So you have a newly-mobile little one. An official toddler. It’s a whole new world for both of you and while you’re baby-proofing all the things and chasing them down the hall, it’s also time to stop (you know, when they’re asleep) and consider what first walker shoes to start them out with. They’re a little different from pairs for older kiddos. New toddlers need shoes designed to keep them upright (obviously) and support their foot development. Luckily, there are so many baby shoes for new walkers to choose from, so you’ll be able to find the perfect pair or two for their little feet.
Carter's Relay Sneakers
Carter's
Carter's line of shoes for new walkers, called Every Step, features sneakers, boots, Mary Janes, moccasins, and even high-tops. A double hook-and-loop closure makes it easy to put on and take off these shoes, and the cute, classic styles and colors mean they'll easily match with your child's outfits.
The First Steps line from Wobbly Waddlers,offer a flexible rubber sole, leather insole, ankle support and additional stability to support toddlers as they learn to walk. The shoes in this line are handmade in Mexico and come in cute and classic styles.
Four heart cutouts dress up this classic leather Mary Jane from BirdRock Baby. There's an elastic band at the ankle that keeps shoes snug and makes it easy to take them on and off. And with each purchase, BirdRock Baby donates a day's worth of food to a child in need through the charity Feed My Starving Children. BirdRock Baby also makes super cute moccasins and baby booties in a variety of colors and styles and at reasonable prices.
RO + ME by Robeez, their line of soft-soled shoes, feature eye-catching metallic and sequin accents and casual designs that can be dressed up or dressed down. They're especially made for babies in all stages from crawlers to walkers. Available in 6 styles.
Zutano booties not only stay on little feet; they have a grippy sole that give them stability. Parents will love the hook-and-loop side closures, which make slipping the shoe on and off squirmy baby feet a breeze. Available in a ton of colors and prints.
Pediped's First Walker Shoes are designed for a toddler's first steps, with flexible soles and spacious toe boxes that let little feet learn to grab onto the ground and march forward with confidence. Available in 7 fun color combinations, too.
For almost 100 years, Stride Rite has been making shoes for teeny tiny feet. The kicks in the Stride Rite Soft Motion line are built for toddlers' first steps, with bendy flexible bottoms, strong closures and rounded soles that won't trip up your toddler. Plus, these shoes come as small as a size 3 and in three different widths, so you should be able to find ones that fit well.
These slip-on baby shoes are incredibly flexible, soft, and come in a ton of different colors! They're also really affordable, so you can grab a few to mix and match.
jbrds Stand2Walk Baby Shoes' sock-like upper and injection-molded support cage are designed to promote the healthy development of feet + provide the support for first steps. They come in multiple colors, too.
It's never too early to start them on a journey into the classics. The footwear classics, we mean. These little Superstars come in multiple colors, too.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
These little guys want to move around and make noise, so give them all the tunnels, building blocks, and musical instruments
Get moving and grooving with these presents for one-year-olds (and under!) that they’ll enjoy long after celebrating their first birthdays. From a musical cube and bath boats to magnetic blocks and easy-to-grip teethers, these holiday gifts and toys for 6-month-olds to a year will make life more fun… and just a little bit louder.
Melissa & Doug Baby's First Sensory Toys Gift Bundle
There are so many things for baby to explore in this food-themed sensory set, from the six-piece PB&J take-along toy to a box full of gifts that baby can wrap, and the soft-stacking pineapple. Yum!
Find a nice spot in your home for this 6-in-1 toy because it's going to be around for a while as your little one transitions from tummy time to tunnel time. We love that you can pop off the zebra's keyboard for take-along tunes.
Baby's will love so many things about this wobbly bear! They can bat it around to see where it lands, drop it and watch it bounce, or give it a big snuggle when they need to take five.
We're smitten with that happy little crinkle stuffie bean! If you're tired of baby pulling out all your tissues, give them their own garden-themed tissue box to explore. Bonus: a book that teaches them how plants grow.
You won't believe how soft and cozy these blankies are, and Angel Dear clearly knows parents by offering not two, but three bunnies in the set to account for any lost-lovey disasters that may come up in the future.
Bath time just got a whole lot more fun with these floating boats in bright, beautiful colors. Tots can stack them or watch water rain out of their drain holes. Now all you have to worry about is keeping the water inside the tub.
