Week 28 ~ Register
Around now it is a good idea to set up a baby registry. This way you will be fully set in time for a surprise baby shower. If you are not having a shower then you have some extra time to get one together.
One of the most fun aspects of later pregnancy is registering for baby gifts. Everyone’s registry is unique but after discussing the subject with many people I realized that there is a small list of key items no registry should be without. Any new mother will tell you the following are absolute must-haves. The rest of your registry is total personal preference but in my opinion, the following items are completely essential. Keep in mind that there are many items that you will register for that your child will not use immediately. It is a good idea to register for them anyway to save yourself the later expense.
Baby Monitor – even if your new baby sleeps in your room in the beginning, a monitor is perfect for naptime and when they get a little bit older. An audio monitor is all you really need but audio and video is also available. I have an audio/video monitor which I love. These are a lot more money but are very handy if you just want to do quick check-ins on your baby without having to enter the room. It’s also great when your baby gets a bit older to check up on them if they are playing in a different room than the one you are in. I have the Summer Handheld Color Video Monitor and love it. I also have the Ultra Clear Monitor by Graco which is audio only but perfect to take with you to the Grandparents, friend’s houses or for smaller living spaces.
Baby Swing – The baby swing will be your best friend during the first year. Your child will sleep for hours and allow you to get stuff done. This was the only thing that would make my baby stop crying in the first few months. We have the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium Cradle Swing which is great because you can make it go side to side or front to back. If you do not have the space for the full size swing, the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Take-Along Swing is also great (it only goes front to back). We registered for both and gave one to the Grandparents to keep at their house for when we visit.
High chair/Me Too Seat – The highchair will not get used in the first few months but once you start feeding your baby with a spoon you will be very upset (and a mess) if you try to feed your child on your lap. A high chair that reclines is ideal. We also received the Me Too Portable Seat as a gift. This is a seat that attaches to most tables (with few exceptions including glass and pedestal tables). We take our seat everywhere we go and don’t need to use a dirty restaurant highchair. It is totally portable, folding up completely flat and only weighs 2 lbs. This is also perfect for when you travel or visit friends/family who do not have a highchair for you to use.
ExerSaucer – I had my kids in the ExerSaucer as early as 3.5 months. It was the first time they could play upright without us having to worry about them getting hurt or falling. It’s also great for when they start crawling. You can put them in it while you are doing something else and know they will be confined to one spot with activities to do.
Bouncy Seat – most new mothers will consider this a lifesaver. You can have your newborn sleep in it and most seats play music and have a gentle vibration to sooth your baby to sleep. We have the Sensory Selections Bouncer by Fisher Price. It is great because it has an overhead mobile that spins automatically with a mirror, it bounces, it vibrates, it plays music and it has attachment for your baby to grab on to.
Infant Car Seat – no hospital will let you walk out its door with your new baby unless you have a car seat to put it in. I highly recommend the infant car seat (commonly called a “bucket seat”). This is perfect for a new baby because you can take them in and out of the car in their seat without waking them up. It comes with a base for your car that the seat snaps securely into.
Universal Stroller/Snap N Go/Graco Snug Ride Stroller – if you buy an infant car seat you will need a stroller base to put it on. There are several companies that make just a metal frame with wheels that you attach the seat to. Other companies make entire stroller systems. With the system, you buy a full stroller and the coordinating infant seat, and rest the infant seat in the stroller. Once your baby is out of the infant seat you can use the stroller alone. One popular company that does a stroller system is Peg Perego. Their infant seat fits into most of their stroller models. I did not use a stroller system so I can not say if it is recommended or not.
Pack N Play – The Pack N Play comes in many styles, shapes, sizes and prices. It does not really matter which one you choose, but you will want to have one. They are perfect as a travel crib and many people use them as a secondary changing table and/or crib for the house or apartment. We keep ours in our living room with extra diapers/wipes/burp cloths so that we do not need to go upstairs to change our kids each time. It’s also a great way to keep your older baby entertained once they are sitting up. You can put them in it with a bunch of toys and know that they will not be able to get into anything else.
Stroller – if you do not opt for a stroller system, you will need a separate stroller for when your baby grows out of their infant car seat. There are so many makes and models. Make a list of what you would like in a stroller so that you have an easier time shopping for one. Some key features to consider are: reclineability, collapsibility, weight, dimensions, your car type, your environment (city, suburbs, rural areas), comfort, handle type/height, basket size etc.
Baby Bathtub/Bath Sling – before your baby can sit up, bath time would be very difficult without one of these. You can but the baby bathtub in your sink, in your own tub, outside, or on any hard surface to give your baby a bath. I opted for a bath sling instead of the full baby tub because I did not want to have to store it anywhere. If you just have a bath sling you can put it right in your bathtub or sink and lie you baby on top of it.
Bundle Me – Every baby goes through some form of winter in their first year of life, but if you live in a cold weather climate you will need to have them covered. A blanket is sufficient but a Bundle Me will make your life so much easier. It attaches to your infant seat or stroller and acts as a sleeping bag for your baby. You will not have to worry about the blanket falling off your baby with this because it is attached and has a zipper so you can partially uncover your baby when you are inside. The Bundle Me comes in several styles but the main thing to consider is the warmth you will need. Bundle Me is available in the original heavier plush material and is also now available in a lighter material which is great for in between seasons or areas with more mild climates.
Convertible Car Seat – the convertible car seat can be used from birth up to toddler years. Many people tend to start out using the infant car seat for easier mobility and then switch to the convertible car seat at about 6 months. I have 2 Britax Marathon seats which my kids love. The different seats have different weight limits so you may want to base your decision on that along with price and safety points. A five point harness is the safest. Do extensive research before you buy one. It is also unsafe to buy a used car seat. If it is used you will not be familiar with its history and any accidents it has been in.
Stroller Mosquito Net – it is so nice to not have to worry about your baby getting bitten by mosquitoes or stung by bees while they are in their stroller.
Boppy – the Boppy is commonly used for resting your baby on when you nurse them or bottle feed them but it’s also perfect for propping your baby up on so they are not lying flat all the time. It’s also great for tummy time.
Crib Mobile – The crib mobile is great. Most play soothing music and all provide great entertainment for your baby. We have the Symphony-In-Motion by Tiny Love and both of our kids love them. My 17 month daughter knows how to use it herself and will turn it on and off before and after her naps or bedtime.
Tub Kneeler – The tub kneeler is definitely not a necessity but it’s a great item to own. Baby’s bath time will be a lot more comfortable for you if you have a cushioned stool under your knees.
Microwave Sterilizer – this will make your life so much easier. Sterilizing bottles etc in a pot on the stove is so time consuming and who really has the time for it? With the microwave sterilizer you just wash your bottles and then pop them in the microwave for 2 minutes. We use the Microwave Steam Sterilizer by Avent and highly recommend it.
