They call it a baby registry, but really, it’s the parents who need things to manage life with a newborn, right?
Welcoming a new baby is such a wild transition. Suddenly, your hands are full, your sleep is disrupted, and your sanity is questioned. As much as baby needs diapers, outfits, and a handful of toys to engage their little minds, it’s parents who truly benefit from a few new things as they settle into their role of a lifetime.
When it comes to bolstering your baby registry, think self-care, think of what will make life at home easier. A happy parents equal a happy baby, so don’t feel bad about including gift ideas that will help yourselves. You’ll never go wrong with things like a postpartum massage, housekeeper, or meal delivery services, but I’ve found that some specific technologies are a gift that give day in and day out FOR YEARS, and are exponentially more worthwhile than a baby bath tub or extra swaddles.
As you build your registry or contemplate budgeting for a push present (because yes, you can totally buy yourself a baby gift!), consider some of these parent-focused tech options.
Kindle
I spoke with more than one mom who has found that they read more than ever before, thanks to Amazon’s Kindle. It’s such a default to scroll your phone while nursing or soothing a baby, but if you commit to putting down your phone and picking up the Kindle, you’ll fly through books! Stories, nonfiction, whatever you fancy – take the sometimes lost hours and turn then into page-turning opportunities. Plus, the gentle glow of the Paperwhite’s light is so much better for the eyes than a phone’s bright glare.
AirPods
I splurged on a pair of AirPods about a year ago and, hands down, these little things are the technology every parent will put to use on the daily! I often listen to audiobooks and podcasts while I nurse and rock my little one to sleep … WITH NO CORDS IN THE WAY. I never knew how annoying and disruptive it was to have those dangling about. And, when the time comes to pick up an exercise routine, there is nothing better than walking or running with a jogging stroller cord-free.
Video doorbell
When you’re settled and ready to nap yourself, the last thing you want to hear is the doorbell ring. Does the UPS man need you to sign for that package you’ve been waiting for? Does the neighbor kid have an emergency? With a video doorbell, you can see and chat with whoever arrives at your home without disrupting the baby — or moving.
Best gifts ever
No doubt, these tech gifts will charm any parent, but especially with subsequent children, when many of the basics are covered, I can’t think of a better gift to help make those early years easier and more enjoyable. After all, sometimes the most important baby items have nothing to do with baby and everything to do with parents' well-being.
