Gugu Guru simplifies collaborations with mom creators.

Teaching brands how to build mom creator communities.

registry

Best Budget Baby Registry Must Haves

by 1 Comment

Is a Budget Baby Registry really possible? There’s no question that having a baby is going to take a little funding.  The good news is that, although there are certain items that you really shouldn’t get as hand-me-downs (e.g., car seats) – you don’t have to splurge for high-quality items.  There are many budget baby registry finds on the market today, including stylish clothing and gear that won’t break the bank.  Here are our picks for your best budget baby registry, keeping your wallet in mind.

Budget Baby Registry: Gear & On The Go

Best Budget Baby Carrier

We often recommend babywearing, which has wonderful benefits aside from the hands-free aspect. One of our favorite stylish, yet affordable brands on the market is Infantino. This Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier ($29.99) grows with your child; suitable for babies 8 to 32lbs. It offers four ways to carry: newborn facing in, older baby facing in, facing out, and back carry. For a budget-friendly wrap-style carrier (without the difficulty of a wrap), we also LOVE the Baby K’tan ($59.95) carrier.

 
Best Budget Stroller

Baby Trend Snap N Go EX Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier is one of our top recommendations for families on a budget. The Snap N Go turns your infant car seat (we like Graco’s infant car seats) into a travel stroller so you don’t need to have a whole stroller system.  However, when baby grows out of the infant car seat, you’ll need a high-quality lightweight stroller like our favorites – the Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller or the super sleek Larktale chit chat.

Looking for the convenience of a travel system? Graco has you covered!

Lastly, in the early stages of baby, you’re going to have to tote around a lot of stuff. We love the Baby K’tan as our stylish value find.  Take a look here to read what some real moms had to say about Baby K’tans hands-free diaper bags.

Budget Baby Registry: Bedroom/Nursery

One of the 2016 safe sleep recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is for infants to share their parents’ bedroom for at least the first six months and, optimally, for the first year of life, based on the latest evidence. So, it’s likely you’ll need a sleeping arrangement for your bedroom. If you’re looking to adhere to AAP guidelines, the super portable, affordable, and safe-sleep approved BRICA Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet is a dream for your wallet. Do note, it’s only meant for use up to 6 months and, you’ll likely have to put the bassinet on the floor, which may not be practical for a number of reasons (e.g., frequent night-time nursing, pets, etc.) For something sleep-approved that requires less bending over and also grows with your child, go with the Graco Pack ‘n Play On The Go Playard with bassinet.

Best Budget Cribs

You’ll need a crib mattress of course and our budget pick is and always has been the Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams White Crib Mattress. Our general go-to brand for high-quality cribs that won’t break the bank is DaVinci. The Jenny Lind crib shown above will add great style to your nursery without breaking the bank. Ikea also has excellent crib options. Cribs are really a blank canvas regardless – and a great crib sheet can add that pizazz you need. We love the multi-packs by Peanutshell or Ely’s & Co.

moonjax® Swaddle Blanket 3-Pack Moon, Stardust, Constellation

For use inside or outside of the nursery, do NOT forget some muslin swaddle blankets, which have multiple uses beyond just swaddling.  Parents just rave about these 100% organic swaddle blankets from Moonjax said to be among the softest of their kind out there.  While they are on the pricier side, the multi-pack gets you a great deal on something you’ll use all the time.

Best Budget Swaddles

Wearable swaddles like the Swaddle Me Original swaddles are also a great, budget-conscious option. Swaddles create a cozy, womb-like feeling for baby and prevent the startle reflex that can wake your newborn infant. A three pack of these costs around $35 or less

 
Wubbanub Soft Toy and Infant Pacifier

While the wildly popular Wubbanub may be described by some as pricey and hardly fit for a budget baby registry, we’ve added it for two reasons: 1. it’s a 2-in-1 product (pacifier + lovie) so we feel that this justifies a higher price tag and 2. if you’re having a shower, it’s great to register for this item as a gift. An important thing to note about Wubbanubs, due to safe sleep recommendations, reserve the Wubbanub for supervised snoozing only.

Nanobebe flexy pacifiers are an excellent choice for sleep!

 
Best Budget Baby Monitor

Since the launch of Gugu Guru in 2015, the VTech DM221 Safe & Sound Digital Audio Baby Monitor has remained our leading budget baby monitor recommendation across the board. If you’re looking for a video monitor, we would recommend the Summer Infant Glimpse Video Baby Monitor as our budget video monitor pick coming in at less than $100.

 
Best Budget Humidifier

You’ll need a cool mist humidifier for your home. It will help immensely when baby catches the sniffles and even when breastfeeding! We have always been huge fans of Crane USA and their excellent humidifiers.

