Baby Registry MUST HAVES

When it comes to registering for a baby, it can be overwhelming. There are so many things people tell you that you "need" or "must have" and then you think half of this crap didn't exist when you were born  (let alone thousands of years) and well we all made it!

 

What you really need is for things to be easy, convenient, and simple.

 

First read-

 

**This book was a game changer!! We had JC sleeping through the night at 6 weeks and crying doesn't last more than a few minutes now.

 

In the book they talk about the 5 S's and some items to register for can help with that- (soothe/suck- pacifier, swinging- a swing, swaddle- blankets, susher- the shusher app/device...the last S is stomach or side positioning so nothing needed to buy there).

 

All the other books scared me to death...avoid books like "What to Expect...."

 

Here is a list of the things I found to be "registry worthy" and things we have used daily since JC was born 2 months ago that made our lives easier- and in no particular order of importance.

 Each pictured is the brand/model we use.

1. Bottles

We went with Dr. Browns. They have a bunch of parts which can make cleaning a pain, but it is for good reason (air flow/ anti colic) and they were the ones that JC latched on to. I like the wide neck plastic. There are different size nipples for various ages that can be purchased to fit in the same bottles which is nice too.

Word of advice- when nesting- don't do this with bottles. I got several sets of different brands and washed and had them all ready to go...well JC only liked these. So for the other sets that were washed and put away with the boxes trashed....total waste. So either just get a few types (not $50 sets) or save your boxes until you realize what works and what can be returned.

2. Bottle Drying Rack, Brush, and Soap

 

This counter top drying rack system from Boon is great! Holds all the bottle parts and the "twig" holds the nipples for drying. The brush gets all the pieces clean and the soap is all natural. You go through a lot of bottles with a newborn and that means you clean a lot of bottles. Make it easy on yourself and get everything shown here!

 

Word of advice- get the largest drying rack...we started with the "patch" and it barely fit all the parts and they were falling off on the counter and had to be carefully placed to make room. Getting the larger one- "the lawn"-holds everything without any extra thought of organizing which when you are tired you do not have the patience for!

3. Bobby Pillow and Cover

Although I did not nurse, this pillow came in handy for feedings as well as propping up JC on the couch, (while we were with him of course) and he often fell asleep in this position. The cover easily zips off for cleaning. 

4. Bassinet

This Simmons bassinet came free with the purchase of my crib. At first I didn't plan to buy a bassinet, but it proved to be very useful. The first 3 weeks, we used the bassinet in our bedroom, then transitioned him to the nursery in his crib. We then moved and since stuff was in storage, we again used the bassinet. I often used it while I showered, since I could easily move the bassinet around (on wheels) and roll it up near the bathroom door. JC loved the mobile and music (plays 3 melodies) and also vibrates. The bottom storage sections is nice for burp cloths and blankets as well.

5. Monitor

Gets daily use and worth every penny and needs no explanation to why, but I will say this model is great (Levana Keera 3.5"). It is a clear display, long battery life, and even takes pictures and records video.

6. Crib/Dresser/Changing Station

This furniture is clearly a necessity. There are a lot of clothes, blankets, towels, and bibs that you will want to store, so having a larger dresser or two is handy. Our one dresser we used as a changing table and the crib converts to a bed- so all the items serve more than one purpose/use.


7. Diaper Bag and Accessories

 

Wow it was not easy to find a simple diaper bag that was free of flowers, horrid prints, and 5 gazillion outer pockets- which screams diaper bag. This bag from Skip Hop is perfect, simple, and durable- hooks to stroller, can be worn over shoulder, and is sleek.

 

 

This wipes case from Skip Hop is great. Easy dispenses wipes and snaps on to the bag so you are not fumbling for a wipe during a blow out!

 

This J Cole pacifier holder is snapped to the outer strap of the diaper bag and fits 2 pacifiers. It sounds silly, but this item is a must and makes getting a pacifier quick without having to dig through a bag especially when driving.

 

Just as we had hooked to our dogs leash, we now have hooked to the diaper bag. These bags are slightly larger and designed for diapers, they come in handy on the go for storing dirty diapers when a trashcan isn't close by (like a change done in the car in a parking lot).

