top of page
Search

baby registry resources

Updated: Jan 22, 2023

SLP approved items to have on your registry


Being a pediatric SLP, an infant feeding specialist and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I am frequently asked to provide mothers-to-be with ideas of things to add to their registry. I also often cringe, or smile and nod when I see certain items on a list or on a social medial group/blog etc that is heavily marketed however may cause some challenges along the way. The baby products industry is exploding and challenging to keep up. I peruse store aisles regularly to keep up with what the latest shiny invention is so I can stay on top of what my patient families bring in.

Given all of that I figure it was time I put a list of items together. Items that are designed with appropriate developmental milestones in mind, have the right clinical minds behind it and won't break your bank while you're at it. Since infant and pediatric feeding is my bread and butter, let's start there.

These items are linked to my affiliate page on Amazon!


Breast feeding

Social media often makes it seem like every mother gets copious amounts of milk, babies just latch on like they know everything from the get go and things are just smooth sailing right away. While that might be the reality for some dyads, many mothers and babies need support, practice and time. Many insurance companies are starting to cover IBCLC support, pump rentals, etc. Learning what your unique story is (maternal history, pumping schedule, flange size, type of pump etc) can really make a difference. While there is no one-size-fits-all, here are some products to think about that can help your breastfeeding journey.


Breastfeeding Pillows: This is a pillow that goes around you and helps support your baby as well as your arms and wrists while you latch your baby. Posture, positioning and stability are criticla pre-reqs for successful feedings. Especially in the early days when you and your baby are both learning a new skill. Using a nursing pillow also gives you and extra set of hands :) The pillow supports the baby's body while you use your hands to support their head/neck and your breast. There are 2-3 main brands that have been popular nursing pillows.

I am a big fan of the My Brest Friend. It clips around you which makes it hands free and it can be adjusted to provide a customized fit. This also helps keep it in place and snug which is important. Some models have a back rest which adds more comfort and ergonomics for mom. The pillow itself is wider than others out there which means more real estate especially as your baby grows and gets longer and it is firmer which supports the baby well.

















 

Pumps, Flanges, Nipple Shields and more

While I am listing some popular items here, I highly recommend seeing an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) to see what works best for you and whether you need the accessories listed here or not. Milk supply can be impacted by many things including flange fit, maternal factors, breast anatomy and more.
































While small shields (20mm) fit most dyads, getting the right nipple shield fit for your breast and your baby's mouth is critical! please consult with a lactation consultant to ensure you have the right fit and that it is in fact something you need

Medela Contact Nipple Shield, 20mm Small, Nippleshield for Breastfeeding with Latch Difficulties or Flat or Inverted Nipples, Made Without BPA While small shields (20mm) fit most dyads, getting the right nipple shield fit for your breast and your baby's mouth is critical! please consult with a lactation consultant to ensure you have the right fit and that it is in fact something you need









 

Other Breast Feeding Items

















 

Bottle Feeding

There is a plethora of bottles and nipples out there and it is very confusing to figure out which one is the best. Especially if you plan to breastfeed your baby. While wide based nipples and bottles are heavily marketed as 'like the breast' this is often far from the truth when it comes to what a baby has to do with their tongue and mouth muscles to extract milk. In my experience, the concept of "nipple confusion" seems to come more from the fact that babies are using bottles with nipple shapes and nipple flow rates that create confusion.

Dr. Brown 4oz Standard Bottle with Level 1 nipple - Pack of 4: My go to bottle system is the Dr. Brown standard bottle. While these typically come with a level 1 nipple, most babies do well with a preemie flow (preemie is what they call a slow flow. It is NOT JUST for preterm infants). Especially those that are also breastfeeding. Having a slower flow at the bottle supports the work a baby has to do at breast as well. A slower flow also supports easier digestion and helps avoid something called aspiration - liquid going into an infant's airway and lungs.

Dr. Brown Preemie nipples: The nipples are all the same size as far as length and shape. The hole in the nipple is what changes as nipple flow rates change. You can easily switch out the nipples for a flow that the baby needs.









Dr. Brown Set in Pink: Includes 4oz/120mL bottles, 4 – Preemie Flow (Slowest Flow) nipples, 4– Level 1 (Slow Flow) nipples, 4 – Storage/travel caps, 1 – HappyPaci pacifier


Dr. Brown Set in Blue: Includes 4oz/120mL bottles, 4 – Preemie Flow (Slowest Flow) nipples, 4– Level 1 (Slow Flow) nipples, 4 – Storage/travel caps, 1 – HappyPaci pacifier


Dr. Brown Set in Clear: Includes 4oz/120mL bottles, 4 – Preemie Flow (Slowest Flow) nipples, 4– Level 1 (Slow Flow) nipples, 4 – Storage/travel caps, 1 – HappyPaci pacifier

 

Pacifiers and Teethers

Some babies use a pacifier to soothe and some may need it to strengthen oral muscles (if this is something you want more information on or are worried about please reach out to me for more information). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of pacifiers to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Synrome) in infants. However weaning from the pacifier is just as important to avoid challenges with things like mouth shape, breathing, teething, speech development and more. Pacifiers are meant to do just that...pacify or soothe. It is not meant to be a permanent fixture in the mouth. We want your baby's tongue to rest up towards the palate and serve as that pacifier instead. Begin weaning from a pacifier around 6months of age and you could transition to teethers if needed.

As a speech pathologist, a feeding specialist and a specialist trained in orofacial myology (muscles and function of the mouth) big things I recommend are:


- PACIFIERS: A pacifier that is cylindrical in shape vs flat or bulb like at the end. The cylindrical shape helps the tongue cup and move in ways that support breast and bottle feeding; one piece silicone vs the cute plastic ones with animals and fun faces :) while these are cute and often cheap to stock up on, they pose choke risk if the silicone piece separates from the plastic, and the plastic itself has been known to cause injury if there is impact to the face. Pacifiers that are marketed as orthodontic really aren't what they claim to be. I could go off on a soap box but that's for another blog. For now, just don't buy them or put them on your registry!


- TEETHERS: I usually recommend ones that are longer and allow for biting along the gum surfaces and something called jaw grading vs round ones or short ones that result in more suckling and possibly tongue thrusting.

Pro Tip: Teethers are a great way to introduce early foods. Dips, scrapes etc :)






































 

Warmers, Sterilizers & Cleaning Accessories







Boon Lawn Countertop Baby Bottle Drying Rack — 1 Count — Spring Green — Bottle Rack and Organizer — Baby Feeding Essentials — 13.5 x 11 x 2.5 While this is a common purchase, It's not one I typically recommend due to accumulation of water and dirt within the base. I prefer the ones above where you can clearly see the base since the grass like structures are not so densely packed














This does not have the wireless bluetooth feature




 

117 views0 comments

Comments

bottom of page