When you have a baby, you want to be prepared. Friends and family want to give you things, and you can end up registering for a lot. So, now that we’re five months in, I thought it might be useful to share the baby stuff we actually use. This is a brain dump, so feel free to ask for more information on any particular thing.
Gear
Vava Baby Monitor: The picture on this monitor is very clear, and it adjusts to changes in light. We like that it has a sound meter, and that you can adjust the camera angle remotely. It’s a little difficult to position the camera with a view from above, but we will probably order something like this when we move him to his own room soon.
Uppababy Vista Stroller: This stroller is pricey, and we were actually thinking about getting a Mockingbird if it hadn’t been backordered. That said, the amount that you use a stroller, it really is an investment piece. The Vista is smooth and nimble, and it’s very easy to switch out the seat for the car seat. We liked that we had the bassinet option when Seth was little, and we very much appreciate the large basket.
Babybjorn Bouncer: This is a great thing to put the baby in when your arms are tired! Once they have a little leg strength, they can bounce themselves. If you live in a smaller space and don’t have room for a swing, this has a smaller footprint and folds up for easy storage.
Ergobaby Carrier: Seth goes to daycare across the street from our building, so it’s not usually worth bringing him in the stroller. This carrier makes it fairly easy to schlep him back and forth, and it’s adjustable to grow with him. I will say that getting him in there is a little challenging on your own.
The First Years Tub: We use this tub in our sink to give Seth his baths. It has a sling for when the baby is very little, and then can be used through toddlerhood. It’s lightweight and drains easily.
Toys
Manhattan Toy Whoozit: We hung this toy above the changing table (my mom’s idea!) and Seth is always so excited to see it. I think he likes the bright colors and the dangly pieces.
Crinkly Fox: This isn’t the official name, but it’s what we call ours. Seth lights up when he sees this guy. It has a crinkly stomach and a big ring to grab onto. The feet are teethers when they’re ready for that.
Take Along Tunes: We were given this at least three separate times, and I can see why. It lights up with colorful sequences, and plays a variety of different melodies designed to promote cognitive development. Warning: the songs will get stuck in your head.
Feeding and Changing
Dr. Brown’s Bottles: Every baby has a bottle preference, but Dr. Brown’s have worked for Seth. We “upgraded” from the smaller ones to the bigger ones when he started drinking more. I like that they have filters to slow the flow, and you can change out the nipples if it’s taking him too long to finish a feeding.
Baby Brezza Formula Mixer: Our friends gave us their used older model, and although it can be finicky, it saves so much time. If you’re exclusively formula feeding, I think it’s worth the investment. Instead of mixing each bottle by hand, you pre-load the Brezza with formula and distilled water.
OXO Bottle Drying Rack: A great space-saver for small kitchens, with different compartments for bottle parts. Also appreciate the removable drip tray on the bottom.
Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad: We registered for this and a more mattress-like changing pad, and ended up returning the second one. The great thing about the Peanut is that you can easily wipe it clean. It’s contoured, and cushy too, which makes changing a more pleasant (and safer) experience for baby.
OXO Wipe Dispenser: This is a must-have for messy diaper changes! The weighted plate makes it easy to grab a wipe with one hand, and the lid is well-sealed to keep wipes moist.
I’m sure there are things I’m forgetting, but these are some of our MVPs. Do you want more baby content? Let me know in the comments!
