“Usually, the more convenient something is for a parent, the less ideal it is for a kid.”

I am frequently asked for my opinion on what devices, gadgets, tools, or props that are necessary for babies. Basically: what stuff do new parents need?

If you’ve brought your baby to TriangleCRC, you’ll know I do not hold popular opinion in terms of child rearing. I have this weird idea that children are actually people and deserve as much respect as anyone else in this world.

I also believe know that their movements and autonomy are of the utmost importance, and as such, I encourage parents to ensure that their environment allows them to explore their innate movement patterns.

I also see how detrimental pacifiers are to orofacial health.

And I teach how the more that we interfere with children’s lives, the more we undermine their health.

I find this approach to parenting and interacting with children to be extremely freeing.

But some people find it inconvenient because usually, the more convenient something is for a parent, the less ideal it is for a kid. (Sippy cups don’t help kids drink well or use their facial muscles appropriately, they just prevent spills.)

Even if you grasp this concept, you might be asking: “How do I convey this to my well-meaning relatives or friends who want to shower us with all of these tools/props?”

Easiest first step: share this blog with them. Let them know that you’re interested in creating an environment for your child(ren) that allows them to develop without interference. Or you can use this post as a guide when planning your registry.

I asked my husband, Chris, what babies actually need: he said, “a safe place to change their diaper, a safe place to sleep, and safe place to move around.” I expanded the list a little moreand came up with the following list.

What you actually need as a parent:

Forget about the bucket car seat - opt for a convertible car seat right off the bat, and then transfer your baby to a babywearing so they don’t spend their day in a car seat!
Ergobaby - I prefer babies facing inward for their hip health
- Ring slings and other soft structured carriers are great as well
- A wrap is great, but does involve a bit of a learning curve.
Pregnancy pillow (can also be used for breastfeeding support. And read this article about laid back nursing. Worth a read!)
Carolina Morning Designs restorative yoga mat - (great for use as a floor bed)
Nursing pads - disposable and reusable
Nursing bras - ditch the underwire ;-)
Haakaa one-piece manual breast pump (I personally stopped using a breast pump and was able to pump with my Haakaa, but that doesn’t work for everyone.)
Superyard safe/yes space - I used to think of these as “baby jails” but now I realize how helpful it is to have a place where kids can be safe and free! They’re super helpful for keeping baby safe from other siblings or pets, give them time to explore, and allow you to do things other than hold your baby all day.
IKEA toilet
Cloth diapers/wipes/solution
Epsom salts
Milk storage bags
Nursing sleep bras/tops
Cosleeper (I didn’t personally use one - a pool noodle or foam roller worked quite nicely to ensure the edge of the bed isn’t a fall risk)
VIdeo monitor (ideally a wired one like this)
Postpartum Rehab
Postpartum Doula (especially if you’re having multiples or don’t have a close network of support)
Meal Train
Bottles, but don’t buy a lot: babies have preferences, so start with a Dr. Brown’s or Lansinoh and see what your baby likes best before buying more.
Burp cloths
Changing pad (don’t forget to swap your baby’s position so they’re not only facing one way all of the time!)