2020-2021 Baby Registry Recommendations
Hi loves! I’ve been asked to share registry recommendations. I wanted to share my two different experiences that I am going through since the type of items you’ll be purchasing all depends on your lifestyle and what kind of parent you’ll be (of course a great one). So based on the two types of lifestyles as mentioned below, I will be sharing what works for me and what has been recommended as well. Please do your research or trying these out yourself to ensure it works best for you! I highly recommend using Amazon for your registry because it has the most flexible return policy, prime shipping and you can find every item available. You can also use more than one websites for registries, so I definitely recommend having at least Amazon for one of them. Certain shops don’t carry everything, so I’ve listed below where these items are sold at — along with potential variances in pricing.
LIFESTYLES:
So with my first son we initially lived in a small condo downtown and we traveled very often. The items we we purchased tend to be mobile, light and compact. I often to refer to this lifestyle as “minimal or travel friendly”.
This time around with two kids, we don’t plan on traveling very often and we’ve settled into a bigger space in the suburbs. I’m looking for more efficiency with two kids as well as convenience and quality that will be long lasting. I often to refer to this lifestyle as “convenience”.
PS. Strollers, car seats, or any travel systems are one of your biggest investments so I’ve saved that special research for you at the end of this blogpost. Scroll all the way to the bottom if that’s what you’re looking for!
If you’re interested in hearing about my pregnancy journey such as pregnancy essentials and pregnancy fitness, definitely check out My Pregnancy 101.
newborn sleepers
These sleepers will be your lifesaver during the newborn period. I wish they’d last longer, but it’s inevitable that your baby will grow out of it by 3-4 months (unless you’re lucky and they still fit or you purchase the grand sizes). It’s definitely an essential because this is where they’ll be spending most of their time lounging and sleeping. Also, it makes it easier to place them in this and then inside a bigger space like: bassinet, crib or playpen as well.
Minimalist/Travel Friendly Lifestyle:
Lubyloo Bassinet Infant Travel Bed: We used this for my first son and it worked really well. What we loved the most was that it was very easy to travel with and bring back and forth between houses as well. By the end of it, we started dismantling it since the sleeper case itself my son grew out of quickly, but we still utilized the little thin mattress it came with. It’s not as snug as fit as the Doc-A-Tot or SnuggleMe, but if you only expose your newborn to this, they won’t know the difference and the price point is great.
DockATot Deluxe/Stage 1: This version of Doc-A-Tot is smaller and you’re able to bring on board in the airplane, but it’s not very mobile without purchasing their travel bag with it as well. Please note that this is a smaller version so you want to ensure that your baby can first fit into it.
Convenience Lifestyle:
DockATot Grand/Stage 2: If you’ve got space in your bed or a bigger space in general for the baby to lounge around in, then this Doc-A-Tot will work perfectly. It’s a sturdy and snug fit to place in your bed, bassinet, crib or playpen. A very popular choice as a sleeper, but definitely on the pricier side and is supposed to last you as long as 36 months since the end opens up.
Snuggle Me Organic: This sleeper is more like a really snug pillow for newborns. I purchased this for my second child because it takes up slightly less space than the Doc-A-Tot so it may be easier to lounge in our full size bed or couches. It’s also slightly cheaper than the Doc-A-Tot. It’s not easy to travel with, but it does come with a plastic zip-up cover case, which makes it a bit easier to stick in your trunk and carry from house to house if necessary. It looks great too and as the baby grows, it can also be used to prop them up into a up-right position.
baby bouncers/loungers
A baby bouncer/lounger is an essential because in addition to having a sleeper, which allows the baby to lay comfortably— it is necessary for them to be able to sit up comfortably and with good support. It’s also nice to have in case your baby has acid reflux or post-feeding to ensure your baby’s food stays down. Not to mention, this will last you up until they start walking! We’ve tried many bouncers and most children are very picky with what you’re placing them in other than yourself, these two work best for most babies and are the most recommended as well.
For both lifestyles:
BabyBjorn Bouncer: Almost every baby I know loves this bouncer and it’s suitable for all ages up until they don’t fit in it any longer. It provides your baby with an ergonomic seating position and allows them to comfortably view their surroundings. You can rock it with your feet or hands very easily based off your baby’s weight. They can even rock themselves, when they become strong enough. It’s made with mesh and breathable fabric material so it’s very easy to clean up and also keeps the baby at a comfortable temperature. It’s one of the best buys I can recommend and one of the very popular choices as well (if not number one). It’s extremely portable since it folds up very easily and it’s thin enough to pack in your carry-on or suitcase.
