Gifts from my 1st Pregnancy Baby Shower So here’s a good start to any baby registry!! We have received and purchased ourselves so many great products over the past 3 years, some we registered for, some just fell into our hands. In this blog entry I am mostly covering topics with products and brands that we especially love! There are obviously more things you will need like clothes, sheets, diapers, baby wash, lotion, etc...but it’s kinda to each their own on that stuff!! All this stuff is mommy, daddy and Karter tested and approved products, or products we’ve chosen for the second time around due to our 1st time experiences!!
Travel System/ Strollers
> Chicco Cortina Key Fit Travel System
> Chicco Liteway Stroller
>B.O.B Jogger
> Chicco Cortina Key Fit Travel System
> Chicco Liteway Stroller
>B.O.B Jogger
3 days old - 8lbs 22in Chicco is one of the best for the infant carrier, I recommend to go with the key fit 30 if you can, it costs a little more but it gives you more use! The Cortina Stroller stands much higher then most, the handle is adjustable, great for us tall folk, but since the handle adjusts it also works nicely for short people or big siblings! It collapses easily, I can do it one handed, and is about the average size of most travel system strollers - fits nicely in the trunk of our ford focus and van. We also purchased a Chicco Liteway when he was around 15 months old, not as nice as the Cortina Stroller but more compact so easier to travel with!
Carseats
> Diono Radian RXT
> Graco My Ride 65
> Graco Nautilus
> Diono Radian RXT
> Graco My Ride 65
> Graco Nautilus
3 Years Old - 37lbs 41in Be sure to include on your registry a convertible carseat as well because when they outgrow the infant carrier (which for us was at 6 months) and you will want something that they can continue to ride backwards in (recommended at a minimum for ages 2 and under, but more ideally to the maximum limits of the carseat). I don’t own it yet, but my #1 Carseat Recommendation is Diono Radian RXT, 5-120lbs weight limit...45lbs rear face limit, 80lbs or 57" in 5 point harness limit, Steel Frame instead of plastic, 8 year expiration date instead of the normal 5 year expiration plus an additional 2 year expiration on the booster...so 10 years total use!! This is a SUPER
Carseat!! The convertible carseat we use with Karter (bought prior to knowing anything about Diono Radians) is Graco MyRide65, 5-65lbs weight limit...40lbs rear facing limit, forward face with harness till 65lbs, 5 year expiration. We also have a Graco Nautilus (20-100 lbs, 65lbs or 52” in 5 point harness), but it’s a forward facing only seat, so it’s in our extra car since Karter still hasn’t reached the rear facing limits of the MyRide65.
We all want to keep our babies safe so your goal when looking at carseats
is to look for a seat with the highest restrictions, may cost a little more but
it means your baby is that much safer for that much longer!! Truth be told, I own 3 different carseats that I’ve used over my sons 3 years of life and together they cost WAY more than the Diono Radian which does what all three of my carseats do and more (minus the convenience of the “bucket” infant only Chicco Carseat - it is handy to just carry in the carseat when you have a sleeping newborn.) Do NOT purchase any aftermarket carseat inserts or accessories...they have not been crash tested and could interfere with the safety of the seat, in the event of a car accident! If you have any questions concerning carseats or installation I highly recommend setting up an appointment with a Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician, they are VERY knowledgeable, I still to this day learn new things from them!!
Carseat!! The convertible carseat we use with Karter (bought prior to knowing anything about Diono Radians) is Graco MyRide65, 5-65lbs weight limit...40lbs rear facing limit, forward face with harness till 65lbs, 5 year expiration. We also have a Graco Nautilus (20-100 lbs, 65lbs or 52” in 5 point harness), but it’s a forward facing only seat, so it’s in our extra car since Karter still hasn’t reached the rear facing limits of the MyRide65.
We all want to keep our babies safe so your goal when looking at carseats
is to look for a seat with the highest restrictions, may cost a little more but
it means your baby is that much safer for that much longer!! Truth be told, I own 3 different carseats that I’ve used over my sons 3 years of life and together they cost WAY more than the Diono Radian which does what all three of my carseats do and more (minus the convenience of the “bucket” infant only Chicco Carseat - it is handy to just carry in the carseat when you have a sleeping newborn.) Do NOT purchase any aftermarket carseat inserts or accessories...they have not been crash tested and could interfere with the safety of the seat, in the event of a car accident! If you have any questions concerning carseats or installation I highly recommend setting up an appointment with a Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician, they are VERY knowledgeable, I still to this day learn new things from them!!
