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.
"If you’re new to creating a baby registry, chances are you may already be feeling overwhelmed by it all. With so many baby products out there, deciding which items to include on your baby registry is a big task. Some baby items are must haves, while others are nice-to-haves, so how do you know which you need and which you can do without?
This answer will change depending on who you ask (after all, all babies are different), but we’ve rounded up our top five picks for baby registry must haves. Whether your due date is around the corner or you’ve got months to go, check out five of our favorite big-ticket items to include on your baby registry below.
1. Owlet Smart Sock
People will tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps, but what they won’t tell you is how hard that can actually be. Aside from the fact that this is often your only time to get things done around the house, it’s also common for new mamas to want to keep a close eye on their sleeping newborns. This can make it especially difficult for even the most sleep-deprived moms to wind down themselves.
That’s why we love the Owlet Smart Sock, which is the first baby monitor to track your baby’s oxygen level and heart rate while they sleep. The Smart Sock wraps around your baby’s foot and notifies you if their readings leave the preset zones—so you’ll know if you need to check on them.
Source: Owlet
When both of my kids were newborns, I found that I couldn’t help myself from waking up multiple times a night to check in on them (on top of the other wake up calls for night feedings). The Smart Sock can help provide some extra peace of mind so that you can get a little more rest knowing you’ll be notified if your baby needs your attention.
It also tracks sleep trends like how many hours your baby slept and the quality of their sleep. Plus, you can check in on your baby from anywhere through the Owlet app, even when you aren’t the one with them. With award-winning technology that can help parents rest a little easier, the Owlet Smart Sock is definitely on our big-ticket baby registry list.
Owlet
Get a FREE accessory sock set of your choice from Owlet's Sock Shop, including their NEW Summer Sock Collection patterns, when you purchase the Owlet Monitor Duo or Smart Sock!
Simply add the Owlet Monitor Duo or Smart Sock* to your cart along with the accessory sock of your choice and use code THEEVERYMOM at checkout to get your FREE fabric sock.
*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. A Quality Stroller
The Uppababy Vista Stroller is no doubt a big-ticket baby registry item. There are certainly less expensive (and still great) stroller options out there, but there’s more than one reason why the Uppababy Vista is a mom favorite and bestseller in the stroller category.
The Vista’s design allows for multiple configurations, making it great for the newborn through toddler years. Not to mention that adding a second or third seat to it is super simple should your family expand down the line. You may even want to consider adding these extra seats to your registry from the start, as bundling your purchase can sometimes get you more bang for your buck.
Its unique design features, like the infant bassinet that detaches easily from the stroller base, the huge under-seat storage area, the ventilated canopy and UPF 50+ sunshade, and the front-or-backward facing toddler seat, make it one of the most versatile strollers out there—and worth adding to your registry.
3. A Safe, Light Infant Car Seat
Of the many surprises that come with parenting, one of the biggest might just be how heavy infant car seats actually are—even without a baby in them. Of course, safety comes first when it comes to car seats. The next thing we suggest looking for? A car seat that is lightweight.
The Nuna Pipa Lite is the lightest car seat out there, weighing in at just 5.3 pounds. And it doesn’t compromise on safety either. The Pipa Lite uses a first-of-its-kind flexible foam that compresses to absorb forces in a crash, and it snaps into a steel-reinforced base in your car for extra stability. Plus, it uses fire-resistant fabrics (still free of flame-retardant chemicals), a memory foam headrest and a leather-looking handle.
Source: Artem Varnitsin | Canva
4. A Baby Bouncer
Baby bouncers are a registry staple, and one of our favorites is the BabyBjorn bouncer. Its ergonomic design allows your baby to play or rest while you’re not holding them, using baby’s own movements to gently rock. It’s also lightweight (6.6 pounds) and easily portable to take to a visit to grandma’s, a playdate or on a road trip. With four different positions, the BabyBjorn bouncer is a good option for newborns all the way up to age two, so you’ll get plenty of use out of this big ticket registry item.
5. A Portable Playard
A good playard is so much more than a place to set baby safely to sleep or play. While there are always less expensive options out there, we are fans of the 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard because it lives up to its quick and easy set up promise. You can even get it opened or closed using one hand. It includes a removable bassinet and changer for even the littlest of babies, but can also be used by kids weighing up to 30 pounds. While the playard itself is a bit heavy (23 pounds), it’s compact design and user-friendliness makes it a travel favorite for us.
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.