GEAR UP
MAKE ROOM FOR BABY WITH THE FAMILY GROOVE'S ESSENTIAL BABY REGISTRY ITEMS

 

 

 

	If you plan on breastfeeding, you’ll need an efficient, comfortable and easily portable breast pump. Medela’s Pump In Style Original Breast Pump is the gold standard. It offers adjustable speed and vacuum control, and can be tucked away in a black carrying case that’s discreet enough to tote to work ($250, www.amazon.com). If you’re not breastfeeding, invest in a Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Newborn Feeding Set ($17.99, www.amazon.com). The dishwasher-safe bottles feature a patented internal vent system that helps reduce colic, spit-up, burping and gas, which means a happier baby – and parents. For warm bottles in a flash, you’ll need an easy-to-use bottle warmer like The First Years Quick Serve Bottle Warmer ($15, www.amazon.com).
	For travel—or just around the house, you’ll need a play yard—a portable, convertible crib and playpen in one. If you’ve got a multi-level house, keeping one like Evenflo’s Madison Play Yard featuring a bassinet and changing table on a non-nursery level will save you from climbing stairs to change a diaper ($90, www.amazon.com). If your dwelling is all on one level, choose one like Baby Trend’s Playard ($40, www.babiesrus.com). Although it has fewer bells and whistles, it saves you money and still gets the job done.
	When baby begins solid food, you’ll need a high chair. Why not choose one with a pop of snappy color like Peg Perego’s Prima Pappa High Chair in Mint ($170, www.barebabies.com).
Believe it or not, you’ll benefit from having two strollers. For travel or a quick errand, choose and ultra-light, foldable umbrella stroller like Kolcraft’s ibaby Reclining Umbrella Stroller, which comes with a totally groovy ipod dock and speakers. For more serious strolling, pick a more souped-up version geared for daily use. We love the ultra-stylish, smooth-handling Bumbleride strollers—especially the chic Flyer and sporty Rocket models ($300 and $329, www.barebabies.com).
	Choose a baby bath that will rest easily on both a countertop or in the bath. Summer Infant’s Newborn-to-Toddler Bath Center & Shower will last until baby is ready for the real thing ($27, www.amazon.com). You’ll also need a set of baby washcloths like I Play’s 5-pack of washcloths, which come in boyish blue and girly pink sets ($10, www.target.com).
	Remember the Sex in the City episode where a neighbor’s bouncy seat recommendation saved Miranda’s sanity? Save yourself now by registering for the Maclaren Rocker ($70, www.amazon.com) or the mod Svan Bouncer ($120, www.amazon.com). When baby’s older, break out a doorway jumper like Evenflo’s ExerSaucer SmartSteps Jump & Go ($40, www.amazon.com).
	They won’t let you leave the hospital without an infant car seat, so make sure you drop hints to receive one before you deliver. Our favorites: Graco’s SnugRide Infant Car Seat ($100, www.babiesrus.com), Peg Perego’s Primo Viaggio Infant Car Seat ($230, www.barebabies.com) and the Britax Companion Infant Car Seat Carrier ($200, www.barebabies.com). Until baby moves onto a big-kid car seat, snap it into Kolcraft’s Universal Car Seat Carrier instead of a larger stroller. It’s extremely lightweight, folds like a dream, and the huge storage basket can’t be beat ($50, www.amazon.com).
	Stocking up on multiple bibs and burp cloths will save you from being a slave to the washer and dryer. The I Play Bib Kit features 10 bibs and comes in blue or pink, while the Baby Burpies 2-piece set offers a double dose of absorbency ($13 and $18, www.target.com).
		Baby’s grooming and healthcare needs will be well-met with The First Years Comfort Care Deluxe Healthcare Kit, which features a soft-tip medicine dispenser with snap-on measuring cup, nail clippers, thermometer, medicine spoon, nasal aspirator and a baby care and wellness guide book ($18, www.amazon.com).
We don't want to scare you but one out of eight babies develops flathead. That's why we love NightForm's infant sleep positioner device. Not only will it keep your newbie helmet-free (in extreme cases of plagiocephaly, little ones need to wear protective helmets), but it's FDA-approved to help prevent SIDS. Now that's safe rest assured. ($40.95, www.nigthtform.com)
	We swear by Tiny Love’s Symphony in Motion Mobile. It will keep baby occupied better than any other, as will their Clip & Go Mobile, which attaches to the infant car seat for on-the-go entertainment ($40 and $20, www.target.com).
	For an odor-free nursery—really!—grab a Playtex Diaper Genie II. Not only is it easy to use, but its seven-layer odor-barrier film and special clamp to lock odors in the pail are nothing short of miraculous ($30, www.target.com).
Keep an eye on baby’s every move—even when you’re in another room— with Summer Infant’s Handheld Color Video Monitor ($250, www.amazon.com).
	There’s nothing like a BabyBjorn City Black Carrier to make toting baby a breeze. Dads will love this one, too. ($80, www.target.com).	Illuminate baby’s room with Jim Schatz’s Egg Night Light. The celestial display on baby’s ceiling will also help you during those late night peak-ins.($125, www.uncommongoods.com).

—Chelsea Kaplan

Read all about Chelsea's life with child in her blog, “I'm Somebody's Mother?”