High Chair & Pack N Play
> Chicco Polly Highchair
> Chicco Lullaby LX Playard
> Chicco Polly Highchair
> Chicco Lullaby LX Playard
4 Months Old While I'm thinking about Chicco I figured I'd tell you they have the best high chair as well! Height Adjustable (great for if you sit on the couch to feed them or so they can join you at an average or tall dinner table), reclinable (very nice for including a new born, or non sitting infant into family meals), easy to clean, durable. Oh and we love our Chicco pack n play! Has all the bells and whistles - changing table, basinette feature, remote controlled sound/light/vibration machine, toy gym (to use in bassinete feature, in normal pack n play feature or just on the floor), handy side pockets, privacy screen, easy to use, easy to clean!
 1 Week Old - Snoozing while his friend gets a diaper change. |  7 Weeks Old |  Notice the Floor Toy Gym Setup in the back! |
Pretty much anything Chicco is great, rather then making a million models of each baby item they make 1 and it has all the features you can want! This has been my opinion of them based on 3 years ago when we were making our big purchases, as I'm writing this blog I'm viewing their website and seeing they have more products a different models available but still only 2-3 models not 25 like Graco!
Furniture
> Shermag Bella Deluxe Rocker Glider & Ottoman with Side Table
> Nursery in a Box - Crib, Changing Table and Dresser
> The First Years 5 in 1 Carry Me Near Sleep System
> Shermag Bella Deluxe Rocker Glider & Ottoman with Side Table
> Nursery in a Box - Crib, Changing Table and Dresser
> The First Years 5 in 1 Carry Me Near Sleep System
My Awesome Rocker Glider & Ottoman Rocker/Glider & Ottoman combo is a must if you plan on nursing, we didn't have one with Karter and it really really sucked! The most comfortable place I nursed was at my parents house in their recliner, I often went home just for the comfort! I have a Shermag Bella Deluxe Glider Rocker & Ottoman with Side Table, I love love love the rocker (not a fan of the color nor Babies R Us customer service or their sales restrictions, but that’s another story) - it has a high back on it which is perfect for myself and my tall husband, it glides smoothly, has a locking feature to prevent gliding on the chair and ottoman (great for preventing my 3 year old from taking out a wall, or getting little fingers stuck in the gears), it reclines, the ottoman also has a nursing stool that pops out, it came with a side table too – nothing fancy about it.
Nursery in a Box Set Crib – Obvious necessity! We were very frugal with this, we requested on our registry a nursery in a box from Walmart, it came with a basic crib, changing table and dresser - for I wanna say around $150-$200 (this was 3 years ago, although I do know they still sell a similar set). The dresser is great for baby clothes, however gets outgrown in about 2 or 3 years, we are still using it in my 3 year olds room but because his clothes are bigger we do have to force the drawers shut! I’ll talk about the changing table below. The crib
was perfect, it’s not one of those fancy 4 in 1 cribs but it was perfect for
us. Karter graduated to a toddler bed for his first birthday (luckily for us he only had 2 teeth at that point so there was minimal teething damage), So we’ll be using it again for probably about the same length of time. He
used the toddler bed for about a year and a half till he got his big boy bed.
The toddler bed cost us $50 and it was from Wal-Mart and matched his nursery in a box bedroom furniture. All in all it didn’t quite add up for
us to buy one of those 4-in-1 cribs. Also something to keep in mind, the 4-in-1 toddler bed conversion is like a day bed– some parents don’t care for this feature. I have one friend who 2 years in couldn’t bear to look at her
4-in-1crib any longer due to the teething damage...so if you have one, remember you’ll have it for a long time – be sure to buy whatever protection accessories you need to preserve its appearance!
Changing Table - Every parent is a little different on their preference for a changing table, I LOVED it with Karter, so much that I bought another one for downstairs too, and we used them till he was potty trained. I really liked having everything organized in one place. This time around, due to lack of space in the nursery, we’ve made a changing station on the dresser and I’ll have another one down stairs, so it’s still all organized together. So I highly recommend a changing station, but the actual table itself is not a necessity.