Budget Baby Registry: Layette

Best Budget Baby Layette

Generally people love to gift clothing, so try to register for specific items that you know you’ll love. We always recommend adding pajamas in a variety of sizes and some basics that you know you’ll use. Check out our post on newborn clothing necessities Clothing is also something that you can easily score as hand-me-downs or from BST (Buy/Sell/ Trade) groups on Facebook. You’ll want to get lots of onesies and zippered pajamas (snaps are terrible in the middle of the night.) To make sure you have some of the basics covered, you can also register for an economical layette set like this Essential Newborn Baby Layette Set from SpaSilk. Here’s a budget tip – go gender neutral for clothes.  If you plan to have more babies, you can re-use what you have and if you don’t plan on having another, you can trade or sell gender-neutral items more easily.

Budget Baby Registry: Feeding

Regardless of how you plan to feed your baby, you’ll definitely need some burp cloths. One of the most popular burp cloths is actually labeled as a diaper! The Gerber Birdseye 3-Ply Prefold Cloth Diaper. A pack of 10 will cost you less than $20.

 

Though it’s certainly not the least expensive pillow on the market, nursing moms love the My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow, which comes in a variety of colors and styles. You’ll also want to pick up some nursing pads as well. For mothers who are not exclusively breastfeeding, the Evenflo Balance + Bottles are an excellent high-quality budget choice. Parents love the angled bottle for reducing gas and ease of use. Don’t forget a bottle brush too.

As baby starts solids and graduates to self-feeding, the Fisher-Price Spacesaver High Chair is our top budget choice. In fact, Gugu Guru’s founder, Monica, used this chair for her two babes. For baby’s adventures dining in, you’ll also need soft-tip infant spoons, suction bowls and bibs (note: there are drool bibs and there are feeding bibs, we’re speaking of the latter.)

Budget Baby Registry: Bath & Potty

Here’s the truth about diapers: you may have to try a few brands before you figure out what works best.  It’s not unusual that one diaper brand is deemed as superior and leak proof by one parent, and that same brand is labeled as inferior by another.  It’s also not unusual to switch along the way.

Best Budget Diapers

Huggies Little Snugglers, Pampers Swaddlers, and Luvs are often loved by many parents. Also, don’t look past your bulk buy stores (Costco and Sam’s Club both have excellent diaper options). Target also has an excellent line of diapers, which many parents swear by! took the cake. Budget hint: try Amazon’s Subscribe & Save service for 5% off diapers and also wipes.

 
Earth Mama Organics Simply Non-Scents Castile Baby Wash

Even though this post is about saving money on baby products, Gugu Guru would encourage our readers not to skimp too much on products you put on baby’s skin, e.g., hair & body wash or lotion. Luckily, we found Earth Mama’s line of safe baby wash, perfect for those newborn suds.

For infant bath tubs, Summer’s Splish ‘n Splash Newborn Tub has always reigned supreme among parents for a best budget find. Shown here, this tub will grow with your little one all the way to toddlerhood!

Best Budget Hooded Towels

For adorable and budget-friendly hooded towels and washcloths, look no further than Luvable friends.

 

Budget-minded parents will be happy to know that you can get all of your health and grooming essentials in one fell swoop with the Safety 1st Deluxe Kit

Budget Baby Registry: Play Time

For our favorite budget play mat, the beloved Infantino brand comes in again with some amazing options.

Fisher Price consistently has some great play options. You can find some exceptional toys, bouncers, and seats for baby to use throughout the house.

 
 
Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on baby cribs, car seats, strollers, high chairs and much, much more

For more tips on how to save on anything and everything baby, arm yourself with the bible of budget parenting: Baby Bargains.

Looking for more help! Check out our shop today for many of our favorite budget finds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Creating a Baby Registry

by Leave a Comment

When it comes to creating a baby registry, you might feel a little overwhelmed at first. A million and one items exist for you to add to your registry, so how do you choose the right ones? We’ve compiled a list of tips to help the process feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more fun.

Do’s 

  1. Do be specific. 

You are allowed to want what you want for your baby, their nursery, and your home. If you want the Nanit Pro Camera, register for it. A fancy blue Baby K’tan baby carrier strikes your fancy? Register for it. It’s your baby. It’s your registry. Be as specific as you please, right down to the types of nursing pads you prefer. 

What to add to your baby registry

2. Do think past the newborn stage.

Newborns are so small and cuddly and tiny for… approximately three blinks. Suddenly they’re in 3-6 month clothes and you’re scrambling to find weather-appropriate pieces for them to wear outside of the house! Keep ages and stages in mind as you look at clothing (which yes, you can register for!), toys, feeding, and other gear. Additionally, if you register for a specific type of diaper, be sure to include a variety of sizes to help you through those transitions as your baby grows. 

3. Do consider other seasons.

If your baby is born in the summer, you might be thinking about all of those early outings you’ll get to experience with them in their stroller. Don’t forget about the other seasons of the year and add a rain cover for your stroller to keep the wind and rain off of them in the fall. Or even a footmuff for those blustery winter days when you still need to go for a walk. Adding these items now means you won’t have to make a quick purchase as the weather changes with each season.

