10 Baby Registry Must-Haves at buybuy BABY {Giveaway - Ends 3/4}

This may be my second baby, but it really feels like my first in a lot of ways! We started off with practically nothing baby at all at the beginning of this pregnancy, plus A LOT has changed in the baby realm in the six years since I had Buddy. I thought preparing for baby was overwhelming back then, but holy moly have options increased immensely in those six years!

Thank you to buybuy BABY for sponsoring today's discussion and providing me with a gift card, diapers and wipes. All opinions are 100% my own.

My recent visit to the Roseville, California buybuy BABY was a fun one. I chatted about baby products for over two hours with their product experts, Bobbie Jo and Joel. I have a feeling we could have gone out to lunch together and all had a grand time. What a delightful bunch! Employees receive extensive product training from buybuy BABY and brand vendors, and also take into account the personal experiences they hear of from moms, so there's no question that these folks know what they're talking about. I started my baby registry while there (although I don't need too much more at this point!), which I should mention there are plenty of awesome reasons to register at buybuy BABY.  

Now that I'm almost officially a mom for the second time, I've compiled my top 10 must-haves for your baby registry. These can perhaps be viewed as generically obvious must-haves to some, but I wanted to help new moms-to-be get a quick start on their registries. Of course a full registry includes a lot more than this! I have included brand recommendations as well, based on personal experience or that of my mama friends. And remember moms, you should register for everything you think you'll need in the first year.
  

10 Must-Haves for your Baby Registry 

1. Swaddle Blankets
Swaddling your baby is all the rage and for good reason. Most infants enjoy being snugly swaddled in those first few months since it imitates the snug space they occupied in the womb for 9 months! Choosing a thin, breathable material like 100% cotton muslin or flannel, or bamboo is best. Plus, after the swaddling stage, these blankets are perfect for many other uses including tummy time, as a nursing cover or just for snuggle time. Brands I like: Aden + Anais and SwaddleDesigns.

2. Co-Sleeper or Bassinet
Baby needs to be near mom practically 24/7 during those early weeks and months. If bed-sharing isn't your thing, a co-sleeper or bassinet cozied right up to your bedside is a convenient option for soothing baby and those frequent middle of the night feedings. A versatile play yard will also serve the same purpose, but will grow with your child and serve as a great sleeping space at grandma's house too. Brands I like: Arm's Reach and HALO Bassinest.  

3. Sophie the Giraffe
For the newbie parents out there, I'm with you. Sophie wasn't a hot find when I had Buddy, but after his teething days were over, all I've heard since is that Sophie is the best teething toy on the market. She's made in France from 100% natural rubber and her appendages are apparently irresistible for teething babies. She even squeaks! 

4. Nursing Pillow
No matter how your baby is being fed, a nursing pillow is essential to your postpartum recovery (and sanity) as your arms adjust to holding your new baby. A good nursing pillow allows you to bring baby up closer to the breast for nursing, and also keeps baby propped up (with proper supervision) as they get older. Brands I like: Boppy, My Brest Friend, and Bebe au Lait. 

5. Baby Monitor
Depending on the layout of your home, you'll likely want to have a baby monitor for when baby is sleeping in another room. Give yourself piece of mind that your baby is sleeping soundly and not needing you every two seconds. Buddy was born before there were wireless, video or audio options, so I'm thrilled to do a major upgrade this time around! Brands I like: Summer Infant and Motorola. 

6. Fisher Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper
Everyone seems to RAVE about this product - including all my sisters who use theirs with their new babies. Mama, you need a safe place to put baby down on occasion, and the Rock 'n Play is what you want in your everyday living area! It's inclined seat and rocking ability make it a must-have for new moms. It's portable, lightweight and pretty compact for any situation. I have mine ready to go!  

7. A Functional and Lightweight Stroller
When choosing a stroller, buybuy BABY expert, Joel, sees two main features to consider - it's weight and functionality. Can you easily fold up and load the stroller into the trunk of your car? Is the stroller compatible with your selected brand of infant car seat? Does the stroller's seat change positions? Is the basket large and easily accessible? It's also important to think about your lifestyle - will you need a jogging stroller or are you a mall walker like myself? A good stroller is a quality investment that should be carefully researched. Brands I like: UPPAbaby and Britax.

8. Blooming Bath
A registry favorite, this innovative bath option is a large, soft flower that molds to fit any kitchen sink. Babies seem to love how comfortable this bathtime option is. Bonus: it's machine washable!

9. Baby Carrier
Whether it's a wrap, sling or soft-structured carrier, babywearing is so healthy for baby and can be a sanity-saver for mom so she can have both hands. Watch out for crotch dangler styles that aren't good for baby's pelvis, but otherwise you can go wrong with these brands I like: Boba, Ergo, Moby and Baby K'tan.

10. Diapers and Wipes
This should be a no-brainer, but a lot of new parents seem to underestimate the cost and amount of diapers their new baby will use in that first year! Whether you plan on using cloth, disposables or a combination of the two, registering for your diapering needs is definitely warranted. Buybuy BABY brand disposables and wipes are a great value, and cloth brands I like include Bumgenius, Charlie Banana and Grovia.

What else would YOU add to this list?

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