Bassinnette - a great thing to have, especially if your master bedroom is cramped for space! It's only used for a couple months but worth a nice one, I found a great one I had on my registry, The First Years 5 in 1 Carry Me Near Sleep System. I just purchased it but haven’t received it yet. So far impressed - It glides, has a night light, plays soothing sounds, elevates to help congestion and reflux (which is big with newborns), you can also pull the basket part out and carry that around and under the basket is a changing table...very handy! It’s height adjustable and can also attach to your bed. We had a really old second hand one for Karter and while it achieved its purpose, looking back it would have been nice to have some of those amenities just to make the newborn time period a little easier!!
was perfect, it’s not one of those fancy 4 in 1 cribs but it was perfect for
us. Karter graduated to a toddler bed for his first birthday (luckily for us he only had 2 teeth at that point so there was minimal teething damage), So we’ll be using it again for probably about the same length of time. He
used the toddler bed for about a year and a half till he got his big boy bed.
The toddler bed cost us $50 and it was from Wal-Mart and matched his nursery in a box bedroom furniture. All in all it didn’t quite add up for
us to buy one of those 4-in-1 cribs. Also something to keep in mind, the 4-in-1 toddler bed conversion is like a day bed– some parents don’t care for this feature. I have one friend who 2 years in couldn’t bear to look at her
4-in-1crib any longer due to the teething damage...so if you have one, remember you’ll have it for a long time – be sure to buy whatever protection accessories you need to preserve its appearance!
Changing Table - Every parent is a little different on their preference for a changing table, I LOVED it with Karter, so much that I bought another one for downstairs too, and we used them till he was potty trained. I really liked having everything organized in one place. This time around, due to lack of space in the nursery, we’ve made a changing station on the dresser and I’ll have another one down stairs, so it’s still all organized together. So I highly recommend a changing station, but the actual table itself is not a necessity.
Bassinnette - a great thing to have, especially if your master bedroom is cramped for space! It's only used for a couple months but worth a nice one, I found a great one I had on my registry, The First Years 5 in 1 Carry Me Near Sleep System. I just purchased it but haven’t received it yet. So far impressed - It glides, has a night light, plays soothing sounds, elevates to help congestion and reflux (which is big with newborns), you can also pull the basket part out and carry that around and under the basket is a changing table...very handy! It’s height adjustable and can also attach to your bed. We had a really old second hand one for Karter and while it achieved its purpose, looking back it would have been nice to have some of those amenities just to make the newborn time period a little easier!!
Feeding Time
> Madela Breastfeeding Equiptment and Accessories
> Dr Browns Bottles
> Tommee Tippee Bottles
> Nuk Bottles
> Born Free Sippy Cups
> Cuddle U Nursing & Infant Support Cushion
> Munchkin Steam Guard Microwave Sterilizer
> Madela Breastfeeding Equiptment and Accessories
> Dr Browns Bottles
> Tommee Tippee Bottles
> Nuk Bottles
> Born Free Sippy Cups
> Cuddle U Nursing & Infant Support Cushion
> Munchkin Steam Guard Microwave Sterilizer
Breast feeding- Madela is the brand to go with on anything breastfeeding wise. I had a single pump with Karter and it's much more time consuming, I got a double this time around! There are lots of other great accessories they have - storage bottles and bags, nipple shields, breast shells, etc. I highly recommend visiting with a lactation consultant during your pregnancy, there may be classes you can take which are very great, but the advantage to a one on one appointment is she can check your nipples and make you aware ahead of time of any problems that may arise, and also let you know what sizes you will need for any accessories. I didn’t do this when I was pregnant with Karter and had I, it would have made our first week home soooo much better!!
Bottles - I wasn't a fan of Madela bottle nipples, so we used Dr Browns bottles- great bottle, but lots of pieces to clean and keep track of. I still have all my Dr Browns bottles but I also got a couple Tommie Tippies that I'm gonna try this time too (nipple is very similar to breast so easy to switch back and forth). When Karter got older Nuk bottles was a great bottle for him, because he wanted his milk and he wanted it fast!! Every baby is different in what they like so it may be a good idea to have a couple different brands and then save some of those giftcards to buy more once you find out what works best for you and your baby! I recommend the same for Pacifiers!