Stroller with a rain cover

4. Do add some skincare and wellness products of your choosing. 

When it comes to skin, babies can be the most particular among us. Until they’re born, you won’t quite know what works for them beyond the types of products you’d like to use. Add brands that you feel most comfortable starting out with trying, like Earth Mama for all kinds of balms, washes, and more. Additionally, you’ll want to have a nasal aspirator on hand, and you can’t go wrong with Dr. NozeBest NozeBot. Other items in this category include a rectal thermometer, humidifier, and maybe even an air purifier. Remember point 1 in this section: It’s your registry and you can be as specific as you want with brands, even for things as small as baby wash.

5. Do your research, but do have fun.

It can feel very overwhelming to pick everything you want and need for your baby. When comparing car seats alone, it can feel daunting to trust any seat with your precious newborn. If you start to feel a bit overwhelmed, reach out to us! We are here to help remove those feelings of angst and ensure you are making the right selections for your life! This process should be fun and exciting, not daunting and insurmountable. We are always a quick email away – hello@guguguru.com

Don’ts

  1. Don’t forget yourself.

You will need some extra special care in the days, weeks, and months after your baby arrives. Add some healthy snacks, nipple butter, and an herbal sitz bath to help get you through those early days and nights. Additionally, don’t forget to add some comfortable nursing clothing, like a tank and bra set.

What to add to your baby registry

2. Don’t forget about services!

Not everything can be wrapped up in cute wrapping paper and topped with a bow. Do you need some help after the baby arrives? Would you benefit from a breast and bottle feeding class? Or a new baby care workshop? Maybe even a weekly house cleaner visit for the first month? Think outside the box. Some gift-givers really love gifting experiences over things.

3. Don’t forget the little things. 

Yes, you registered for your car seat and a stroller, and a high chair. How about baby-sized hangers for the closet? And some cute baskets for the shelves that match the decor you’ve chosen? Bottle brushes? Maybe some diaper balm? All those little things that parents use on a regular basis that get overlooked when thinking about the big things: add those too.

4. Don’t worry about what others are or aren’t registering for right now. 

If you want it, don’t worry about what your best friend added to her registry or your sister-in-law told you not to register for last week. Just as we told you to be specific with your registry, we remind you that it is your registry. Not your mom’s, your mother-in-law’s, or your neighbor’s. It’s yours. If you don’t agree with the opinions of others, ignore them!

5. Pro Tip: Don’t reveal the baby’s gender. 

This last don’t is a pro-tip we recently shared on our Instagram. In short: If your heart is set on receiving the items on your registry, don’t reveal the baby’s gender. Why? The moment you share that information with people, they will buy clothing, blankets, and other gifts that they think will be appropriate for your little bundle of joy. Even if you register for neutral clothing and bedding, letting those who are buying you gifts know the baby’s gender can skew their gift-giving. Obviously, this isn’t a hard and fast rule, but it was a light bulb, pro-tip moment for sure! Try it out and report back to us.

What are your tried and true baby registry items and tips?

Filed Under: Baby Registry Tagged With:

JOIN TO OUR MAILING LIST!

Leave us your email to receive new posts and special offers for members only! Don't miss a thing!

The Best Developmental Toys for Babies Ages 0-12 Months

by Leave a Comment

You may not think to add toys to your baby registry list, but there are a host of play items that can help babies develop some early age-appropriate skills. Developmental toys for babies also make for great baby shower gifts. When in doubt, gifting fun and smartly designed toys is always a winner! The trick is sneaking in a little something to make their brains work hard while still keeping them engaged and happy. Here, some of the best age-appropriate toys for babies: 0-12 months.

Sassy Sensory Developmental Ball

Fact: Babies love playing with balls. Another fact: They love anything with a funky texture. Making this ball a winner. Not to mention that it’s made for little hands to grab and play effectively. A must for any baby.

Melange Collection Stuffed Animals

Looking for gorgeous stuffed animals that your baby will continue to love as they grow? Melange Collection is full of high-quality (and beautiful!) stuffed animals that make an excellent keepsake for years!

Books

Starting your baby’s library from day one is a great way to expose them to colors, shapes, and sounds. They will learn so much through books and inherently begin to develop a love of reading. We like filling baby’s bookshelves with board books and these, which are truly indestructible.

Freddy The Firefly

Lamaze Play and Grow Freddie the Firefly

Every parent needs a toy to attach to the stroller or car seat to keep baby amused during travel time. We love the take-along toys from Lamaze, like Freddie the Firefly. Babies will love to play with the crinkly wings, peekabo mirror and clacking rings.

Teethers

Throughout the first year, your little one will explore loads of products through their mouth. Be prepared with a number of safe items for them to chew on whether they are looking for sensory input or getting new teeth. We love to have a variety of teethers to allow your little one to explore different textures.

Mouse Loves Pig

For years we have been recommending the toys from Mouse Loves Pig. The colorful ribbon wands are a perfect addition to baby’s first toy box. We also love their crinkle toys, which give great feedback to your little ones during tummy time each day.

