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My Baby Registry Must-Haves

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Blogger Eva Amurri at her Baby Sprinkle
Photograph by Julia Dags

 

As I lie here, inhaling the smell of newborn baby, I realized that this list of Baby Registry Must-Haves is way overdue for an update!

I remember when I was pregnant with Marlowe, I felt so overwhelmed when creating my registry. I was the first of most of my friends to be pregnant, and I had no idea what I really needed and what the unnecessary extras were. And then I didn’t know how to pick between brands and models…I was kind of hopeless. And then, of course, once I had my own kids and experienced the trenches of motherhood, I developed some opinions of my own.

Now, as a mama three times over, I thought I would share my updated must-haves for a really solid baby registry, as well as our brand new HEA Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist printable…since I’m obviously an expert now LOL!

The Happily Eva After Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist

 

Below are some of the products that I absolutely swear by, and have really helped me along on my motherhood journey. Since new products get added to the market every year, I’ve updated this list to include some new products that I have been loving.

 

 

The Clek Liing Infant Car Seat

Clek

I’m a new Clek-Convert. I did a lot of research on infant car seats since it’s been three years since I last needed one for Major. Honestly, I had never even heard of Clek until I started noticing it coming up on a number of reputable blogs top infant car seat lists. I decided to give a try and I have to say that the Clek Liing is easily my favorite infant car seat that I’ve purchased! It’s one of the safest on the market, it’s easy to install, and the fabric is soft and free from chemical flame-retardants.

The Nuna RAVA Convertible Car Seat

Nuna

The Nuna Rava is high on most convertible car seats lists. It’s one of the safest car seats on the market, with an all-steel frame, and it features flame-retardant-free fabric. It’s a great investment that you’ll get plenty of use out of since your kids will be riding in those car seats practically until college LOL!

The Thule Sleek Stroller

Thule

I adore this Thule Sleek Stroller system because nearly every single component is customizable and adjustable. The seat can be made to parent-face or face forward, and it has three recline positions. My favorite feature? You can convert it into a two-child stroller with a simple adapter (sold separately).

The Thule Sleek Stroller Bassinet Accessory

Thule

Another must-have is the bassinet accessory for your stroller system! Babies can’t ride in the rumble seat until six months old (at the earliest) so the bassinet is essential!

The UPPAbaby Minu Lightweight Stroller

UPPAbaby

You’ll definitely want a lightweight stroller for traveling, and this one I cannot recommend enough! It can not only fit in the overhead compartment on an airplane, but it can also be open with one hand! Trust me, this feature is going to come in handy when you’re holding a baby in the other!

The Babyletto Kiwi Ivory Power Recliner Glider

Crate & Kids

I’m obsessed with this glider! You might have seen it on the Facebook Live I did back in January where I gave a tour of Mateo’s nursery. It has a USB port on the inside of the armrest so you can charge your phone while you’re nursing. ESSENTIAL!

The Pottery Barn Ellis Convertible Crib

Pottery Barn Kids

This is Mateo’s crib! I love the simplistic, gender-neutral design. Oh and PS: It’s currently ON SALE!

The Diaper Genie

Playtex

I know there have been some newer diaper pail options on the market, but this one has worked since I had Marlowe, so I figured why fix what isn’t broken? It gets the job done!

Dr. Brown's Original Bottles

Dr. Brown's

I found these bottles when Major was a baby, and I absolutely love them! Both of my kids had issues with gas and reflux, and Major’s got so much better when I started using them!

The Chair from Lalo

Lalo

Call me a sucker for aesthetics, but I love the look of this high chair. It vibes with my kitchen and dining room well enough that it’s not an eyesore, and the price-point is SO much better than some other high chairs on the market. Plus, it turns into an adorable little chair after your baby transitions to a booster chair! It also comes with a 5-point harness, cushion, tray, and footrest.

The BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light

BABYBJÖRN

This BABYBJÖRN travel crib has always been my hands-down favorite when it comes to portable playards! We have used the same one since I registered for it when I was pregnant with Marlowe, and it has stayed perfect through endless travel! It packs up really small and sets up super easily.  

The BABYBJÖRN Bouncer Balance Soft

BABYBJÖRN

I love this BABYBJÖRN bouncer, and I love giving it as a baby gift to my expectant mama friends. Not only is it super functional, and both my kids LOVED it – but it folds up flat. I used to pack this in my suitcase and bring it with us when we would travel with the kids as infants! I also like that this bouncer is attractive to look at and can blend into any room, and this new update is made from the softest jersey fabric.

The Dockatot Deluxe+

DockATot

A Dockatot is every new parent’s dream product. Where will you put the baby when you have to go to the bathroom? Answer: The Dockatot, of course! They may seem pricey but most say they are worth every penny.

The BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Mini

BABYBJÖRN

Ok, so this is my favorite carrier for a newborn. I have other ones I like for once they get a bit bigger, but I found this carrier to be the simplest one to figure out.  And thus the best for new parents! It also has a really sleek profile so it’s easy to fit over clothes and under a jacket.

The Solly Baby Wrap

Solly Baby

Solly Baby makes my absolute favorite baby wraps. They are soft as butter, and Mateo loves being worn this way. Don’t be intimidated by learning to tie it. I promise once you do it a few times it will become second-nature.

The Motif Luna Double Electric Breast Pump

Motif Medical

Full disclosure: I discovered this breast pump through an upcoming partnership, and then I literally fell in love with it. It’s a double breast pump, so I can pump both breasts at the same time, and I get so much milk in what feels like half the time.

