12 overlooked baby gear items to add to your registry

Do you remember how exciting it felt to move into your own place for the first time? You got to pick dishes, towels and furniture… you got to make the space your own. But then, as you began to actually settle into place, items that slipped your mind during your initial shopping spree became apparent.

Creating a baby registry as you prepare for parenthood is a little bit like that: Of course you’ll check the big boxes by registering for a stroller, car seat and crib. But what about those dozens of other items you never considered in your pre-parenting days?

That’s where we come in: Here are some commonly overlooked products to add to your registry now instead of when you discover how nice it would be to have them. Add them as you go by starting your own Target Baby Registry from home in just a few minutes!

You already know Target keeps shoppers’ experiences in mind… and that’s taken to a whole new level with the Year of Benefits program that comes with a Target baby registry. We’re talking perks like a welcome kit with $120 in coupons and free samples, two coupons of 15% off to help complete the registry and one full year of hassle-free exchanges or returns. As of August 2020, registrants who sign up for Target Circle will even get access to the Year of Exclusive Deals benefit. True to its name, this includes a full year’s worth of exclusive deals on baby essentials like diapers and clothing.

As you start shopping, here are a few items we highly recommend considering.

A rocking bassinet for bedtime dreaming

Registering for a crib is a given, but don’t forget your sleeping arrangements for those early days: Experts recommend sharing a room (but not a bed) with your baby for at least the first six months. To maximize your space and your child’s comfort, we suggest going for a rocking bassinet like Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Bassinet that can easily fold up for storage when not in use.

$89.99

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A complete travel system that works together

Rather than shop separately for a car seat and stroller, our pro tip is to look instead at a great travel system. Featuring a bucket-style infant car seat, base and jogging stroller that the seat can securely lock onto, this is a great way to get bang for your buck.

$341.99

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A comfy place for observing

In the beginning, your baby’s favorite way to “explore” will be by observing the sights and sounds immediately surrounding them. Make it a soothing, developmentally-stimulating experience with a bouncer that features numerous melodies, sounds and toys—plus an automatic bouncing function to free up your hands.

$59.99

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A baby carrier that works now + later

You’ve heard how helpful a baby carrier can be (it’s all true!), but you may not realize that you should specifically look for one that’ll go the distance. Look for a carrier that offers the option for your newborn to face inward and then graduate to facing outward when they have neck control and want to observe their surroundings.

$29.99

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A car seat for years of use

We wholeheartedly suggest registering for two car seats: The first being a convenient bucket-style infant car seat for the first year or so—and the second being a convertible car seat that will keep your child safe all the way through childhood years.

$149.99

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A way to soothe while freeing up your hands

It’s tricky to schedule your life around an infant’s naps, especially in the beginning when it seems like it’s always nap time! With a comfortable swing, you can keep them within sight while taking care of your own to-do list at home.

$219.99

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A video monitor for naps and nights

After putting your baby safely to sleep in a crib or bassinet of their own, we suggest using a video monitor for added peace of mind when you step out of the room. Plus, this means you won’t run the risk of disturbing them by cracking open the door for another peek!

$79.99

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A sure way to entertain

With babies, you often don’t know what you need until you need it—but an interactive, curiosity-boosting entertainer means they can occupy themselves when they’re able to stand on their own.

$99.99

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A safe place for baby to sleep outside the nursery

Your baby should always be put to sleep on a flat, firm surface clear of pillows or bedding. With a compact, portable sleeper, you can keep an eye on them in rooms of the house without lugging a crib or playard around.

$44.99

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A place to begin their culinary journey

Introducing solid foods around the age of six months is an exciting milestone—and quite a messy one, too! Look for a convertible high chair that can easily fit into your dining space and is also simple to clean.

$99.99

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A way to keep everything you need on hand

For being so little, babies sure do require a lot of gear—for diaper changes, clothing changes and more. In the early days, a deluxe playard is like a roving nursery station that keeps everything you need within reach. Later on, it makes for a great place for your growing baby to play with toys while safely confined.

$99.99

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A wagon for adventures as they grow (and your family does, too!)

With an all-terrain wagon, you can tackle any necessary hills or bumps. Better yet, registering for a two-seater now gives you plenty of space for another addition to your family.

$349.99

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Get more ideas for gear items by shopping Target’s registry checklists and sign up for your registry today to tap into the Year of Benefits featuring a Year of Exclusive Deals available via Target Circle, two 15% off completion coupons, a year of hassle-free returns, a free welcome kit and more!

This article was sponsored by Target . Thank you for supporting the brands that support Motherly and mamas.