There are endless things to consider when you are expecting, and putting together a baby registry may be one of the most overwhelming. With all the products on the market and new ones coming out every day, it is no wonder we look to experts and friends when trying to make the best decisions for our little one. Let us take off a little of the pressure and give some of our top picks to get you started!

THE PERFECT GIFT BOX

Pregnancy + Postpartum Gift Boxes

Filled with self-care and healing essentials as well as fun little “treat yourself” gifts, here are a couple of tried-and-tested gift box selections, perfect for any Mom in your life.

Choose a subscription service for discounted goodies each month or select a one-time package to fit the Mom in your life.

• Oh Baby Boxes (Subscription-based monthly boxes)
• Nurtured 9 New Mom Gift Boxes (choose from prearranged boxes, or build your own)
• Hey Milestone Pregnancy, Postpartum & Newborn Sample Box (free – just pay for shipping!)

Care for Birth Box from Bodily

The ultimate New Mom gift, Bodily’s award-winning Care For Birth Box was put together with OB-GYNs, midwives and IBCLC lactation experts as a postpartum and breastfeeding care kit. It includes 8 essential items designed to support you through those first sensitive days. Including upgraded recovery underwear, nursing pads, hydrogel nipple pads, cloud-soft maxi pads, slouch socks, a chic retractable peri bottle, and much more; $124 at ItsBodily.com.

BIG TICKET ITEMS

Mockingbird Single-To-Double Stroller 3.0

The Mockingbird has become a favorite as it is not only a great option for one child, but with the 2nd Seat Kit, toddler ride-on board, and infant accessories, you can accommodate a growing family through every stage. The best part? This stroller rivals top brands in functionality while staying affordable.

We love the new features of the 3.0, including an adjustable canopy for growing toddlers, a first-of-its-kind UPF 50+ leg sunshade that covers legs and feet, magnetic buckle harnesses and even a reversible seat liner that’s mesh on one side for hot summer days.

The Mockingbird single-to-double stroller starts at $549 and you can add on the second seat kit for $175. They also have car seat adaptors for nearly all the top brands as well as a bassinet option if that is more your style. Learn more at hellomockingbird.com.

Mockingbird Bassinet + Stand

Mockingbird’s super-functional bassinet comes with a collapsible stand, making it a 2-for-1 option that can be used in the home, on the stand or on-the-go with the stroller; $250 at hellomockingbird.com.

ON THE GO

Portable Bottle Warmer from Grownsy

Feed directly anytime, anywhere, without transferring milk to another bottle with this portable bottle warmer. Its detachable design makes it easy to pop into the diaper bag so it’s ready to go, and we appreciate the different nipple sizes for babies at different stages. $89.99 at Target, Amazon or Grownsy.com.

Baby's Brew Bottle Warmer 3.0

Another great bottle-warming option, attach your favorite bottle straight onto this Warmer 3.0 and let it do the work! Smart sensor technology warms to the ideal temperature with no risk of overheating. Fully portable, with no need for water or an outlet, the stainless steel, leak-proof design means you can easily carry it in a diaper bag, purse or cup holder; $89 at thebabysbrew.com

Pacifier Sanitizer from Grownsy

You’re out and about and the baby's pacifier falls on a dirty road, pile of dirt or in a public restroom. For on-the-go sterilization, this pacifier sanitizer supports up to 90 quick sanitizations or 30 thorough cleans before needing a recharge. It features convenient straps for easy attachment to strollers, purses or diaper bags. $25.99 at Target, Amazon or Grownsy.com.

White Elm Gemini Convertible Backpack

White Elm was started by a mom who couldn't find what she wanted in the market, so she decided to create her own. The designs have been a hit! One White Elm top seller, The Gemini, is the bag that can do it all. You can wear it as a backpack, tote or cross body. It features a laptop sleeve, numerous pockets, premium vegan leather exterior and a water-resistant interior lining. $219 – shopwhiteelm.com

HD Infant Car Seat Camera with Night Vision

Enjoy real-time HD monitoring even in the dark, thanks to this backseat car monitor, which features night vision and a wide-angle lens that covers the entire backseat. It even has anti-shake technology that keeps the camera firmly in place on bumpy roads. $36.49 at Target, Amazon or Grownsy.com.

Wet Dry Bag from Loulou Lollipop

Keep one in the car for spills: This versatile wet-dry bag is nice and big, and has separate waterproof and dry compartments to keep clean and wet items separate. Perfect for everyday routines, travel, pools and splash pads, daycare drop‑offs and family adventures. $19.95 at Louloulollipop.com.

Mila's Keeper

Perfect for the mama on the go, this stylish breast milk cooler system can be used both cold and hot. It can keep milk safe for up to 20 hours with use of the attachable ice packs, and just add hot water to the thermos to warm when it's time to feed.

