As I’m sitting here, three weeks from Kesler’s 1st birthday, I can’t believe how fast time has gone.

But also how s l o w l y. Especially at night. When he wouldn’t sleep. And I had to pat his back for 87 hours.

But really, it feels like just yesterday I was researching what items to register for. Trying to figure out what things I absolutely had to have, what items I could skip, what items wouldn’t clutter up my small apartment.

SO. Now that I’m a year older and (hopefully) wiser, I thought I’d share my 13 must-have items for baby’s first year. Obviously I used WAY more stuff than this in his first year. But without these 13 items, I don’t think I could have survived.

Hopefully this list helps you as you start researching all the many, many things out there for babies!

Starting least expensive to most expensive…

1. White Noise App: [FREE] We use this app EVERY SINGLE DAY. Ok, I know it’s not an item, but it is still crucial. We did register for an actual white noise machine that we use daily as well. But it just is not loud enough! This app is a lifesaver. And it’s awesome for when you travel, long car rides, etc. My husband, my mom and I all have it on our phones.
   
2. Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes: [8.99] I have no words for how much my baby loves this toy. It’s so simple, so compact, so inexpensive…yet priceless. This toy is a survivor. My baby has thrown it, launched it, teethed on it and it still plays on. Also, I think it’s important to note that the songs aren’t annoying (unlike some other toys out there). It is seriously the best 9 dollars you’ll ever spend.
   
3. Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water: [10.99] I had never heard of gripe water until our Nurse Practitioner recommended it for our gassy baby. It became a daily staple, especially before bed. This was most useful during the first 6 months of Kesler’s life. And honestly, I felt like it made a difference within 15 minutes.
   
4. NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator: [15.99]: When I first heard about it, I wasn’t so sure about this NoseFrida business. I mean sucking out boogers? I got a bulb syringe from the hospital for free, I thought that would do the trick! WRONG. When our baby got his first cold at 10 months, the NoseFrida was the only way we could clear his nose so he could drink his bottle. The process it a little intense..obviously no baby is fond of having a tube up his nose vacuuming up his insides. But even though it’s probably a little traumatic, it is ABSOLUTELY worth it.
   
5. Halo Sleepsack Swaddle: [19.99] We registered for a lot of different swaddling items. For the first few months, we used muslin swaddle blankets. All good. But when the time came that Kesler started to roll over and we could no longer swaddle him in the blanket. All. hell. broke. loose. He wouldn’t sleep, he couldn’t deal with having his arms loose. This little velcro’d swaddle saved us. We were able to train him on sleeping with just one arm out for a few weeks, then both arms out. It’s also nice that they have different fabrics depending on the time of year.
   
6. Phillips Avent Fast Bottle Warmer: [20.49] I had a hard time choosing a bottle warmer. I read a lot of reviews but didn’t feel like there was a clear winner, so I took a chance on this Avent bottle warmer. I had chosen Avent baby bottles, so I figured I’d stick with this brand. So far, one year in, I have zero complaints! It heats up bottles super fast and has never malfunctioned. It just gets the job done and I never have to think about it. One less thing to worry about as a stressed out parent!
   
7. Munchkin Warm Glow Wipe Warmer: [28.00] Speaking of warming things, let’s talk wipes. I know there’s a lot of debate out there about wipe warmers in general. But let me just say, I am a HUGE FAN. My baby has NEVER ONCE cried during a diaper change. EVER. In nearly a full year. Let that sink in. Never during any diaper change has a cold wipe woken him up in the middle of the night. I call that a major win. Also, I have had no issues with mold. Honestly the wipes never sit in the warmer that long. They’re constantly getting used and re-stocked. I say, GET THAT WARMER.
   
8. Infantino Go Gaga Deluxe Twist & Fold Gym: [36.99] This little play mat was the first thing we ever registered for. My husband and I looked at a ton of mats, and for some reason we were both drawn to this one. It doesn’t have alllll the bells and whistles that other ones have. But it truly is the perfect play mat. Our baby was on this mat every. single. day. He absolutely loved the toys that came with it, the little mirror and especially the musical elephant. It’s going to be an emotional day in the Paul household when we have to put this play mat in storage.
   
9. Fisher Price Infant to Toddler Rocker: [44.99] First of all, I’d like to point out that we didn’t register for this item. We registered for the 4moms Rockaroo that we received and enjoyed. But this chair was infinitely more useful. It’s more portable, so I was able to take it with me to the kitchen while cooking, the bathroom while showering, the bedroom while putting away laundry, etc. It was just a wonderful little chair with delightful toys that kept our baby entertained long enough for us to get stuff done. I thought I’d love the more expensive chair more, but this little Fisher Price one is everything you need.
   
10. Boppy Pillow: [49.98] I got the naked Boppy Pillow and registered for a slipcover. Such a simple idea: a pillow that curves to your body. But I honestly don’t think I could have survived this year without it. I used it every single day, usually 3+ times a day. The naked pillow came in a plastic carrying case, so i took it everywhere with us while traveling. (And the traveling case still had room for mother’s tea, extra nipple pads, etc.) If you plan on breastfeeding for longer than a few weeks, I highly recommend this pillow!
    
11. 4moms Infant Tub: [59.99] Before I get into how much I love this tub, I need to specify that I don’t use it 100% as the directions say to. Rather than use it in the sink, I use it in our bathtub. I also went past the 6 month mark and am still using it at 11 months. Ok, back to praising the tub. I LOVE IT. I’m so thankful it has the built in temperature reader. I always take really hot showers, so I’m not great at knowing when water is exactly between 93 and 100. I know some reviews say their kids grew out of it too quickly, but honestly, mine will probably go until he is a year old. He’s not a short kid either, he’s in the 91st percentile for height.
    
12. Skip Hop Activity Center: [119.99] We never registered for an activity center. Not sure why, I just assumed we wouldn’t need one? But boy was I wrong. This is an absolute necessity. It helps strengthen his legs and get him ready for standing. But most importantly, it entertains Kesler long enough for me to get stuff done! The little lights and sounds are delightful as are all the toys it comes with. And I love that it can turn into a kids table after he grows out of it!
    
13. Owlet Smart Sock 2 Baby Monitor: [299.99] We’ve reached the end of my list, #13. The most expensive but also the most valuable. I’m telling you now, I couldn’t not have lived without the Owlet. I didn’t register for it, but luckily I received it as a gift from my aunt. Words cannot describe the relief it provides. To be able to open the app and see that Kesler’s “readings are normal” is incredible. With SIDS always in the back of my mind, the Owlet allowed my husband and I to sleep soundly. We’re fortunate that we never had an episode that caused the alarm to go off, but I do have friends who have experienced some scary situations. And the Owlet absolutely saved their baby’s life. So I know this is incredibly pricey, but truly, it is worth every penny and more.

So there you have it. The 13 things I could not have lived without. Like I said earlier, there are SO many things you’ll need when caring for your little one, but these 13 items were the most valuable for my husband and I. As first time parents, now a year into parenthood, I hope this list helps you with your registry. And please feel free to reach out with any questions!

Warmly,
Mrs. Alex Paul