The Right Gear

THE RIGHT GEAR
BAFFLED BY BABY REGISTERIES? DON’T FEAR THE TASK OF CHOOSING BABY LOOT
BECAUSE WE'VE GOT THE ULTIMATE GUIDE JUST FOR YOU

When you're registering for all you’ll need when your bundle-of-joy finally arrives, the task at hand can be
a bit daunting. Will one stroller be sufficient? Is a bouncy chair really necessary? We’re big fans of soliciting
such advice (not to mentioned gently-used hand-me-downs) from your family and friends, but if you find
yourself flying relatively blind, our guide to all the things you really need may be in order. We’ve combined
our own experiences, rigorous product testing and the opinions of countless moms to put together a list of
registry musts—and busts.

Things you’ll absolutely, without a doubt, need to register for:

You will 100 percent need all of these items, so make sure you add these to your registry. Choose good-quality items that you know will stand the test of time, and stand up to all sorts of banging and washing!

1. An Infant Car Seat
There are lots of available options, at multiple price points, when it comes to infant car seats. A good rule of thumb to guide you in choosing the right one for you is to check the latest Consumer Reports ratings and select one from the top of the list. Perennial favorites include Graco’s SnugRide Infant Car Seat ($139.99, www.buybybaby.com), Britax’s Companion ($199.99, www.elitecarseats.com) and Peg Perego’s Primo Viaggio ($219.99, www.buybuybaby.com). Click here to read more about car seat safety.

Graco’s SnugRide Infant Car Seat	Britax’s Companion	Peg Perego’s Primo Viaggio

2. A Stroller

Strollers, much like cars, vary in style, number of features, maneuverability and, of course, price. Because of these factors, in many ways the right stroller depends largely on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re a city family, you’ll need something that can handle being wheeled around city streets, and might not necessarily need to be put in the back of a car. If you’re a more suburban or rural family, you might need something easily foldable or one that can handle long walks or mall trips. For city gals, we love strollers that can take a child from bassinet to toddlerhood, offering you a good four or so years of use, and saving you space. If cost isn’t a concern, we recommend choosing a top-of-the-line model like Mutsy’s high-tech, ultra-sleek, super-functioning Urban Rider Joey stroller ($759, www.barebabies.com). For travel—on public transportation or otherwise—a lightweight umbrella (meaning: easily foldable) stroller, ideally with an ever-important cup holder, is a good idea. Our picks: the Inglesina Trip ($169.99, www.babiesrus.com) or the Maclaren Volo ($117, www.barebabies.com).

Mutsy’s Urban Rider Joey stroller	Inglesina Trip	Maclaren Volo

Suburban mamas certainly won’t dislike owning one of the above strollers, but may prefer a stroller offering a hybrid of the two: one that’s rugged and easy to steer and at the same time easily collapsible. For this category, we love both the Peg Perego’s Pliko P3 and the Inglesina Zippy—they’re sturdy, easy to steer, have ample storage baskets, aren’t too heavy and come with snack trays (which comes in ultra-handy on long rides) and they fold nicely ($329.99 and 305.99 respectively, www.barebabies.com).

Peg Perego’s Pliko P3	Inglesina Zippy

If you’re a runner, you might want to consider registering for a jogging stroller. There are quite a few varieties out there, but the one we like best is the Baby Jogger ATS All-Terrain Swivel Jogging Stroller ($299.99, www.barebabies.com). It’s lightweight but rugged, and very comfy for baby.

Expecting twins? You’ll need to begin with a stroller that works for infants, then graduate to one for larger kids. A fantastic, inexpensive option to begin with is Baby Trend’s Double Snap N Go, which allows you to snap both of your infant car seats into its frame and then go (get it?), no fuss no muss ($99.99, www.target.com). Once the babies outgrow their infant car seats, move them into a twin stroller. We particularly like the Combi Twin Savvy LX ($269.99, www.barebabies.com) and Peg Perego’s Aria Twin Stroller ($296.99, www.amazon.com), both of which come equipped with snack trays.

Baby Trend’s Double Snap N Go	Combi Twin Savvy LX	Peg Perego’s Aria Twin Stroller

If this is your second child, you might want to consider registering for a stroller that will accommodate both an infant and a toddler. Phil & Ted’s Four in One Sport Buggy Stroller (with Doubles Kit) can carry two kids in style—without the bulk ($489, www.barebabies.com).