Searching for other Playtime Must Haves?

5 of the best Activity Gyms
Registry Dillema: Bouncer or Swing?
6 Perfect Play Mat Picks
Top 5 Activity Centers

To Grandmother’s House, We Go!

by Leave a Comment

After the past 20 months, we are all ready for a bit of normalcy. For many of us, this might mean traveling to see Grandparents this holiday season. No matter near or far, there are some products you may want when you bring your little ones for a visit. Check below for our round-up of all the products that may need to “live at Grandmas!”

Also, don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Travel Checklist.

Time to Eat

You’ve finally figured out a routine for your little ones. Baby needs a bottle every 4 hours, while your toddler needs 3 meals and about 45 snacks in between.

Starting with baby, we absolutely adore the bbhugme Nursing Pillow, which is great for both breast and bottle feeders. It is customizable, comfortable, and comes with an excellent carry case, which is great for travel.

If you’re pumping, be sure to grab a Freeze It Flat by MAMMaway. This will allow you to efficiently freeze + store your breastmilk, without taking up valuable space in Grammy’s freezer. Also, be sure to check out some of our travel favorites by Baby’s Brew. Known for their excellent bottle warmers and 2-in-1 Snack Cups.

For your little one starting solids, we love the sets by Green Sprouts. You will have your bibs + dishes ready to go when lunch approaches. Your toddler will also love the GoBe Snack Spinner, making snack time fun and easy!

Time to Run Out and About

While you may travel with your stroller and/or carrier, sometimes it’s nice to show up at your Grandparent’s without any gear. We love leaving a lightweight stroller at Papa’s to throw in the car or run to the park. Larktale has some of our favorites, which also fold up small for easy storage. Check out the Chit Chat or the Autofold, which folds down small with the flip of a handlebar. Looking for a way to carry multiple kiddos? Larktale’s Caravan Wagon is an excellent way to visit the park, beach, zoo, and beyond!

Time to Relax

Sometimes at Granny’s the schedules and routines go out the window. We support that! Vacation is a time when rules are broken. Instead of nap time, your 3-year-old may cozy up on the couch watching football. Bizzi Growin has some of the softest luxury blankets with the cutest patterns. We highly recommend the Koochicoo blanket for your big kids and their adorable sleepsacks for your littles!

Looking for a safe place to sleep? Babymoov’s Naos Crib & Playard is an excellent option. Weighing under 9 lbs, this playard will fold up small for easy storage and easy for Grandpa to move. Mom hack: This is a great place for baby to play, especially in an area that might not be babyproofed as your home. Add some reusable ergoPouch Window Blockouts to ensure a great night of sleep for everyone.

Whether you’re visiting Grandparents by plane or car, we know you’ll be fully prepared to enjoy time with your loved ones!

Looking for More Travel Tips & Tricks?

Travel Must Have: Slumberpod Review
The Best Travel Gear for Baby
5 Best Lightweight Travel Strollers


Registry Dilemma: Bouncer or Swing?

by 3 Comments

Here’s a hint from the team at Gugu Guru: you might not need a bouncer AND a swing. Both bouncers and swings have a specific function and each fits a certain lifestyle and living situation. If you have the space to accommodate both, awesome! But babies come with a lot of gear and it really depends on if you have the space to accommodate both or not.

Take the quiz below to find out what’s the best choice for you…bouncer? or swing?

If you still want to shop all of the options, here are our unbiased pros and cons for both types of baby chill out styles from the team at Gugu Guru.

BOUNCER

What is it? 

A bouncer is usually lightweight and moves with baby’s own movements, or a nudge from mom and dad’s hand or foot. Bouncers tend to be more compact, low to the ground, and easy to store.

Pros

  • Many baby bouncer seats don’t require batteries and even if they do, your little one will still get the benefits of bounce, no batteries required.
  • If you have limited space, a baby bouncer only takes up a little bit of real estate.
  • Bouncers are portable. You can easily move it from room to room or throw it in the trunk to bring to grandma’s house.
  • They are generally less expensive than swings.

Cons

  • There’s typically only one motion with a bouncer—bouncing.
  • Some babies are less likely to drift off to sleep in a bouncer than in a swing.
  • Some bouncers can easily tip over and seem a bit less stable than swings. Take caution with where you place them and make sure not to leave baby unattended in one.

Our favorite bouncers:

SWING

What is it?

A swing is often larger than a bouncer and is mechanically powered to rock baby back and forth or side to side. Many swings have additional features like songs, white noise, vibration, and more. 

Pros

  • Many swings come with toys and various settings with lights, vibration, music and other sounds, making them a one-stop-shop of entertainment for babies.
  • Swings have the magic ability of soothing most babies when they’re fussy.
  • The swinging motion is like an instant sleep inducer.

