This post was in partnership with Owlet but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
"While putting together my first baby registry, I had no idea what I did and did not need. Not to worry, everyone and their mother (and my mother, of course) told me exactly what I’d need. I took some of the advice, left some of it behind, and did my best to guess what products would help me as a first-time mom.
Looking back now, I’d say I did a pretty decent job. Sure, I placed an Amazon order approximately every day for the first month of my baby’s life to fill in the gaps of things I realized I wanted or needed and didn’t have. But overall, we’ve been pretty covered in the baby gear department.
With my second baby on the way, there are now a few items I’m looking to upgrade as we go for round two. There will always be a range of prices when it comes to baby gear. For most items, we’ll be able to reuse them for our second baby, but for some items, I initially went the budget route and now I wish I’d spent a little more.
If you’re curious what products might be splurge-worthy when it comes to registering and buying for a new baby, here are five items I plan to get.
1. Baby Monitor
I was incredibly stressed about newborn sleep and now hope to alleviate some of my nighttime worry with a smart baby monitor that tracks heart rate, oxygen level, and other important stats like sleep trends. I chose the Owlet Monitor Duo because it gives the most advanced snapshot of what’s happening with baby, including tracking heart rate and oxygen levels with HD video.
The first time around, I used a basic baby monitor. The video was grainy and I wasn’t getting any of the in-depth stats around baby sleep that I now know are super valuable. If I could go back in time, I would have gone with a smart monitor for the first baby. This is an upgrade I’ll happily make for the second baby to ensure I feel good about sleep.
With the Owlet Monitor Duo (which comes with comes with both the Owlet Cam and Smart Sock), I’ll be able to track sleep trends and will be notified if the readings leave preset zones. Having this information will likely lead to better sleep for both baby and me. I’m looking forward to the peace of mind a smart monitor can bring.
Owlet
Get a FREE accessory sock set of your choice from Owlet's Sock Shop when you purchase the Owlet Monitor Duo or Smart Sock!
Choose from popular patterns like Wild Child, Baby Buttercup, Forever Rainbow, and more.
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*US only. Valid only on owletcare.com and applies only to Original Mint Owlet Monitor Duo, or Smart Sock in Original Mint or Dusty Rose. Must add accessory sock of your choice to cart and then apply code THEEVERYMOM at checkout to receive your free accessory sock. Valid 1 promo code per person and cannot be combined with any other offers. Promo code expires July 31st, 2021 at 11:59 PM MT.
2. Crib Mattress
Still talking safe sleep here, and your mattress selection can make a difference. We had a good mattress the first time around, but I recently learned about breathable mattresses, which can give even more peace of mind should you find yourself with a belly-sleeping baby (once they begin to roll over).
Newton Baby
Breathable and washable, the Newtown mattress is available in standard and mini sizes, as well as a waterproof option.
3. Breast Pump
Many insurance companies will cover the cost of a breast pump, but with my first baby my insurance company didn’t let you pick, they just gave you one. Now that I’ve been through the pumping process I realize how much a good pump matters. I’ve actually switched insurances so this time I’ll be able to shop for my own, something I’m quite excited about. It’s funny what things you get excited about as a mom, right?
Target
Elvie's hands-free design allows it to fit right inside your nursing bra. However, it does come at an investment price. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly traditional pump option, try the Spectra S1 Electric Breast Pump.
Source: Pixabay | Pexels
4. Baby Carrier
And for those times when I do want to hold my newborn (which I’m guessing will be often), I want a cozy way to do it. I have plenty of carriers from our first baby, but most of them were not the right fit during the newborn phase. Since I know I’ll need a hands-free way to hold the baby, especially in the early days and weeks, a good carrier made for newborns is worth getting.
5. Burp Cloths
This product might not seem like an important one, but talk to me after you’ve been spit up on every day for eight months. I was truly shocked at the excessive amount of spit up my daughter produced while she still somehow gained weight. She was a “happy spitter” so as far as health goes, she was perfectly fine. But I was less fine because I smelled like sour milk all day every day. I didn’t know how important large and absorbent burp cloths were, but now I do. So though this is a small item on the list, it’s something I’m going to upgrade this time around to be more prepared.
Happy Mango
These organic cotton burp cloths are pre-washed for softness and perfectly shaped to fit over my shoulder or under baby's chin.
This post was in partnership with Owlet but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.