Month 1 Favorites & Registry (pt. 1)

Right around the time of my baby shower, it dawned on me I had no idea what baby stuff I needed.  My family has no little ones running around and I have no idea how to take care of a baby, let alone how to raise one.  So, when it came time to make my baby registry, I was CLUELESS.  But thanks to the Internet and hours in front of my computer, I compiled a list of must-haves for the new baby.  I did a huge amount of research and talked to as many new moms as I could about things they wish they didn't waste the money on (i.e. diaper wipe warmer) and things they would buy no matter the cost (baby swing with an electrical cord, not battery).  Here's my list of must-haves for new baby.  I'm posting in 3 different posts.

Fisher Price Snugabunny Swing - If there is only one piece of equipment you buy for your baby, let it be this!  This swing was used so much for Xavier during the first few months.  First of all, it's one of the only ones that plugs into the wall, so there's no hassle of constantly replacing the batteries.  It swings side to side, or front to back if you twist the cradle around.  It has several different sounds, speeds and a mobile at the top that Xavier liked to watch.  This is guaranteed to calm a fussy baby in no time at all!  During those difficult first few months, this swing was a lifesaver!!!
Conair Noise Machine - Not sure if Xavier needs the white noise on to sleep or if he just ironically has been a great sleeper, but we use this every night as part of the bedtime routine.  It has several settings, waterfall, ocean waves, etc., but we usually just use the white noise.  And since our house creaks a lot, we turn it up LOUD!
Exergen Thermometer - This is perfect for when you want to check your sleeping babe's temperature and not wake him up.  Just swipe this across his forehead and you're done!
Satsuma Mittens - Compared to other mittens, we liked these the best.  They are made from organic material and they stay on all night!
Lanolin Cream - I used this cream while I was pregnant when I started to get larger in the chest department.  This cream is very soothing and a definite must for dealing with chapped, sensitive ta-ta's.  The hospital will offer you a bunch when you deliver, so be sure to ask for as much as they'll give you.
Diaper Genie Elite - These things do not let the stinky diaper smell in to your baby's room.  We use the Target brand refill bags and they seem to work just fine.  Other moms complain about how they only use this for poopy diapers because the refill bags are so expensive, but I'm convinced they don't know how the refill bags work.  We used this for every single diaper and I had no problems with going through the bags too quickly.  Just got to know how to use the refill properly so you don't waste it.  There is a trick!
Britax B-Safe and B-Agile Travel System - I insisted on having all black and white gear, so this was one of the first ones I tested.  Cannot say enough wonderful things about this travel system!  Not only is it one of the safest out there, I can quickly fold/unfold the stroller with one hand!  The carrier snaps so easily in and out of the stroller and the base.  I also am a fan of the one wheel in the front design - makes it easier to push and turn, plus it looks so cute!  We can adjust the reclining stroller seat based on whether the baby is sleeping or awake.  Only downside - all the accessories (cup holder, stroller lap bar, diaper bag/purse hooks) are sold separately.
Summer Infant Baby Tub - There are tons of baby tubs to choose from, some are crazy luxurious with and considered a baby spa, but we wanted one that was small enough to fit in our tiny bathroom.  This tub has an infant sling we used for the first couple months of sponge baths we gave Xavier.  It has a plug at the bottom of the tub to let soapy water out and clean water in.
Fisher Price Adorable Animals Bouncer - A must-have during those awkward first few months when your baby can't sit up yet.  Xavier spent a lot of time switching between his swing, activity gym mat, and this bouncer.  It has a smooth vibrator that calmed him when he was crying.  We also used it for some of Xavier's day time naps.
Fisher Price Fast Finder Deluxe Diaper Bag - I wanted a diaper bag that wasn't covered in paisley or other loud designs that screamed "Look at me!  I'm carrying a diaper bag!"  I also wanted a bag with a long strap that I could easily wear crossed over my chest, since I knew it would be heavy carrying this and a baby at the same time.  This bag is large enough to carry everything you could possibly want in your diaper bag, has tons of interior pockets to organize paci's, bottles, tissues, etc., but it's not too bulky to carry around.  I love it!

See complete registry list here.