The Haakaa Manual Breast Pump

Haakaa

The Haakaa is a serious must-have for nursing mamas. I didn’t know about it until my third go-around, but it basically if you’re breastfeeding baby on one side, you can put this on the other so it can catch leaking milk. I once got an entire ounce in what would have ended up in my shirt! Now you don’t have to cry over over spilled milk!

My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow

My Brest Friend

I know I’ve mentioned this in other posts, but I mean it when I say that this is BY FAR the best nursing pillow. Unlike its competitors, it has a waist clasp so that it stays securely around your waist, and I love that I can keep burp cloths in the pouches for when Mateo inevitably needs some cleanup.

The Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin' Tunes Music Activity Gym Play Mat

Baby Einstein

Play mat’s are a must-have for once baby is alert and kicking around. They will become very important as they age because they will be one of the first places babies will practice getting control of their limbs, and eventually rolling over. I like this one from Baby Einstein because it will grow with Mateo from back lying, to tummy time, to sitting, and eventually taking with him on-the-go.

The Lovevery Play Kits

Lovevery

You’ve probably heard of Lovevery and wondered if their popular play kits are worth the cost. Well, ladies and gents, I’m here to say an unequivocal YES! My Director of Operations, Eden, turned me onto them after she polled her mama friends about what to buy her son for his 1st birthday. Each play kit comes with age-appropriate developmental toys and books, and includes a helpful (teething-proof) spiral ring guide that explains how to help teach your child to play with each item, along with what development that item is helping your child to learn. It even includes some helpful games you can play with your child using common household items if you want even more ideas. You can purchase individual play kits or a play kit subscription that will arrive every 3 months as your child grows.

The Skip Hop Moby Three-Stage Baby And Toddler Bath Tub

Skip Hop

This is the cutest tub and it has the best matching accessories to save mom and dad’s knees and elbows while they’re bathing the baby. It has a full mesh sling for the newborn stage, a partial mesh sling for infants, and a space to sit directly in the tub when the baby begins to sit up unassisted. It also comes with a convenient swivel hook to hang the tub up to dry afterward!

The Skip Hop Moby Baby Bath Set with Spout Cover, Bath Kneeler, Elbow Pad, + Waterfall Rinser

Skip Hop

Remember those clutch accessories I was talking about? The kneeler and elbow pad are lifesavers and the waterfall rinser is great for rinsing out shampoo because it’s shaped perfectly for little foreheads. And last but not least, the whale spout cover will keep your babies entertained.

Royal Angels Electric Baby Nail Trimmer

Royal Angels

If you’re a first-time mama, I’m going to assume you’re unaware that a newborn’s nails are A.) sharp AF, and B.) virtually impossible to differentiate from their actual fingers, so if you’re not careful, you can accidentally cut their fingertips while trimming them with nail clippers. That where this handy nail file comes in! This thing is a godsend and it’s under $20!

The Hatch Rest Baby Night Light

Hatch Baby

White noise machines are essential for sleep training. I love the Hatch because it comes with an app for your phone that you can use to adjust all the settings from any room. It doubles as a dimmable night light with infinite color options, 12 different sounds, and even a scheduling program so you can set bedtime, naptime, and even wake times with the touch of a button.

 

 

Well, there ya go! I focused on the must-haves, but feel free to ask any questions below if you have specific products you’re curious about!

 

Blogger Eva Amurri discusses how she's preparing for baby #3
Photograph by Julia Dags

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13 Comments

  1. Katie says:

    The snot sucker is a must; I always include this in my my shower gifts for new moms!! When you need it it’s a total life saver!

    03.04.19 Reply
    • Couldn’t agree more, it saved us on numerous occasions!

      03.04.19 Reply
  2. Trixie says:

    Lil baby Bubba! So cute! I love that you added the detail about what was a great gift! Thanks! PS – Will your white toy bins be in the new house? <3

    03.04.19 Reply
    • The toy bins were actually custom built ins! We have a different system in the new playroom…

      03.04.19 Reply
      • TRIXIE says:

        Should have known that! Can’t wait to see it! ❤

        03.04.19 Reply
  3. Julie says:

    This is so helpful! Do you have any tips on travel car seats now that they are older? We are taking a trip with a 17 month old, and looking for a safe, yet lightweight car seat for the trip!

    03.04.19 Reply
  4. Emily says:

    Thoughts on playmats that blend in well with a room? I registered for the little nomad one but am now reading reviews that says it peels :/

    03.05.19 Reply
  5. Thanks so much for the wonderful list., Great article.i have been looking for some best baby products for my sister’s baby registry list., these are really a great list with detailed information.. thank you for sharing..Really looking forward to read more. 

    rachel

    06.25.19 Reply
  6. Emeli Gonzalez says:

    Hello! I am new to the community. I love the blog Eva, hugs from Margarita Island, Venezuela!! I am 24 years old and my husband and I will start trying to conceive very soon, the thing is that I like to always be prepared and I would love if all of you mamas out there could give me maybe a list of the “real” must haves for a baby because I see a lot of videos and articles out there and it’s really overwhelming. I’ll buy everything from amazon because I’m not from US. Thx! xox

    09.11.19 Reply
  7. Asi says:

    This is actually a great, reasonable list. As a 2-time mum I agree with everything you included (and the number of newborn diapers! I wish someone had told me that when I was pregnant with my first)

    05.01.20 Reply
  8. Elena says:

    What are your thoughts on the Play with Pieces reversible play mats. Good gift?

    05.18.21 Reply
    • My favorite play mats are the House Of Noa mats!

      05.19.21 Reply