Before I had Owen, I remember being so lost about what we would actually need and things we’d never use. How do you chose just one out of all the baby monitors, jumpers, bouncers, strollers, toys out there?! Even after reading all the reviews and doing all the research, it was still so overwhelming for me. So I wanted to help out any new or expecting mamas out there by putting together a list of items that we use on the reg and can’t live without.

Ingenuity SmartBounce Automatic Bouncer

This bouncer has been life saving for us and Owen. Baby’s fussy and fighting sleep? Bouncer. Baby’s crying because he can’t poop? (Trust me, it’ll happen) Bouncer. It helps him relax and I honestly think the movement helps him go. Regardless, whatever the reason, the solution after all else fails is almost always the bouncer.

Chicco Lullaby Dream All-In-One Play Yard

Your baby is supposed to sleep in the same room as you until they’re 5-6 months old (unless you’re comfortable with moving them out sooner) & there are a lot of bassinets out in the market. Instead of spending a lot of money on a bassinet he would only be in for a couple of months, I chose to get this play yard. The bottom can be raised (as pictured) for when your baby is an infant, and then lowered to the ground for when your baby starts standing and getting more mobile. So he’s been sleeping next to me at night in this and we’ll be able to keep using this when he’s a toddler. More bang for your buck IMO.

Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo

Pretty much as soon as Owen had good head control and was putting weight on his legs, he wanted to jump. He absolutely loves his jumper. We chose the activity center over a standard door jumper because if he gets tired of jumping, he can still be stimulated by the activities on the table.

DockATot Deluxe Plus Dock

I am the penny-pincher in the relationship so I was against buying this because it’s pricey. MDH ended up surprising me and buying it for us and I’m SO glad he did. We use this multiple times a day because it’s so portable and lightweight. Plus I know Owen is safe and comfortable in it. Trust me, you’ll use this more than you think!

Infant Optics Video Baby Monitor

Finding a baby monitor was probably the most overwhelming for me, but this monitor came highly recommended by multiple people and I’m so glad it did. The reason I love it is because it doesn’t need WiFi, which means it can’t be hacked. It does everything I need it to: video, night vision, audio, ability to move the camera from remote, even add multiple cameras to one remote.

The Boppy Pillow

If you plan on breastfeeding, I would say this is a must because your arms will get tired of holding your baby. However, even after I stopped breastfeeding, we use this every day to prop Owen up if he’s on the bed with us or if I want to feed him without having to hold him — because again, your arms will get tired.

Infant Baby Bath Floating Thermometer

Yes, a rubber ducky made the list. This duck is the most underrated gift I received from my registry because it is so nice to have. It reads the temp of the bath water and will tell you if the bath is too hot or too cold for your baby. And trust me, you want your baby as soothed as possible at bath time.

Homedics SoundSpa Lullaby

A baby hears white noise when he/she is in your womb so it makes sense that white noise soothes them once they’re Earth-side. I chose this sounds machine because of the price, but also because it does a little light show on the ceiling for the baby when they’re in their crib, which can also serve as a night light. Win win.

Dr. Browns Baby Bottles

I was a colicky baby so before Owen was even here, I knew I wanted to have everything I possibly could to help him if he had it. Regardless of if your baby has colic or not, I recommend these bottles because they help with your baby swallowing less air. Less air swallowed means less stomach pains which also means less gas. There’s more parts than a standard bottle, but they are top rack dishwasher safe so you don’t have to wash them by hand.

I hope this helps! As always, if you have any questions feel free to drop them in the comments below.

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