Everyone has their go-to baby items that they think everyone needs. I’ve been enjoying getting advice and recommendation from you guys as well as friends and family on the item that I just HAVE to HAVE for when baby girl arrives. I feel like there are so many things that I didn’t know that babies need. And so many things that make your life easier as a parent of a tiny human. Honestly, I’m still totally lost on most of what it takes to take care of a child, but I have done my research on several items and I wanted to share those with you guys today. So, here is my favorite ‘must haves’ for your baby registry.
I’ve mentioned before that my little sister is the QUEEN of research and she constantly sends me brands and products that she thinks I need for baby. But here’s the thing. I’m planning on being as minimalistic with the baby gadgets as I possibly can. I respect the momma who allows her house to be overrun with baby swings, carries, toys, play mats, and the works but I just don’t think I could stand it. I live by the mantra ‘a place for everything and everything in it’s place’ and I don’t do well with clutter. That being said, I’m being super picky about the items that I buy for baby (not clothes… you can never have enough of those). But these 4 brands and the items I’ve snagged from them were definitely must-haves for me.
Photos by Kylie Stinson
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First things first. The mother-load. The baby gadget of all baby gadgets. The DOCKATOT! (cue the dramatic music) If you haven’t heard of a Dockatot until now, I’ll totally give you the opportunity to thank me later. This thing is the cadillac of multi-functioning loungers. It’s typically used for co-sleeping and it provides a safe space for your babe to snooze. My DockATot had its first test run this morning! I volunteered to watch a friends 5 month old since she was in a baby-sitting bind and baby Olivia played, lounged, and snoozed in the DockATot with ease (and style… lol)!
I was able to grab it and take it with me wherever I went in the house and Livi came right along with me. She loved that the raised sides allowed her to prop her head up and see around the room and when it was nap time, she felt a cozy and snug and I didn’t worry about her rolling around everywhere.
The DockATot comes in two sizes. The Deluxe and the Grand. I currently have the Deluxe which is perfect for babies in their first 9 months but I’m planning on grabbing the Grand for as soon as baby girl gets a little older. Probably the best part is that the covers come off of the DockATot and are MACHINE WASHABLE!!!!!!! I got an extra cover for mine in the cutest floral print so that I’ve got a back up when I need one.
After using it today and reading about all of the wonderful things that it can be used for, I’m 100% sold on the necessity of this item. Today while keeping Livi, I honestly couldn’t figure out how people do it without on. MUST HAVE, GUYS!!!! Trust me!
Plus, I’ve got a coupon for $10 off. Just click this link and head to their website!
Gadget #2 is Keith’s favorite. If you know me, then you know I HATE the grocery store. But Keith Randazzo… He could live there. he loves it. The idea of bringing a baby to the grocery store terrifies me. But Binxy Baby has the best solution. Back when my little brother was born, my mom used to just set his carseat in the cart, but then, where do the groceries go? The Binxy Baby clips onto either side of the cart and creates a little baby hammock that clears up space underneath for groceries and keeps baby right near you.
For the first couple of months, the Binxy supports the actual carseat so you don’t even have to get baby out! But when you and baby are ready, you can strap baby in right to the hammock and get to shopping! I can’t wait to try this out (or let Keith try this one out)!
Get 10% off of a Binxy for yourself by clicking this link!
This (almost) momma is some kind of into Swaddles! My mom was a master swaddler and swaddled all of us kids. She’s always told me that babies feel the most secure when they’re wrapped up tight, meaning they will typically sleep better. Even though I’ve been swaddling my baby dolls in blankets since I was 5 (that’s when I learned on baby kelsey), having an easy blanket alternative is KEY to keeping things quick and simple, especially in the middle of the night!
The Ollie Swaddles are AMAZING. So Amazing that this is actually what I gifted several of my pregnant friends recently because that is how much I love them. They velcro, you guys! How easy is that? And they’re made out of a moisture wicking material to make sure the baby stays cools and dry all night long. One super cool feature is that for nighttime diaper changes, you don’t have to un-swaddle and totally wake baby. You can easily undo the bottom knot and quick change the diaper without completely undoing the swaddle. I cannot wait to swaddle up baby girl!!
Get 10% off of your first Ollie Swaddle here!
Lastly, when looking for things for baby girl’s nursery, I stumbled upon Lorena Canals. First, I saw their cute baskets, then I saw their floor pillows, THEN I SAW THEIR MACHINE WASHABLE RUGS!!! I know!!!! Perfect playtime rug that can be washed. Like legitimately washed. Plus it’s the cutest stuff ever. I grabbed this adorable nude pink fringe basket and a black fringe floor pillow. I’m planning on snagging a playtime rug in the future, though.
Their stuff isn’t just for nurseries. They actually have some fantastic options for adults rooms as well. Plus everything they make is all natural with no VOCs which is always good for baby!!!!
So what are your go-to baby gadgets or things that you absolutely cannot live with out?
Thanks so much to all of these brands for working with me so that I can share my favorite new brands with all of you guys!