Nursing Cover - You'll want a nursing cover! I'm not brand specific on this one, you can make one or have a custom one made by someone who does sew! I scored a couple from www.uddercovers.com for free only had to pay for shipping ($12). Coupon codes change every now and then but last I checked “7slings” is working. One nice thing to the Uddercover over one I was given from Target (not sure of brand) is that the uddercover has a rigid metal type material in the neck that makes it stand up, so you can see baby!
Nursing/Support Cushion - Definitely will want a boppee or cuddle U, both have perks - boppee has washable covers, cuddle u has a latch in system...we went with cuddle U! This is great for many uses - a positioner, nursing, tummy time, etc!!
Microwaveable Sterilizer - sanitizes bottles, pacifiers, breast pump equipment, sippy cups in 2 mins!! Most amazing thing! I never quit using
that! I originally wanted this fancy steriling maching that does it in like 45
mins, but one of my friends (who was already a mom, knowing that 45
Bottles - I wasn't a fan of Madela bottle nipples, so we used Dr Browns bottles- great bottle, but lots of pieces to clean and keep track of. I still have all my Dr Browns bottles but I also got a couple Tommie Tippies that I'm gonna try this time too (nipple is very similar to breast so easy to switch back and forth). When Karter got older Nuk bottles was a great bottle for him, because he wanted his milk and he wanted it fast!! Every baby is different in what they like so it may be a good idea to have a couple different brands and then save some of those giftcards to buy more once you find out what works best for you and your baby! I recommend the same for Pacifiers!
Nursing Cover - You'll want a nursing cover! I'm not brand specific on this one, you can make one or have a custom one made by someone who does sew! I scored a couple from www.uddercovers.com for free only had to pay for shipping ($12). Coupon codes change every now and then but last I checked “7slings” is working. One nice thing to the Uddercover over one I was given from Target (not sure of brand) is that the uddercover has a rigid metal type material in the neck that makes it stand up, so you can see baby!
Nursing/Support Cushion - Definitely will want a boppee or cuddle U, both have perks - boppee has washable covers, cuddle u has a latch in system...we went with cuddle U! This is great for many uses - a positioner, nursing, tummy time, etc!!
Microwaveable Sterilizer - sanitizes bottles, pacifiers, breast pump equipment, sippy cups in 2 mins!! Most amazing thing! I never quit using
that! I originally wanted this fancy steriling maching that does it in like 45
mins, but one of my friends (who was already a mom, knowing that 45
8 Months Old - Halloween treat was his Milk!! minutes was a bit unrealistic) got me the Munchkin Microwavable one as a shower gift and I’m soooo grateful, WAY more convenient & faster!! I also have some Madela Steamable bags that I carry with me when I’m traveling!
Sippy Cups - we first started with Nuk, because Karter liked their bottles, we figured he'd like their sippy cups too but due to their design they actually brusied his nose. The brand we ended up going with was Born Free, a few in each stage. Around his first birthday he was starting to chew them and so we got basic no leak hard top sippy's for out and about and we used a cup at home.
Sippy Cups - we first started with Nuk, because Karter liked their bottles, we figured he'd like their sippy cups too but due to their design they actually brusied his nose. The brand we ended up going with was Born Free, a few in each stage. Around his first birthday he was starting to chew them and so we got basic no leak hard top sippy's for out and about and we used a cup at home.
Baby Wearing
> Hotslings Pouch
> SevenSlings
> Hotslings Pouch
> SevenSlings
Front Hold - One of Karter's Favorites Slings/Carriers - I don't like carriers, they hurt my back. Once I descovered the Sling Baby Wearing I fell in love, there are 6 different holds you can do, it works from 6lbs-35lbs. I have a few slings from brands HotSlings and Seven Slings. I scored the Seven Slings free from www.sevenslings.com coupon code “ucovers” only have to pay shipping ($12). Size matters on these! I have the 2 HotSlings from after I had my son when I weighed much more and they were size 8 (it’s now too big and doesn’t distribute baby properly - no longer comfortable to wear), I lost 100lbs and currently wear a size 5 and it's perfect. Perks to HotSlings, over Seven Slings, is they have built in padding for the kids legs (in the holds for 6 months+), it comes with a handy dandy cheat sheet with step by step instructions of each hold and a DVD to show you more detailed how each hold works! HotSlings also now makes an Adjustable pouch that is supposed to cover more sizes in one, I’ve not seen one in person or tried it, but I love the fit and simplicity of my Original HotSlings (Also known as Designer Pouch).
