4 Must-Have Items for Your Baby Registry

Expecting your first baby? I’m SO excited for you! And chances are, so are a whole lot of other people, who want to express their excitement by buying something cute and useful for your little one.

It’s easily to get totally lost in all the options available for baby care. How do you know which ones you’ll use and which ones will seem like a great purchase up-front…only to end up in the donation pile a few months down the road?

I’m a simple gal and I don’t go in for too many fancy-schmancy gizmos. Most of the time, the basics are all you need. That said though, there are just a few must-have items for your baby registry that you may not have thought of (or may be unsure about) that I swear by!

1. LOTS of Zip-Up PJs

Traditional PJs come with snaps or buttons. Nothing wrong with this per se, but let me tell you, with the number of diaper changes you’re going to be doing, zip-up PJs are an absolute essential!

Zippered sleepers make late-night diaper changes so much easier. Nobody wants to be fumbling around in the dark, half-asleep, trying to align tiny snaps so you can get yourself and your baby back to bed.

My favorite zip-up pajamas are those made with soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo. And I really like the ones with a double-zipper that opens from both the top and the bottom for extra convenience.

2. A Classic Baby Bouncer

I highly recommend an old-school baby bouncer. These provide a safe, comfy place to set your baby down throughout the day. No need to go for a fancy model with extra gadgets and vibrations: a basic bouncer is designed keep your baby relaxed with nothing more than the gentle bounces from baby’s own movements.

Another reason I prefer the simple, old-school baby bouncer is that it’s lightweight and portable so you can easily move it from room to room. Unlike bulky swings, bouncers don’t take up much space and are easy to store when not in use. Although, if you’re anything like me, your bouncer will be in use A LOT!

3. LullaVibe Vibrating Pad

The LullaVibe is a game-changer for soothing a fussy baby. This portable vibrating pad can be placed under a crib mattress, bassinet, or even in a stroller to provide gentle vibrations that help calm little ones. Unlike traditional vibrating baby seats, the LullaVibe is compact and battery-operated, so it’s perfect to take on the go.

This is a great option for babies who are comforted by movement but don’t always need to be rocked or held.  I actually use it in all of my newborn sessions!

4. Zipadee-Zip Sleep Sack

Once your baby starts transitioning out of the swaddle phase, the Zipadee-Zip is a lifesaver. This wearable blanket provides a cozy, enclosed feeling similar to a swaddle but allows for more movement, making it a great choice for babies who are starting to roll. It also helps your baby stay asleep by reducing the startle reflex while still being safe for independent movement.

Tons of my clients swear by this sleep sack as a key tool for improving their baby’s sleep. And as a new parent, there is nothing more important than a good night’s rest!

I hope these must-have items for your baby registry give you a good starting point as you design your little one’s wish list!

And don’t forget to add a newborn photography session! I offer gift certificates in any amount which makes it super easy for family and friends to help with the cost of a session, since I’m a firm believer that there’s no better gift for a new parent than the gift of memory!

Photo Ideas for Baby's First Christmas

As a New Jersey/New York photographer I love helping families get ready for the holidays with my own special brand of Christmas magic. But if it’s baby’s first Christmas, there are probably lots of pictures you’re going to want to capture at home too! Here are a few fun and festive photo ideas for baby’s first Christmas to give you some inspiration as you celebrate this extra special season together!

Just a little note: Many of the cute Christmas poses you see online are composite images or photos created by professionals. Don’t try to recreate these kinds of photos at home! They require safety training and special software to edit out behind-the-scenes details (like an assistant’s hands securely holding baby). Be sure that baby is safe and secure at all times as you capture their first Christmas. If you’re not sure about a pose, don’t do it. Schedule a session with a professional baby photographer instead, so you can get exactly the pictures you want while knowing your little one is in safe hands.

Newborn in a Stocking

This pose is perfect if you have a December baby who is still just itty-bitty by the time Christmas rolls around. Choose an oversized stocking at the store (be sure it doesn’t have any loose strings inside that baby’s little feet could get tangled in) and use it like a sleeping bag. Just tuck your little one inside for an adorable festive picture!

Baby Wearing a Santa Hat

Santa hats are sold in all the sizes, so no matter what your baby’s age you should be able to find one that’s just right! I think the extra long ones are SO cute! Another option is a cute headband with reindeer horns or something equally fun and festive!

Sweet Bundle Under the Christmas Tree

You’ll definitely want to snap a picture of your little one under the Christmas tree! Babies who are old enough to sit independently can sit underneath all those pretty lights, while those who are younger can be swaddled and tucked in amongst the presents. That little bundle is the best thing under the tree!

Little One Wearing Christmas Pajamas

Does your little one have festive PJs? A holiday onesie or pajamas can make such a cute baby’s first Christmas picture, especially if you can do it against a backdrop of twinkly lights or maybe a decorative Christmas blanket.

Include the Family

Don’t forget to get some pictures of baby’s first Christmas that include the rest of the family. Whether it’s mom or dad holding baby near the fireplace, all the siblings snuggling together by the tree, or using baby’s first Christmas ornaments (you’re sure to get a few as gifts!) as props to surround the sleeping little one, it’s always so special to showcase those family connections in your holiday pictures.

I hope these photo ideas for baby’s first Christmas give you a great place to start! I’m sure you’ll have fantastic ideas of your own too, so be sure to keep your camera handy. You’ll have so many fun and beautiful memories of this very first Christmas with your little one!

Remember, the memories don’t stop once the holidays end! Contact me to book a session for your baby or family in 2025. Can’t wait to see you in the studio next year!

Tips for Traveling with a Newborn

For some of us, traveling for the holidays is almost as much of a tradition as eating turkey on Thanksgiving day. But if this is your first time traveling with a newborn, you might be feeling a little nervous! Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, here are a few tips that can help you feel more prepared as you and your little one get ready to travel this holiday season.

Tips for Car Travel with a Newborn

Plan for lots of stops (about every 2 hours). Baby will need feeding, diaper changes, or maybe just a cuddle to calm down if they don’t love being in the car. Just know that your drive is going to take longer than normal, and that’s okay!

Keep a spot in the backseat clear so that someone can sit with baby if needed. If you don’t have anyone else traveling with you, consider installing a baby mirror in the backseat so you can keep an eye on things without having to turn around.

Plan your route so you know where you’ll be stopping to get gas, do diaper changes, etc. Makes it so much easier if you know this in advance so you don’t have to make decisions on the fly!

Tips for Plane Travel with a Newborn

Check with your pediatrician to see if they feel that flying would be safe for your baby.

Don’t stress about the liquid limit. The TSA allows moms traveling with babies to pack more breastmilk and formula than the usual 3.4 oz limit for liquids. Yay! It is a good idea to pack these in a separate bag though, so airport personnel can screen them quickly and easily.

Pack a pacifier and/or bottle to give baby during takeoff and landing. Swallowing will help them deal with that uncomfortable feeling in their ears as the air pressure changes.

Don’t Forget to Pack This!

Of course you’ll need clothes, blankets, and plenty of diapers and wipes! But here are a few other less obvious essentials that can make traveling with a newborn much easier.

Padded changing station. These fold up nicely to slide into a diaper bag and are easy to wipe down. Not all restrooms have a baby changing table—and sometimes you’ll need to change a diaper on the go. You’ll be so glad you have one of these!

A portable breast pump if you’re breastfeeding. Schedules get all out of whack when you’re traveling, so it’s nice to have the option to pump when you need to—even if it’s on the road.

A travel crib or bassinet. Baby needs a safe and comfy place to sleep once you arrive at your destination! