The Baby Must-Haves Parents Swear By

Kristy Pepping said:  Graco's infant car seat gets great reviews and holds babies from four pounds to 35 pounds. This four pound weight is important for those who are preemies or smaller babies coming home from the hospital.

This car seat has a base that stays in your car and then the actual car seat comes out so you can bring it into the hospital once your baby is born. Plus, having this carrier option allows you to easily take the baby on errands and once you are done, it clicks safely in its base.

Stephanie W. said:  I love anything Baby Einstein, but my little girl absolutely adores this piano! It plays different classical pieces, teaches numbers, instruments, animals and their sounds, and will do all of this in English, Spanish and French. A great way for even the littlest of babes to start learning new languages!

The two-in-one pacifier and plush toy combination of the WubbaNub is designed for a baby to grip, making it easier to hold onto and keep track of her pacifier...not to mention the many plush animal options couldn't be any cuter! All WubbaNubs are latex-, BPA-, and Phthalate-free and made with a medical-grade silicone pacifier.

Yoli B said:  I do not exaggerate so please believe me when I say the Zutano booties are the real deal! They are literally the only thing that will stay on your little one's feet. You will not be disappointed at all with this addition to your list. Seriously...add it now!!

Kelly R said:  This cute baby teether/toothbrush is easy for baby to hold, has silicone bristles that massage sore gums and new teeth, and helps develop good hygiene practices.

Kristy Pepping said:  Swaddle blankets are great for keeping babies warm and cuddled up. Chances are you will get some in the hospital, but once you are home, this brand is great. They are oversized so it makes swaddling super easy and snug for squirmy babies. Plus, it comes with directions if you need some swaddle assistance.

Nancy L. said:  Many babies sleep better when they are swaddled. The warm, tight, cozy feeling is comforting and it helps many newborns settle down. There are many swaddle blankets on the market but these are the best. They are super soft, breathable, washable, and when baby outgrows the swaddle stage, these blankets continue to serve many uses for baby.

Swaddle from birth until baby can break out of the swaddle.

Kristy Pepping said:  I highly recommend a Britax car seat. These can be pricey so it's a great baby shower gift for friends to go in on together. It will last you many years because it converts from rear-facing to forward-facing. Although it states it can be used for infants, I would recommend buying an infant car seat until they are a little older and then start using this car seat once they outgrow the infant one.

Baby and kid-friendly humidifier is easy to clean and has a large capacity, so you'll have to refill less often.

Kim Rogers said:  We ended up buying a second one to have in the nursery and mom/dads bedroom. Immediately helped clear up newborn congestion.

Sarah Calamita said:  This is the most amazing, lightweight stroller. It is sleek and handles all terrains. There is a UPF 50+ shield on the top. Both the single and double are great. You can also attach a car seat to it with an adapter if your child isn't ready to be jogged.

Nancy L. said:  These wearable blankets will help baby sleep well—and safely—once baby outgrows the swaddle, which happens very quickly. These blankets keep baby warm and secure. Include the SleepSack as part of your consistent bedtime routine and baby will drift off quickly.

Kristy Pepping said:  Chances are you have a large tub, shower or even a sink that could work to fit this tiny tub. You will need to give your baby sponge baths until the umbilical cord comes off and this tub allows just enough water for these baths. Plus, it comes with a sling for added support. And once the baby is older, this tub works well to support their head or even to sit up.

Vanessa M. said:  Having a wipeable changing pad cover like this one by Cloud Island makes baby changing a wee bit easier (pun intended!). Especially with baby boys, the second the diaper comes off, you can bet they will sprinkle a bit now and then. Easy cleanup, fewer loads of laundry, and cute patterns! Register for at least two, so you will always have a clean cover at the ready.

Nancy L. said:  Able to be used as a single or double pump, this Spectra breast pump will start in “massage mode,” which is a shallow mode designed to stimulate the body's letdown reflex. Then, it will switch to expression mode, a deeper, slower pattern of suction, which mimics how baby nurses. It has a timer, a nightlight, and is ultra quiet.

Check with your insurance company before purchasing a pump. Many insurance companies cover the cost of a pump and/or let you choose from a variety of options.

Amy S. said:  For a few years, this was the most important material item in our house! This seat allows baby to sit, recline, or sleep in a soft but supported position, and you can gently bounce baby to sleep with your foot. We appreciated its sleek Scandinavian design and the fact that it was easy to store (it flattens out so you can slide it underneath a couch), but mostly felt grateful for the comfort and rest it brought to both of our babies. This is truly the ONE thing I’d recommend to any new parent!