Baby Gear

Rachel Rainbolt, M.A., CEIM
www.OhanaWellness.com

Registering for your baby shower is one of those iconic rites of passage.  Through this singular process you go from being a woman with a theoretical life growing inside you to the parents of a baby.  It instantaneously goes from the euphoric fantasy of a baby as an idea to the detailed realities of solely caring for a helpless human being.  The scanner is placed in your hand and the excitement turns to anxiety as you wander down aisles scanning adorable ruffles but secretly panicking.

Car
Car Seat: You have 2 good options with the car seat.  You can select a carrier style car seat that attaches to the stroller you have selected (each stroller accommodates specific brands, may or may not require an adapter).  Your other option is to get a really good convertible car seat that will go the distance.  I favor this option.  Newborns belong in slings and you can select a good stroller with a deep incline and use a body support (which can go with baby from car seat to stroller) for those times when you need to lay him down.  My convertible car seat of choice is The First Years True Fit Convertible Car Seat. 

Body Support: Yes.  It’s worth it.  I had JJ Cole and loved it (it also came with strap covers) but there are less expensive brands. Some car seats come with these now so be sure to select a car seat first. 

Mirrors: You need a big mirror for the backseat and a small mirror that attaches to your rear view mirror.  The small mirror for the front is pretty straight forward.  You have a lot more options for the mirror in back.  You want a large reflective surface but other than that- have fun. 

Sun Shade: Yes

Car Seat Saver: You really don’t need this when they are a baby.  Once they start eating snacks in the car they are a good purchase but until then most of their mess is contained within the car seat.  But beware that some car seat safety experts say these can compromise the safety of your car seat installation.  I use Prince Lionheart.

Car Seat/Back Seat Toys: I recommend having a few designated car toys.  These are toys that will stay in the car (they make some good ones that dangle from the car seat handle or backseat window.  The point is that you have a few sources of stimulation that baby only gets to see or play with in the car.  You will thank me later.  Be mindful not to overstimulate.  If you choose a fun, stimulating backseat mirror with lights and colors and contrast, do not put anything else stimulating within his visual range.  When in a car seat, baby cannot look away so overstimulation can be very stressful.  In the beginning, stick to one simple fun accessory and keep everything else simple and calming (i.e. a backseat mirror that blends into the back seat). 

Stroller
Stroller: Get the BOB Revolution.  It costs a fortune but I have gone through 4 strollers and disliked them all.  With the money I have spent going through the cheaper strollers, I could have had the BOB.  Every review I have read anywhere, every conversation I have ever had around strollers, has revolved around how much everyone loves their BOB.  If you decide the BOB is not for you, at least get a jogging stroller, even if you do not jog.  Jogging strollers are infinitely easier to push and maneuver.  Do NOT get the Baby Trend jogger.  The front wheel shakes so badly that it actually flipped over with my child in it.  I like to say “Strollers are for stuff.  Slings are for babies.”  I do not advocate taking your stroller everywhere on a daily basis but when you go places like Disneyland or Sea World all day long the reality is that your stroller is your mobile command center.     

Stroller Lock: A wise purchase if you are buying a valuable stroller. They cost about $15 and people sadly DO steal strollers. 

Stroller Toys: Same guidelines as for car seat toys.

Bunting: It’s not a necessity but it is a nice luxury depending on your lifestyle and climate.

Diapering

You definitely want to look into all your options.  It’s a very personal choice that needs to be based on your baby’s needs and your lifestyle preference. 

Cloth Diapers: I am a converted cloth mama.  I began my diapering journey with disposables but mild rashes (babies with sensitive skin and rashes despite frequent diaper changes) and the tug of Mother Earth pulled us into the world of cloth diapers and we love it.  It saves us money, is heaven on my baby’s skin, and I have a clear conscience not dumping thousands of diapers into the mountains of waste.  We use BumGenius All-in-Ones and they function exactly like a disposable.  I take the diaper off, throw it in a pail (or a water-proof Wet Bag or gallon-sized Ziploc if I’m on the go with the diaper bag), and I toss it in the washing machine every couple days.  If the diaper is full of poop, you can dump the poop in the toilet before you toss it in the pail.  I also use the BumGenius laundry detergent which keeps them fresh and clean. 

For our third little one, we decided to go with gDiapers. They are great. We mostly use the cloth liners but we also have disposable liners. They are super cute, fit comfortably and it’s nice to be able to swap out a wet liner as opposed to changing the whole diaper. We ended up needing about (all in a size small) 6 little gpants, an extra box of the plastic liners, 18 cloth liners and 1 package of disposable liners. We bought 6 newborn gDiapers that we brought with us to the birth but they only go up to 8 pounds and he was born at 8 pounds 12 ounces. :S  

If you are going this route, I highly recommend taking a cloth diapering class, if offered in your area.  Babies in Bloom, a natural parenting store in Vista, CA, was an invaluable resource to me. 