 

8. Pacifiers

We began using the Avent pacifier but gravitated more to the MAM pacifiers, which JC seemed to like more and not fall out as easy since they were smaller and not as wide. Both BPA free and approved for 0-6 months of age. We began day 2 using a pacifier.

9. Wipe Warmer

So many registry lists say that this is not a must have.....well when you are changing a crying baby with a poopy diaper that is squirming around, having wipes pop right up is much better than having to use two hands to try to get them out of those crappy plastic things they come in and then worrying about them drying up! Plus this one from Price Lionheart has a nightlight, so changing at night is easy without having to turn on a bright baby waking light.

10. Bath tub and water pour

I would like to see how someone gives a baby a bath without one of these! This is a must have.

This one is from Fisher Price and is nice because it has a hook to hang from shower curtain rod for storing ad drying.

 

 

This baby water rinser is great for keeping water out of the baby's eyes and the soft rubber is nice to protect baby's head. This cute one is the one we have from Skip Hop.

11. Swing

A swing is a must for newborns. JC naps in his daily. This model from Graco is nice because it swings, vibrates, and disassembles to a portable bouncy seat. Has a bunch of settings and sounds, but we keep it on the highest setting and never use the sounds.

12. Play mat

This mat from Baby Einstein is great for keeping baby entertained and happy! JC gets very excited on his mat and loves the music the turtle makes. The mat is easy to wipe for spit up and is super light and easy to move.

13. Swaddle Blankets

 

WE USE THESE CONSTANTLY!!

 

These super soft breathable swaddle blankets are from Aden + Anais (we have the rock star set shown here). They are the perfect size for swaddling and dub as a blanket, burp cloth, tummy time blanket, you name it these are used all the time and get softer with each wash. Worth the price.

14. Day Dreamer

I had no clue what this contraption was the first month or so, but glad I found out and got one! This recliner is perfect for baby to hangout in and nap- safe, effective, and honestly looks really comfy! Was pricey ($130 HERE ) but if something makes your baby sleep and stay asleep- well then it is worth every penny! The cover zips off for washing and there are straps to keep them in once they are more mobile. For use on the floor (not in a crib) so great for the living room.

 

15. Baby Shusher

 

This is the $35 version, but I downloaded the $5 app on my phone.

The white noise or SHUSHING sound soothes baby, stops crying, and helps them sleep.

 



 





16. Car Seat Canopy

 

 

Got this for free (just shipping). Was an offer I received when registering or buying maternity clothes. Go here. Either way, it's great for keeping out sunlight, germs, and strangers....lol.

 

 



Stuff we didn't use and still don't use:

 

1. Any sort of swaddling sack- he hated, got hot, and upset.

 

 

• Again in nesting, washed and put away many when I should have tried one and returned the others.

 

2. Pack and Play

 

• So hard to set up and take apart- way too frustrating. Takes up a ton of room. Wish we could return it.

 

3. Newborn Clothing

 

• Didn't fit, even as a newborn.

 

4. Mitts

 

• People told me these were needed to prevent baby from scratching his face....I put them on constantly in the first few days, although they kept coming off. When I was at the doctor, he advised me that these mitts limit the baby's ability to use his hands and should never be worn and minor scratches are not life threatening and far better than a child who cannot use his hands. In the last two months he still hasn't scratched his face :)

 

5. Baby Carrier

 

• I've yet to wear baby- and he's perfectly fine in his car seat carrier.

6. Toys, teething stuff, books

 

• This stuff is all great and I'm sure will be used down the road, but the first few months baby is way too young for this stuff. My advice- get the stuff you will use right away and get this stuff later.

Post-Pregnancy Body Shapers

In the news there has been a lot of talk about celbs using waist trainers or cinchers to shape their bodies.

 

 

 

Little did I know, similar type devices have been used by new moms to recover after child birth. Girdles are basically compression garments that work by drawing in stretched muscles to provide a 360° support structure around the torso, thus, reducing strain on ligaments and joints in the lower back, pelvis, and buttocks. By reducing any stress in these areas may enhance your body’s ability to return to its pre-pregnancy alignment, shape and to lose the post baby tummy faster.

