The Baby’s due date is coming up quickly, and we are pulling out all the baby gear. I donated or tossed all my girl clothes after Penny, so I had to get a new wardrobe for baby girl. I know there is SO much floating around the internet regarding baby items, so I tried to keep it as simple as possible because, when it comes down to it, babies dont need much (;
GEAR
Car Seat – We went with the Britax B-safe car seat, safe, easy to install, and attaches to most strollers with an adapter.
Stroller – With one kid, we used the bob stroller based on reviews and recommendations. It did not disappoint; our car seat can click into it, folded up nicely, and stored well in our one-bedroom apartment. When we had more than one kid, we went with the Baby Jogger City Select double stroller and added the glider board so that I could push around three kids. Now we own the UPPAbaby Vista double stroller, with the UPPAbaby piggyback ride-along board attached. I have Kate in the bassinet, Owen in the main seat, penny on the board, and Amelie walks alongside and holds onto the stroller. Unlike with the other strollers, I didn’t bother getting a car seat compatible for attachment with the Uppa, and Ive found that the baby sleeps best in the bassinet anyways; transferring her hasn’t been an issue. Overall I like the Uppababy the best, mostly because of how lightweight it is and easy it is to move, the versatility, and the overall quality. And the bassinet has been a lifesaver this summer, as the baby has slept in it everywhere we go.
If you are looking for an umbrella stroller, here is a sturdy and affordable option.
PROS
CONS
–Best for an active lifestyle and rough terrain
-Maneuvers well and lightweight
-Folds up easily
-Heavy when folded up
-Wide, difficult to use in restaurants and stores
-The single does not convert to a double
-16+ seat configurations with standard stroller seats and infant car seats
-allows for glider board attachment
-adjustable leg rest
-spacious storage underneath
-sturdy and heavy-duty, can withstand a lot of weight. The most durable (for a double stroller) out of the three.
-seat covers are machine washable
-Two seats come with the stroller
-Allows for bassinet attachment
-Heaviest to push out of the 3 strollers; can be difficult to fold up and load due to the weight
-Very long, takes some getting used to
-Maneuverability was not ideal, difficult to turn when all three kids were loaded on.
-Comes with a bassinet, breathable and comfortable mattress. It’s well-ventilated (the back of the canopy unzips for additional airflow) and even has its own UPF 50+ sun canopy.
-Wide variety of seating configurations; can accommodate two infant car seats, two bassinets, two toddler seats, or any combination of these.
-Many beautiful colors and textures to pick from
–Most lightweight and has the best maneuverability out of the three.
-Easy to fold up
-Compatible with a large variety of car seats
-Allows for UPPAbaby piggyback ride along board attachment
– leather-covered telescoping handlebar that adjusts for height
-The most storage space
-Does not feel overly large for a double stroller
-Most expensive, and the rumble seat /adapter, glider board, and car seat/adapters require separate purchase
-Not ideal for twins or two toddlers around the same weight as the main seat holds up to 50lbs and the rumble seat only up to 35lbs.
-If you use the bassinet and seat combo, the bassinet can only fit on the bottom part of the stroller.
Baby carrier – I love the Solly wrap for the newborn stage because it is soft and snug; the Wild Bird is another favorite, in my opinion, the easiest and quickest to put on. If you’re looking for just one, I would say the ErgoBaby is the way to go – heavy-duty, last the longest, and with the infant insert works great for the newborn stage.
Bassinet/crib /pack play – We’ve never done a nursery and always had the baby in our room for the first 6-8 months, then transition into a crib or pack play. I opt for sleepers that are conducive to smaller spaces. If you are looking for ONE sleeping space, Packnplays, with the bassinet combo is the best option since it will last until toddlerhood, and you can pack up and move around. Or if you want something cuter but not a full-size crib, our mini crib lasted us up until the kids were ready to transition into a bed. This time around, I plan on cosleeping but will have a bassinet in our room (scored a beautiful Design Dua basket and stand from Facebook marketplace), and then transition into either packnplay or crib.
Swing – We have the 4moms swing; it’s lasted all three babies and is still in great shape. I like to have a place in the living area to set the baby down throughout the day. Here is another option, not too large and affordable price.
Diaper Bag – There are many beautiful and expensive diaper bags out there. I’m currently using the skip hop backpack, and it’s held up nicely, but if you are looking for a cute and affordable option, Ive also used the Mockaloo bag for several years.
CLOTHES
I use these quantities as a rule of thumb for every stage (0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12.) My goal is typically to fit all baby’s clothes (for each stage) in ONE drawer.
8-10 Onesies (5 long, 5 short)
6 zip-up footie pajamas
4-6 seasonal outfits
2 swaddles
1-2 hats
1-2 sweaters/jackets
6 socks
3 bibs
1-2 Blankets
10-12 Burp cloths
FEEDING
Breast pump – Check with your insurance company; most will send you a breast pump for FREE. Ive always used the Medela, and it works great. I recently upgraded to the Elvie pump, which I have to say is worth all the rave. Unless you work or travel a lot – it’s not necessary, but the convenience is nice. Even though they are pretty quiet, I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing them in public (as they are noticeable, at least on bigger chested women.) BUT it’s nice to move around and do other things while I pump at home, especially with three other kids to take care of. They take up little storage and fit nicely into my diaper bag. There are several parts, but no more than a typical pump, if that is fewer. The same goes for sanitizing – about the same amount of cleanup as a typical pump.
One set of Bottles – before you buy a whole set, wait until the baby is born and try out a few different brands. The same goes for pacifiers; these two items babies tend to be picky. My kids have always taken the Avent bottles and MAM pacifiers.
Haakaa – An item I didn’t know I needed, but has become a must-have for me. Essentially it collects milk as you nurse, and for someone who tends to have an oversupply, it is an enormous help.
CARE
Diapers – I like either Huggies or pampers. Ive tried the cheaper brands but always had an issue with leaking.
Wipes -pampers sensitive wipes.
Bathtub seat – Ive used this for all 3 kids, last all through baby’s first year. fits great over the sink and love that it has a seat for when baby outgrows sling.
Diaper rash cream – My go-to is Tubby Todd all over ointment and anything skin-related.
Shampoo body/wash – Tubby Todd. I became a believer when it completely cleared my daughter’s eczema.
Bulb syringe/Nail clippers/Soft hairbrush – This set comes with all you need for baby care.
If you dont have a changing table or station, I suggest getting a caddy or basket to put all things baby care in one place. I snagged this one from amazon and will be using it for diaper/feeding organization.
Diaper pail – When we had our first baby, we registered for the Ubi diaper pail, which is $$$ Just go with the diaper genie; it works just as well, if not better.
PLAY
Board books – books with high contrast, bold print and lines, and black a white pictures are great to play with for babies, as they help with focus and concentration development.
NICE-TO-HAVES
Lounger or pillow – I love our snuggle me; many raved about the dock-a-tot. I would not say this is a necessity, but so nice to have.
Glider and ottoman – these are expensive and often times large. I do love have a rocker and found a beautiful Pottery Barn chair from Facebook Marketplace. If you are going to get one, go for one with a tall enough back so you rest your head.
Sound machine – I did not put it as a necessity bc we just played white noise on our phones for the first 2 babies.
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