From The Diary of Anne Frank to To Kill a Mockingbird, there are plenty of amazing lessons to learn from books that have no place being banned—and you're never too young to start learning.
Designed to give teething littles the best possible grip, this teether fits right onto their chubby little hands so they can gnaw to their heart's content.
The softest bamboo-infused viscose and the prettiest patterns make this a no-brainer for holiday gifting—and when the weather outside is less frightful, parents can plop their newly sitting kids down on the blanket just about anywhere.
Whether you're looking to entertain baby while you get a few things done or lull them to sleep at bedtime, this ocean-themed crib toy is completely mesmerizing. The drift-off feature gradually tones down the entertainment and a handy remote lets you turn it on or off from up to 12 feet away.
Your little bunny will learn about object permanence and practice their fine motor skills when they put the little stuffed bunnies in and out of the cute cottage, which comes with a handle so they can tote their friends around once they're officially walkers.
Calling all budding composers! Each side of this cube features a different instrument to delight baby's senses—think harp, flute, French horn, piano, and violin—with lights flashing to the tempo. They can layer individual sounds or play the full symphony, Mozart style.
Tots love water; parents love when said water can't spill all over the house. Consider this a win-win. The cuddly koala's tummy has a water bottle that's fun to squish during tummy time. And when spit-up happens (it will), simply pull out the water bottle and throw the koala in the wash.
When the handle is on, little ones can practice lifting this rattly toy kettlebell just like their parents. Without the handle, they can remove and stack the colorful rings that make up the ball and feature a different Spanish number on each.
Sitters have a new take on the world, and that means new toys to explore. Push-and-spin toys are great for building core strength and balance, and your babe will love the cause and effect of pushing the sun down to see the corn spin and pop.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors. If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication. All images courtesy of retailers.—
Remember when you had disposable income? Now you have a baby, and this innocent little creature has somehow ravaged your credit card statement. It’s no secret that infants are expensive, what with the mass amounts of baby gear they require: diapers and carriers and clothes they won’t stop outgrowing. But there are plenty of ways to cut down on your spending so you can save up for your first vacation with baby or a family photo shoot. These smart, money-saving tips will help you stay on budget during that first (very expensive!) year.
1. Join Your Local Buy/Sell/Trade Groups
Join a Facebook Buy/Sell/Trade group and a Buy Nothing group in your area to find big-ticket items like cribs. You’ll also be able to sell any items that your kid outgrows or didn’t like to begin with. And be sure to check out Rebelstork, a resale website exclusively for baby goods, where you can find name-brand items at great prices. Upcycle your own items, and buy the resold, overstock or open-box gear you need for low prices.
2. Choose Baby Gear That Grows with Your Child
Some high chairs convert into seats for toddlers and older kids. Some cribs can be turned into toddler beds. And some car seats convert from infant all the way to backless boosters. When you’re searching, look for products called 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 to get the most life out of your goods. Here are some products that grow with kids.
3. Borrow, Don’t Buy
Never buy anything until you’ve asked all your friends with older kids if they have the items you need. Lots of parents save gear like bassinets and gliders if they plan to have another child, but they may not be using them at the moment. Maintain what you borrow (and the friendship!) and your friends might just lend you other pricey items, like balance bikes, as your baby gets older.
4. Ask Parents What You Really Need
If you straight talk with other parents before buying the items on your baby list you’ll probably be able to cross off more than a few items. The wipes warmer is a notoriously regretted purchase, and lots of people wish they hadn’t bought fancy baby food makers or baby swings their kid ended up hating (try it before you buy it!). Others discover they prefer the flexibility of a lightweight changing pad over lugging baby over to a changing table for every new diaper. Buy the must-haves and skip the nice-to-haves until you figure out whether your child would actually benefit from them.
You’re not likely to drastically change your lifestyle once you have a baby, so if you weren’t an off-road jogger before you probably won’t need a high-tech, pricey jogging stroller. A less expensive traditional stroller should work just great for your walks and errands. If you do decide to take a walk on uneven or unpaved ground, just put your baby in a carrier instead of a stroller, and you’re on your way.
