Baby Must-Haves for Surviving the First 6 Months

As has been previously documented in this blog, I like to buy things. But what you may not know is that I'm also incredibly cheap. So if I'm going to spend money, I like to know that what I'm buying is the best quality, most highly rated, and also that it is a good deal. This drive is so strong that Mike has accused me of being "a little obsessed" with my internet research. He's even suggested that I quit my job and become a researcher full time. So if anyone knows of a job opening in researching things to buy for Annabelle, let me know. I'm very well qualified and I have great references.

Because of all the hours I put into our baby registry, I feel the need to share with the world the things that we bought that absolutely made our lives easier over the last 6 months. I understand this post will only appeal to about 3 people who are actively gestating, and for that I apologize. But let's get real. All the baby stuff we've posted recently really only appeals to about 3 people anyway, so why not embrace it? So without further ado, here is my list for baby registry must-haves:

1. Fisher Price Rock 'n Play: This was a lifesaver during those first sleepless weeks. Annabelle loved sleeping in it, napping in it, and just hanging out in it. If you are having a baby, just get this. Trust me. Then when they get bored, buy this and clip it to the top. 
2. Aden and Anais Bibs: We got a lot of bibs at our shower. And for the first couple of months I really didn't get what these things were for because clearly I had given birth to a baby that was too advanced to drool. Then at about four months the waterworks started and I have a total drool monster on my hands. We have probably 50 bibs, but these insanely expensive ones are our favorite. They have a snap which is key because all the others with velcro somehow always get stuck to my bras in the laundry.  I'm not sure why it is always my bras and nothing else, but there you go. They also absorb approximately 30 gallons of drool. Register for these puppies because they are exactly the type of thing that you aren't going to want to buy for yourself. 
3. Swaddlers!: They are going to teach you how to swaddle your baby with a regular blanket at the hospital, but no matter how hard I tried Annabelle was always going to break free from my lame swaddle attempts. You are going to want to buy a bunch of these because your baby will sleep so much better when they are not punching themselves in the face. Silly babies. There are many different varieties, of which this straight-jacket one is the most effective, so buy a couple and experiment. Bonus: your baby will look like an adorable burrito when you put them in one of these. 
4. Merlin Magic Sleep Suit: Mike devoted a whole blog post to this thing, so you know it is good. After your baby is done with the swaddle you are going to want this. 
5. Exercise Ball: This is a weird one, but it is actually great for calming down a fussing baby or getting your baby to fall asleep. It was our last line of defense when Annabelle just wouldn't be soothed. 
6. Infant carseat with Snap and Go base: This is probably our most used item over the past 6 months and one that I really didn't understand the need for before Annabelle arrived. I spent loads of time researching the perfect stroller. But what I didn't realize is that your baby isn't really going to use the diesel stroller for the first few months of their life because they are too tiny and can't hold up that heavy head on their own. Plus, if your baby falls asleep in the car, you are NOT going to want to wake that baby up. Sure, you can buy an infant carseat adaptor for your diesel stroller, but those things cost like $60 and I'm way too cheap for that.  Hence, this little system is a must. We have a Graco Click Connect 35 carseat which gets good marks, but the Chicco Keyfit 30 seems to be another favorite. While you are at, get a cover for it. 
7. City Mini GT: This is the aforementioned diesel stroller. We actually do use it quite a bit now that Annabelle is big enough and it is a far superior experience than the snap and go. The snap and go is light and super convenient, but it doesn't exactly corner well or handle the cobbled sidewalks of Cambridge. This stroller is one of the few that is well made, light and easy to fold, and relatively inexpensive (some strollers cost over a grand. Seriously). I also see a lot of people with this UppaBaby stroller which I secretly covet because you can have the baby facing you and you can also add a second seat to it. It is way more expensive and I have no experience with it, but I do have stroller envy when I see it. People also really seem to like the BOB jogging stroller, not so much for jogging but for everyday strolling. It's like an even more diesel version of what we have. It's a little too heavy for what we wanted, but it seems much loved amongst other mommies. 
8. Bottles: Dr Brown's with the level one nipple is the best for newborns. Annabelle acted like she was being waterboarded with the other bottles so this was a real breakthrough for us. 
9. Wubbanub: Annabelle has a deep and profound love of pacifiers but could not keep them in her mouth. These helped. Plus they are cute. 
10. Baby Carriers: At some point you are going to want to use your hands again, but your baby isn't going to be too keen on the idea of being put down. We have the Baby K'Tan for around the house. Then we bought the Ergobaby for when Annabelle started to get heavier and we wanted to take some longer walks outside. They are both awesome and can save your sanity. Babies generally love sleeping in these things and we've been using the Ergo instead of the stroller when Cambridge sidewalks are just too snow-covered. 
11. Baby Seats: For those times when you actually do have to put your baby down, here are a few good options. Annabelle loved the Rock and Play, but we also used the Boppy Lounger. I love that this is called a "lounger." The mental picture I have when I think of Belle lounging is just awesome. Basically, this is a nice little nest where you can put down baby when you need them close, but not in your arms. There is the Bumbo, which Annabelle enjoys quite a bit. It allows baby to sit before they can actually do it on their own. Sort of like sitting training wheels. She started using this at about 3 months. We also have hand-me-down bouncer similar to this from Fisher Price that was good when she was a wee one. 
12. Breastfeeding paraphernalia: If you plan to breastfeed, this cover helps when you are in public or just don't want your boob out in front of friends and family. You are also going to want some sort of pillow when your baby is just a little nugget and super sleepy. I used the unfortunately named My Brest Friend. There is also the popular Boppy, which I think is actually a inferior breastfeeding pillow, but has a lot of value as a pillow for tummy time and for support when your baby starts to sit. One thing you should NOT register for is a pump. Thanks to Obama, your health insurance should cover this. They made it really easy for me at the hospital. You basically just need a "prescription" for one from your healthcare provider. My insurance would have completely covered the Medela Pump in Style (which is a misnomer if I ever heard one), but I upgraded to the FreeStyle. It is great. You'll also need this and this. Sorry. Breastfeeding can be tough at first. And these are my favorite for storage because they lay flat. 
13. Toys: At some point your baby is going to want to start playing with things. Annabelle likes her stacking cups, the Oball Rattle, these links, the Winkle, Freddie the Firefly, her rainforest crib mobile, the Jumparoo, this playmat, the wonder wheel for the highchair, and this mirror because babies are super vain. 

OR, you can skip this list and just buy Baby Bargains. It is amazing and rates everything.