab and Stack Learning Blocks
Link: Bright Starts Grab and Stack Blocks
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Soft Building Blocks |
Baby Einstein Panda
Link: Baby Einstein Press and Play Pal Toy, Panda
Lamaze Rainbow Stacking Rings Developmental Toy
Link: Lamaze Rainbow Stacking Rings Developmental Toy
Teddy Hammock Stuffed Animal Storage Net
Link: Teddy Hammock JUMBO Toy Storage Net
Activity Center
Link: Alex My Busy Town Activity Center or Maxim EverEarth Garden Activity Cube
Activity Center |
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