Cons

  • Baby might get accustomed to the back and forth motion and may have trouble falling asleep without it.
  • These things tend to have a big footprint. A swing can take up a lot of space in a small apartment.
  • Swings need a power source and/or they go through a lot of batteries.
  • Swings are heavy. Once you decide on a spot for one, it’s staying there until you can call for backup to move it.

Our favorite swings:

Can’t decide? Still think you need both? It happens! Here are some great hybrid options we recommend. These hybrid products offer parents the best of both worlds, and help you avoid a home taken over by too much baby “stuff”.

More playtime favorites:
Tummy Time & Play: Gugu Picks
Best Baby Activity Cards

Gugu Guide Gear Picks: Jen Saxton

by Leave a Comment

Meet our Gugu Guides! These expert moms in our community are here to provide wisdom, solutions and experience to help you make the best decisions about products and services for your growing family.

About Jen

Jen Saxton is the Founder & CEO of Tot Squad, a baby services marketplace that connects new parents with health, wellness and safety services like car seat installation, sleep consulting, lactation support and more. 

Jen is a serial entrepreneur with 10 years experience in the baby industry. Jen received her MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and has been a Child Passenger Safety Technician since 2009.  She grew up in Austin, Texas and received a B.S. in Mathematics from Duke University.

Jen now lives in Los Angeles with her husband Kern, daughters Charlotte (2018) & Sophie (2021), and furry friend Jackson the bichon frise. She enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling.

Find out how she does it all, and check out her top 3 gear picks for babies. Follow her on @totsquad @jenbsaxton to learn more!

How do you balance your work and mom life?

Honestly, I don’t! LOL! Some weeks are better than others, but I am fortunate to have a lot of help. When I have big projects, my team steps up to the plate. I was determined to take a real maternity leave and even though I feel like so many balls were dropped, I know my babies thrived because I was able to give them the attention they needed. Some days, it’s about bringing them with me to meetings, on trips, running errands, or into the office. There are times when I can put my phone away so I can devote one on one time with each of the girls. I try to manage my time as best as I can. One key element is leaving the laptop at the office so I am not tempted to open it up and start working!

Describe your baby and toddler gear style.

Multi-purpose, Convenience, Durable, and Fun!

What’s been your biggest obstacle as a parent and what did you do to overcome it?

Taking the time to slow down and enjoy the moments. I have two gears; full throttle and hard brake. It’s not that I have overcome the obstacle, but I am constantly aware and make the effort to slow down to a certain speed. 

Top 3 Gear Picks

SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet

Not just a pretty addition to any nursery, the SNOO Smart bassinet had both of my newborns sleeping soundly with its automatically adjusting swaying and white noise until the girls learned to connect their sleep cycles!

Hatch Rest

This smart nightlight stands the test of time as a white noise machine since birth and now as an “ok to wake” clock that is programmable from my phone to keep my toddler in her room!

Belly Bandit

This brand has had my back, literally, through all stages of conception and childbearing with their Upsie Belly bump support, the C section corset undies, Mother Tucker leggings and their period panty line Proof! 

Shop this post:

More to Read:
Gugu Guide Gear Picks: Megan Harper
Gugu Guide Gear Picks: Chelsea Crowl
Gugu Guide Gear Picks: Summer Hartman

Filed Under: Gugu Guide Feature Tagged With: ,

JOIN TO OUR MAILING LIST!

Leave us your email to receive new posts and special offers for members only! Don't miss a thing!

23 Top Baby Registry Tips

by Leave a Comment

We polled our Gugu Village for their top baby registry tips! We share expert advice all the time, but this time we wanted you to hear it from mamas who have been there themselves. Check out their sage advice below.

