***This has been a sponsored conversation brought to you by buybuy BABY. As always all opinions are my own.
My My how times have changed! Cory and I walked into our local buybuy BABY a few weeks ago and were completely overwhelmed with registering. I had a list of things we “needed” from friends and family and not a clue where to start. The tiny person in me who still feels like a little girl kind of wanted to curl up into a ball and scream “mommmmyyyy helpppppp meeeee” at the top of my lungs, but I quickly decided that was probably NOT the best course of action. I am going to be a mother in three months, after all, and that means it is time to grow up (I THINK)! Thankfully, the staff at buybuy BABY in Pembroke Pines was so knowledgeable and encouraging, that before we knew it we had checked off the boxes on all major purchases and felt much less overwhelmed!
Times and technology have changed over the past 30 years since our parents were first-time mommies and daddies; however, much of what they needed still apply today. Some things have been updated like wifi enabled tech and beautiful essentials like the Dock-A-Tot and Boppy Pillow. I was thankful to have had a week alone with my niece to make me realize that the essential ingredient in all of parenthood is L-O-V-E. All of the other stuff is simply icing on the cake! Except for diapers. Everyone needs diapers. LOL
I know every baby will be completely different, but I have compiled a list of the “essentials” after polling family, friends and Instagram followers! The funny thing about talking to people about what they need vs. what they do not need is that there is some pretty heated discussion! Some people love a garbage exclusively for their diapers, while other’s have deemed it unnecessary. So, in today’s blog, I just wanted to share a list of “must haves”, from seasoned mommies I know and love and a little consulting from the mama who made me.
Dock-a-Tot: We just received our Deluxe DockATot as a gift and cannot wait to use it. The DockATot is a docking station for your baby that is said to mimic the womb. You can use it to facilitate in tummy time, changing, playing, cuddling or transition a toddler out of their crib and into a “big boy or girl bed”. The best part is that it is portable and can be taken with you to grandma and grandpas or anywhere around the house. My friends absolutely rave about the DockATot and say it is worth every penny! Click here for additional colors and styles.
Boppy Pillows: Give me all the pillows! The Boppy nursing and lounge pillow seem to be the two most popular items amongst the millennial mama’s. The Boppy breastfeeding Boppy is great for mom’s, dads, grandparents and sitters alike! The Boppy pillow is great for all around baby lounging throughout the house. Many ‘Millennial MaMas’ have been taking theirs to the hospital to have a bit more comfort while nursing after delivery.
Stroller: The stroller department was the first department we hit and thank goodness for an unbelievable sales associate! We looked at all models and styles before landing on two that we loved! The BabyZen folds up for travel and Cory was all about that one and said when he is on “daddy duty” he needs to be able to fly. The UppaBaby Vista was another one we fell in love with, but there are so many beautiful options that will work for any lifestyle. So make sure to talk to your associate, experiment with the strollers and try not to go into sticker shock!
The sales associate gave us a few tips to help him narrow choices down:
1-Think about your lifestyle and your lifestyle needs.
2-Think about your budget and find a number you can agree upon.
3-Decide if you need something that will grow with you.
All of these questions helped us narrow down our selection tremendously and we were able to agree on both an everyday stroller as well as a travel stroller that folds up into a carry-on.
Pack and Play: The Pack ‘n’ Play has been a staple in many households far before Millennials started to become mamas, but I think many of us are beginning to keep them in the master bedroom for the baby to sleep in before transitioning them to a crib. The baby can sleep in the pack and play, get their diaper changed and be kept safe all at the same time. I used to think a pack and play was only for trips to grandma and grandmas, but now I have learned otherwise!
Infant Activity Playmat: Every friend of mine says to get at least one fun playmat to facilitate tummy time and activity time spent out of their chair!
Baby Seat: While babysitting my niece for a week, I came to realize how important the baby seat really is! You do not need one with many bells and whistles. A basic seat that plays music, vibrates and a mobile will do just fine! Most are under $70.00 and the babe can sleep, relax and do all the things he or she needs to do in between feedings and diaper changes!
A Quality Bedroom Set: When I asked my friends how important a good bedroom set is, I got conflicting advice, but after finding that many of the sets that are high-quality often sell out quickly, we decided to invest in a good set (shown above) that will grow with our little guy! We are hoping for the best, but honestly, if you decide to keep your babe with you in your room for a few months, do not feel the pressure to buy a crib right away! You have time, but isn’t getting the nursery ready all part of the fun?
A Quality Mattress: Ok, I never knew that baby mattresses had so many options! I thought there was a standard size, you grab one and proceed to check-out! We chose this one because what I learned is that a harder mattress is better for a newborn and a softer one is more comfortable for toddlers. Who knew? The sales associates were so helpful and allowed me to feel and press on each and every mattress. Why? New mom alert!
Diaper Trashcan: This one also got conflicting responses, but the majority of people say they thought this was a frivolous expense, and now, cannot live without theirs. So we registered for one because living in Miami, diapers in the heat of summer just sound like a lethal combination.
Velcro Swaddles & Sleep Sacks: To swaddle or not to swaddle…that is the question? Many of my friends say, it depends on the baby. Back in the day, swaddling your baby was a difficult task, but with new sleep options like swaddles with velcro and sleep sacks. Babies can stay warm and cozy whether their arms are tucked in or out. This should eliminate the need for any blankets in the crib! Something I am told should no longer be done.
Bath Seat: OMG bathtime! I love bathtime and nowadays there are bath seats that grow with your baby, bath seats for sitting up and bath seats that look like rubber duckies! LOVE! My friends say they are necessary, as are bath mats for mama and daddy’s knees.
Lotions and Potions: When it comes to baby lotion, there is nothing more intoxicating than baby lotion smell. If you are living in a more organic, toxin-free household then there are tons of brands out there for you thanks to companies like Honest and Burt’s Bees Baby! One thing my mom stands firm on is Desatin is a MUST for diaper rash. Do not try to challenge her on this, you will lose.
Changing Pad/Changing Table: If you want to save your back and your knees, make sure to have a changing pad and table at hip-height somewhere in your home. As new moms with weak cores, we can really do some damage if we constantly have to bend far over to change the baby, especially while recovering from birth.
White Noise Machine: Some people swear by their and others simply like to have their babies deal with noise in other ways. So many of these products are up to you to decide whether they are essentials, but most of my friends have some sort of “shusher” or sound machine to help get their baby to calm down and sleep.
AS for now, these are the main essentials that I have registered for. If you want to peak at my registry, click here! I am still learning as I go and relying heavily on family and friends to guide me through. I am sure I missed quite a few things here, but after my first trip to buybuy BABY, I really feel more comfortable thanks to the amazing staff that was so warm and knowledgeable! I will definitely be back and will keep you updated after the little guy makes his grand entrance!