Nursing Pillow
If you plan on breastfeeding your baby, I highly recommend using a nursing pillow. The baby can get tiring to lift constantly and ideally it’s important to have the most peaceful and smooth nursing session so the baby can drink as much as they can. Distractions or discomfort can sometimes hinder the nursing session.
For both parenting lifestyles, there’s only one nursing pillow that I can recommend, simply because it hits on all three considerations for a nursing pillow; versatility, comfort, and price:
Boppy Nursing Pillow: Not only does this take the weight off you and the baby, it makes it very comfortable to have a nursing session and just about anywhere. The rounded U-shape works well for moms who are both breastfeeding and bottle feeding. It is extremely portable as well, as I was able to bring this on the plane with me with no issues. Also as an added bonus, it allowed me to have a snuggly space for my son to nap on while on my lap. Don’t forget to purchase a slip cover, which will protect the pillow from any mis-haps and for easy washing.
bottle warmer
This is a lifesaver. I highly recommend purchasing this for yourself or as a gift. It’s a relatively new product — actually just launched last year through a kickstarter fund. It is one of the best portable items that have become an essential for us and we wish we had with our first son.
For both parenting styles, this is great to use both at home and while you’re out:
Baby’s Brew Portable Bottle Warmer: It is USB charged, takes less than 3 minutes to warm up and you can control the temperature you want to warm it to. It’s super light, clean and easy to use anywhere. The best part is you don’t need to carry warm water with you. We love using it at the park or at home during night feedings (especially when you are limited on time). It has an adapter for wide or narrow neck bottles as well as a formula dispenser. We use this daily.
PLAY MAT
This is optional, but I highly recommend looking into purchasing a non-toxic soft foam for your little one to play on. Not only does it come in handy for play time, but it’s great to decorate the nursery with as well as do tummy time.
For both parenting styles:
Famo Kids Play Mat: This giant play mat comes in 6 puzzle pieces (with interchangeable corners and edges) so you can make it however size you’d like. It’s non-toxic soft foam and it’s easy to clean with just a dry-wipe. They’ve got modern patterns to make your nursery look chic or to be able to use in any room you want. I was gifted this item, but fell in love with it quickly. One tile size is perfect to use for your newborn (for tummy time or just playing under a play gym), 4 of them fit in the nursery, and about 6 of them fit in the living room. They’re light, easy to take apart and to store anywhere. My husband has even slept on this, it’s that soft. Here’s an IGTV I created to show how we like to use it (and you can use MARIAMSHIBLY for free shipping).
BASSINETS/PLAYPEN
I would consider bassinet and playpens as optional because they depend on your living situation. However, a majority of parents make the purchase because they provide a safe and easy spot to keep the baby in. It would be a wise purchase if you are planning on having more than one child since most bassinet and playpens last forever.
Minimalist/Travel Friendly Lifestyle:
Graco Pack n’ Play Quick Connect Portable Seat: I really like this playpen because of its additional features, versatility, and its portability. First lets talk about the additional features. The playpen comes with a bouncer that is removable and has a nice vibrating motor that is meant to soothe babies. If you have a multiple story home, it’s always nice to have a bouncer/lounger on different levels so you always have a spot to put baby. This playpen also comes with a changing pad, but I end up using it more as a storage tray for quick needs such as baby wipes, changing diapers, extra swaddles, etc. Second aspect I love is the versatility of the playpen. It is height adjustable and adapts to babies needs as they grow. As the baby grows from newborn to 6-9 months, it can be used as a safe play area to keep your baby in so he/she doesn't crawl off out of your sight. Lastly I love its portability, its very easy to pack up and move from room to room. The main disadvantage is that it is not the most comfortable place for a newborn to sleep when compared to a traditional bassinet or sleeper (so I would not depend on this as their bed).
Fisher-Price Stow ‘n-Go Bassinet: This is great if you’re looking for a bassinet that takes up the lease amount of space and can be easily accessible. It’s reasonably priced and perfect for just the newborn phase. Fisher-price recently came out with their new bassinet designs, it’s priced competitively and they even have a motion sensored version that I’ll mention below.
