Baby #2 is on the way (just 8 weeks to go!)
….and I started to find myself more confused than ever with what we need! Although we have a ton of the basics and essentials – a lot has changed with recalls, technology, innovations of what is recommended for an infant, in the past 3 years!
I’ve been doing a ton of research on my own + I asked a handful of real life acquaintances & friends what the #1 item I need for a baby in 2019 is! A lot of the answers lined up with what I had already added to my registry/list of things to grab! Here they are – with a small reason to why it’s on my list. Click the image of each item for a direct link to website where it’s available to purchase!
Dr. Browns Bottles
I’ll admit – I really love these bottles because they are my favorite color and perfect for a baby girl. BUT they also have amazing reviews and we are getting rid of 99% of our old used bottles. These bottles also come in several other colors and sizes! They are also BPA-, PVC-, lead- and phthalate-free.
Chicco Fit2 Carseat
We didn’t love our carseat for Calvin and we actually got rid of the stroller that went with it when we moved back to OH – so we need a new one! Craig and I finally made it to the store to look at some carseats in person and I fell in love with this car seat in particular! To me, a lot of the car seats we saw, looked and felt so cheaply made. Although we aren’t looking to spend a ton, this one is at the higher end of our budget, but I just love it so much! It is sturdy, padded in all the right spots, safe, and durable. I am really hoping we end up with this one for baby girl!
The Play Gym by Lovevery
I have gotten a ton of recos for this playmat, which isn’t just any play mat, it’s a “Stage-Based Developmental Activity Gym & Play Mat for Baby to Toddler. Lovevery’s award-winning debut product is essential for all your baby’s learning stages, providing what your baby wants to see, touch, and do as their little self starts to emerge. The Play Gym includes everything you need in an activity gym-from batting to teething to learning to focus-for a whole year of play.” I didn’t think that there was much of a difference in play mats but it seems a ton of research and strategic development has gone into making this perfect for a baby’s growing brain. Now look at me, I’m the mom who needs the very best for her baby that isn’t born yet. 🙂
Metene Thermometer
One of the scariest things as a Mom is when your baby is sick, has a fever, and is miserable. You want to know right away what action to take – but first you need to know how high the fever really is. With Calvin, we only had an underarm/rectal thermometer, which can be hard to use on a wiggly baby. I knew from the beginning this time, I wanted a medical grade thermometer that could be used quickly on the forehead and in the ear. This one is just that, is sleek, and has a great price point.

BIBS BPA-Free Natural Rubber Baby Pacifier
These are super super cute and come in both sets of 2 and 4 & multiple colors. The bibs natural rubber baby pacifier mimicks both the shape and soft materials of mothers’ breast. Their classic appearance captures a look that’s both timeless and elegant. They are also 100% free from BPA, PVC and phthalates, things I didn’t necesarilly research with Calvin, but care about now.
Simple Joys Short-Sleeve Bodysuits
There’s nothing I underestimated with a newborn more than how much they’d wear and need basic white onesies. Most of the time your baby will be in a simple onesie, not the pinterest approved attire that you may have envisioned. They will also wear basic onesies UNDER every outfit. You will need several in case of accidents, and they will get stained over time. I registered for short sleeve 0-3 months since she will be a summer baby. We will switch to long sleeves shortly after.
The Ollie Swaddle
This swaddle is another item that I had dozens of recommendations for. I don’t have experience with testing it against other brands, but everyone who has it seems to love it! We swaddled Calvin for MONTHS and if this item promises a calm, soothed, better sleeping baby, we’ll take it! I love the Lavender color but it is also available in multiple shades.
The Dock-a-Tot
When Calvin was a baby, we used the Rock-N-Play as a place to set Calvin/as his “lounger.” Now that it is recalled, I’ve been told we need a new place to set baby. The Dock-a-Tot can be placed in a bassinet, in a crib, in a bed, and is designed to offer a soothing, snug environment for baby.
The Boppy Lounger
The boppy lounger is the same idea as the Dock-A-Tot, meant to be a place to set baby. One upside to the boppy is that it is a much better price point – although I don’t think it is meant to be a place for baby to sleep for long period of time, just to “lounge.”
The Halo Bassinet
Since it is not advised for infants to sleep in the rock ‘n play (Calvin slept full time in it for 5 months!) we were on the hunt for a new bassinet to put in our room. The halo is one of the only bassinets I’ve found that can raise to our bed height and that swivels. It also has one side that can easily be pushed down to get baby out at night from bed. This item was also recommended dozens of times!
Everyday Glam Guide 