Welcoming a new baby comes with a lot of decisions, but building your registry doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 10 practical, parent-approved items that make everyday life easier (and make fantastic gifts, too!).
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1. Baby food processor
Many parents today are foregoing the pre-packaged baby food and making their own at home. If you’re like me, you'll probably offer a little of both! Having an appliance to steam and blend your baby's food separately is a game-changer. Plus, some of them even come with sterilizer features and more. Check out our top food processor for baby-led weaning.
2. Sterilizer bag
This is one of those things you don’t think much about until you need it. Can you buy a fancy automatic sterilizer machine? Sure. Do you need it? Probably not. Most of the time, you only need to sterilize bottles, pump parts, pacifiers, etc. before their first use. So for $20 and 3 minutes in the microwave, this sterilizer is totally worth it.
3. Humidifier
A humidifier is nice to have on hand, especially during dry weather or when your baby has a stuffy nose. There's also some research that suggests humidifiers help prevent illnesses in young children. Add in a nightlight and you're good to go.
4. Haakaa
This is my most recommended baby item for new moms. Whether you want to catch let-down while nursing, want to start up a freezer stash, or just need to quickly relieve some pressure, this is your best friend. Just trust me, I bought a second one when my daughter was 2 weeks old because it's just that good.
5. Bath thermometer
Bath time with a baby can feel scary and anything that helps take out some of the guesswork is worth it. Having a bath thermometer (that's also super cute) can help ensure your baby's water is a safe and comfortable temperature.
6. Baby announcement sign
Not a necessity, but a sweet little extra! It’s perfect for those first hospital photos and a keepsake you'll enjoy looking back at later.
7. Portable highchair seat
I can't tell you how much use we've gotten out of our travel booster seat. It's great for visiting family and trips, but it's also a staple in our home now! After your little one is totally weaned, they're in their highchair 5 times a day. That means cleaning out that seat....5 times a day. Having a bonus seat for snack time can make things simpler. Plus, the tray fits in the dishwasher and the whole seat can go right on your kitchen floor!
8. New robe for mom
It’s easy to focus everything on the baby, but taking care of yourself matters too! A soft robe is nice for those early days at home and is perfect for breastfeeding. Plus, I find that a lot of moms like to wear a robe in the hospital. My suggestion? Take your current robe to the hospital and then have a new one washed and ready to go, waiting for you at home.
9. Straw cups
Straw cups are the new sippy cups. And these ones are awesome beginner cups because you can squeeze while they sip! Even if you go the traditional sippy cup route, teaching your baby how to drink from a straw will help you when the inevitable day comes and you forgot the sippy at home. These will last you from 6 months until whenever your big kid is ready for a regular cup.
10. Daycare supplies
If daycare is part of your plan, don't forget these essentials! Your specific school may have a preference on label style, so I've linked both reusable and disposable labels below. You'll also want a cooler bag to transport bottles to and from daycare.
Bonus Item - A baby name consultation!
Whether you have it narrowed down to a few names or have no idea where to start, working with a professional baby name consultant can help make the naming process easier and more enjoyable. Check out our packages, fit for any stage in the process and any budget.