baby gear essentials to register for

Part 5 of The Ultimate Baby Registry is all about baby gear – everything you need for an on-the-go baby, including some playtime essentials! Here’s what our experts and real moms recommend!:

1. STROLLER
Our lifestyle didn’t call for a fancy travel system (and to be honest, I can’t handle the thought of messing with all of those bells and whistles!), so we opted for the safest, most fuss-free stroller we could find. Contours Lite stroller is ridiculously affordable and received fantastic reviews. I’ll let you know how it works out!

2. CAR SEAT MIRROR
The perfect solution to keep baby occupied and Mom carefree, a car seat mirror is a must.

3. SWADDLE BLANKET
The Miracle Blanket was recommended by nearly every mom I’ve spoken with, so it seemed like a no-brainer indeed!

4. SLING
If you plan to wear your baby, there are billions of slings on the market. I’ll be trying out the Moby wrap for its great reviews, but I think every woman might have differing taste in this department.

5. ACTIVITY GYM
I was crazy thrilled to find an activity gym that’s as great for the baby as it is to look at. Three cheers for wooden toys!

6. STROLLER CLEANING KIT
I’m a sucker for cleaning kits, and BuggyLOVE’s cleaning kit is organic and highly recommended. I can’t wait to tackle those grubby strollers for when the baby’s hands get bigger (and messier!).

7. CAR SEAT
We have a compact (read: teeny tiny!) car, so Combi’s Cocorro convertible car seat made the most sense for our lifestyle. Plus, that shade of carrot cake is surprisingly perfection.

8. CARRIER
Carriers are great for when baby outgrows a sling, so we opted to register for an affordable one to have on hand until we figure out what works for us.

9. DIAPER BAG
I chose timi & leslie Charlie II diaper bag because it’s massive and so, so pretty. I’ll report back on its function, but I was thrilled to find a stylish diaper bag that didn’t look like a diaper bag. Another option? Go for a monochromatic, masculine messenger bag so your husband isn’t embarrassed to carry an overtly floral or quilted style.

10. BLANKIE
A blankie or blanket friend is nice to have on hand for days when your little one needs extra soothing. Plus, they’re maddeningly cute.

11. RATTLE
The Skwish rattle is natural and gorgeous with lots of intriguing stimulation for baby. A must-have for active babies that need some distracting.

12. SOFT CHEW TOY
For teething days, alternating teethers with soft chew toys are a good idea. The Vulli Chan Pie Gnon natural rubber soft chew toy is a fan favorite – and endlessly quirky.

13. TEETHER
You know how I feel about wooden teethers; green sprouts natural wooden ring is a rattle and teether in one. Bonus!

14. PACIFIER CLIP
Oh, those pesky pacifiers seem to vanish out of thin air, don’t they? Keep your baby’s at bay with an eco-friendly pacifier clip for their stroller, tee or car seat.

What do you think, friends – anything I’ve missed? Please share below – I love gleaning from your endless mom wisdom!