Cloth Diaper Service: A cloth diaper service is a good option if you are not in favor in washing the diapers yourself.  They leave a bag of diapers on your front door (usually cloth inserts that you put in a cover), you leave the bag of dirty diapers outside the front door to be picked up.  You pay a monthly fee and it’s really that simple. 

Disposable Diapers: When your baby is born you will need newborn sized diapers , which will be big, and  usually contain a cut-out for the belly button.  I do not recommend buying very many of this size because your baby could very quickly outgrow the tiny, adorable newborn size.  If you are going to register for diapers for your shower, I recommend a spread of the smaller sizes so you always have the next size up to try on and they won’t outgrow them before you can use them. 

Wipes: Go with a natural, sensitive option.  Avoid fragrances and other chemical additives. 

Wipe Warmers: Not a necessity but a nice luxury.  They are good for middle of the night diaper changes.  Changing a diaper during the night with a cold wipe can be startling and wake baby up more than necessary. 

Diaper Genie: If you are going the disposable route I recommend the Diaper Genie.  Make sure you get plenty of refills.

Wet Bag: These are very useful and you should definitely have 1 in your diaper bag (or car).  There are a lot of different companies that make them in varying styles and price points.  Basically, they are a water proof, reusable gallon-sized Ziploc bag.  You will place your dirty diapers (if using cloth or if using disposables and there is not a trash can nearby), soiled clothes, etc. in the bag while you are out and about in the world. 

Be mindful of rashes on baby’s bottom.  If baby’s bottom skin is irritated, try a different brand of wipes, diapers, then soap (one at a time).  Baby bottoms do not need baby powder, baby oil, or lotion. 

Baby Care

Lotions/Cremes/Oils: Baby’s skin in general does not need any extra moisturizing.  If your baby has a dry patch or rash, for which the pediatrician recommends a specific product then you can buy it and use it.  You can leave this section off your registry. 

Medicine: As far as over-the-counter meds are concerned, it’s really best to wait until they are needed.  They are usually not advised and they are recalled so frequently.

Thermometers: Temporal

Laundry Detergent: You do need a special gentle, natural soap for washing baby’s clothes.

Babywearing
If nothing else, I recommend getting slings/carriers.  I have an entire article on babywearing but sufficed to say here- have 1 or 2 on hand from the get-go.  In the beginning I could not live without my Baby K’tan.  It was like a second womb.  This sling is so versatile yet so easy.  Whether my baby is breastfeeding, exploring, or sleeping I can still do it all, hands-free.  And through it all, my baby is always close for love, touch, and interaction.  Once baby was 5 months old we switched to the Ergo, which has a thick waist band and padded shoulder straps to support his weight, and we still use it almost daily (he is now 2).  

Slings: Pouch style or ring slings are slings that go over one shoulder like Hotsling.

Fabric: Baby K’tan or Moby Wrap 

Mei Tai: Baby Hawk

Structured Carrier: Ergo Baby

Diaper Bag

Oh how I love diaper bags.  It’s a purse for you and your baby.  Get a bag that reflects your style and accommodates your needs.  Here is what it will contain:

  • The usual contents of your purse
  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • A Wet Bag or Ziploc Bag
  • Hand Sanitizer (for toys that hit the floor)
  • Breastpads
  • A change of clothes (for diaper blowouts and spit up) Note: I usually keep an additional change of clothes, set of diapers, wipes, a clean shirt for me, and a Wet Bag or Ziploc Bag in the trunk of the car.
  • A blanket
  • 2 toys (once they are old enough to hold a toy- not necessary in the beginning)
  • Water Bottle (a breastfeeding mama always needs water)

Activity

Swing: I had the SweetPeace Soothing Swing and loved it.  I do not recommend leaving babies in containers for long periods of time but a swing can buy you the hands-free 5 or 10 minutes you need to take a shower or get dressed.  It can also be helpful as an inclined sleep container for those times when baby is congested or has reflux (to be used in combination with your chest while you are propped up on some pillows).  The only downside to a swing is that it takes up a lot of space. 

Bouncer: You really only need one baby container and a swing is better.  The benefit to a bouncer is that it is small and mobile.  So you can put it on the bathroom floor to take a shower and the bedroom floor while you get dressed, etc. 

Playmats: I like playmats for times when you are on the floor with baby.  For example, when I folded laundry I laid baby next to or in front of me on his playmat and I talked to and played with him while I folded.  Also good for tummy time. 

Exersaucer: I recommend getting the Jumparoo.  It is a combo jumper/exersaucer.  This replaces the swing when she outgrows it.  So an exersaucer/jumper is not something that needs to be purchased right away.  But once she is done with the swing, I recommend moving onto the Jumparoo to serve the same purpose (a quick morning shower or getting dressed).