6. Set Up Swaps with Friends
Set up clothing and gear swaps with your mom friends and mom-to-be buddies. Meet up at a local park where you can lay out all the items you’re giving away, or upload photos to a private Facebook group if you can’t all get together. Your pregnant friend might love your baby bathtub, maternity tops and newborn clothes, and you can snap up toys and clothes in your baby’s current size. Meet up a few times a year as seasons and kids’ needs change.
7. Request Group Gifts
For holidays and birthdays, ask family and friends to pitch in for big-ticket items, like a stroller, rather than buying toys or clothes you don’t need.
photo: Ridofranz via iStock
8. Swap Babysitting Duties with a Friend
A free babysitter for date night? Sign us up! Here’s how it works: Ask a couple you know and trust if they’d like to take turns babysitting with you. You babysit your friends’ kid(s) at their house while your partner stays home with your own kid(s) and the other couple gets a night out. Then they return the favor when you want a date night.
9. Sample Different Diapers Before You Buy
Ask moms for the best diaper and wipes and be prepared to get lots of different answers, depending on their babies’ body types, skin sensitivity, and other factors. To find out which ones work best for you, ask friends who use different brands to swap a few (five of each) so you can all test out multiple brands and see which work best for your child.
10. Buy Necessities in Bulk
Once you’ve determined your favorite brands, buying necessities like diapers, wipes and formula in bulk. Signing up for automatic deliveries can also save you lots of money in the long run.
They may not be able to talk, but babies have opinions, so don’t stock up on items like bottles and pacifiers until you’ve tested a few. These little ones are known for having strong preferences and changing their minds with no warning. Welcome to parenthood.
12. Stock Up on Clothing Basics in Larger Sizes
If the clothing you like is on major sale, buy items in sizes larger than what your child wears. Stick to items kids can wear year-round, like leggings and socks, rather than guessing what size your child might be in bathing suits and snowpants for next summer or winter.
13. Get Secondhand Special-Occasion Outfits
Hit up Poshmark, consignment shops or yard sales for special-occasion outfits, like holiday-themed baby clothes and fancy dresses. Many have only been worn once or twice and look brand new.
14. Keep Clothes Shopping Simple
We know baby clothes are adorable, but think about what you’ll really use before you splurge. The first few months, babies will mostly be sleeping and lounging at home with you, so onesies are the main thing you need. Babies can wear them on their own, under their clothes and to sleep in, so they’re worth buying in cost-saving multipacks. But you won’t need things like baby shoes until your child is walking outdoors. And if you plan to visit a climate that’s colder or warmer than yours, ask friends if you can borrow weather-appropriate gear instead of investing in something you’ll only wear a few times.
15. Less Is More with Nursery Decor
Once your baby gets mobile, you risk that tiny terror knocking down the glass snow globe before you can stop them. A wipeable playmat, soft pillows to sit and lay on, and baskets to hold toys and stuffies may be all the decor you need until baby gets older.
16. Keep Nursery Style Timeless
It’s so tempting to choose a theme for your nursery and do it up big. But sticking to fewer baby-specific colors and decor items means not having to buy all new stuff in a few years. And the more you can DIY, the cheaper it will be. Try these 16 ways to DIY your nursery on a budget.
17. Babyproof on a Budget
Babyproofing gadgets and services can be really pricey. But there’s a lot you can DIY for cheap, using items you may already own. Consider these 14 DIY ways to make your home safer for baby.
18. Find Free Local Fun
Explore your area for free spots you and your child can visit, from parks and walking trails to your local farmer’s market. A shady outdoor spot or a weekly free night at the museum gets you out of your home without an entrance fee.
19. Check Out Your Local Library
The library can be tons of fun for babies. Many libraries offer storytime and kids’ activities, so check the website or ask a librarian for a schedule of upcoming events. And you can save a lot of money borrowing baby books instead of buying them.
photo: iStock
20. Go Minimalist with Baby Toys
You know the old joke about babies liking the bag the gift comes in more than the gift. Well it tracks. Aside from a comforting lovie, sensory ball, mobile and stuffed animal, babies don’t need lots of store-bought toys. They’re interested in colors, fabrics, textures and noises, so household objects and even your purse or diaper bag hold their attention as well as toys do. And, in fact, interacting with you can provide most of their entertainment. From singing to imitating each other’s sounds and expressions to blowing bubbles and playing peekaboo, there are lots of free, fun ways to entertain your baby and have quality bonding time, which is your child’s all-time favorite thing. When you need a break from the action, give your baby some wooden spoons or plastic measuring cups from the kitchen and watch them have a ball all on their own. Here are 16 baby games you can play together.
