P.S. Don’t miss [Lennybot](https://www.lennybot.com/), my AI chatbot that’s trained on every newsletter post and podcast interview.
For something a little different, and fun, I’m combining my yearly tradition of a holiday gift guide (here’s 2021 and 2022) with the fact that my son is leaving his newborn stage, to collect an evergreen new-parent gift guide.
Whether you’re a new parent, looking for gift ideas for new-parent friends, or embarking on the daunting task of creating a registry, this post is for you.
None of these products have affiliate links, I’m not making anything off recommending anything here, and I’m not an investor in any of these companies. I use all of these products daily or weekly, and everything in this email is in my home today. In a few cases, I was able to secure a discount on the product for y’all (by asking nicely).
If you want a sense for how much your life is about to change, just consider a product like this, and the conditions under which you are going to need it.
Preparing yourself for baby
1. [Corrugated Cardboard Cutter](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008RIS0UY?th=1): You’ll be opening a lot of packages. This will transform your package-opening workflow. 2. [WAOAW Sleep Mask](https://www.amazon.com/WAOAW-Sleep-Sleeping-Blocking-Blindfold/dp/B09712FSLY): A returning favorite. Will help you get the most out of your precious sleep opportunities. 3. [Taking Cara Babies First Five Months Bundle](https://takingcarababies.com/): The most practical and easy-to-remember advice I’ve come across for taking care of a baby. I recommend watching these videos before your baby arrives. My wife initially hated Cara but then got hooked. It’s perfect for PMs: tactical, there’s a system to it, lots of acronyms, and you’ll see immediate impact. 4. Read everything by Emily Oster: She’s like Lenny’s Newsletter meets Consumer Reports meets Dear Abby meets babies. Get her newsletter, get her first book [Expecting Better](https://www.amazon.com/Expecting-Better-Conventional-Pregnancy-Wrong/dp/0143125702/ref=pd_bxgy_d_sccl_1/138-2388723-1714316?content-id=amzn1.sym.7746dde5-5539-43d2-b75f-28935d70f100), and get her second book [Cribsheet](https://www.amazon.com/Cribsheet-Data-Driven-Relaxed-Parenting-Preschool/dp/0525559272/ref=pd_bxgy_d_sccl_1/138-2388723-1714316?content-id=amzn1.sym.7746dde5-5539-43d2-b75f-28935d70f100).
5. *[The Happiest Baby on the Block](https://www.amazon.com/Happiest-Block-Revised-Updated-Second/dp/0553393235?crid=2CIHUL8LL717C&keywords=The+Happiest+Baby+on+the+Block+paperback&qid=1700357993&sprefix=the+happiest+baby+on+the+block+paperbac%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1)*: Quick read, and teaches you the fundamentals of keeping a baby happy and soothed. 6. *[Moms on Call](https://www.amazon.com/Moms-Call-Basic-Baby-Months/dp/0985411422)*: The highest signal-to-noise book on baby care. Feels like a PM wrote it. 7. *[The Birth Partner](https://www.amazon.com/Birth-Partner-5th-Childbirth-Companions/dp/1558329102?crid=U2JNIYIQC9UJ&keywords=the+birth+partner+5th+edition&qid=1700357934&sprefix=the+birth+partner%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1)*: Most valuable book for preparing for birth. For something a bit shorter, check out this book. 8. [Rossetta Galaxy Projector](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09NNBXZMW): Vibes for the labor/delivery room.
Helping baby sleep
1. [Huckleberry app subscription](https://huckleberrycare.com/): If there’s one thing PMs love, it’s being data-informed. We tried a few baby tracking apps, and this one is the best combination of UX, functionality, and reliability. Some people prefer Baby Connect, which has better data but worse UX. Just be careful of getting too obsessed with the data.
2. [Wonder Weeks app subscription](https://www.thewonderweeks.com/baby/apps/the-wonder-weeks-app/): Eerily accurate at predicting baby behavior, milestones, and fussy periods. Based on this book. 3. [Baby Shusher](https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Shusher-Babies-Miracle-Soother/dp/B00D2JN87I?linkCode=df0&hvadid=198101723026&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9050610626857654012&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031982&hvtargid=pla-358298711698&mcid=0c9c3d538a283ca099e89ecae4f407bc&th=1): A handy device that saves your throat from endless shushing (a powerful lever for baby soothing).
