Calling all mamas-to-be! It’s a fundamental truth of (impending) motherhood that your prepping-for-baby To-Do list can feel a mile long, but really the best way to feel organized is to sort out the most important item at the top of your list: your registry. Sure the items you choose to include will end up running the gamut from nice-to-haves to absolutely essential game-changers, but mamas in the know quickly learn one thing: Not all baby gear is created equal.

So while you can and should pepper your registry with adorable inclusions that aren’t necessarily can’t-live-withouts (go ahead, add ’em!), you should make sure you’re ticking the boxes on those pieces of baby gear that can be absolute lifesavers once you’re in full-blown mama mode. From car seats to bouncers and playmats, your play and travel gear will be some of the most obvious important items on your list, but so can unexpected things, like a super comfy baby carrier and a snooze-inducing white noise machine. So to help you sort through the must-have options, we turned to the holy grail of motherhood that is buybuy BABY and handpicked 10 of the very best essential pieces that will change your life, we promise.

maxi cosi carseat with base

Maxi Cosi Coral XP Infant Car Seat

$399.99

We know how important choosing a safe car seat is. Finding one that also makes your life easier? Total game changer. This genius car seat from Maxi-Cosi doubles as a carrier (we know, right?). The inner carrier snaps out of the outer car seat shell with the simple press of a button. It has a built-in crossbody strap for easy carrying (and it’s super light weight). It’s compatible with Maxi-Cosi strollers and select premium stroller brands. Driving, walking or strolling, this is the one car seat that does it all.

BabyBjorn bouncer seat

BABYBJÖRN® bouncer

$219.99

There is nothing, I repeat nothing, better than a seat which will keep your baby supported, happy and let you comfort them without having to hoist them up and out every single time. The BABYBJÖRN bouncer accomplishes all three and has a super-slim profile to boot so it won’t take up a ton of space in your living room.

Baby Tula explore coast carrier

Baby Tula explore coast carrier

$179

Hands-free babywearing is both convenient (hello, running errands around town) and a fun way for your peanut to get a different perspective while out and about, but it’s important that your carrier of choice keeps them in an ergonomically correct position while also supporting your back. It’s also great if that carrier can be used through the toddler years and not be outgrown in a hot minute. The Baby Tula explore coast carrier checks the box on all of those, and is made from breathable mesh to keep both you and baby cool. Those summer baby-wearing strolls will thank you.

Bumbleride Era city stroller

Bumbleride Era city stroller

$659

The ultimate in versatility, the Bumbleride Era City Stroller is ready for adventure. Featuring an infant-safe, reversible seat to bond with your precious cargo until they’re ready to adventure facing forward, this four-wheeled eco stroller has all-wheel suspension and air-filled tires giving you a smooth, one-handed push on city streets or bumpy sidewalks.. It’s a big investment, but we think it’s worth every penny—it’s it’s the only stroller you’ll need from birth through toddlerhood, with no need for infant attachments. It includes amazing features like a UPF 45+ canopy, easy one-step fold, large cargo basket with storage, machine-washable seat fabrics + canopies, just to name a few. When baby number two comes along, older kiddos can hitch a ride on the toddler board attachment (sold separately) And have we mentioned it’s also eco-friendly? Sigh.

Baby Brezza formula dispenser

Baby Brezza® formula pro advanced formula dispenser

$199.99

If you’re formula feeding your little one, you know the struggle of measuring the water, counting the scoops and shaking the bottle every. single. time. Thankfully, Babybrezza has a solution to save your brain power for more important things: The formula pro advanced automatically heats the water, mixes in the right amount of formula and has it all ready for you to feed to baby in seconds, with just the touch of a button. It’s everything you never knew you needed.

Hatch Rest and Sound Machine

Hatch rest + sound machine

$89.99

Controlling your little guy’s sleep environment is a key part of sleep training, no matter how you tackle that beast — so why not use the power of bluetooth technology to do it? The Hatch allows you to control sound and light from your smartphone, so you don’t have to tiptoe around baby’s room to make adjustments (which any mama knows is a delicate task)!

SKIP*HOP® Explore & More jumpscape foldaway jumper

SKIP*HOP® Explore & More jumpscape foldaway jumper

$139.99

Once your sweet baby is holding their head up well, you can introduce them to an exersaucer or jumper, which will quickly become their (and your) best friend. Offering hours of entertainment, exercise for those leg muscles and a secure, contained space to play, finding a good one is truly a mother’s dream. SKIP*HOP®’s foldaway jumper has a bunch of fun toy attachments and easily collapses for out-of-the-way storage, too!

baby activity gym

Sassy tummy time reversible milestone activity gym

$69.99

From day one, it’s important to give your baby time to kick and stretch their legs and, even if she protests, some supervised time on her tummy to strengthen the neck. A play mat makes for a clean, dedicated area that is perfect for her floor time, and colorful toys hanging above give her something to look at and eventually reach for.

bassinet

HALO bassinest glide bedside sleeper

$189.99

In the months before your little one is ready to sleep in their own room, a bassinet is the perfect way to keep them cozy next to your bed. The HALO Bassinest is ideal because it keeps your tiny peanut at your eye level (read: easier to check on) and, even further, a lowering wall lets you get baby out for those midnight feedings without much trouble. It’s about time someone made your twilight hours easier, right mama?