21. Create Your Own Baby Classes
Instead of signing up for baby music classes and baby gyms, invite local moms to meet at a local park or other baby-friendly area. Bring small balls and noisemakers and have your own baby class. If you’re not sure what activities to try, YouTube is an amazing resource for free videos of baby gym class, baby music class, baby yoga and more. Watch a few and tailor a class to your kiddos.
22. Start a Mom Workout Group
Stroller workout groups are a great way to prioritize exercise while spending time with your baby and fellow new moms. But just as with the baby classes, ask friends or post on a local Facebook moms group to see who’s interested in meeting up weekly to take a stroller walk and then do a quick workout or stretching session. Again, YouTube is your best friend when it comes to finding high-quality free workouts at all skill levels, and geared to postpartum needs.
23. Don’t Fall for Baby Marketing
No, you don’t need infant Tylenol (cash grab!) or a special baby laundry detergent. Switch to a fragrance-free gentle detergent and you can wash the whole family’s clothes at the same time. The same goes for soap and body lotion. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free brand like Vanicream for baby’s sensitive skin and you can all use the same products.
24. Call Your Pediatrician Before Scheduling a Visit
Every baby concern may not require a doctor’s appointment and the co-pay that goes along with it. Call the nurses’ line first to see if they can help without you coming into the office. Take photos of any rashes or bumps and make detailed notes about your concerns and your child’s symptoms (like what time you noticed the fever and how high it was) to make it easier for them to help you.
25. Skip the Jarred Baby Food
Do you need to buy expensive jars of baby food? Not necessarily. Consider baby-led weaning, in which babies six months and up gnaw on finger foods instead of purees. If you’re not comfortable with that, make your own baby food in bulk from leftovers or fruits and veggies you bought on sale, and store it in your freezer. Freeze the purees you make in ice cube containers. Once frozen, transfer them to plastic bags. Each will be a one-ounce serving you can thaw out and heat up when it’s mealtime.
Congratulations, you’re having a baby! In all your planning for diapers, baby gear, toys and clothes, it suddenly dawns on you that this can also be an opportunity to offer your child something more meaningful: a better, more giving, more sustainable future. As you’re making your registry, here are a few products that are changing the world for the better, and what could be a better gift than that?
The Cuddle + Kind founders wanted a way to give back, and they did just that, developing a model in which the purchase of a doll can feed ten children in need. Since September 2015, purchases have helped provide more than 8 million meals! In addition to that, the hand-knit dolls are ethically created in Peru, offering more than 750 artisans a sustainable, fair-trade income. And the dolls are beautiful, soft, cuddly and meant to be snuggled. With so many different styles and choices, there's a Cuddle + Kind for every baby. The company also sells inspirational prints for the nursery (shown above); each purchase provides five meals to children in need.
The word "bombas" comes from the Latin word for bumblebee, a creature that works with its fellow hive members to make a real difference in the world around them. Bombas, as a company, strives to achieve the same impact, donating one pair of socks for every pair of socks purchased. The company’s founders found that socks were the number-one item requested in homeless shelters, and since its foundation, the company has given away 29,262,619 of them. The Bombas mantra is “bee better,” and you have the chance to do the same by adding Bombas socks to your baby registry. Bonus: They’re adorable. You can even order a family pack pack that has matching socks for moms (or dads) and toddlers.
TOMS isn’t a new company, but it was one of the first to offer a give-back option for shoppers, founded on the one-for-one model that donated a pair of shoes for every shoe purchased. Since its foundation in 2006, TOMS has given away more than 95 million shoes in 85 countries, and the numbers continue to grow. A new direction for the company directs a portion of proceeds to the support of physical safety, mental health and equal opportunities for all. And TOMS baby shoes? So cute you’ll wish they made them in your size. Oh, wait! They do.
This play gym is so lovely in design it may as well be a piece of art for your floor. But, more importantly, it’s designed to grow with your baby, including five developmental zones created to promote brain and motor skill development. What’s more? The Lovevery Play Gym is created using 100% baby-safe materials, with organic cotton, water-based, non-toxic finishes and sustainably harvested wood, providing an opportunity for you to give back to the earth by supporting sustainable farming practices. Even the plastic and silicone components of the gym are manufactured without BPA and phthalates. And it comes with a Lifetime Lost Parts promise.
