Instead of telling you what I registered for, I thought it would be helpful to share the items I could not live without to survive the first 100 days of having a baby and a couple of items I would like to try next time.
1. Sollybaby wrap: In the beginning, it was difficult getting Juniper to sleep for naps. So, this wrap became my go to in order to make her sleep. Once she was fast asleep, I would remove and swaddle her so I could go eat without getting food on her or laundry.
2. Dockatot and Bassinet: We used the dockatot for the first month on our bed for co-sleeping and in the bassinet. We eventually transferred it to her crib. Basically, this helped us not to smash the baby. I adamantly did not want to co-sleep; however, I caved in and we did it for a month.
3. Swaddles: The Aden and Anais swaddles from Land of Nod are my favorite. Also, SpearmintLove has some great ones as well that are made of bamboo and are super soft. Target also has some great ones that Nate Berkus designed.
4. Natursutten Pacifier and/or Hevea Pacifier: I started with a Natursutten pacifier, but Juniper rejected it. I believe every baby is different, so she just had a hard time with this one. Then, I bought a Hevea pacifier and she liked it. However, she still has a hard time sucking something that does not produce food. I was scared to introduce a pacifier too early, but sometimes I think I may have started her too late. Also, I am not sure how I feel about her sucking her thumb because of germs. I guess we will just have to wait and see. I know other folks who swear by this pacifier, but to be honest, I think it's quite ugly and would be a nightmare to clean. It just looks like beanie babies trying to make a comeback.
5. Rompers: Baby Gap rompers ended up working out for the hot summer months. They were easy to put on and off with snaps at the bottom. I honestly didn't buy too many clothes and had her just wearing her diaper and swaddle because it was so hot.
6. Nuna Leaf and Uppababy: We initially registered for the Nuna Leaf and were so excited with its sleek design; however, Juniper didn't like it until she was close to two months old. We used this to put her down during the day. It was a dream for her. We bought the Mamaroo when Juniper was tiny and she fell asleep in this until she was about a month. Now, she has a hard time being in it. She will spit up alot and I am thinking it gets her dizzy. I am not sure. I am hoping we will get good use out of it because it was a pricy item. As for a stroller, we broke down and got the Mercedes of strollers and don't regret it one bit. I am going on so many walks and it is so durable, strong, and secure. The only downside is that it is a bit heavy, but I am able to take it in and out of our car. I also like the Vista model because you can add a second child on it when the time is right.
7. Ergobaby Breastfeeding Pillow and Calvin Klein Triangle Bra: I am glad I caved in and bought this. When you breastfeed or bottle feed your baby, it puts strain on your entire upper body. If you don't sit upright, you are compromising your back, shoulders, core, etc. It is important to have some sort of support. Next time, I want to get My Brest Friend. I also found the Boppy incredibly helpful to prop her up after eating to avoid indigestion. Also, I bought a ton of nursing bras, but my absolute favorite bra that can be made for nursing or not is the Calvin Klein bra. I wore this bra mainly at night and wore sports bras and this Natori bra during the day.
8. Portable Dohm Sound Machine: We started using this since day one to help Juniper distinguish day and night. We only used it at night for the first month and now we use it to put her down for a nap. When she hears the sound, she automatically gazes and falls asleep. Since the first 100 days are known as the "fourth trimester," this sound helps soothe her to sleep. My only fear is that she will need that sound to fall asleep, but I guess I don't really mind.
9. Puj and Clary Bath and Body Oil and Keekaroo: A friend told me to register for a Puj and I am glad I did. I know some people take showers with infants, but I just don't feel confident doing this, so this thing really came in handy. Initially, Juniper hated bathing, but she ended up liking them at about 1.5 months of age. I put that oil on her after her bath while giving her a massage at the same time. This has become one of her favorite routines of the day because she knows she will be fed afterwards. And, of course, I cannot forget about the fancy changing mat that is so worth the money. Initially, I was using a Gathre mat, put it on my bed and really hurting my back and Juniper would cry everytime I changed her because the mat was cold. I think this mat is great for travel, but might be better for an older baby who is phased by cold leather.
10: Wipes Warmer and Bottle Warmer: I realize these are fluff, but when it's 3am and you have change a diaper, you want your baby to stay sleeping, if possible. The bottle warmer was nice to have in order for Juniper to feel warm and cozy. She didn't like drinking cold milk.
I am not an expert and this is not a sponsored post. These items simply worked for us during the fourth trimester and beyond.