The glass bottles that fit perfectly inside the cooler come in both narrow and wide mouth options to attach directly to a range of breast pumps and nipples. This means there is one less thing to bring with you and one less thing to clean! A variety of gift sets, colors and combinations are available at milaskeeper.com starting at $67.

NURSING

Le Lolo Nursing Products

Because new moms deserve products that are both functional and pretty, this beautiful line of postpartum essentials feature thoughtfully designed nipple shields (with silicone stickers to hold them in place!), nursing pads, hot and cold packs, balms, lactation support essentials and even beautifully-curated gift boxes, all designed to make the motherhood journey a little easier and a lot more joyful; wearelelolo.com.

Bodily Nursing Bras

Co-designed with International Board-Certified Lactational Consultants (IBCLCs) to support comfort, breast health, and a changing body, the line of nursing bras from Bodily were created to support Founder Tova Haim’s proprietary Stages of Breastfeeding, from the 4-in-1 pumping and nursing “Do Anything” bra to the I’m-ready-for-jeans-again “So Easy” bra. You can even get The Stages of Breastfeeding Bundle featuring 3 bras in order of when you need them; from $48 at itsbodily.com.

FEEDING

Evenflo Feeding Balance+ Glass Baby Bottles

Made from high-quality soda-lime glass, the bottles are naturally BPA-free, durable and resistant to sudden temperature changes. The signature sloped Balance+ nipple provides a slower, gulp-free flow that supports a natural latch and helps reduce colic; $29.99 for a 3-pack of 6-ounce bottles on Evenflowfeeding.com.

BIBS Baby Bottles, Pacifiers and Feeders

We love BIBS’ Try-It Pacifier Collection featuring three options of nipple shapes to try out, all made from soft, natural rubber latex, in case your little is “selective” like mine was; $19.95 on Amazon.

They recently launched a line of bottles as well. Offering options galore so you can determine the best bottle for your baby, the new BIBS Bottles are available in 5-ounce or 9-ounce sizes in glass or plastic, and you can choose between latex or silicone nipples; from $9.95 on Bibsworld.com or Amazon.

Fill BIBS’ new silicone Baby Food Freezer Tray with frozen breast milk and formula or with small bites of fruits and veggies. They fit perfectly inside the BIBS Baby Feeder for a safe introduction to new foods; $9.95-$13.95 on Bibsworld.com or Amazon.

Stayful Silicon Bowl & Flexi Spoons from Baby's Brew

The curved lip on these bowls helps guide food onto the spoon and prevents spills, making feeding time easier and cleaner. We also appreciate the travel case and spoons, which have longer handles to help reach the bottom of jars; $9.99/bowl and $7.99/Flexi spoon set at thebaby'sbrew.com.

Ello Clean Start Ceramic bowls

These Clean Start bowls are made from durable ceramic and have protective silicone sleeves, offering a stylish and eco-conscious alternative to traditional plastic toddler dishware. They’re both dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and are sized just right for little hands; $18.99 – $22.99 on Amazon.

CLEANING

4-in-1 EaseClean Feeding Bottle Washer Pro 

The Grownsy Baby Bottle Washer automatically washes, sterilizes, dries, and stores bottles, pacifiers, pump parts, sippy cups, and other baby accessories. Equipped with precision-directed sprays and swirling jets for complete 360° exterior cleaning, plus a built-in HEPA filter, it offers 4 programs, each with customizable settings for versatile cleaning; $247 at Grownsy.com.

BabyBuddha UV 3-in-1 Sterilizer 

Another great option for cleaning all feeding equipment and pumping parts, our test mom loved its quick cycles and how this UV sterilizer effectively kills 99.9% of harmful bacteria and viruses without using chemicals. Save a step and combine washing, drying and sanitizing all-in-one; $249.99 on Amazon.

Health + Wellness

SniffEase Spa 3-in-1 Nasal Aspirator

The first of its kind, combining Spray, Suction, and Micro-Mist into a single, thoughtfully designed system, start with a gentle spray to loosen stubborn mucus, use the adjustable suction to clear tiny nasal passages, and finish with a soothing fine mist to hydrate and comfort your baby’s delicate nose and upper airways.

With three adjustable levels, a soft ambient light, and five built-in lullabies, it comes with three food-grade silicone tips, a gourd nozzle for newborns, a wide conical tip for everyday congestion, and a funnel tip for deeper mucus removal; $49.99 on Amazon.