 

Designed to support the stomach area, these are a little different than the cinchers which are considered dangerous and pose health risks.

 

Yes the hospital will provide you with a girdle, but I decided to buy two on of the most popular ones on the market, in hopes they will be more effective and more comfortable.

 

Here are the two I purchased...guess in a few weeks I'll be rocking one of these! I'll provide a review of them after trying them out.

 

Belly Bandit

 

First was the less expensive option, sold by major retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.

 

 

 

Belly Bandit Original, $49.95

Sold at various department stores

HERE

 

(found new on Ebay for $27 including shipping)

Bellefit Girdle

 

The way more pricey option and only sold on the Bellefit website, although I found on Ebay and Amazon.  I decided to buy this one, as I think it maybe easier to wear under clothing and without riding up. 

 

Bellefit Girdle

$108 (sale)

Sold at www.bellefit.com

 

(Found new on Ebay for $70 with shipping, also saw on Amazon)

 

Wearable Palm Prints

Nothing says summer more than a fun tropical print, like these retro feeling palm prints.

Here are some different versions in different price points.

DRESSES

H&M, $12.95 HERE

Old Navy, $32 (on sale), HERE

Topshop at Nordstrom, $60, HERE

If a dress is too much print, opt for either a top or bottom paired with a solid color.

 

Sleeveless top, Forever 21, $15.90, HERE
 

Shorts, Old Navy, $22 (on sale) HERE
 

Tote, Society 6, $22, HERE

Cheap or Chic- Striped Dress

I was really surprised to find a dress similar to an expensive dress I saw at Nordstrom recently at Old Navy- which is where I have gotten some great and inexpensive maternity items!

 

Both dresses are white with a gray stripe pattern and both have a narrow neckline and fitted bust and flare bottom.

 

Both are on sale and even with the sales- the designer dress is about $230 MORE than the Old Navy.

 

Although I like the look of the expensive one much better, the Old Navy dress is a close comparison and is perfect for a dress you may only wear one time.

 

Striped Sheath, Old Navy, $26 (on sale from $36.94) HERE

'Magdalena' Stripe Fit & Flare Dress, Elizabeth and James at Nordstrom $254.98 (on sale from $425) HERE

Lilly for Target

I think it was back in January that I first began to see the advertisements for the Lilly Pulitzer collaboration with Target. Yesterday morning, I woke up early (that happens when your prego and go to bed early) and decided to try my luck at Target after looking on the site and seeing all the clothing items out of stock in my size. I arrived at the store about 20 minutes prior to opening and was surprised to see a line was already formed, maybe only about 50 ft. long. Filled with excited women, we gabbed about how stupid we were for getting up to shop and about what we wanted to buy. The line got extremely long very quickly and the store opened their doors right at 8 am.

 

 

To say it was mayhem, is an understatement.

 

Picture Black Friday times 10. Limited supplies and people grabbing whatever they could. Only a few racks with clothes and the employees would wheel out a cart full of an item (like towels or chairs) and people would just go nuts.

 

Not sure how, but I didn't run or push and a few of the items I really wanted! I was going for a few clothing items, where most girls were going for the home goods. People were stalking dressing rooms and as soon as an item was put down, another girl or two snatched it up.

 

Here is what I got:

Nosey Posey Maxi Dress $34

See Ya Later Shift $38

Navy Eyelet cover up, with gold details, $32

Gold Starfish Cuff $20

Overall I got lucky, I got what I wanted in the sizes I wanted.

 I didn't realize it at the time, but I should have bought whatever and then sold it on Ebay- with any items are going for triple to five times the cost!

 

It was unfortunate to see the women with carts full of stuff, knowing it was just going to be resold and the really unhappy shoppers leaving empty handed.

 

 

Cheap or Chic? Molly Sims

 

I love Molly Sims maternity style! Most of her items are not even maternity, but she makes them work! Here she Instagrammed a pic rocking an embellished Ann Taylor Sweater.