There are so many diaper choices on the market, and knowing their use and disposability can make it difficult to justify their price. However, Abby + Finn Diapers offer a better solution, one that provides a quality product for your little one while also helping those in need, as the company donates 30 diapers for every monthly diaper box purchased. Made without chlorine, heavy metals, latex, fragrances, lotions, moisturizers, allergens, dyes or any substances known to be harmful to the environment, these diapers provide a clean alternative to traditional diapers and offer an easy way for your registry to give back. Added bonus: Abby + Finn has a subscription service, so you never have to worry about running to the store when you reach your last diaper.
Did you know that, on average, children are exposed to at least 27 harmful chemicals each day, through regular, everyday body care products like sunscreen, shampoo, and lotion? Erbaviva, a USDA certified-organic company, creates skincare products for babies (and everyone else!) that are free of pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and more. Erbaviva’s handcrafted packaging is sourced through a nonprofit that collaborates with local villagers in northern Thailand to provide sustainable income and support a mobile children’s clinic. Further, Erbaviva partners with the Blinknow Foundation to help provide quality education and a safe environment for Nepali youth. And the Erbaviva products are effective, including such items as Sniffles Chest Balm for stuffy noses and Tummy Rub to sooth baby’s upset stomach. They have some great products for pregnant mamas as well!
You don’t think about strollers being environmentally friendly, but the Greentom line of strollers is made from just over 12 pounds of recycled high-quality post-consumer plastic and 74 recycled PET bottles. And when your little one outgrows the stroller, it can be recycled and reused. It’s what they call a “true circular solution,” as it creates no waste and actually uses waste to clean up the environment by creating new products. Calling themselves the greenest stroller on planet Earth, Greentom strollers have award-winning designs, incredible functionality and customization choices, and offer a way for you to save the planet with every stroll, a must-have for the conscientious gift registry.
Your mom may have a memory book filled with photos, baby shoes and clippings from your first haircut, but you’ve already maxed out 20 gigs of cloud with photos of your baby. So while you’re Facebooking, tweeting, instagramming and tumblring every precious baby moment, include these 12 not-to-be-missed pics to commemorate your baby’s first year. #newmom #photocrazy #babylove
photo: Katie Jane McWilliams
1. #allnighter #aintwhatitusedtobe #daddysboy
Record those long nights and precious snuggles with a newborn. All-nighters won’t last forever (although it sure feels like they will).
photo: Angie Cernovich
2. #bigbrothers #instabffs #lilsis
The moment an older sibling meets the new baby for the first time is beyond words. Record the first hug and kiss so you can all remember it forever.
photo: Megan Woodard
3. #tenfingers #tentoes
Make sure to photograph those adorable newborn hands and feet. It’s way easier than attempting that overrated ink print (#pinterestfail).
photo: Megan Woodard
4.#toocuteforwords #glamourbaby
The day will come when you dress up your baby (out of boredom, exhaustion or for big laughs). From bows and beanies to sunglasses and Wu-Tang onesies, accessorize away and break out that camera.
If only little ones understood the meaning of “sleeping like a baby.” When baby finally dozes off, snap a pic of that sweet, serene, non-howling face. And then sneak away and take your own nap.
From baby food to finger food, don’t miss that first face of disgust (or delight). It’s fun to look back and see how kids’ favorite flavors change over time, and a messy face makes an awesome photo.
7. #Iseeteeth #gummygrin #somuchdrool
Those tiny teeth may put baby and you through hell when they’re coming in, causing sleepless nights and tons of drool. But they make baby’s smile even cuter.
photo: Julie Seguss
8. #happybaby #babygiggles #babyinparadise
From gummy grins to deep belly giggles, nothing can make your heart burst like a laughing baby. Share the love with social media to make others smile.
photo: Kelly Thomas
9. #babyrolls #babyphat #thighsfordays
Who doesn’t love a six-pack of baby rolls? From chubby arms to those thick thighs, you’ll want to remember eat squishy fold.
photo: Ashly Grzyb
10. #babyselfie
Of course, the baby selfie. Your baby will soon take better selfies than you do. So say cheese now! The sillier the better.