Bumbo: I never had one but everyone I know who had one loved it and recommends it.

Highchair: A high chair does not need to be purchased initially.  Once baby is about 3 months old they can sit in a reclined high chair while you eat and once they are about 6 months old you can start offering them food.  The benefit to a high chair is that you can wheel it around and feed baby wherever you need to be.  The downside to a high chair is that it takes up a lot of space.

Booster Seat: Booster seats don’t take up space since they attach to an existing dining room chair.  They are a great option if you are trying to save space and eat all your meals at the dining room table.  Whether you choose a high chair or a booster seat, make sure the seat portion is covered with a fabric that can be easily wiped down.  Once you have a toddler, it’s time to ditch the high chair and move to a booster seat.  Prince Lionheart’s Soft Booster Seat is by far the best. 

Sleep Sheep or other similar product: They make stuffed animals that emit sounds of the womb and other such white noise.  It’s definitely worth trying. 

Breastfeeding

My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow

Medela Comfort Bra: for nighttime

Bravado The Body Silk Seamless: for day time

Johnson & Johnson Nursing Pads- lots and lots and lots

If you plan on returning to work, rent a hospital grade pump instead of buying a manual hand pump. 
I don’t cover while nursing (the sling or carrier always covers plenty) but if breastfeeding in public would be a deterrent for you then you can get a nursing cover, they come in all kinds of patterns and colors. 

Bath

Bath Tub: I bathed my baby in my bathtub with me most of the time.  I would lay his towel on the floor just outside of the tub.  I would get in and lift my knees up.  Then I would reach and pick up my baby and lay him with his head on my knees, his body on my lap, and as he gets older, his feet up by my chest.  This puts you in a great position to scrub his body while bonding and relaxing together in the warm water.  When he’s done, I lay him on the towel outside the tub (a bouncer seat works really well too).  That said, it is really nice to have a baby tub to use next to the kitchen sink on the counter sometimes.  For example, if you have a sudden diaper blow out, it’s nice to have a designated place to decontaminate your baby.  Skip all the bells and whistles and opt for a nice simple baby tub.  Most of them come some kind of a hammock-type space for a newborn that is removable. 

Towels: You need about 2-3 baby towels and 2 packs of washcloths. 

Soap: Choose as natural an option as possible (scent-free, dye-free, etc).  To say that his skin is sensitive is an understatement.  We use Earth Mama Angel Baby.

You really don’t need any accessories or toys.  Cups and water are entertainment enough.  You will also have a lot of regular toys that are water safe and can join her in the tubby. 

Clothes

The most important things to take into consideration when buying baby clothes are season and comfort.  You have to plan ahead and think about what size your baby will be in during which season.  Regardless of the season your baby needs a lot of short-sleeved onesies, pajamas (or sleep sacks- Aden & Anais are nice), and socks.  During the warmer seasons your baby needs some summer outfits, a sun hat, and a couple pairs of sweats (pants and sweatshirt) for going out at night.  Think, “Is this comfortable?”  Check leg/arm bands and tags.  Think, “How easy/hard is it to change his diaper?”  Check accessibility.  During the colder months make sure you have pants/long sleeves, lots of socks, and hats.  Make sure you register for outfits of varying sizes and get one outfit in a preemie size for the first few days, a couple outfits in newborn size, and then go to town with the rest of the sizes.  But keep in mind that you don’t how long they will be in each size.  They could be in a 0-3 months for 7 days- seriously.  It’s also very helpful to have a couple things in the next size up on hand to check fitting (what size fits best- same with diapers).  Tip: Shop for carters baby clothes at Costco and save a ton of money while getting very comfortable and cute clothes. 

Shoes: Baby shoes are pointless, unnecessary, and restrictive.  Once baby is old enough to stand with assistance, I like Robeez.

Leggings: I love leggings.  I love them.  I keep a pair of Baby Legs in the diaper bag at all times.  It eliminates a lot of the stress of having the perfect outfit for the weather each day.  If we are wearing shorts and he gets a chill, we put on the leggings.  If he gets warm, we remove them.  Even my older son likes to wear them as sleeves if he gets chilly.  I love leggings and recommend getting 2 pair.   

Blankets: You need lots of receiving blankets and a few thick blankets.  Aden and Anais muslin receiving blankets are nice.  I also like flannel. 

Safety

When baby is a newborn, none of these safety measures need to be in place.  You can wait to baby-proof your house until your baby is around 6 months old.  But if you are registering for your gifts, it’s good to include some safety things so you will have them ready to go.  I’ve included some basics below that every house needs, regardless of your child’s personality.  However know that there are many more safety items that you end up purchasing as you get to know your little guy and see the hazards in your particular home.     

