Registry Help: Time to Play and Getting Dressed

This is part of my series of posts of registry advice.  I've gone through the Babies R' Us registry checklist and given some advice on each category.  Check out my posts about On the Go and Sleepy Time.

Time To Play

• For a swing, we have the Graco DuetSoothe Removable Swing and Rocker.  I like that it does everything.  It swings in all directions  and plays music.  The swing itself can be removed from the stand and used as a bouncer and can vibrate (with the use of batteries). This has been a great place to set him when I need a few minutes to get something done.
• We have 2 play mats in our house - one for upstairs and one for downstairs.  Jackson loves them both!  They're great for tummy time and just for daily entertainment (I usually put him on one of these so I can go shower and get ready in the morning).  We have the Fisher-Price Rainforest Music and Lights Deluxe Gym Playset and we also have the Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym (we have a second one of these at the grandparent's house too).  
• My absolute favorite toy (which Jackson also LOVES!) is the Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano.  It's small and super portable.  It also has strings on it to tie it to wherever you want.  
• We have the Evenflo ExerSaucer Jump and Learn Jumper.  We picked this over a door way jumper because it's portable and can be used anywhere.  I also wanted one that had the pad below their feet since our floors are all hardwood and don't have any cushioning.  It is highly reviewed, but I can't give you my own review yet because he can't use it until he has better neck control (so in a few more months), but it looks like a lot of fun!  
• We didn't bother buying any other specific toys because people just picked out odds and ends and we didn't bother with specific books since people brought them to the shower.   If you're looking for other toys though, any of the Lamaze ones are great - the more colors, movements and noises in one toy, the better!

Getting Dressed

• I didn't bother registering for any clothes because people will buy what they want.  If there is certain seasonal stuff that you'll want (like hat and mittens or sunhat and sunglasses, I'd maybe add those).  Also if you decide to put clothes on, the zippered Sleep N' Plays are the best!  The button ones are a pain in the butt when you're sleep-deprived and trying to quickly change a diaper and get back to bed.  These are pretty much all Jackson wears unless we're going out somewhere and we want to put "real" clothes on him.

Registry: Extra Baby Gear

My final set of registry items are some baby gear extras.  While you don't need any of these items, they make make life with baby a little easier.  They are listed below in no particular order.

• Graco Pack 'n Play Sketch Safari:  In my opinion, this is a MUST!  Instead of buying a basinet which will only be used for a few months, we have opted to keep the pack n' play in our room for the baby to sleep in until we transition him to the crib.  After baby has moved to the crib, the pack 'n play will still have many uses:  it's great for traveling or for taking baby outside while doing some yard work.  There are so many models, that you'll want to check them all out and see which best fits your needs. 

• Fisher-Price Rock 'N Play Sleeper:  this has been the #1 recommended item by other moms.  Its a nice spot to put baby down while vacuuming or cleaning a few dishes.  It has also been used by many parents as their baby's primary sleeping spot when nothing else worked.  

•  Skip Hop Moonlight and Melodies Nightlight Soother:  a great addition to any nursery (especially for those late night feedings and changes).  It acts as a nightlight, it projects stars onto the ceiling to entertain your little one and plays relaxing sounds and lullabies to soothe baby to sleep.  A timer also allows you to set it to turn off after 15, 30, or 60 minutes.  

• Bumbo Floor Seat and Play Tray:  this popular seat allows babies to sit upright early on and, made of plastic, it is easily cleanable.  

• Graco DuetSoothe Infant Swing + Rocker:  this baby swing does it all!  It is a little expensive, but it's the only swing you'll need!  It can rock baby both back and forth and from side to side with 6 swing speeds.  Or if your baby prefers vibrations, it has 2 options for that as well.  For your baby's entertainment, there is a mobile and the swing plays various soothing sounds and songs.  The swing can be removed to function as a bouncer or to carry baby around the house with you.  

• Fisher-Price Rainforest Music and Lights Deluxe Gym Set:  this mat will encourage baby to love tummy-time.  It has everything you could want and more!  

• ExerSaucer Jump and Learn Jumper Jungle Quest Activity Center:  this activity center allows baby to rock, swing, and jump encouraging them to build and strengthen their gross motor skills.