Since life has changed dramatically for all of us since 2020, I thought it might be time for a revised Baby Shower Registry List. I have several guy friends who are having their first child this year, so it will be fun and interesting to hear their new dad stories. I always enforce how important it is to make sure they help around the house and learn how to cook a few things their partner would want to eat before the baby arrives because take-out can get expensive and the last thing a new mom wants to eat is a microwave burrito. I digress, as that will probably end up in another post.
If you know me personally, you know I don’t like one-hit-wonders when it comes to gifts. I like things that have lasting value and will remain in good condition for kid #2…mainly because I am kid #2 in my family…haha. And no matter how much swear you are a “one-and-done,” things can always change, as they did for us. Oh, and you will ALWAYS get clothes, toys, and blankets from friends…so I won’t mention those picks on this list.
(This post contains affiliate links which link to the product on Amazon)
Braun Forehead Thermometer
This one is a no-brainer, especially with multiple mutations of the virus in the news. Why Braun? Because it’s a reliable brand that’s been around for a long time – a personal preference I have for most medical electronics.
Breathable Crib Mattress and Sheets
A lot of new parents focus on what crib to purchase, but I think it’s more important to spend the money on the mattress. Why? Because it’s what your baby will be in close contact with every day, for most hours of their life, and they are more likely to use the mattress through toddler age. Also, new parents are constantly reminded of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), so if there is a mattress to relieve that worry even by a small percentage, it’s one less thing to obsess about. It’s worth doing a search for a mattress with breathability claims and sheets to go with it. A top seller on Amazon is the Newton Baby Crib Mattress and Mattress Pad.
Bassinet with wheels
If you like things convenient like I do, and desire to watch your newborn while it sleeps next to you but not in your bed, you would appreciate a bassinet with wheels and storage. Pictured above is the ANGELBLISS Baby Bassinet Bedside Crib with Storage Basket and Wheels. Even if it’s just wheeling from the bedroom to the living room, it’s a good way to keep naps consistent and get a change of scenery for everyone including the newest family member.
Air Purifier
Ideally, it would be good to have an air purifier for every room in the house. However, if you are going to choose one room, it should be the room where the baby sleeps. There are a lot of air purifiers are on the market right now (pictured above is the Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier), so it could be a challenge finding the right one. If I didn’t already have one (which I bought pre-pandemic), my criteria would be: quiet, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to maintain. If you want air purification on the go, I would recommend the Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier for travel (like to a relative’s house), and the wearable AVIAIR Negative ion personal air purifier, which you can take anywhere (like for use in your car!).
White Noise Machine
Whether you buy something portable like the Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Machine (pictured above) or the plug-in play “tried and true” Magicteam Sound Machines White Noise Machine (which we own, a hand-me down from my sister!), or the combination noise and nightlight BUFFBEE White Noise Sound Machine with Soothing Sounds for Sleeping with Night Light, white noise machines are useful at any age.
Humidifier
If you don’t own one already, a humidifier is something you will eventually have to get. When my first child had a cold, that’s something we rushed to purchase after our pediatrician recommended one. At the time, we just bought whatever what in stock at the store and later replaced it with one that we liked better. I recommend searching for one you like online before ending up in a similar predicament. The Mooka Humidifiers 2-in-1 Cool Mist Humidifier Diffuser is a good choice. It is compact and looks nice. As far as features, look for something that can run through the night, and make sure you place it somewhere that can possibly get wet. Because it’s not fun to fill and empty, it’s a good idea to buy one that is easy to carry and can easily be taken apart and cleaned.
Baby Nail Clippers
Besides changing diapers, another thing that requires frequent attention is baby’s nails. There are a lot of options out there – from electric nail filing kits to cute manicure kits, but realistically if you want to just get the job done quickly and efficiently, a good baby nail clipper should do just fine. Husbands, I encourage you to learn how to cut your baby’s nails. I know they are tiny and it can be scary because their skin is so soft, but those little nails grow so quick and can cause harm when they turn into tiny claws.
Easy-to-clean high chair
Babies are messy. The last thing you want to do after mealtime frustration is clean a huge mess off anything cushioned. I like how the Tripp Trapp High Chair from Stokke is not only easy to clean, but it can be used from infancy to adulthood (see image above). It’s definitely on the pricier side but well worth it for it’s versatility. Lower priced, easy-to-clean and storable options include: HAN-MM High Chair (great for minimalists), and the bare-bones basic IKEA ANTILOP High chair for a fraction of the price.
Nursing Pillow
Finally, I can’t end a baby registry without giving a shout out to my favorite item – the Boppy! There are other popular nursing pillows out there, such as My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow, but I find there are too many pieces involved. I’m a big fan of the Boppy because I like using it as a pillow to lean on as well. If I didn’t give mine away to a new mom friend, I would probably still be lounging on it today!
Best of luck to all the new parents-to-be out there! I know it’s a very different time than it was a couple years ago, but I know you will get through it! More helpful posts coming soon.
Take care,
Ruby / WestsideMommy.com