BuyBuy Baby Pricing
Convenience Lifestyle:
Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet: So Fisher-Price recently came out of their own version of the Halo. It’s more affordable pricing and it’s a bassinet that calms your newborn based on motion. In fact, it’s so new I wish I got this for my second son! So it has a calming sway motion that can be either done by the bassinet or yourself. It comes with different light and vibration settings as well, whichever to help soothe your baby during those tough times. I do like that it also comes with an overhead mobile, which is great for your newborn’s developing brain and sleeping habits.
BuyBuy Baby Pricing
Halo Bassinet: This bassinet is very convenient for the newborn period because it swivels 360 degrees so you can bring the baby close to you at any angle, without having to get up and move the whole bassinet. It literally can swivel onto your bed so it even feels like the baby is sleeping with you. It doesn’t take up a lot of space, so it’s perfect to place next to you in the bedroom. Most newborns enjoy sleeping it as well because of the features it has to offer such as vibration, soothing sounds, a night light as well as a timed feature. The only disadvantage is that you will only be able to use it up until 5 months or less because it’s small and your baby will grow out of it quickly.
changing pad
Changing pads will be your life the first couple months until you become an expert and can essentially change them anywhere. They are essential, especially in the first few months when you want to just get the diaper change done as quick and efficiently as possible.
Minimalist/Travel Friendly Lifestyle:
Munchkin Secure Grip Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad: I highly recommend purchasing a plush-slip cover to go over this so your baby can be more comfortable and also because you will be washing it often because accidents will happen. The changing pad is lightweight, can fit on all changing tables and it’s very affordable. I used it for my first son and had no issues with it.
Skip Hop Travel Diaper Bag Changing Pad: This pad is meant to be kept in your diaper bag. Most diaper bags usually come with a changing pad, but your baby will outgrow them very quickly. I like to use this because it’s very portable, has a built-in pillow so your baby isn’t annoyed and you can change them anywhere. It comes with a zip-up pocket so you can place your wipes and other diaper changing essentials. It also includes a changing pad zip-off feature if you need more space.
Convenience Lifestyle:
Skip Hop Changing Pad: This contoured cushion foam pad is similar in its function to the Munchkin Secure Grip except that you won’t need a cover for this and its rival brand is the Keekaroo Peanut Changer (more expensive and not as many good reviews as this one). It is super easy to clean with a simple wipe and it does not absorb any liquids or smells. What I appreciate about this is that it has a non-skid feature so you don’t have to worry about your changing pad slipping and sliding, and can withstand baby kicking when they get stronger. I also appreciate the fact that it comes with an overhead mirror and toy to distract the baby because sometimes changing diapers can be a very exhaustive and hectic process.
diaper pail
These are definitely an essential up until your baby gets potty trained. The odor that comes from dirty diapers is absolutely insane and diaper pails will be your savior when it comes to hiding odors well.
For both parenting lifestyles:
Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail: Not only is it the best looking, but it’s also the most sturdy. It is made of steel to achieve maximum odor control. There is one disadvantage for my parents that are on the go it is not hands-free. Unless you have the ability to use your foot to slide the top cover off, you will need to use your hands to use this diaper pail instead of a foot pedal that most others have.
Dekor Plus Diaper Pail: This is the one I purchased. I like it because you can use any scented garbage bags and it has a foot pedal that allows for hands-free functionality. You can also push in the diaper from the top as well. The only disadvantage is that it definitely doesn’t seal in the odor as much as I’d like and it’s not as sturdy since it’s made out of plastic.
infant-toddler BATH TUB
For bath time, you’ll definitely want something secure and what you feel comfortable with the most.
For both parenting styles:
Summer Infant Comfy Bath Sponge: This is a great option for infants. It is very affordable (about $10 or less) and most newborns love it. It only works in the sink, but it is very secure and absorbs all the water so you won’t have messy bath time. It’s easy to keep your infant propped up and secure, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping at all and it’s very comfortable for them. This is not advertised as a long-term bath sponge, it will only last through the newborn phase.
Boon Soak 3-Stage Bathtub: I loved this bathtub because of its ability to adapt to the different stages of your baby's life. The newborn stage was very comfortable as my son was propped up, and with each phase we were able to adjust the bottom seat or even remove it when he got too big. The only disadvantage is it’s a little bulky and may be difficult to use if you have limited space on your sink/counter, otherwise you can place it an empty bathtub. It is very easy to clean and it gets them used to being washed in a tub.