CLOTHING

Emerson & Friends

Lounging on the couch for Family Movie Night has never been softer. We’re obsessed with this Clearwater-based brand that features hand-drawn artwork from a local mom! Made from the softest bamboo fabric that holds up in the wash, choose from adorable patterns including favorite classic books like Berenstain Bears® and Arthur®. Styles for school days, playtime and bedtime; starting from $41 on emersonandfriends.com.

Swaddelini

The world's only 3D-knit swaddle using Hug Technology®, these are escape-proof, comfortable, and, most importantly, safe. Beyond their softness and breathability, we love that they offer solutions for special needs or medical devices at no extra charge; from $44.95 at swaddelini.com.

Loulou Lollipop

Meanwhile, we can’t get enough of the Oh-So-Soft and never-ending supply of adorable clothing patterns from our favorite environmentally-friendly brand, Loulou Lollipop; starting from $33.95 at louloulollipop.com.

Kindred Bravely

We love this line of Bamboo Baby Pajamas, made from buttery-soft, breathable bamboo that keeps little ones comfy no matter the temperature; $34.90 at KindredBravely.com.

Lalabu Dad Shirt + Simple Wrap

Lalabu is well known for their innovative Dad Shirt which allows dads and caregivers to tuck newborns into the front pouch with no complicated wrapping! The pouch is also lined with a mesh to further increase bonding and skin to skin contact. If your partner doesn't like the idea of wearing a wrap, this shirt is a great option; $76.46. at shop.lalabu.com.

The Simple Wrap is just that, simple! It features a waist clip closure, soft yet durable fabric and double rings that keep the wide straps in place and ready to go. The wrap also has a super soft built-in head rest for when your baby falls asleep and is easily height adjustable with a flip of the waistbelt; $74.25 at shop.lalabu.com.

The Dad Shirt safely holds newborns up to 15lbs, the first 3 to 5 months. The Simple Wrap is ideal for babies from 3 months up to 2 years of age, 13-28lbs. 

PLAYING

LovEvery Play Gym

Designed to grow with your child from newborn to toddler, this play mat provides stage-based activities that engage them throughout their first year. It features five developmental zones, five detachable activity toys, three sets of cards and a play guide with stage-based tips and activities developed by experts; $150 at lovevery.com.

The Looker Play Kit 2.0 by LovEvery

We love these kits designed for age-appropriate development and play; the Looker Play Kit 2.0 is the perfect gift for new parents. For ages 0-12 weeks, the kit includes high-contrast images and sensory toys to help with baby’s developing eyesight and brain connections. The kit also includes a play guide that provides the “why” and “how” behind each thoughtfully designed item. 

Pay per box or in a box bundle; from $72/box (with 6 box bundle) at lovevery.com.

Flashcards and Teethers from Loulou Lollipop

Great for the car-seat stretch, the restaurant wait or whatever ten minutes you need them occupied, these teethers and flashcards are made from chew-safe, food-grade silicone. The flashcards are great for early naming and sorting, and come in black and white or color. Teethers come in an assortment of unique and adorable shapes, like a sushi roll, pretzel dog or a seashell. Teethers from $9.95; Flash cards $14.95 at Louloulollipop.com.

Little Bot Ofie Play Mat

The sweetest reversible playmats, Little Bot’s mats are thoughtfully designed for families who value style and functionality in their homes. Featuring safe, non-toxic and beautifully designed playmats, these bad boys are super durable and easy to clean. We love the special edition mat featuring a road map on one side and beloved Eric Carle imagery on the other; $179, littlebotbaby.com.

NURSERY

Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor

Available with wall mount or stand, the Miku Pro uses SensorFusion Tech to monitor temperature, humidity, light, sound and motion without wearables, even in the dark. Miku provides live breathing patterns, sleep analytics and smart alerts, all while delivering superior AV quality and enhanced security; $149.99 on Amazon; subscription required for advanced features.

VAVA Cradle Baby Night Light

This egg-shaped light brings a soft, soothing glow to midnight feeds, diaper changes and bedtime routines and features a 200-hour runtime, dimmable light and charging base; $30.99 on Vava.com.

Diaper Genie Platinum

We love Diaper Genie’s sleek new design, which is now taller and made out of stainless steel. It still features hands-free operation, but the bags last longer and are now switched out from the bottom, making it easier to use; $75 on Diapergenie.com or Amazon.

Angelcare Soft Touch Baby Bath Support

Designed with comfort and security in mind, its ergonomic shape gently supports your baby while you bathe and bond. The soft-touch material adjusts to water temperature and dries quickly, helping your little one stay cool and comfortable on warm days; $19.98 on Amazon.

Looking for More?? Discover even more Baby Inspo:

• The Best Weekly Classes and Open Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers in Tampa Bay
• The Best Things to Do with Toddlers and Preschoolers in Tampa Bay
• 20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa Bay This Weekend

Originally published in Print in various issues of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.