Registry Roundup: Gear

You asked - so here it is. A roundup of the stuff that we decided to put on our registry. 

Starting with the big stuff: baby gear and furniture. There is a ridiculous selection and price range out there. You can find a crib costing anywhere from $100 to $1000 (and more!). Being teachers and trying to save most of our money so that I can stay home with Violet as long as possible, we definitely tried to steer ourselves toward the items we felt would get us the most bang for our buck.

We didn't want anything that we felt would fall apart after a few uses (especially since we are hoping for at least one more baby in the future), but we also didn't want anything that would break the bank. So these may not be the most chic or stylish choices, but it's what works for us:

1. Chicco Capri Stroller (Black)

• Found at BRU
• We liked the sturdiness and handling of this stroller. It also folds up easily, which was a must.

2. Fisher-Price Space Saver High Chair (Tan)

• Found at BRU
• Not only was this highly recommended by my sister-in-law and aunt, it's one of the top-rated high chairs in Baby Bargains as well.
• We didn't want anything too gaudy, as this will be in our main living space. We also didn't want a totally separate piece of furniture in our small house. This high chair will strap to one of our dining chairs, which is perfect for our lifestyle.

3.  Delta Jenny Lind Crib (White)

• Found at BRU
• It didn't get the best reviews in Baby Bargains, but only because the brand (Delta) had some recalls a couple of years ago. We checked the crib out in person and found it to be sturdy and affordable.
• It was easy to assemble and is the perfect size for our small nursery.

 4. Chicco Cortina Travel System (Discovery)

• Found at BRU
• Received good reviews from Baby Bargains
• Great handling, neutral colors, easy to fold with one hand
• We love that the infant seat snaps in to the stroller, so if Violet is sound asleep in the car we won't have to wake her during transfer. Plus it snaps into the car base, so we won't have to worry about strapping it in each time.
• We found an extra car seat base here. 

5. Chicco Hobo Style Diaper Bag (Discovery)

• Found at BRU
• I know some moms and mothers-to-be are really into having a super chic and stylish diaper bag. I am not one of them. I really just wanted something practical with lots of pockets that is easy to clean and zips closed. This one fit the bill
• Both the Hubster and I can use it - we didn't really want a separate mommy and separate daddy diaper bag. 
• It matches our stroller - yay!

6.  Arm's Reach Co-sleeper Bassinet (The Stratford)

• Found at ArmsReach.com (we put this one on our Amazon registry)
• As a first time mom, I know that some things won't work out the way that we expect, but right now it seems natural to me to have Violet in our room for at least the first few months. I am hoping to breastfeed, so having her close at hand will make things much easier for nighttime feedings (and of course diaper changes!)
•  I love this bassinet because it has a co-sleeper option. It can be attached to the bed or easily converted to a four-sided bassinet. It also has wheels and can be easily transported around the house to be used as we see fit. I don't feel that we would really use or have space for a play-pen, so I'm not worried that it is too small for that. I figure since I don't know how things are going to work out, options are a plus.
• It's pretty, but not too frilly that we couldn't use it in the future for a boy
• It has storage beneath the skirt!

So that's pretty much it. Our other furniture is all either hand-me-downs or yard sale finds, so I can't really give you info on that. Stay tuned for more registry roundup posts, including toys, diaper changing stuff, nursery decor, and more!