4. [Decibel measuring app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/decibel-db-sound-level-meter/id1227650795): If you’re using white noise, use this app to make sure it’s not too loud. What defines too loud is controversial, but here’s Emily Oster’s take. 5. [Nanit Baby Monitor](https://www.nanit.com/products/nanit-pro-camera): Packed with smart features and lots of thoughtful touches (e.g. a monthly birthday celebration photo, video compilations, and tons of stats). Though it can be annoying at times, we haven’t found anything better. There’s a 30% site-wide sale happening right now for Thanksgiving, and after 11/29, use code LENNY25 for 25% off (through the end of the year). Grab the travel pack for overnight trips. We also use this new Nanit sound and light machine to adjust the shusher volume in the room remotely (which is the best tool we’ve found for helping your newborn sleep longer without having to enter the room). We tried the Eufy Spaceview Video Baby Monitor, which has the benefit of not relying on your Wi-Fi network or your phone, but we kept coming back to the Nanit because we always had our phones with us (and we discovered Nanit’s background sound feature).
5. [Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine and Night Light](https://www.amazon.com/Hatch-Rest-Night-Light-WiFi/dp/B08QVG9759?th=1): Another classic, another gem. Use this link to get $15 off. More reliable than the Nanit sound and light machine, with more features, but doesn’t have a shusher sound. We found that having two smart sound machines (I know, a luxury) in the room allowed us to have both white/pink/brown noise along with an adjustable shusher. I know Huberman canceled using white noise, so we stick to pink and brown noise. But IMHO, in moderation, this feels essential to good baby sleep. 6. [Hooga Clip-On Blue-Blocking Amber LED Light](https://www.amazon.com/Blocking-Rechargeable-Battery-Adjustable-Brightness/dp/B07Q87WJ7M?linkCode=df0&hvadid=343161280953&hvadid=343161280953&hvpos=&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvnetw=g&hvrand=144947304343770102&hvrand=144947304343770102&hvpone=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032091&hvlocphy=9032091&hvtargid=pla-699875264606&hvtargid=pla-699875264606&mcid=5ffa2a0adf6235ed8f26f17421d1ef4c&adgrpid=70737352722): Perfect for creating just enough light in the nursery for late-night feedings, diaper changes, etc. However, turning it off makes a slight clicking noise that may or may not jolt your baby awake after he’s just dozed off. 7. Portable noise machines: We’ve tried a bunch; here are my favorites in descending order:
1. Frida Baby 2-in-1 Portable Sound Machine + Nightlight 2. Babelio Mini Sound Machine 3. Yogasleep Hushh+ Portable White Noise Machine 4. Dreamegg White Noise Machine [Haven’t tried this one but seems great]
Everyday essentials
1. [BabyBjörn Bouncer](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BQYVOKY?colid=1VSRQYYNL3KOZ&coliid=I2FPZBEM73D1DN&redirect=true&vs=1&th=1): I don’t know how you get anything done around the house without one of these. Babies love them. 2. [Ubbi diaper bin](https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/F4A1D839-CECB-448A-94F8-FF34596C6CE1?ingress=2&visitId=640a9054-f10c-4081-a7b3-bdb4bb12bf5f): We tried three other bins, with fancy features, and kept coming back to this one. Like Google Sheets—it just works. 3. [WubbaNub Pacifiers](https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/DF7C5E26-7BE1-49D8-B3F8-AC06B23FA9F1?ingress=2&visitId=7d3f4c39-9b1c-4aab-a99b-0188a60c8ac7): Not just cute, but also practical for wedging into places so that it doesn’t fall out.
4. [Keekaroo Peanut Changer](https://www.amazon.com/Keekaroo-0130009KR-0001-Peanut-Changer-Vanilla/dp/B00KSW970Y?crid=2K0Z31XEVP88F&keywords=Keekaroo&qid=1700340943&sprefix=keekaroo%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840): Perfectly designed for its job to be done. 5. [Ofie Mat by Little Bot](https://littlebotbaby.com/collections/ofie-mat/products/little-bot-baby-play-mat-ofie-mat-plant-eze): A soft and textured mat for baby to play on. There are a few different cute design options, and many are two-sided for added variety.
