Let’s change the narrative when it comes to creating a baby shower gift registry
Congratulations! You are about to become a parent and there are SO many questions.
As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, creating a registry is a great way to ensure you have everything you need. However, many new parents forget about their own postpartum recovery needs. That’s why I have put together a list of essential postpartum items to add to your baby registry. From postpartum doulas to meal delivery services, we’ve got you covered.
Postpartum Doula
A postpartum doula is a trained professional who provides support to the new mama and the entire family during the first few weeks after childbirth. Their services include breastfeeding support, light housekeeping, meal preparation, emotional support, and more. Adding a postpartum doula to your baby registry can be a game-changer in those first weeks when you’re recovering and adjusting to life with a newborn.
3 Great Postpartum Doulas in the Tampa Bay Area
Ann Maynard-Payne with Tampa Bay Postpartum Doula Svs
Beata Pryszcz with Sleeping Little Angels
Anita Momodu with Udomom
Lactation Consultant
Breastfeeding can be challenging, and having a lactation consultant on your baby registry can make a huge difference. Lactation consultants can assist with breastfeeding positions, identifying and treating any breastfeeding difficulties, and ensuring the baby is feeding properly. They can also provide emotional support and answer any questions you may have.
Local Tampa Bay Lactation Consultants
Tampa Breastfeeding, Lactation and Feeding Center in Lutz and Spring Hill
Tampa Bay Breastfeeding Task Force
Deeply Latched Lactation in St. Petersburg
Pelvic Floor Therapist
Many new moms experience pelvic floor issues such as incontinence, discomfort, or pain. Pelvic floor therapy can help address these issues and improve your overall comfort during recovery. Adding a pelvic floor therapist to your baby registry can ensure you have access to this crucial support.
3 Excellent Pelvic Floor Therapists in Tampa
Bloom Pelvic Therapy
Hope Doctors Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists
Pelvic Soul
Mental Health Counselor
Postpartum depression and anxiety are common, and it’s important to prioritize your mental health during this time. Adding a mental health counselor to your baby registry can give you access to the support you need. They can provide therapeutic services and offer tools to help you navigate this transition.
Meal Delivery Service
Mealtime can be a challenge when adjusting to life with a newborn. A meal delivery service can save you time and energy, allowing you to focus on your recovery and your baby. Many meal delivery services cater specifically to new parents, offering healthy and nutritious meals that are easy to prepare.
Local Meal Delivery Options
Dinner Done!
Mirchaa Easy Eats
Dream Dinners
Gift Cards for Food Delivery
If a meal delivery service isn’t your thing, consider adding gift cards for food delivery to your baby registry. This option allows you to choose from a variety of restaurants and cuisines, giving you more flexibility in your meal options.
Top 10 Baby Items
Of course, you’ll also want to add the essential baby items to your registry, such as a car seat, stroller, diapers, wipes, and clothing. Utilize a “top 10 baby items” list to ensure you don’t miss anything crucial.
1. Baby Strollers
A stroller is a must-have for all new parents, making it easy to move around with the baby. Depending on your budget, you can choose from a wide range of strollers including full-sized, jogging strollers, or lightweight strollers. A good stroller should have a comfortable seat, the right weight capacity, and be easy to maneuver. There are many stores where you can try out different stroller and car seat combinations. It’s a great idea to find a local baby store where you can see what is offered and make an informed choice.
My top 3 choices for strollers
MompushWiz 2-in1- convertible baby stroller
Uppababy Vista V2 Stroller
Nuna PIPA urbn + MIXX next Travel System
2. Swaddles/blankets
Swaddles and blankets are an essential gift to the new parents as they provide comfort and warmth to the newborn. Many people are concerned that swaddling restricts the baby too much, but the exact opposite is true. Swaddling creates a sense of security and safety for the new baby. Having just left a very tight, warm, and secure environment( the womb), babies respond positively to swaddles because they recreate that safe environment. Look for swaddling blankets that offer extra features such as Velcro closures, and zippers that start at the bottom so you don’t have to completely un-swaddle baby for a quick diaper change. Choosing a breathable material will help baby to regulate their temperature so that they are not too cold or too warm.