Ann Taylor, Snowflake Sweater,
Sold Out, was $149.00

and the cheap version:

Forever 21, Boxy Beaded Sweatshirt, $24.90
HERE

Classic Quilted Bag

Classic flap back $4700-6000 (depending on size)

 

 

For years I've lusted over the iconic black quilted Chanel bag. I'm not sure if it is the chain strap, or the classic leather exterior- but this simple bag is something I'll be left dreaming after since they are over $5k. Chanel sells different styles, sizes and materials, but unfortunately all carry a hefty price tag.

 

I've seen the real deal in person and it's amazingly soft and well made. Chanel also refurbishes old bags (for a charge of course) but can make an expensive purchase into a lifetime product.

 

Here's the real deal and some cheaper alternatives:

 

Chanel, Small 2.55 Flap Bag, $4,999
HERE

 

And the look for less.....

Rebecca Minkoff, Love Crossbody Bag, $295
HERE

Forever 21, Faux Leather Quilted Crossbody, $14.90
HERE

My Maternity Style

I literally am living in leggings!
4 months

I have been a size 0 (yes zero) since high school. By eating healthy and committing to regular exercise, I was able to maintain a regular healthy weight and a body that I liked. When you are a size zero, you can wear anything and everything looks good. Since becoming pregnant, I had to adjust this mindset and quickly came to the realization that not everything looks good....anymore.

 

I hate maternity clothes. They are not stylish...just plain old UGLY.

I love seeing celbs wearing non-maternity style clothing and still looking fashionable.

 

Molly Sims wearing Ann Taylor Snow Flake Sweater, HERE

 

 

As far as maternity clothing, the ONLY thing I have bought that was actual maternity was a pair of Hudson Jeans.

I bought these off eBay for $75.00 (compared to $225 at A Pea in The Pod).

Other then that it's been regular clothing. I decided early on not to spend a lot of money on a maternity wardrobe and to buy things I could wear not pregnant or that I could easily consign. 

 

 Here is a few purchases made thus far: 

When I began to show, my hubs and I were traveling to NC for a wedding. I felt so super self conscious over the way my stomach looked. The night before the wedding, I wore a classic loose button up shirt with black stretch jeans. I opted for a high waist flare dress for the night of the wedding.

H&M, Black V-neck Blouse, $24.95, HERE

Forever 21, Metallic Tweed Dress,  $29.95, HERE

 

 The following week, my bump became more pronounced....which honestly made me feel better, since it looked like a baby bump and not a beer/fast food diet caused belly. This was also the weekend of my hubs work holiday party, that was of course formal attire. I went for a classic black dress, with a folded fabric design in the midsection.

Forever 21, $24.90, HERE

 

Daily I have been wearing leggings....they are comfortable and warm during this cold Maryland winter. Normally I would never wear leggings, but in this case I don't really have a choice.

 

I have been wearing these with more casual shirts on the weekends and paired with longer tops/blouses for work. I picked up a few inexpensive tops from Marshalls and Nordstrom Rack.

 

Forever 21, T-shirt, $10.90, HERE

Forever 21, Sweater, $22.90, HERE

Francesca's, Paisley Tunic, $20.00 (sale), HERE

 And wearing with some older stuff I already had:

Rory Beca (old) Hot Pink Shirt

 

I tried regular maternity pants, but all are way too big (in the legs, butt, and well everywhere). They looked like MC Hammer Pants! I bought a pair of black leggings from Loft and a few others in black and dark grey from Nordstrom Rack. I also got a loose pair of navy blue from Boston Proper. Hoping these get me by until warmer weather.

 

Other then that, I picked up a few more Under Armour Cami Style Bras. I like these to wear under certain shirts (like loose tanks) or to sleep in.

 

 

Under Armour Seemless Bra, $29.90, similar HERE

This coming weekend, I'm heading to Texas on a girls trip. Excited for some warmer weather, I picked up a few dresses and skirts I can wear there and also once spring arrives.

 

Target, Mossimo, $19.99, HERE

 

These LA Hearts Skirts, I picked up from Pac Sun (online) for $13.00 each

 

Forever 21, Tribal Print Dress, $24.80, HERE

Forever 21, Marbled Dress, $22.90, HERE

As the bump begins to grow, I may have to break down and purchase actual maternity clothing, but for now at 4 months, I'm holding strong :)