Must-Have Baby Gear {featuring} Graco Little Lounger™

I received a Graco Little Lounger in exchange for my review. All thoughts, ideas, and post sentiments are my own.

Back when we were planning to have our first baby, registering for baby gear was overwhelming to say the least. With 100s of types of strollers, carseats, swings, and the like, it was difficult narrowing down to what we actually need. We also know that once you have baby number two most of what you did the first time around goes out the window and you do what works with what you have. Whether you’re looking up reviews yourself or going based off suggestions from friends and family, each baby is different and will most likely respond differently to things like swings, jumparoos, exersaucers and bouncers.

Here are some of the must-haves when we planned for the boys:

1. Diapers

It’s a given and regardless of what kind you use (cloth, disposable, etc.) – every baby needs diapers and wipes! Find a set that works for you and your family and go with it.

2. Coffee

I never used to like coffee. In fact, I once said I will never drink coffee. Now? I drink and reheat the same cup throughout the day, but I always make sure to drink {at least} one cup. Hot coffee + flavored creamer = you’re doing parenthood right.

3. Friends

Not for your baby. For you. Find people that will pull their hair out with you, will commiserate on Facebook with you during sleepless nights, and who will celebrate the joys that little ones bring. The ups and downs of mommyhood are only improved in the company of friends!

4. A housekeeper

Unfortunately, I didn’t learn this until the boys were two and four, but you need a housekeeper. Desperately. If you can arrange it so that your husband thinks you do the cleaning, bonus points. Who else will make sure that the laundry doesn’t need to be “re-dried” for the fifth time? Who else will actually make sure whatever is put in the dishwasher is put away?

5. Graco Little Lounger™

The final piece to the puzzle is to actually have somewhere to put the baby when you’re running around managing your life and home. One of the biggest things I heard when I was preparing to enter motherhood was that the gear takes up a ton of space,  there is gear for everything (swinging, carrying, sitting, strolling) and that each baby is different and may have different preferences. Enter Graco’s Little Lounger™. The Little Lounger™ is two products in one: a rocking seat and a vibrating lounger. With various reclining positions, the Little Lounger can adjust to fit baby’s needs and comfort.

One of my favorite features is that the Little Lounger folds compactly which means that whether you are storing it in your home or taking it on the go, it won’t take up valuable living or car space. Several friends I know, however, find that it is so useful that they leave it out, ready and available all the time. If you’re ready for the rocking to be over, simply engage the Rock Locks™ and transform the rocker  into a stationary vibrating lounger with two speeds of vibration.

Any gear that serves multiple purposes (rocking, lounging, vibrating) and takes up minimal amounts of space is perfect in my book.

Exclusively available at Babies R Us in the Caraway pattern.

Exclusively available at Target in the Dakota and Elm pattern.

Exclusively available at buybuy Baby in the Astoria pattern.

General line and specialty in the Ardmore pattern.

Suggested retail is $79.99

What baby gear would you suggest for a new parent? We have loved our Graco stroller & baby carrier for years. They are well-used, well-made and well-loved in our home.

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