Now that we’ve settled into life with our new baby, I thought I’d share with you our registry items – starting with the big stuff: GEAR! I spent an obscene amount of time researching and selecting the items on this list.  We asked friends, read Amazon reviews and of course perused the helpful Gear Guides on Hellobee! I planned to share this information during my last trimester, but time got away from me. I’m actually glad that was the case, because now I can really tell you what I think after using some of them.

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1. ERGObaby Organic Carrier – I love the versatility of the ERGO and how you can wear it front, back or on the hip. After reading reviews, it seems that this carrier is the best for the baby’s hips and leg placement. I was originally concerned that Baby Markers would prefer to face outward, but she doesn’t seem to mind. Usually after about 15 minutes in the carrier, she snuggles in and falls fast asleep.  The longest I’ve worn her was almost 90 minutes, and while I was still comfortable, my lower back was starting to ache. I think the sweet spot for babywearing is an hour or less. When we’ve stuck to that timeframe, we’re golden! One thing to note, we did NOT use the infant insert. I found it bulky and awkward, so I just wrapped our little one in a blanket and used that to secure her inside when she was super tiny.

2. Baby Jogger City Select – After many MANY debates, we finally settled on the City Select as our main every-day stroller.  For us it met the following criteria: easy to fold and latches closed, air-filled tires, sleek look and when the time comes, the ability to add a seat for a 2nd child. Other strollers we originally considered that didn’t make the cut included the Bugaboo Chameleon, Uppababy Vista and Baby Jogger City Mini GT. I could not be more pleased with our choice! Since we are city dwellers, Baby Markers and I do a lot of walking. The air-filled tires make sure it’s a smooth ride even as we bounce over uneven city sidewalks. The large basket underneath has yet to collapse on any of our shopping trips – and believe me I’ve packed it full! The only downside I can think of is that it is kind of heavy, and getting it in and out of our Jeep can be tiresome. But the upside of that… stronger arms!? I’ll take it.

3. BOB Revolution SE Stroller – As a runner, I knew I was going to want a top-of-the-line jogging stroller so I could get back into the running game as soon as possible. This stroller came highly recommended by all of my running mom friends, so I’m confident we made the right choice here. I haven’t actually used it with Baby Markers, but plan to at the end of this summer when she’s around 6-7 months and has steady neck and back control.

4. Graco Pack n’ Play with Newborn Napper – We’ve only used this at my in-laws so far, and it’s been great to have a place to set her down to take a nap while we’re all hanging out. Baby M is still sleeping in a bassinet at home, but after her 3-month mark I think I’m going to switch her to the pack n’ play in our room.

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Eliz-a-baby Diaper Bag – LOVE this diaper bag. It’s stylish, lightweight and has inside and outside pockets. I keep my “mom things” in the front pouch, and fill the inside with all our newborn essentials.

6. Baby Trend Snap n’ Go – This is one item we could have done without. I leave it in the car to use only when we’re out and about and I discover that I need a stroller but didn’t bring our big one. I thought I would use it more, but now it’s really just taking up space. The only time it’s come in handy is at a crowded store or restaurant – it’s not as big as the City Select so I didn’t feel as obtrusive with it. Otherwise, we should have skipped it!

7. OXO Tot Sprout High Chair – I love the design and look of this high chair, but we haven’t tested it out yet! This was a pricier item on our registry, but for something that sits at your dining room table for months on end, it was worth it for me to get something I loved.

8. Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Carseat – Another big debate was over the car seat. At first we were looking at car seats that fit well with our stroller, then realized we were going about it backwards. The car seat is essentially the most important piece of gear you can buy for your baby, seeing as it protects your infant’s life in the event of a crash. We attended an infant safety seminar in December, and this car seat was the one that came the most highly recommended from a safety standpoint. Now that we’ve been using it for a while, I’m really happy with our choice.

Anyone else share my love (or lack thereof) for the items on this list?

Mrs. Markers’ Visual Guides part 4 of 5

1. Mrs. Markers' Pregnancy Essentials by Mrs. Markers
2. Mrs. Markers' Newborn Essentials by Mrs. Markers
3. Favorite Baby Gifts: Personalized! by Mrs. Markers
4. Our Registry: Gear by Mrs. Markers
5. Our Registry: Activity by Mrs. Markers

Mrs. Marker’s Registry part 1 of 2

1. Our Registry: Gear by Mrs. Markers
2. Our Registry: Activity by Mrs. Markers