  1. Don’t register for too many clothes. People like to pick out what they think is cute, and they grow out of them so fast! -Vanessa S.
  2. The checklists on most registries actually help BUT NO you don’t need everything in every category of the checklist. -Cayli M.
  3. Even if you don’t plan on having a baby shower. Make a registry (or few from a few different stores) and use the % off coupon they give you for unboughten registry items, which are items you would be buying any way and you save money. -Cayli M.
  4. Add items that you would rather not buy yourself. Ex: don’t add tons of books or clothing since you’re most likely going to buy those items yourself anyways. -Cayli M.
  5. Don’t bother putting baby towels/washcloths on it. They usually come in a gift pack and you will likely receive several!  -Abby M.
  6. Ask for diapers of size 3+ or cloth diapers as they go through the small sizes quick! -Abby M.
  7. Don’t add clothes. People will gift them to you regardless. And make sure you check stuff out and research for yourself. You may find that you aren’t a fan of something that others are huge fans of (ie: a certain stroller or car seat, diaper bags, etc). Also you do not need to spend big bucks on stuff. Baby isn’t going to know the difference if you have an Uppababy or a Graco stroller. Buy what you like and what fits your budget. -Samantha F.
  8. Don’t register for newborn or 0-3 mos. You don’t have any idea how big or small baby will be at birth and you’re almost guaranteed to get stuff you don’t need or want—my first needed preemie and my second was almost too large for NB when he came out. don’t register for size N or 1 diapers. Do 2+. People will send that stuff whether it’s on the registry or not. –Katie W.
  9. Don’t register for blankets. Crib & bassinet sheets, yes, blankets no. –Katie W.
  10. Do register for your preferred hygiene items, especially baby shampoo, powder, and other consumables you’ll use over and over. –Katie W.
  11. Put your big ticket items on the registry. If someone buys them it’s a lovely surprise; if they don’t, you get credit/discounts. -Katie W.
  12. Don’t add baby bottles. Get the free registry gift bags or swag bags from baby events you attend. They come with lots of baby bottles and pacis that you can save and try on baby once they are ready to bottle feed. You don’t know which bottle your baby takes so best to keep one of a couple different bottles. Once baby takes to one buy a pack of those bottles. -Edith G.
  13. Do ask family and friends for any hand me downs before registering. -Alison F.
  14. Do register for the better crib mattress and any crib conversion kits. -Alison F.
  15. Don’t register for 1 specific brand of diapers. Register for smaller boxes and a variety of them. You never know what will be best for your baby. -Alison F.
  16. Register for things you will need postpartum care take out gift cards , cleaning service , laundry etc. -Sheila S.
  17. Register for something YOU want for now or postpartum (massage, etc) not just what you NEED for baby. -Daron O.
  18. There are a million options for everything and there might need to be some trial and error for certain items. –Hilary B.
  19. Places like BuyBuyBaby and Bed Bath and Beyond are great for registry items because they have such good return policies in case you find you don’t end up wanting or using things you register for and there will always be something you need to use gift card or credit on. -Hilary B.
  20. Treat yourself to a glider. Not a rocker. I didn’t know the difference and I wish I had gotten the glider. -Lauren G.
  21. Diapers on top of diapers. Best gift ever. -Francesca R.
  22. Other moms mentioned it but register for things for YOU and your healing! That is what you will need immediately postpartum. Seriously the first few weeks the baby needs so little – a place to sleep, some clothes, swaddles, diapers, burp cloths, bottles if you’re bottle feeding and a paci. You, mama, need things to help your healing and that is too often overlooked when it comes to registering- welcoming a new baby means you had to birth said baby and your registry should reflect that! -Laura S.
  23. Gift cards! You usually need and want way different things once baby is here! -Michelle A.

What do you think? Did we miss anything?
Message us on Instagram or comment below and let us know!

Check out more Registry Tips:
Why You Need an Online Baby Registry
The Ultimate Target Baby Registry

Filed Under: Baby Registry Tagged With:

JOIN TO OUR MAILING LIST!

Leave us your email to receive new posts and special offers for members only! Don't miss a thing!

The Scoop: Momkindness Duo Diaper Backpack

by Leave a Comment

Versatility is key when it comes to gear in motherhood. We’re bringing you the scoop on the Duo Backpack from Momkindness. This backpack is a 2-in-1 style and a total game-changer for moms in every stage of early motherhood, and beyond.

2-in-1 Style

A favorite feature of this bag is its 2-in-1 style with a durable canvas backpack, plus a removable Diaper Clutch with changing pad for when you just need to tote the essentials. Moms love being able to pop out the Diaper Clutch for a quick run into the store, knowing that the backpack with all the necessities is close by in the car. It can easily double as a stylish clutch for date night as well!

Made to last

This backpack from Momkindness is made of a durable canvas that will last far beyond the baby and toddler years. The sleek style of this bag won’t fall out of style either. With a wide-access, dual-zip top, and 9 pockets, this bag keeps you organized with a place for everything so you can easily find all the things, right when you need them. There’s even a quick-access zip pocket on the back!

Inside, along with 9 pockets for organization, there’s a separate padded laptop or tablet compartment. The adjustable, padded comfort straps are perfect for both mom and dad to wear. This backpack is made to multi-task as much as you do.

Momkindness for a cause

Another thing we love most about Momkindness is their mission to spread acts of “momkindness” within the mom community and their partnership with Every Mother Counts. Every Mother Counts is a non-profit working to achieve quality, respectful and equitable maternity care for all, and a portion of every Momkindness sale is donated to support their cause.

This durable, 2-in-1 diaper backpack is made to last through all parts of parenthood, and beyond. Because being a mom shouldn’t mean sacrificing style for function! Check it out for yourself: Momkindness Duo Backpack (Grey)

Thank you to Momkindness for making this sponsored post possible.

Check out more:
Kindness Counts: Amazing Mama Brands with Huge Hearts
Diaper Bags to Check Out

25 Gift Ideas for Babies

by Leave a Comment

Maybe you’re buying things to help round out your baby’s nursery or layette. Maybe you’re purchasing some gifts for your friend’s new arrival. Whatever the case, we’ve scoured through the options to find the best, trendiest, coolest, and most helpful gifts for new arrivals.

Let’s check them out now!

