What really ended up being the best and worst buys

Our baby registry was a mix of recommendations from books, magazines, friends and a few things we just plain wanted. After having my son and road testing everything for a month here is what I think was worth buying, a waste of space and just fun to have:

Totally Worth it:

Yoga Exercise Ball: This item was great pre-pregs and earned a spot on the list for its baby soothing ability post pregs. Bouncing on this ball with the little guy calms him right down and allows him to give in to his sleepiness. It does hurt your back a little at first but my husbands thinks it seems to work his abs at the same time so no one is complaining. I am telling you pick one up...at the very least for a little variety in the baby bouncing area.

*Sassy Sleep Positioner- I was told not to buy this at a baby prep class so I returned it. And yesterday I went out and rebought it. Henry is being treated for acid reflux and with its 30 degree angle this item is perfect in his crib and in the stroller bassinet (Bugaboo Frog).

Vibrating Baby Lounger: We have a modern lounger that looks great but does nothing. Another mother friend of mine was so right when she said style is great but you will catch on that the more plastic and the more crap on an item the more they love it. This thing can be a life saver at times.

Aden+Anais muslin baby wraps: I love, love, love these. They are over sized and perfect for more than just swaddling. They have stretch which is so important in a swaddling cloth. Don't make it harder on yourself and always have a swaddling cloth with stretch.

My Little Lamb Infant Swing: I searched low and high for a non-ugly swing but I had my come to jesus that they all are just ofensive and so I gave in. The Dwell one is the most stylish but word on the street is that is has zero power. After all my research this got the best user reviews and I love that the seat has an infant position and one for when he is older. You Must Shop Aroundfor the best price. Kohl's had it for the cheapest: free shipping and with tax it was about $130.00. At other sites it ranges from $150 to $180.

Happiest Baby on the Block Book: If you did not get a chance to read this before you had your baby go out and get it today. If you are having trouble soothing your baby this is a must for all parents. I will say you can skip the begining chapter where the Author who is a Dr. talks a little bit too much about how great he is and his theory is and go right to chapter 6...then go back and read the begining stuff. http://www.thehappiestbaby.com/

Tranquil Moments® Sleep Sound Therapy System: Do not knock it until you try it. As recommended by the Happiest Baby on the Block book you will see that holding a white noise machine up to your baby can make them pass out instantly. It recreated the sounds of the womb. Yes you can turn a radio to an AM static channel and yes you can down load these sounds from ITunes but I will tell you that you will want to be able to put this right up to the crib and leave it on for maximum sleep time and you will want one in every room.

Black and White: I keep this unfolded in the crib and by the changing table. Henry fixates on the black and white images and you can really see how locked in he gets because babies can only see black and white in the begining.

You can Totally Pass on:

*Baby Tub: We live in a great but cozy condo in the city and I was glad to see we could pass on this item. Henry gets a sponge bath and that is perfect.

Really Nice to Have:

*Munchkin Wipes Warmer: My baby gets cold easily so this just makes diaper change a little bit easier. I would recommend getting this little add on. I do have a little trouble with the flimsy plastic lid but I like enough that I might just contact them through the warrenty and get a new one. And the night light feature they call out is so minimal. Also keep in mind you need to fill it up with water maybe once a week. Plus this works well with thinner wipes like Target brand but not Huggies. Huggies are way too thick and a waste in the warmer.

Pass on this brand:

Clean Air Diaper Disposal: I got this one because it takes regular trash bags and I did not want one that required special bags like the Diaper Genie. However I am not a fan of this brand. It fills super quick- meaning it is often full before weekly trash night and the lid can be fussy to close. Also the batteries that operate the odor free air filter run out in like a week. Pick another brand.