3. A Portable Crib/Play Yard

An essential for travel or an impromptu nap at a friend’s house, a portable crib is something you’ll definitely need. Many come with all sorts of bells and whistles, but it’s doubtful that you’ll really utilize them. Therefore, we advise selecting one that is lightweight but sturdy, and simple to assemble. An ideal pick: Graco’s Pack 'n Play in Patchwork Cow ($59.99, www.buybuybaby.com).

4. Baby Furniture

Much like a stroller, baby furniture is largely a matter of personal preference, taste, lifestyle and available space. If you’ve got the space, consider getting a crib, a space on which you can change your baby, a storage unit and some sort of book/toy case. If you like the mod look, consider the lines from Oeuf, Litto Kids, Nurseryworks and Netto Collection (all available at www.modernnursery.com). If you prefer a more traditional look, check out the juvenile furniture at www.potterybarnkids.com, www.laylagrayce.com, www.landofnod.com, www.buybuybaby.com, www.kookoobearkids.com and www.target.com.

5. Crib Linen
Crib linens, like all room décor, is largely a matter of personal taste. Most sites offering crib linens offer registry options, and you’ll find these are often the items that people will snap up for you first. Our tip: register for two or three extra crib sheets, as you’ll need to change them often. For modern-looking linens, try www.dwellshop.com, www.sparkability.com and www.modernnursery.com. For more traditional themes, check out www.babybrowns.com, www.kookoobearkids.com, potterybarnkids.com, the Amy Coe collection at www.target.com and www.cadenlaneco.com.

Caden Lane bedding	Mod Crib linens set	Target crib set

6. A Bouncy Chair
A bouncy chair will come in very handy when you need to set your babe down or need a short break. He’ll sit upright in it, and ideally, it will keep him entertained and soothed. Though its design is anything but subtle, Fisher Price’s Rainforest Bouncer is a top seller because kids just adore its soothing sounds and entertaining visual components ($49.99, www.buybuybaby.com).

7. Bathing Essentials

Pretty soon after you bring her home, she’ll need her first bath. Make sure you register for all of the essentials: you’ll definitely need a tub—The First Years Sure Comfort Newborn-to-Toddler Tub is a great one ($16.99. www.target.com). Also grab some baby washcloths (they're much gentler than regular ones) at www.target.com and www.innovativebaby.com and baby bath products—preferably organic from www.mdmoms.com.

8. Bibs
You’ll need lots of these to start—more than you think! For newborns, stick to the fabric bibs—you won’t need plastic ones until baby begins eating solid foods, which won’t be the case until he’s four to six months old. A couple of sets like this eight-pack from Target should do the trick ($8.99, www.target.com). For something with a little more style, we love these from Caden Lane ($16 each, www.dimplesanddandelions.com).

Target bib set	Caden Lane bibs

9. Burp cloths
	Along the same lines as bibs, you’ll need a bunch of burp cloths (unless you plan on doing laundry all the time). These sweet ones from Amy Coe’s Target line aren’t your everyday rags—they’re attractive enough to sport even when you’re out at a restaurant ($5.99, www.target.com).

10. Onesies
Your baby will most likely go through a few each day so having extra is a good idea. Don’t rely on others to buy them for you; stock up on six or so before baby arrives. The ones that snap or zip up the front are the easiest to take off and put on. A set of three at www.target.com is just $8.88. Want to go the hipster route? Check out www.duckduckgooseboutique.com.

Target onesies	Duck Duck Goose onesies

11. An Infant Care Kit
Chock full with all the essentials you’ll need for grooming baby and caring for his health, an infant care set, like The First Years American Red Cross 17-piece Health and Grooming Kit is a must-have ($17.99, www.target.com).

12. A Play Mat
	A play mat will stimulate baby’s senses and entertain her whenever you need a short break. We love Tiny Love’s Super Deluxe Gymini With Lights And Music ($54.99, www.target.com)

13. A Mobile
Nearly every baby is mesmerized by a crib mobile. Even though the Tiny Love Symphony in Motion Farm Animal Mobile ($39.99, www.target.com) isn’t the most delicately decorative one around, it continually gets rave reviews from parents for its music, rotating characters and continual play.