Baby Gifts for the Nursery

Rookie Humans Enchanted Meadow Standard Size Crib Sheet – $38.00

These crib sheets from Rookie Humans take sleeping baby photo opportunities to the next level. Since the cute factor is printed on the sheet, they keep your baby safe without any added stuff in the crib. They come in a variety of prints, but this meadow print feels earthy and free.

Stamp My Feet – Black Herringbone – $38.00

You’ll want to take this gift with you when your little one is on the way. That way you can dip your newborn’s feet into the non-toxic ink pad and get those fresh footprints as soon as possible. The gender-neutral herringbone design would look great in your baby’s nursery or displayed proudly in your living room.

Rookie Humans Crib Sheet and Swaddle Bundle – Moon’s Birthday – $63.00

This is another crib sheet from Rookie Humans, but it comes bundled with a bamboo swaddling blanket in a coordinating pattern. The moon pattern is… out of this world.

Animal Spots Swaddle from Solly Baby – $23.00

You can never have too many swaddles for your new arrival. We love all of the options from Solly Baby, but this animal print one feels both on trend and next level. It’s both neutral and bold in addition to being comfortable for your baby.

Nanit Pro Complete Monitoring System (+ Wall Mount) – $379.00

This baby monitor is unique, offering everything from breathing safety to growth measurements. Combine the included smart sheet with the tools in the mobile app to track your baby’s growth over time. The included breathing band also monitors your baby’s breathing for peace of mind.

Toys & Books to Give As Baby Gifts

Big Little Universe Special Delivery Box (Newborn+) – $69.99

Each box from Big Little Universe comes with an assortment of things your newborn will love, including a surprise. This one has a lion lovey, a pacifier clip, a bath mitt, a bib, and a surprise animal.

Melange Collection Crochet Llama – $18.00

Every baby needs a lovey. Why not get a little creative with their first option? This llama from Melange Collection is not only adorable and unique, but was handmade in Armenia with seed money from Save the Children to create jobs and help promote Armenian crafts.

Mouse Loves Pig Crinkle Baby Toy – Mandala – $18.00

This crinkle toy checks off multiple boxes for baby toys. The black and white design is good for your baby’s brain development. They’ll enjoy the sound as they learn to play with their hands. The organic teething ring can also be removed so both pieces can be washed separately.

Workman Publishing – Boyton Favorites Book Set – $23.85

Books always make a great baby gift, but there’s nothing better than Sandra Boynton’s books. These three–Barnyard Dance, Belly Button Book, and Snuggle Puppy–are three of her most beloved classics. A warning: You may refer to all belly button’s as “Bee Bo” for eternity. Just go with it!

The Looker Play Kit from LOVEVERY – $80.00 per play kit

Play kits from LOVEVERY bring unique toys to your home every two months. Start your newborn off with The Looker play kit which focuses on building new brain connections with high contrast designs.

Great Clothing Options for Baby Gifts

ergoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Bag 0.2 TOG – $29.99

Help your baby get to sleep with this cocoon swaddle bag. We love that it’s both easy to use and difficult to escape from while sleeping. The TOG rating means that it can be used on its own in rooms with temperatures from 75°F + with no extra blankets, making it a safe sleeping option.

ergoPouch Arm Warmer Cardigan – $26.99

Worried about the temperature for your little sleeper? Want something to keep them a little warmer when you wake up early on cool fall mornings? Grab one of these cute arm warmer cardigans to throw over their sleeveless swaddle bag.

Gabri Isle Mustard Muslin Romper – $45.00

Every baby needs some bibs. Make it fashion by adding some fall color and brown buttons. They would be cute over a floral, striped, or solid top.

Baby Says Black Baby Moccasins and 8-pack Marker Set – $39.99

What makes cute baby shoes even cuter? Personalizing them with your own message. Whether your little one is Dad’s #1 Fan or you’re in the mood to recreate the message on Woody’s cowboy boot, these moccasins will be a hit. The best part is that the messages wipe off with liquid dish soap, allowing you to keep creating for months to come.

Zippered Footie from Kyte Baby – $33.00

These footie pajamas are made from bamboo rayon and feel as soft as butter. Your little one will love sleeping and playing in this comfy set. They also come in a variety of colors, but this bold emerald works year round.

Baby Gifts for Health, Wellness & Feeding

Babymoov Hygro Plus Humidifier – $79.99

This humidifier is smart. It shuts off when the room reaches the desired humidity level. It also displays the temperature in the room, so you’ll know your baby will be comfortable all around.

Dr Noze Best Noze Bot Baby Nasal Aspirator – $119.00

While this particular gift might not be your baby’s favorite, it is a handy tool that will help keep them breathing well. It offers three levels of hospital-grade suction and is easy to clean. As an added bonus, it is HSA/FSA eligible.

Earth Mama A Little Something For Baby – $25.99

This gift pack includes organic diaper balm, sweet orange baby lotion and baby wash, calendula baby oil, and an organic baby face, nose, and cheek balm. Your little one will smell fantastic with these safe products.

