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Baby Gear Must-Haves — Newborn to First Year
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items These are the big-ticket baby items that made our first year smoother, cozier, and a whole lot easier. From the car seat that keeps baby safe on every ride, to the bassinet that actually let me sleep, to the stroller I couldn’t live without — every p...
Sections
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Travel 🚘
Sleep Gear 🛏️
Seating & Play Gear 🪑
Bath Gear 🛁
Travel 🚘
Everything that makes leaving the house with a baby actually doable. These pieces keep my baby safe, comfortable, and happy when we’re out and about.
This was our go-to from day one. The infant seat clicked right into the stroller, which made errands and doctor visits a breeze in those newborn months. We eventually switched Kayson to the Chicco Fit4 360 once he started straining to look around, bu...
Corso LE Modular Travel System
We switched Kayson into this when he started straining to look around because he hated his bucket seat. The 360° rotation makes getting him in and out so much easier, and it still gives him the support he needs while letting him see the world. Plus, ...
Fit360 ClearTex Rotating Convertible Car Seat
Total game-changer for peace of mind in the car. Instead of craning my neck or guessing what he’s up to, I can see him clearly on the screen while I’m driving. It’s especially helpful for long trips or when he’s rear-facing.
Baby Car Mirror Camera 4.3'' HD Night Vision
Sleep Gear 🛏️
The sleep setups that keep my baby cozy and safe, whether it’s a full night in his crib or a nap right next to me. These pieces give us both peace of mind — and hopefully a little extra rest.
This crib is sturdy, gorgeous, and will grow with my baby through every stage — crib, toddler bed, and daybed. I love knowing it’s something we won’t have to replace anytime soon, and it feels safe and cozy for him right now.
Everlee 3 in 1 Convertible Crib
Sturdy, safe, and kept my baby right by my side. The mesh sides gave me peace of mind, and it’s lightweight enough to move if needed.
Koi by the Bed Bassinet with Natural Beechwood Legs
My number one anxiety-saver. I physically can’t sleep without this being on my son. It tracks his oxygen, heart rate, and sleep patterns in real time, and the monitor lets me see and hear him instantly. Yes, it’s pricey — but for my peace of mind, es...
Dream Sock Duo: Baby Sleep Monitor with Camera
Our budget-friendly backup monitor that still does the job. I keep it set up in a different room so I can check on him no matter where we are in the house. Simple, reliable, and affordable.
VTech 2.8" Fixed Position Video Baby Monitor
Seating & Play Gear 🪑
Places for the baby to sit, play, and explore — from bouncers that keep him close while I shower to activity centers that keep him entertained long enough for me to cook dinner.
My saving grace for actually getting a shower. Simple, comfy, and easy to move from room to room — Kayson could lounge and watch me while I got ready or did quick chores, and I knew he was safe.
Baby Delight Bouncer
This swing was my “please just take a nap” miracle worker. Multiple speeds, soothing motion, and music — it gave me precious minutes to get things done (or just breathe).
Napei Baby Swing
We use this all the time — for naps, safe playtime, and trips. Sets up quickly and folds down easily for storage or travel.
Pamo Babe Portable Playard with Mat & Toy Bar
This high chair is in use daily — easy to clean, sturdy, and it grows with him, so it’s perfect for everything from purees to finger foods.
Eat & Grow™ 4-Mode High Chair
My son loves spinning in this and exploring all the toys. It keeps him entertained and upright, which is a huge help while I’m cooking or tidying.
Skip Hop Explore & More 3-Stage Activity Center
We used this first when my son started practicing his steps, and even though the legs eventually broke, he still plays with the activity board part. It’s simple, cute, and great for early walkers.
Skip Hop Explore & More 4-in-1 Activity Walker
Our current walker and such an upgrade in interactivity. The two-sided design keeps him busy, and the steady speed feature is perfect for controlling how fast it rolls while he’s learning.
Fisher-Price 2-Sided Steady Speed Walker
This play mat has grown right along with my baby. When he was tiny, he loved kicking the piano keys and swatting at the hanging toys. Once he started rolling, it kept him moving and exploring, and now that he’s sitting up, he can play the piano facin...
Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym
An interactive seat that’s just as much a toy as it is a place to sit. Plays songs, says phrases, and has buttons and a flip book to keep little ones entertained. I love that it “grows” with them — the activities still keep them busy as they get olde...
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair
The “save my knees and my living room aesthetic” mat 😅 A cushy, wipeable splurge that makes everyday moments easier — soft enough for all the baby wipeouts, cute enough to blend right in, and peace of mind for mama while baby learns, plays, and topp...
Beautiful Non-toxic Baby Play Mats
Bath Gear 🛁
Bath time made simple, safe, and stress-free. These are the things I reach for every single time we fill the tub.
Lightweight, easy to rinse, and keeps him supported without slipping. Bath time is so much easier with this tub.
Angelcare Baby Bath Support Gray - Under 6 Months
Makes bath time so much less stressful. It floats in the water and gives a quick, clear reading so I always know the temperature is just right — no guessing or worrying if it’s too hot or too cold.
Room & Bath Thermometer - Crocodile - Dream Baby