Gift registry must-haves for mom and baby

Mon, Nov 3rd 2014, 11:30 PM

From the moment you find out you are pregnant, most women get very excited to do their gift registry. With so many products and brands out there, it can be very intimidating, especially if this is your first pregnancy. The maternity and baby gurus at Bun in the Oven have put together a list of must-have items for both mom and baby that are essential for your selection.
o You need an infant car seat that meets United States or European safety standards. The infant car seat typically goes up to 30 pounds. As the baby grows, you will have to transition into the toddler car seat.
o A car seat-compatible stroller system. You can buy a car seat that goes from birth to the toddler stage, which eliminates the need for an infant-only car seat, but what you sacrifice is the car seat stroller system, which allows you to take the baby in the car seat and directly transfer to the stroller, without having to take the baby out of the car seat, to put into the stroller. This is paramount, especially if the baby has fallen asleep during the car ride.
o For those women who want to breastfeed but have to go back to work after 13 weeks, a double electrical breast pump is essential. I recommend a breast pump system like Medela, as it comes with a discrete tote bag and accessories like a cooler bag with an ice pack, storage bottles and back-up battery pack.
o Practical and transitional, a belly band is an essential item for the mother. Not only will it allow you wear your regular clothes while giving you extra room for you growing belly, but it can also be used after your pregnancy while you are trying to get back into your normal clothes.
o Safe and natural baby skin care products are a must-have, especially since almost 80 percent of babies can suffer from some form of minor skin issue or eczema. A lot of the typical skin care products have chemicals and fragrances that can irritate the baby's sensitive skin. There are reasonably priced organic skin care lines that you can buy that are not harmful to the baby or the environment. Using this type of product can help in preventing skin issues early on. We like Baby Time, by Episencial, and California Baby. These lines also carry infant-safe bug repellents. Your doctor may even recommend getting a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil from the pharmacy.
o Baby wearing has become a trend these days. The idea of being able to have both hands to maneuver around is why a baby sling or harness is essential. Babies also like to be close to their mothers, and hearing their mothers' heartbeats is very soothing for them.
o A stuffy nose and cold is something no parent wants to deal with. Aside from worrying about if your baby can breathe properly, having to use the bulb nose sucker is frustrating and ineffective. We prefer to use the snot sucker. It may sound gross but it really works. Most important, it comes with filters that are specially designed to make sure that no bacteria and/or mucus pass to the mother from the baby.
o A humidifier is also essential during the times that your baby may have a stuffy nose. It is especially important because it allows the baby to breathe easier and rest better.
o Nursing-capable night/hospital gowns are perfect to add to your selection. You will need to bring a couple with you to the hospital as well as a robe. If you plan to breastfeed, it is key to have nursing-capable ones.
o These days regular plastic bottles are out, and BPA-free plastic, 100 percent food grade silicon and glass ones are in. You can get all of the above quite easily these days, but it is important to select one that you think will eliminate as much air as possible, and also one that your baby takes to, which may mean that you will have to try a few of them. If you opt for the glass bottles, may sure you get ones that have silicon guards, so that they offer some protection against breakage.
Love and hugs!
o Bianca Carter is a certified lactation counselor (CLC), and founder of Bun in the Oven. For more information, give us a call at 601-6977 or visit us at the Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza, next to Starbucks. Follow us on facebook at babybunintheoven, email us at info@babybunintheoven.com, visit us at www.babybunintheoven.com.

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