Kiss Kiss Goodnight Baby Essentials Bundle – $74.00

This three step process will help you create a bedtime routine with your baby, sending both mama and baby off to dreamland in peace. It comes with a melting balm cleanser, a hydrating face and body lotion, and a protective balm.

Lavelu Lounger Baby Sink Bath Insert – $38.00

Help your little one learn to love bath time with this insert. This lounger is made of waterproof material which keeps it from becoming waterlogged and heavy. It fits in any type of sink, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

Hooded Towel Set from LouLou Lollipop – $35.00

There’s nothing quite like wrapping a baby up in a hooded towel, all fresh and clean after a bath. The hooded towel and washcloth sets from LouLou Lollipop add an extra level of cute with prints that will make you smile. This avocado print definitely tops the chart on the cute factor.

The Essentials Gift Set from Tubby Todd – $62.00

This gift set has four essential bath and bedtime products. You’ll get a hair and body wash, all over ointment, everyday lotion, and even a bubble bath. The products range from fragrance free (the ointment) to soft, soothing scents sure to help your baby drift off to dreamland after their evening bath.

Feeding Baby Gifts

Babymoov Mom & B Pillow – $39.99

Help make feeding time easier and more comfortable for both parents and baby with this feeding pillow. It will help keep baby in place as you spend time together.

Green Sprouts Stay-dry Newborn Bib & Burp Set – $37.99

These bibs and burp cloths have a waterproof inner layer to help keep moisture away from your baby’s skin. As your baby grows into eating solid foods, you can move from using the burp cloths to the handy bibs. We like that this gift set covers multiple stages.

First Foods Set from ezpz – $34.99

Playing off of the last gift, as your baby grows into solid foods, you’ll definitely want to grab this first foods set. You’ll help your baby learn independence as they eat with a little less mess than other options.

More gift choices:
25 Gift Ideas for a 2-Year-Old
Ultimate Gift Guide: Ages 2-5
Ultimate Gift Guide: Ages 0-2

The Scoop: Aden + Anais Weighted Blanket

by Leave a Comment

Did you know that they make weighted blankets for babies and toddlers? They do! And when it comes to helping your little one get the best possible sleep, many parents find themselves willing to try different methods or employ new techniques. Enter Aden + Anais with their stylish weighted blanket options.

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of weighted blankets, they are proven in clinical studies to both help alleviate stress and help promote longer, deeper sleep. They can promote happiness and reduce stress by releasing those happy-making hormones while simultaneously reducing the ones that cause stress. It makes sense that while a weighted blanket will help an adult sleep, it can do the same for the littlest among us. Just note that sleep experts do not recommend weighted blankets for babies under 20 lbs. 

Aden + Anais created the embrace collection to help babies get their best possible sleep. They combine unique weight placement with 100% natural cotton, allowing you to use the weighted blanket all year long. Additionally, they make three different weights and sizes to accommodate babies of different ages and stages. Let’s take a look at what they have to offer.

On-the-Go Blanket

$59.95
Weight: 2 pounds
Recommended Baby Weight: 20+ pounds

This is the smallest of the weighted blankets from Aden + Anais, fitting easily into strollers to keep baby both calm and warm on your morning or evening walks. This blanket is for babies who weigh 20 pounds or more, meeting the weighted blanket guidelines of no more than 10% of the baby’s body weight. It comes in two neutral, modern prints that will look great tucked into your favorite stroller. A safety note: Babies should never sleep with a blanket. Keep this handy for your stroller rides and other outings.

Toddler Bed Weighted Blanket

$99.95
Weight: 2.65 pounds
Recommended Toddler Weight: 26.5 pounds

The next size up fits your toddler’s bed just perfectly. This weighted blanket will help your growing little one adjust to their new bed, soothing their anxieties and helping them drift off to dream with ease. Using this blanket as part of your sleep routine could make bedtime easier for your whole family. It’s made for toddlers who weigh 26.5 pounds or more. This blanket comes in three prints with colors that feel perfect for a growing toddler who wants to have a say.

Lounge Blanket

$119.95
Weight: 4.4 pounds
Recommended Toddler Weight: 44 pounds

Sure to become a favorite for the whole family, the lounge blanket is the largest option from Aden + Anais and feels perfect for snuggling together. You can throw it on your own bed for a joint naptime or cuddle under it for family naptime. It weighs in at 4.4 pounds, which means you could also use it as a solo option for kiddos who weigh 44 pounds or more. This weighted blanket comes in one classy, neutral print to complement your decor. 

If you’re looking for an easy way to help your baby with sleep, starting with an Aden + Anais embrace collection weighted blanket seems like the perfect choice. You’ll be offering them a gentle hug when you can’t be there to hold them, calming their anxieties with ease.

Check out more must-haves for sleep:
Why You Need Natural Fiber Sleepwear for Your Baby
JPMA Baby Safety Tips: Safe Sleep Basics
Sleep Must Have: Weighted Blankets for Baby & Parents