Pack your baby registry with these safe, practical items

In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:

1. What gifts should new parents put on their registry?
2. What items are the most affordable and practical?
3. What are some essential baby safety items?

As a first-time parent, you have a lot on your mind. And everyone you know has plenty of advice. How do you choose affordable, practical, and safety-related items when filling out your baby's gift registry? Local experts are here to help!

First, plan to purchase an infant car seat and have it installed correctly in your car long before leaving for the hospital, says Kathryn Wall, program director of Safe Kids Palm Beach County. Wall and her team can match you with a trained child safety expert to check on your car seat installation. Call Safe Kids Palm Beach County at 561-841-3500 ext. 4011 or download the Children’s Services Council free SafeMap App to locate all the car seat installation sites throughout the county.

“Babies need to ride in a semi-reclined, rear-facing car seat as long as possible -- until three years or up to 40 pounds. When they have outgrown that seat, they are ready for a forward-facing seat,” says Wall.

2. WHAT ITEMS ARE BOTH AFFORDABLE AND PRACTICAL?

The most practical gifts don’t need to be expensive. Baby monitors, cabinet locks, and gift cards for diapers and wipes are always welcome. Simple pacifiers (like those used in hospitals) and breastfeeding supplies are useful. Sound machines can soothe both restless babies and parents.

“While there are many items for baby, don’t forget about mom! Breastfeeding bracelets are a great reminder for tired moms to keep track of which breast the baby nursed on during the last feeding,” says Michelle Gonzalez, chief executive officer of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County.

3. HOW CAN I FIND THE BEST SAFETY-RELATED GIFTS?

Let your baby's gift requests follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep: Alone, Back to sleep, and in Crib until age one. Gonzalez says these simple, safe sleep steps help reduce the baby’s risk of sudden unexpected infant death.

“The only thing your baby needs in their crib is a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Anything else is considered a hazard,” says Gonzalez.

Wall says to share your bedroom, not your bed. “Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble your bassinet, crib, or play yard. Complete (and submit!) product registration cards for potential recalls/safety updates.” 

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