14. Feeding Essentials
	If you’re breastfeeding, a quality, comfortable breast pump that travels well, tops the must have list. Medela’s Pump in Style Original Breast Pump is the gold standard—it offers adjustable speeds and vacuum settings. ($249.99, www.target.com)

Breastfeeding moms will also find that a breastfeeding pillow makes the process much easier and more comfortable. Most moms rave about the Boppy ($34.99, www.target.com) and chances are you will too.

Ideal for storing your pumped breast milk or mixing up formula, a set of bottles aren’t just convenient, they’re a necessity. There are myriad of bottle varieties but most moms always find themselves coming back to those made by Dr. Brown’s, which reduce the gad bubbles that irritate baby’s digestive system. You can also opt for the line’s Natural Flow Newborn Feeding Set, which includes five bottles ( $17.99, www.target.com). We also love the Adiri bottles ($12.50, www.adiri.com). Because the top of the BPA and polybicarbonate-free bottles are nipple shaped, helping babies to easily transition to and from the breast and they have a special vent that reduces colic.

15. Diaper Bag

You’ll need a diaper bag to hold all sort of stuff: changing essentials, feeding essentials, a change of clothes, some toys and your personal items. Most diaper bags offer plenty of room for all of these essentials, so ultimately, your choice may come down to style and price. When it comes to style, choosing a diaper bag is much like picking a purse—and there are nearly as many varieties. www.babybrowns.com offers some great styles from Two Red Hens, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Skip Hop and many others. We also love the sleek designs from celebrity favorite, Storksak ($225, Julie in Black, www.storksak.com).

MY, HOW FAST THEY GROW
FOUR NON-ESSENTIALS YOU MAY NEED NOW OR IN THE LONG-RUN—SO CONSIDER ADDING THEM TO YOUR LIST

These aren’t necessities you’ll need immediately (and some, you might not need at all), but if you anticipate that a number of people will be clamoring to get you a gift, why not go ahead and add these to your registry, especially if you’ve got some storage space to spare?

1. A Toddler Car Seat

When your child is around six to nine months old, she'll be ready to move out of her infant car seat (check your seat’s weight and height limits—each is a little different) and into a convertible car seat. We love the ones from Britax best—their style, form and function are unparalleled, as are their safety ratings. If you have a sedan or smaller car, try the Britax Diplomat seat, a slightly smaller version of its popular Boulevard model. The Diplomat can hold a child weighing up to 40 lbs, while the larger Boulevard, ideal for fitting inside a large SUV or Minivan, can accommodate a child up to 65 lbs . ($259.99 and $299.99, www.barebabies.com)

2. A Bassinet or Moses basket
At least for baby’s first few months of life, keeping him close to where you sleep may make late-night feedings a little easier. Consider investing in a bassinet or Moses basket, both of which are portable and take up less space than a traditional crib. For a traditional look, try Pottery Barn’s gorgeous Bassinet with Chamois Bedding ($369, www.potterybarnkids.com) or the Chenille Moses Baskets from Baby Brown’s ($149.99, www.babybrowns.com). The NEST bassinet and Cariboo Classic bassinet offer a more modern look ($600 and $359 respectively, www.modernnursery.com).

Pottery Barn Bassinet with Chamois Bedding	Baby Brown Chenille Moses Basket	Cariboo Classic Bassinet

3. An Exersaucer
Granted, exersaucers may be the biggest eyesores on the planet, but their ability to entertain your baby when you need a break is worth interrupting your design scheme. Evenflo’s Triple Fun 3-in-1 Activity Center Pond ($119.99, www.target.com), has the most bells and whistles, which mean all the more opportunities to engage your little one.

4. A High Chair
Baby won’t need to move into a high chair for at least six or so months, but time flies quickly, so stocking up on one early on might be a good idea. Peg Perego’s new Prima Pappa Best high chair, a revamped version of their best-selling Prima Pappa ($229, www.barebabies.com). Another fantastic option is Mutsy’s Easy Grow High Chair, which offers clean, sleek lines and the ability to “grow” with your child until age 12 ($199, www.barebabies.com).
	Mutsy’s Easy Grow High Chair

—Chelsea Kaplan

Click here to read all about Deputy Editor/Beauty Director Chelsea Kaplan's life with child in her blog, “I'm Somebody's Mother?”