The 3 best swaddles/blankets
Ollie
HALO
Zipadee transition swaddle
3. Baby Carrier
A baby carrier is a perfect gift for parents who love to be on the go with their baby. The carrier is comfortable for both the parent and baby, and it serves as an alternative to strollers. Be sure to choose one that you are comfortable putting on. Some of my favorites are the Moby wrap, a ring sling style carrier, and Ergo baby.
Some of my favorite carriers
Moby Wrap
Ring Sling Style Carrier – Sparrow by WildBird
Ergo Baby
4. Baby Bedding
Comfortable baby bedding can improve the sleep patterns of the newborn baby. Look for bedding that meets the American Academy of Pediatrics safety standards.
Bedside sleepers attach to the parent’s bed and provide a separate safe place for the baby to sleep while still being close to their parent.
The crib, bassinet, or pack & play mattress’ should be firm, fit snuggly in the crib, and have slat spacing of no more than 2-3/8”.
3 Very Good Bassinets
Halo Bassinet
Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
Mini Ezee 2 in 1 Co-Sleeper Bassinet
5. Onesies
You can never go wrong with buying onesies as gifts for newborns. They are versatile, easy to wear, and come in different sizes. Opt for onesies made from cotton and are machine washable.
While the newborn ones are super cute, keep the number to a minimum as your baby will grow FAST and you’ll find you are moving up in sizes quickly.
6. Diaper Bags
A diaper bag comes in handy for new parents as it eases the hassle of carrying diaper-changing supplies around. Choose a stylish bag that can fit all the necessary baby supplies and is durable.
There are hundreds of choices here so take your time, and find one that fits your needs as well as your personality.
You may even find one that Dad is comfortable carrying!
7. Baby Monitor
A baby monitor provides a sense of security to parents as it monitors the baby while they are asleep or alone in a room. Look for a baby monitor that has a clear sound, long-range frequency, and has a camera to view the baby.
As with many baby items, you can go Mac Daddy here or keep it simple. Some monitors keep it basic while others come with all the bells and whistles. Some can monitor respiration, temperature, and heart rate. Knowing all of these things will cause more anxiety than comfort….go basic.
8. Bathing Essentials
Bathing can be a little challenging for new parents, but with the right bathing essentials, the process becomes much more manageable. Opt for bathing essentials such as washcloths, baby shampoo, hooded towels, and a baby bathtub. A thermometer to test the water temperature will put your mind at ease as to whether the temperature is too hot or too cold.
A baby bathtub with a newborn insert will keep your hands free to wash your baby without having to worry that they will slip down.
My Bathtub Recommendations
Frida Baby 4 in 1 Grow with me
Angelcare Baby Bathtub
9. Baby Car Seat
Installing a car seat is an essential safety measure for parents. Familiarize yourself with the car seat and installation well before the delivery date. If you are a multi-car family, consider buying 2 bases that can stay installed so that you only need to transfer the actual car set. Look for a car seat that is easy to install, fits most cars, and is safe for the baby.
Pay particular attention to the weight of car seats as you will likely need to carry it often.
Another area to pay attention to is the comfort of the seat. Some come with little padding and can be uncomfortable for baby.
My favorite Car Seat Brands
10. Variety of Baby Bottles
Some companies make gift boxes that contain 6 different styles and brands of baby bottles. Instead of purchasing 10 of 1 kind, it’s best to several different ones so that you can see which one suits your baby best.
Pro Tip: Keep it simple!
As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, remember to prioritize your own postpartum recovery needs. Adding a postpartum doula, lactation consultant, pelvic floor therapist, mental health counselor, meal delivery service, gift cards for food delivery, and essential baby items to your registry can ensure you have the support and resources you need to thrive during this exciting and challenging time. Don’t forget to pamper yourself and take time for self-care too. You got this, mama!
Newborn babies require lots of attention, care, and love from their parents. By gifting new parents with any of the above-listed baby essentials, you will be contributing to their lives and making them much more comfortable. However, always ensure that the baby gift is safe, comfortable, and meets safety guidelines.
Do you need help with what to put on your registry? I’m here to help! Reach out to me with all your postpartum questions at hello@tampabaypostpartumdoula.com
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