Having a baby is stressful and a big part of that for first time parents in particular, is that usually they have zero clue what to buy so that they’re prepared for their little one’s arrival. The number of options when it comes to everything from pacifiers and bottles to baby cameras and car seats can be beyond overwhelming. I remember when I was pregnant I just wished there was someone I could trust to say “here… buy this!” And the word trust is key because it’s very easy to end up with a ton of things you regret buying. For me, for example, that included a changing pad with a fabric cover (plastic or rubber is way to go!) and a bathtub with a giant stand (who has room for that!?).
It’s also important to know that just because something worked for a friend’s child, doesn’t mean it will work for your child. In fact, often a parent will say my baby doesn’t like a pacifier or he/she doesn’t like a swaddle when, in fact, they just don’t like the particular one you bought! This is why I find the best bets for registry items are usually things that aren’t a matter of preference or items that will make the parents life easier.
To help parents-to-be on their journey buybuy BABY just released its 2022 Registry Trends Report, which includes eight trends and predictions spanning tech, sleep, and more and Momtastic couldn’t agree with their picks more. They also teamed up with Shawn Johnson East and she highlighted five of her must-haves – three of which I can personally highlight as being game-changers that fall into the “safe” category of pretty much any parent because they will make the parents’ life easier (Nanit, Hatch and Baby Brezza). As for the other two, I’ve read up on them and they seem great, but I haven’t tried them myself.
Keep reading for more on all of Shawn’s picks and click here for more registry inspo.
Nanit Pro Complete Baby Monitoring System in White
“The Nanit Pro Complete Baby Monitoring System lets you can see and hear baby with stunning 1080p HD video and 2 -way audio with no mounting needed. Features sleep tracking, breathing motion monitoring and auto-memory capture.”
Hatch Restore Smart Sleep Assistant with Sound Machine and Sunrise Alarm Clock
“The Hatch Restore combines a smart light, sound machine, sunrise alarm, meditations, and an alarm clock all into one easy-to-use bedside device. The included sunrise alarm gently wakes you up with light instead of sound.”
Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat in Drew
“The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat adapts as your child grows up to 120 lbs. With 4 seating positions, this car seat features a safe adjust harness system, RapidRemove cover and 10 headrest positions for added comfort.”
Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced Formula Dispenser
“The Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced Formula Dispenser is the most advanced way to automatically make a warm, formula bottle instantly. Customize any bottle by choosing 1 oz. increments from 2-10 ounces and selecting from 3 temperature settings.”
Willow Generation 3 Hands-Free Wearable 24mm Double Electric Breast Pump
“Willow Wearable Breast Pump is made to move, giving you 360° of leak-proof pumping freedom. Quiet, compact, in-bra design completely hands-free. Pump directly into self-sealing storage bags or reusable containers. Connects to the Willow App.”