Entertainment , Toys & Sleep Aids
> Bumbo
> Fisher Price Swing & Bouncy Seat
> Cloud B Sleep Sheep
> Cloud B Constellation Night Light Turtle
> Scentsy Medium Sized Nursery Warmer
> Vulli Sofie the Giraffe
> Bumbo
> Fisher Price Swing & Bouncy Seat
> Cloud B Sleep Sheep
> Cloud B Constellation Night Light Turtle
> Scentsy Medium Sized Nursery Warmer
> Vulli Sofie the Giraffe
5 Months Bumbo - another must have! We started using this just before Karter turned 5 months, he was wanting to sit up but was very wobbly, this seemed to teach him the posture and stability, he was sitting on his own in only 6 days! Just be sure not to use this on raised surfaces! If you purchase this second hand and it doesn’t have the seatbelt, also be sure to contact Bumbo for a free installation kit!
Swing and Bouncer Seat- usually matching! Ours (Fisher Price) are both battery operated and considered portable so they fold and store nicely in a closet while not in use! These are very nice soothers during the Newborn/Early Infant months, and then make for many great uses during the remainder of the first year. The bouncer seat was a godsend for when mommy needed a shower!
I wouldn't recommend putting an Exercauser on the registry unless you have room to store it, they don't typically use it till 6mo or so and they’re soooo bulky! If you can score this used even better, get your 6 months or so of use out of it and pass it along to someone else! Then you won’t feel
you’ve invested so much into this big bulky thing that doesn’t store well! (Learn from my lesson)
One of the best gifts I received was from my grandmother, it was a gift set off Amazon from Cloud B & Vulli which included 2 – Sleep Sheeps (a travel & full size), a Constellation Night Light Turtle, a Lavender Lab, and a Sofie the Giraffe Teether. The Sleep Sheep and Constellation Night Light are still being used with my 3 year old.
Sleep Sheep - each makes 4 soothing sounds – between the two of ours there is Heartbeat, Rain, Ocean, Whales and Stream. As a newborn Karter started out liking Heart Beat, he went through phases where each one was a favorite, we also went through a phase where he wanted a
different one each night and now his favorite is whales. We hung this from his crib, his toddler bed, and now it sits on a table near his bed, he gets 20 minutes at bedtime and then often if he wakes up in the night or 2 early in the morning he restarts it on his own and goes back to sleep! What better of a gift can anyone give a new parent then the gift of sleep!! I also have heard you can use this while your pregnant so baby hears the sounds and will be even more soothed once he arrives, I'm currently testing out this theory!! ;)
Constellation Night Light Turtle became especially useful around the toddler phase when he began to fight sleep, he had a really hard time
staying still and this makes him lay down and look up at the ceiling to see the stars, he looks forward to turning the lights off so he can see his stars, so this can be an excellent product to use for kids who are starting to fear the dark, it’s also a nice night light!
Swing and Bouncer Seat- usually matching! Ours (Fisher Price) are both battery operated and considered portable so they fold and store nicely in a closet while not in use! These are very nice soothers during the Newborn/Early Infant months, and then make for many great uses during the remainder of the first year. The bouncer seat was a godsend for when mommy needed a shower!
I wouldn't recommend putting an Exercauser on the registry unless you have room to store it, they don't typically use it till 6mo or so and they’re soooo bulky! If you can score this used even better, get your 6 months or so of use out of it and pass it along to someone else! Then you won’t feel
you’ve invested so much into this big bulky thing that doesn’t store well! (Learn from my lesson)
One of the best gifts I received was from my grandmother, it was a gift set off Amazon from Cloud B & Vulli which included 2 – Sleep Sheeps (a travel & full size), a Constellation Night Light Turtle, a Lavender Lab, and a Sofie the Giraffe Teether. The Sleep Sheep and Constellation Night Light are still being used with my 3 year old.