6. [Overland sheepskin](https://www.overland.com/products/single-pelt-(2-x-35)--premium-australian-sheepskin-rug-80313?cl=ivry): To change up the texture on the mat or nursery floor. Makes tummy time a little softer (and fancier). 7. [Butt Spatula](https://www.amazon.com/Bumco-2-PACK-Diaper-Cream-Spatula/dp/B075VC9VNC?crid=1Z0DHSCAFONC&keywords=Butt+Spatula&qid=1700341019&sprefix=butt+spatula%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-6&th=1): Get it and it’ll make sense later. 8. [Oogiebear Booger Picker](https://www.amazon.com/oogiebear-Cleaner-Registry-Essential-Removal/dp/B07CZRHML9?crid=QXWI5MZJ5LBX&keywords=booger+picker+tool+newborn&qid=1700347813&sprefix=booger+picker%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-5): Super-useful, super-satisfying. My wife loves to save the biggest boogers to show me later. 9. [Haakaa Baby Nail Trimmer](https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Clippers-Manicure-Grooming-Fingernails/dp/B08H22JLBV?crid=1NDBNSX9CJQ4&keywords=cherish+baby+nail+file+electric+nail+trimmer&qid=1700430584&sprefix=nail+file+baby%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-6): I tried using regular nail clippers once, and it did not end well 🩸😭 10. [Lovevery](https://lovevery.com/): I know everyone you know is already telling you to get this subscription, so I’ll just +1 that. Elegant, thoughtful, and handy at every step of the baby’s journey. Some people also like the Lalo. 11. [Summer Health](https://www.summerhealth.com/): A service that lets you text a pediatrician any day or night with random questions and get an answer within 15 minutes. We’ve used it to settle disagreements about hand washing, to check to make sure we didn’t ruin the baby when our dog knocked a heavy water bottle onto his noggin, and whether his eye goop was normal (it was). It’s so much more convenient (and quicker) than asking our actual pediatrician questions, and it’s nice to get a second “It’s OK.” The team at Summer Health gave me a 20% coupon code to share: LENNY20. Or use this link. 12. [The Getaway Bag](https://noreceptionclub.com/products/backpack-getaway): An ingeniously designed diaper bag made especially for travel. They have other great products too.
13. [Ergobaby Omni 360](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B3TXCL6?th=1): My wife loved carrying the baby in this. Even though there are prettier ones out there, this one was easy and ergonomic. Function over form. Watch out for hip dysplasia. 14. [Elvie Stride Plus](https://www.elvie.com/en-us/shop/elvie-stride-plus): My wife grew to love this portable breast pump (after a couple of devastating initial leaks while she was figuring it out). As a bonus, it comes with a super-handy cooler for transporting milk to and fro.
Clothes
Most of our newborn clothes were hand-me-downs, but these were our favorite brands of the bunch:
1. [Magnetic Me](https://magneticme.com/collections/baby-shop?tw_adid=611427025329&tw_campaign=904369644&tw_source=google&page=3): Magnets and zippers (especially double-sided) are your friends. Buttons and clasps are your enemy. We ain’t got time for that. 2. [Posh Peanut](https://poshpeanut.com/): A friend gifted us a onesie from here, and it’s been our enduring go-to. Makes a great gift, especially if you add on the beautiful gift box. 3. [Primary](https://www.primary.com/collections/baby?sizeFamily=baby&page=1): Colorful, soft, and always draws comments from other moms. 4. [The Ollie Swaddle](https://www.amazon.ca/Ollie-Swaddle-Nature-Collection-Sky/dp/B01831ZNWW/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=ollie+swaddle&qid=1700339934&sr=8-1&th=1): We tried a bunch of swaddles but kept coming back to this one. Our second favorite was the SwaddleMe. 5. [Kyte sleep sack](https://www.amazon.ca/Kyte-Baby-Sleeping-Toddlers-Months/dp/B07PF1D4WD/ref=sr_1_9?crid=HAA1WCBA2KR0&keywords=Kyte+Baby+Sleeping+Bag&qid=1700340514&sprefix=kyte+baby+sleeping+bag%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-9&th=1): Once you graduate from a swaddle. So soft, so cuddly.
Bonus fun stuff
1. *[Art for Baby](https://www.amazon.com/Art-Baby-Various/dp/0763644242?linkCode=df0&hvadid=312057607871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1602346812400776707&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032091&hvtargid=pla-420872741014&mcid=4773c688ddb03f39a1d772114d7b789e) [board book](https://www.amazon.com/Art-Baby-Various/dp/0763644242?linkCode=df0&hvadid=312057607871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1602346812400776707&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032091&hvtargid=pla-420872741014&mcid=4773c688ddb03f39a1d772114d7b789e):* Practical and beautiful. There are also pull-out images you can tape to the wall with washi tape for a rotating gallery above the changing table.
2. *[Go to Sleep (I Miss You)](https://www.amazon.com/Go-Sleep-Miss-You-Parenthood/dp/1250211492)*: Cute as hell, sweet as heck.
3. [Little Moonjumper blanket](https://littlemoonjumper.com/Moonjumper-Crib-Blanket-p/mjc.htm): You can customize the name on the blanket. Makes an amazing gift.
What else do you love? Leave a comment so other people can find it 👇
Have a fulfilling and productive week 🙏
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Sincerely,
Lenny 👋