Outlet covers: a must-have.  I like the twist and lock face plate kind so you don’t have to try to pop out those annoying plastic plugs every time you need to plug something in.  Make sure every outlet is covered, this includes power bars on office floors and the like.  For every kind of power hole a safety product has been made.   

Furniture Tethers: for top-heavy furniture like tall bookshelves and vertical dressers, or as your baby likes to call them: ladders. 

Cabinet/drawer locks: Child lock your medicine cupboard, cleaning supply cupboard, and “sharp” drawer.        

Baby Monitor: A definite must.  There are not very many times when my baby is sleeping unattended but when one of those times does occur, it is priceless to have the monitor so I can sneak away and get some things done while still keeping an ear on his every breath.   

Furniture

Crib: I recommend getting a convertible crib.  This way you have the option of setting the crib up as a toddler bed and putting it side car against your bed (my favorite sleeping arrangement).  This serves the exact same function as the Cosleeper, cradle, snuggle nest, and bassinet, except your baby won’t outgrow this bed in a matter of weeks.  And when baby is done using the crib as a crib, you can use it as a toddler bed. 

Crib Bedding: You need at least 2 sheets, preferably 3 or 4 so that when one gets wet, you have another waiting in the wings.  Unfortunately it is not uncommon for your little bundle of joy to soak through several sheets in one night.  Ahhh the joys of parenting.  I have a bumper but it can be a suffocation hazard so they now make mesh bumpers.  But that is really all you need.  I like having a bed skirt because I love home décor and making things look cute.  But that is really just aesthetics.

Cosleeper, cradle, bassinet, snuggle nest: unnecessary- see above.

Changing Table: Skip the changing table and instead opt for a dresser and put a changing pad on top.  It serves all the same function as a changing table but you can also put clothes in it and it will last your baby’s entire childhood.

Pack N' Play: The Pack N' Play is a great baby station in a 2-story house.  After birth, trekking up and down stairs every time baby needs a change or a new blanket is too much.  The Pack N' Play can be the downstairs changing table and can hold spare supplies like onesies and receiving blankets.  If you have a single story house, it's really not necessary.

Baby Hangers

Rocking Chair: I recommend getting a comfortable rocking chair/glider.  By comfortable, I mean the chair needs to have a lot of cushion and be comfortable for sitting in for hours.  You can put the rocking chair in your room, your living room, baby’s room, anywhere really.  You just need a peaceful place to sit, soothe, and breastfeeding your baby.  Remember, when you are sitting in this chair you will have just passed a human being through your vagina- it needs to be very comfortable.    

Lastly, if you are asking for gifts in preparation for baby’s arrival, I highly recommend asking for a housecleaning.  To be able to let go of the responsibilities of keeping your house in order is invaluable and frees you to focus your attention where it needs to be- on your new baby and your self-care.  I also highly recommend the Soothing Slumber DVD or asking for a class like Sensational Baby infant massage that helps with bonding, sleep, and soothing while offering parenting information and the support of a group of other parents.  Think outside the box. Newborn photos are also a great baby gift. Sometimes experiences are even more valuable to you and baby than gear.     

As with all of challenges along your parenting journey, you must tune into the bond you share with your baby and let your wisdom based on this attachment guide your decisions.  Close your eyes and picture yourself looking into the face of your new baby.  Feel the love swell in your heart.  Imagine yourself holding, carrying, feeding, kissing, dressing your baby.  That love is all that matters and everything else will fall into place.   Happy nesting!

Something I forgot that you couldn’t live without?  Let me know and help other parents benefit from your experience!

------------------------------------*Must have product on the list*------------------------------------

Soothing Slumber Video Soothing Slumber Video
Infant Massage for Nighttime

Learn all the strokes you need to soothe your baby into a deeper and longer sleep while also gaining knowledge about:

  • Sleep arrangements
  • Safe sleep
  • Why babies wake during the night
  • Strategies you can use to maximize the amount of sleep that’s healthy for your baby

Incorporate the Soothing Slumber nighttime massage into your bedtime routine and slow baby’s heart rate, regulate breathing, increase circulation, warm hands and feet, balance hormone levels, and give baby a lasting dose of skin-to-skin contact and bonding, sending your baby off to a peaceful slumber. 

In this special video class, you can learn the material from the Soothing Slumber class in the comfort of your home, on your schedule, and from any geographic location around the world.  This video features instruction on nighttime parenting material interwoven with verbal description and visual demonstration of all of the Soothing Slumber strokes, including in-class footage.    

Includes 18-page Nighttime Parenting Booklet:

  • Stroke Handouts
  • Nighttime Parenting Material
  • Nighttime Harmony Article
  • Worksheet
Video......................................................................................................................................$25

 

email us now!