The follow-up to my Baby Registry Essentials, this time I’m sharing the items I’m getting for baby #2, scheduled to make her debut in just a few weeks! Some of these are super cool items that weren’t around 3 years ago, when my son was born. Others, like the Halo Bassinest, have been popular for ages, but I didn’t know how bad I needed them until it was too late. And of course there are the things you need when you suddenly have more than one tot, like a double stroller and backpack diaper bag. Let’s dive in!
HALO BASSINEST
You know that god-awful feeling when your alarm goes off after you’ve only gotten a few hours of sleep and it physically hurts to open your eyes, let alone get out of bed and function? That’s what it’s like every night, several times a night, with a newborn. Had I known the first time around, I would have gotten this little bedside bassinet. For my second child, I’ve lived and learned and my plan is to not actually have to get out of bed to feed and change diapers and the Halo Bassinest is key to that mission. And since I will probably have to have a repeat C-section, this will be essential to a less painful recovery.
Other plans for my sloth-like midnight feedings include a diaper changing caddy, wet bag, and ridiculously soft light. More on that experiment after the baby is born.
SOLLY BABY WRAP
I didn’t understand baby wraps when I had my son about 3 years ago. They just seemed so flimsy and dangerous, but after seeing some in action with the newborn tightly strapped in, I’m excited to embrace my wild side and give it a go. I’ve heard so many good things about the Solly Baby Wrap being great for beginners and for summer-babies (win-win)!
MIAMILY CARRIER
I loved using my Ergo Baby Carrier with my son to go on walks and hikes. As he got older I even left it in the car for emergency outings when we didn’t have a stroller with us. Sadly, that carrier was involved in a dramatic cat-pee incident and never recovered. Looking on the bright side, that loss gives me the chance to test out this little-known, but highly-praised carrier from MiaMily.
BUMBLERIDE INDIE TWIN DOUBLE JOGGING STROLLER
If there is one mantra I live by, it is “know thyself” or in this case, “know thy child.” And I know my nearly 3-year-old is the type of kid they designed those embarrassing (yet practical) leashes for. He’s full of energy, difficult to manage, and built like a tank and I’m not about to wrangle that child while pushing his sister in a stroller. That just sounds like a recipe for disaster. Besides he still loves being pushed around in a stroller.
That’s why I’ve decided on a double stroller. Not just any double stroller, but a Bumbleride Indie Twin Double Jogging Stroller. Not because I’m a prolific runner, but because I love taking walks and the roads where we live are like cobblestone but far less quaint. This jogging stroller features big, air-filled tires to easily manage the torn-up pavement, gravel, and grass I go over to get to the park.
FRESHLY PICKED DIAPER BACKPACK
I started using this chic backpack diaper bag the minute it arrived. If you’ve ever taken your toddler on an outing to a petting zoo, park, or anywhere where they are free-ranging, you’ve probably come to the realization that you need a hands-free bag. I imagine this is doubly-so with a newborn and all of the specialty newborn stuff they need.
COMOTOMO BOTTLES
I picked up a few of these cult faves because they look so easy to clean and I love that they look and feel more like the real deal than traditional hard plastic bottles. But as any mom can attest, it doesn’t matter what you like, your kid will let you know what bottles they find acceptable and you will happily oblige.
GATHRE MAT
Okay, so this one is kind of a present to myself (Hello! Nine months of around the clock service). But seriously, look how pretty this durable bonded leather Gathre Mat is!! The one I picked was designed as a high-chair mat because it is super easy to clean, but I’m planning on taking it everywhere with me and using it as a clean, safe place to let my newborn lay on.
TINY LOVE COZY ROCKER NAPPER
After all I have learned about the best positions for newborn development, which is basically always flat on their backs, I was worried about getting a baby seat with an incline that can lead to a flat head and breathing problems. But I knew I would need a safe place to put my baby when I needed to actually get something done.
This Tiny Love Cozy Rocker Napper looks to be the best of all worlds. The back of the seat is flat (not like a hammock) to allow for full neck and head-turning movement and it has three recline levels including a fully-reclined flat surface, so if the little one falls asleep, you can simply lower the seat back. Genius!
JUST ACORN WOODLAND RATTLE
Had to give a shout-out to this adorable boho bunny rattle from Anthropologie. It’s the little things, is it not??
CLOUD ISLAND KIMONO BODYSUITS
Target’s new Cloud Island line offers a slew of super adorable baby items like blankets and clothes. These kimono bodysuits are crazy affordable and I love the subtle neutral colors. Plus, the crossover neckline will make it easy to slide over baby’s head.
LITTLE UNICORN SWADDLE BLANKETS
This up and coming baby brand has the most beautiful patterns for their cloth items. Even their boy prints are super stylish! My pick is, of course, the versatile swaddle blanket, which go everywhere with me.
ON THE FENCE ABOUT
DOCK-A-TOT
If there ever was a baby-gear trend, this is it. And while I love the idea, I’m not completely sold on the Dock-A-Tot, especially with its hefty price tag. I figure I will wait until I actually have this baby and then decide if I really need a nest with bumpers.
BABY SWING
We used a swing with our son and we all loved it. I loved it, my husband loved it, my baby loved it, heck even grandma loved it (although I did feel just a tinge guilty about how powerless he was against its abilities to put him to sleep). But it is a big piece of equipment and I’m not sure where we would put it now that we have filled out our rooms with, you know, furniture. Again, this is a piece that I’m going to see how we manage without it for a few weeks.
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