The First Years Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler: This is very similar to the one before except that there are no removable parts except for the mesh sling, which is very comfortable and provides the same feeling as the bath sponge with your baby slightly propped up. This tub can also fit into your kitchen sinks and most spaces easily. Your child can use this bathtub from their newborn to early toddler stages as well.
BABY CARRIERS
Carrying your baby in a baby carrier makes life easier for new parents. In addition to the practicality of having your hands free to do other things, while still enjoying closeness with your baby, baby wearing has a number of other key benefits! When you carry your baby you also strengthen the important parent-child bond, and this encourages your baby’s development as well. Baby carriers are very helpful to have if you’re not trying to bring a stroller or too much luggage. Most babies prefer the front-facing carriers the most, so I highly recommend investing in one that can do both positions if you travel often and it is an investment.
For both parenting lifestyles:
Ergobaby 360: This is excellent for traveling through the airports, long walks, amusement parks, even short hikes with low difficulty. In my opinion, it is hard to justify spending the money on baby carriers that are solely rear facing. Baby carriers are expensive and babies are picky! I think it would be much more worth your money if you purchase a baby carrier that allows for both rear facing and front facing capabilities, such as the Ergobaby 360. I recommend going with the breathable mesh material because the baby will be warm from your body heat and will be even hotter if you are outdoors or doing an activity.
Boba Wrap Baby Carrier: I find this to be an optional item because this wrap is good for the newborn periods or when your baby doesn’t mind nestling against your chest since it is rear facing. I bought this in a size too small and it is way too tight. So I recommend going with medium or large to be safe. I believe this would be more handy if you’re trying to run errands around the house, have multiple young kids, and need to be handsfree without worrying about providing neck support.
high chairs
Babies can be played in high chairs as early as once they can start holding their heads up and start sitting up. The sooner you introduce your infant to a high-chair the sooner they can become accustomed and look forward to eating. We’ve had a rough feeding experience with our first son, so we’ve learned a lot from our mistakes. The most important being that we make the feeding process as friendly and fun as possible.
For both parenting lifestyles:
Abiie Beyond Highchair: We absolutely love this high chair because it’s so minimalistic, easy to clean, and will last through the years. This high chair converts a chair to fit any age even as an adult. It’s priced very reasonably compared to its competitors. It doesn’t take up much space and it’s very light. One component I appreciate is the foot ledge for us as parents to rest our feet on. It allows us to be close to our infant and make the feeding process easier and more accessible. Each part of this high chair including the seat is very easy to clean and it comes off easily.
Easy Seat Portable Highchair: I recommend keeping this in your baby bag and on your travels. It’s a portable harness seat for when your baby can sit up by themselves. It adapts to any chair, which makes feeding a whole lot easier when traveling and feeding at other homes. I love how it takes up very little space so you can easily stuff it in your baby bag, super easy to clean by throwing it in the washing machine and keeps our child safe while feeding.
strollers
Purchasing a stroller is a serious investment these days. It’s best to consider your lifestyle, and if possible, your future plans. Many parents take into consideration the number of children they plan on supporting, and also their age gap to properly assess which stroller will work best for them.
Minimalist/Travel Friendly Lifestyle:
Doona Travel System: This new stroller is highly efficient and beneficial for couples with infants who are constantly on the go. It allows you the flexibility and simplicity of transforming from a stroller into a carseat (and vice versa) in seconds. Literally seconds. The Doona travel system has an integrated base in the carseat itself so you don't have to worry about buying it separately AND it allows you to move the carseat from car to car with ease. There are some cons to this stroller though. Firstly, there is virtually no storage space. No basket on the bottom or any little storage spaces on the top of the stroller either. Secondly, it will only last for at most, 10 months (give or take). It is not meant to be used longer than the infant stage.
Britax B-Lively & B-Safe35 Travel System: We personally used this during our first pregnancy. The stroller is incredibly light, handles wear and tear pretty well, and is compact enough to fit into a lot of spaces. I am not a fan of the car seat due to it being on the heavier side, however it is very deep and snug. So snug enough that my son fell asleep in it every time we put him in. Once we were out of the infant stage, we started renting car seats from car rentals at airports and just bringing the stroller. I enjoyed its ease when it came to folding, which you can even do one-handed. It's not as wide as some high-end strollers which allows for greater maneuverability in tight spaces. The storage space is okay, but not the best. If you’re looking for a stroller similar to this —check out it’s rival Graco Snug Ride Travel System, for a lighter and more budget friendly option.