Sleep Sheep - each makes 4 soothing sounds – between the two of ours there is Heartbeat, Rain, Ocean, Whales and Stream. As a newborn Karter started out liking Heart Beat, he went through phases where each one was a favorite, we also went through a phase where he wanted a
different one each night and now his favorite is whales. We hung this from his crib, his toddler bed, and now it sits on a table near his bed, he gets 20 minutes at bedtime and then often if he wakes up in the night or 2 early in the morning he restarts it on his own and goes back to sleep! What better of a gift can anyone give a new parent then the gift of sleep!! I also have heard you can use this while your pregnant so baby hears the sounds and will be even more soothed once he arrives, I'm currently testing out this theory!! ;)
Constellation Night Light Turtle became especially useful around the toddler phase when he began to fight sleep, he had a really hard time
staying still and this makes him lay down and look up at the ceiling to see the stars, he looks forward to turning the lights off so he can see his stars, so this can be an excellent product to use for kids who are starting to fear the dark, it’s also a nice night light!
5 Months - Chewing on Sofie's Ear The Lavender Lab is meant to be laid on blankets and then leaves a lavender scent to help baby fall asleep. I wasn’t too impressed with this product but I implemented the idea in other ways –lavender baby wash and lotion for bath time before bed, a Scentsy Medium Sized Nursery Warmer with relaxing scents in it (they have lavender).
Sofie the Giraffe – was a staple in our home. My first impression of this was – “You bought our son a $20 over glorified dog toy!?” but it quickly changed! Our sons love for it began before he could even grab it, he loved the look of it, then when he could reach it was always the most reached for toy, it was a great distraction for when he got angry in the car (squeaker), and when he was teething, it always gave him relief. It stimulates all 5 senses –Sight, Sound, Touch, Taste and even Smell!
Sofie the Giraffe – was a staple in our home. My first impression of this was – “You bought our son a $20 over glorified dog toy!?” but it quickly changed! Our sons love for it began before he could even grab it, he loved the look of it, then when he could reach it was always the most reached for toy, it was a great distraction for when he got angry in the car (squeaker), and when he was teething, it always gave him relief. It stimulates all 5 senses –Sight, Sound, Touch, Taste and even Smell!
Monitor
> Summer Baby Touch Monitor
> Summer Baby Touch Monitor
A Video baby monitor was a must for us!! We have the Summer Baby Touch Monitor....AMAZING! It Pans and tilts, has color, talk back feature, the monitor (part that your watch) is the size of a smartphone and has a touch screen, the cameras come with an extra battery operated base, Which makes it very portable! Good range on it, we have a 1900sq ft house - works everywhere and in the yard! Has 4 channels so you can get more cameras for additional babies later on or for a playroom!
Another option: Angel care monitor
Diaper Bag
> Chicco Messenger
> Fisher Price Diaper Back Pack
> Thirty One Organizing Utility Tote
> Thirty One Casual Cargo Purse
> Chicco Messenger
> Fisher Price Diaper Back Pack
> Thirty One Organizing Utility Tote
> Thirty One Casual Cargo Purse
We used Chicco the first time around, very durable bag!! Made it through 12 months of heavy use! We had a second backpack style diaper bag that we switched to around 1 year old (which is still packed with emergency stuff in the stow & go compartment in my van). For outings now (the gym, the park, the ball field, a picnic, etc) we use a Thirty One Organizing Utility Tote. For when baby #2 arrives and we start the infancy stage all over again I have purchased a Thirty One Casual Cargo Purse –I was first drawn to it because I’m all about anything personalized, but now that I have it I’m very impressed with it and actually surprised they don’t advertise it more for a diaper bag! It’s lined, has good pockets, and plenty of room for all the baby needs!!
Baby Gates
> Carlson Pet Gate
> North States Supergate Deluxe Decore Metal Gate
> Carlson Pet Gate
> North States Supergate Deluxe Decore Metal Gate
We love baby gates, for the pets, for the kids, for safety, to keep a portion of my hose clean...many uses!! I have used many different kinds of gates, I highly recommend walk through gates, so much easier then jumping over or having to move the cheapo gates!! We have multiple Carlson pet gates, which are sold in the pet department at most walmarts, we chose the pet one over the Carlson one they sell in the baby deparment because we liked the small pet door...they are the same gate and run around the same price.