You’ve got a walker! The sheer glee on baby’s face will make each photo. And get ready, because that baby just got a whole lot faster and harder to photograph.
The cake smash makes for great before and after photos! You’ll want to remember that sweet outfit before it’s covered in icing. Then let your little one year old smash and smear while you keep snapping away.
photo: Katie Jane McWilliams
13. #momoftheyear #Isurvived
You did it! You made it through the first year without losing your mind completely (well, almost). And now you have lots of photos to look back on and smile.
With the upcoming Jun. 21 release of Toy Story 4, the rush of movie-themed products has begun! One of the most notable additions to the growing mountain of merch is the new Adidas x Toy Story collection.
The line includes plenty of picks your kiddo will beg for. The mini versions of adult-like shoes include small-sized UltraBOOST 19’s and so much more. Also look for Continental 80’s x Toy Story and NMD R1 x Toy Story: Bo Peep styles.
Don’t expect this footwear-film collab to feature cartoon characters splattered across the shoes. Instead, the shoes are inspired by the new Disney flick. That means no Buzz or Woody options. But that’s okay. These shoes offer enough style and sass that your littles will want to wear them all summer (or all year!) long.
The cute collection debuts Jun. 21, the same day as the the movie’s theatrical release. Get the Adidas x Toy Story line for $65-$160, depending on the style.
There’s really nothing cuter than baby shoes—except for maybe when those shoes are covered in the nostalgia-inducing prints of these Toy Story moccs from Freshly Picked.
Jesse, Buzz, Woody and the gang are making their debut on Freshly Picked’s new collection of Toy Story-themed moccs and you’re going to want every one of these adorable pairs.
The new collection features five different prints and designs made in collaboration with Disney Baby, but the best detail by far is the familiar scrawl of “ANDY” printed on the bottom of a pair featuring Woody.
The moccs are currently available for pre-order for $60 per pair and will ship within 2 to 4 weeks, just in time for this summer’s premiere of the fourth Toy Story installment.
Sure, you want all the cute baby gadgets, outfits and other goodies. But do you and your baby really need them? Nope. Here are 15 baby products that moms agree you can leave off your registry, or at least wait to buy until you’re sure they’re something that will make your life better.
1. Newborn Shoes
When was the last time you saw a newborn baby strutting around in a brand-new pair of teeny tiny Converse? Yes, they’re beyond adorable, but after you spend 20 minutes shoving little toes into newborn baby shoes, you get to watch them get kicked off. Baby socks or footie PJs are way more practical and still super cute.
2. Lots of Fancy & Expensive Outfits
Sure, buying one or two stylish pieces for the going-home outfit or another special event can be worth it. But you’ll likely be hanging out at home for the first few weeks, so onesies and sleepers are more practical. Plus, baby duds get messy and clothes have a lifespan of about 15 minutes, so your money is better spent on other items.
3. Baby Detergent
You’ll be doing a lot of laundry once baby comes, and you don’t need to keep baby’s laundry separate to be cleaned with a special (and usually expensive) detergent. Buy a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent (look for “free and clear” on the label) and use it for the whole family’s wash.
4. Changing Table
A changing table is just another piece of furniture to get rid of once your child is out of diapers. If space is tight, you can get by with just a travel changing pad. Or, if you have a dresser in the nursery, fasten a changing pad to the top for a makeshift changing table.
5. Nursing Cover
Cover up if you want, but don’t bother with a nursing cover. A thin baby blanket or a scarf do the same job, and you may be bringing them with you already, so skipping the nursing cover means one less thing to pack in a diaper bag or stroller.
6. Bottle Sterilizers
Good old (fragrance-free organic) dishwashing soap and water does the trick to clean dirty bottles and pacifiers. Or join the club of parents who throw it all in the dishwasher at the end of the day. Ta-da! Washed and sterilized!
7. Educational Videos
Your baby doesn’t need to be entertained by videos promising to make them smart. The best form of entertainment for your baby is you. They love staring at your face, hearing your voice (yes, even your singing) and being close to you. Wearing your baby in a wrap, chatting with them and taking them on daily errands will likely make them more than content.
photo: iStock
8. Hooded Baby Towels
Another super-cute item that is not essential. They look adorable, but your regular towels do the exact same job. Just save your softest towels for baby’s sensitive skin.