Nuna Tavo System: If you don’t mind splurging a bit, the Nuna Tavo system is great and it comes with one of the best car seats in the game, the Pipa car seat. I do not recommend getting the Nuna Pipa Lite car seat, because that is not compatible in cars without the base. This travel system is known to be very heat-friendly and breathable, so great for those of you in warmer climates. I would recommend this stroller if you’re looking for the best of both parenting lifestyles. It is super convenient, made of high quality materials, and has great storage space. It is not as bulky as its rival, UPPABaby, which allows you to be able to travel with it with relative ease. Of course this is subjective, but I also consider this one of the best looking strollers on the market!
Summer Infant Compact Fold Umbrella Stroller: This is an upgraded umbrella stroller, which is perfect to use for 3 months and older, specifically for travel. It’s easy to collapse and assemble, has great maneuverability, and solid storage space as well. It’s not as wide as traditional strollers, which makes it very travel friendly. We bring this stroller when traveling abroad and have found it is perfect for those densely crowded areas and charming european streets. It is very lightweight which allows us to be even more mobile when on the go.
Airport Approved Travel Stroller Bag: I recommend using this bag as often as you can when traveling with your stroller. It prevents your stroller from the dirtiness of the airplane and also helps prevent damage. The bag is not made of the strongest material, so you may find yourself re-purchasing the bag depending on how often you travel.
Airport Approved Travel Car Seat Bag: I recommend purchasing this bag to prevent any damage and eliminating as many germs touching your infant’s car seat. If you’re planning on placing your infant in their car seat for the airplane ride (an extra seat purchase is necessary) then you won’t need this bag it’s best used for when checking the car seat into the airplane luggage area.
Convenience Lifestyle:
Nuna Tavo System: If you don’t mind splurging a bit, the Nuna Tavo system is great and it comes with one of the best car seats in the game, the Pipa car seat. I do not recommend getting the Nuna Pipa Lite car seat, because that is not compatible in cars without the base. This travel system is known to be very heat-friendly and breathable, so great those of you in warmer climates. I would recommend this stroller if you’re looking for the best of both parenting lifestyles. It is super convenient, made of high quality materials, and has great storage space. It is not as bulky as its rivals which allows you to be able to travel with it with relative ease. Of course this is subjective, but I also consider this one of the best looking strollers on the market!
UPPABaby Cruz System: Tavo’s rival, UPPAbaby comes in at similar price point. Although the stroller is slightly larger than Nuna’s Tavo, it gives you an ample amount of space. It provides awesome mobility, easy to collapse, and has great space for both storage and two kids. It does not come with a kickstand which is disappointing considering the price tag.
City Jogger Select: The city select sits price point sits directly between the UPPAbaby Cruz and the Nuna Tavo. It is easy to maneuver, has good storage space as well. The city select has the ability to be used as a double stroller, it can even fit two infant car seats which makes it a top choice for those who have twins. The seats can be either rear facing or forward facing. It also has the ability to add a kickstand to the rear which brings its total carrying capacity to 3 kids. The only disadvantage is that it can be very heavy, sometimes tough to go over bumps and can be very difficult to fold, you definitely need two hands.
Double Strollers:
Nuna Demi Grow: The Nuna Demi Grow is an in-line double stroller and also comes with a kickstand for your second child (up to 3 years of age). It is compatible with the Nuna PIPA car seat and if necessary you can purchase an additional “seat” for your toddler under 3 to sit in where normally the kickstand would take place. It’s not super wide and provides spacious storage, which makes it great for two kids. Had my kids been closer in age, this is the stroller I would have purchased. It is on the pricier side but then again it is considered a higher-end luxury stroller. It is not super lightweight but it is average when comparing to other double strollers in its segment.
UPPABaby Vista: This is a stroller that I would not recommend you to travel with because of its large size and its hefty price tag. It is a very convenient and spacious stroller you can invest in for two kids. You’d have to purchase the second seat separately when it comes time to need, but this is one of the most popular double strollers most people invest in.
Baby Jogger City Select Lux: The baby jogger city select is the most economical of the three and it is also the most travel friendly. I would not recommend this for newborns, it is better suited for children 6 months and up. It is not as bulky as other double strollers but it is very heavy. The mobility is a lot more smooth and easier to ride than the Baby Jogger City Select due to an extra wheel in the front. Another con to consider is that both seats for children are facing the same way, which reduces the leg space significantly for each child.