Our current house has a 6 foot opening where we wanted the gate so we
purchased a North States Supergate - it fits any openings from 37”-72”, has a very wide walk through door, pivots, and detaches off the wall to
stow away. We’ve only had it for a few days and so far our only concern is we had to mount ours above the trim and so now there’s no center bottom support – so we’re extra careful about making sure our 3 year old doesn’t try climbing it, as to not rip it off the wall! Resolution would be mounting it flush with the ground, if possible.
Our current house has a 6 foot opening where we wanted the gate so we
purchased a North States Supergate - it fits any openings from 37”-72”, has a very wide walk through door, pivots, and detaches off the wall to
stow away. We’ve only had it for a few days and so far our only concern is we had to mount ours above the trim and so now there’s no center bottom support – so we’re extra careful about making sure our 3 year old doesn’t try climbing it, as to not rip it off the wall! Resolution would be mounting it flush with the ground, if possible.
Other Items Not to Forget
> Pack N Play Sheets – I didn’t even know they sold these till Karter was about 8 months old...genius – it prevents stains from getting on the pack n play mats!
> Waterproof Mats – Great for many uses – diaper changing mats, under a carseat (remember after market seat protectors are not safe – the water proof mats are safe though because they are thin enough not to cause compression, and don’t interfere with seatbelt/latch pathways), under or on top of the pack n play sheets so spit up or over flowed diapers don’t saturate the mat.
> Bathtub
> Humidifier – I didn’t have one of these till more recently, it was recommended many times when my son or even my husband and I got sick, but we just never got one. We now have a Crane Drop Shape Ultrasonic Cool Mist 2.3 gallon Humidifier – it has made a noticeable for my son and myself when we were sick, works best in smaller rooms!!
> Crib Mattress – Often a forgotten item!
> Contoured Changing Pad – for that Diaper Changing Station!
> Swaddle Blankets – Karter LOVED to be swaddled, we had a few different brands and used them till Karter was like 6 months old!
> Receiving Blankets & Burp Cloths – Karter was a big spitter upper so we had many of these!!
> Safety Supplies – They get mobile ever so fast – plug covers, door handle covers, cabinet/drawer locks, etc.
> Diaper Genie - If your using disposable diapers - NEED NEED NEED!
> If your interested in Cloth Diapers at all, stay tuned for a blog on that! I'm Talking $1200 of savings on diapers and wipes each year per kid, plus better for their skin and the planet and the list goes on!
> Waterproof Mats – Great for many uses – diaper changing mats, under a carseat (remember after market seat protectors are not safe – the water proof mats are safe though because they are thin enough not to cause compression, and don’t interfere with seatbelt/latch pathways), under or on top of the pack n play sheets so spit up or over flowed diapers don’t saturate the mat.
> Bathtub
> Humidifier – I didn’t have one of these till more recently, it was recommended many times when my son or even my husband and I got sick, but we just never got one. We now have a Crane Drop Shape Ultrasonic Cool Mist 2.3 gallon Humidifier – it has made a noticeable for my son and myself when we were sick, works best in smaller rooms!!
> Crib Mattress – Often a forgotten item!
> Contoured Changing Pad – for that Diaper Changing Station!
> Swaddle Blankets – Karter LOVED to be swaddled, we had a few different brands and used them till Karter was like 6 months old!
> Receiving Blankets & Burp Cloths – Karter was a big spitter upper so we had many of these!!
> Safety Supplies – They get mobile ever so fast – plug covers, door handle covers, cabinet/drawer locks, etc.
> Diaper Genie - If your using disposable diapers - NEED NEED NEED!
> If your interested in Cloth Diapers at all, stay tuned for a blog on that! I'm Talking $1200 of savings on diapers and wipes each year per kid, plus better for their skin and the planet and the list goes on!
 1 Week Old - Swaddled |  6 Weeks Old - Bath Time |  6 Months Old - Time for a Diaper Change |
Ok, That's everything that I can think of!! I can update this at anytime, so feel free to leave a comment with a topic I may have forgotten or tell me about something you could live without!! :)
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