9. Baby Food Processors
The last time we checked, your regular food processor did the same thing as that fancy baby-food one out on the market. Besides, what happened to just smashing a banana with a fork? It’s also easy to make baby food with a blender. Or, give baby led weaning a try. No extra baby-specific gadgets required.
10. Gadgets That Monitor Baby’s Every Move
Monitors are great, yes. But monitors that keep track of your baby’s every poop, movement, hope and dream? That’s a little bit unnecessary when a simple sound or video monitor will keep tabs on your baby quite well. The elaborate monitoring gadgets are great for peace of mind, but they also have the potential to turn you into a nervous nelly or give you a false sense of security.
11. Pee Pee Teepee
Yes folks, this is a real thing. It’s a cone to protect you from your little man during diaper changes. Except the little guy wiggles and giggles so much, how does the teepee even stay on? And you certainly don’t need another item to throw in the laundry at the end of the day!
12. Gimmicky Gadgets
Don’t get caught up in all the products that claim they’ll fix every little parenting problem. We promise you don’t really need a baby bath visor to steer water clear of eyes while you rinse baby’s hair (use your hand), a special sleep hat that folds down over baby’s eyes when it’s time for a nap (try blackout shades), a wipes warmer (just another thing taking up space) or a baby walking harness that helps you hold up tots learning to walk. They’ll figure out that walking thing when they’re ready.
13. Expensive and Fussy Bedding
It’s gorgeous and stunning and finishes off the nursery just so. But that bedding is also getting peed and spit up on frequently. A simple, soft fitted crib sheet will do the trick. Bedtime is safest without extra blankets, bumpers and pillows anyway.
14. Stuffies
You can’t put stuffed animals in the crib until babies are much older (read up on safe sleep guidelines). And newborns won’t even pay any attention to them. You might as well save yourself the room in your home now because, one day, your baby will grow into a toddler and your house will be filled with stuffies.
15. Baby Spa Tub
The bubbling whirlpool action and shower stream may sound decadent, but most new parents are just trying to keep their newborn’s head above water. Save the spa ritual for mommy time.
Bonus Tip: All babies are different, with specific preferences and needs, so buy the essentials and then wait to get to know your little one before you stock up on too many swaddles, pacifiers, diapers and other items that may not suit them.
Add another celeb to the list of soon-to-be mommies, because actress Danielle Fishel is pregnant. You may still think of Fishel as Cory Matthews’ girlfriend Topanga from Boy Meets World. But now the actress who played Topanga is all grown up, married and is about to become a mama for the first time!
The star recently announced her baby news in a super sweet Instagram post:
In her IG announcement, Fishel posted a pic of three pairs of shoes on IG: one for daddy, one for mommy and one teeny tiny pair of sneakers for baby. Along with the aww-dorable photo, Fishel added the caption, “I’m eating for two. I’m napping with wild abandon. Baby shoes. Baby clothes. (I’m shopping). I’m nesting. I’m reading books. I’m madly in love with my husband. I cry at commercials. I’m a walking cliché. I’ve got baby apps. I’m confident. I feel inadequate. I’m showing one day and the next I’m not. I’m nervous. I’m excited. He’s due in July. We can’t wait.”
Fishel is expecting her first child, a boy, with husband Jensen Karp, an executive producer in Hollywood. The pair tied the knot in early November 2018.
Fishel isn’t the only one who is super-excited about her pregnancy. Karp shared their happy baby news in his own ‘Gram, writing “GUYS. We’re having a baby boy. Couldn’t be more excited to raise a sweet little dumpling with @daniellefishel.”
Congrats to the Boy Meets World star—and we know the world can’t wait to meet your boy!
First he pulled up to stand, then he cruised around the coffee table, and now your kiddo’s ready to walk. Baby needs a new pair of shoes. We’ve found 15 pairs for your little one’s first steps that aren’t just cute – they’re functional, too. Click through to find everything from sweet, soft-soled Mary Janes to sturdy sneakers ready for outdoor adventures.
RECESS NYC
RECESS NYC offers oh-so-stylish (and splurge-worthy) booties in three different looks - the pink Parker Hightop, black Charlie Boot, and embroidered Austin Mocc. Padded insoles cushion little feet and 100 percent leather flexes with each wobbly step.
Pair to try: Charlie Boot; available at recessnyc.com, $72.
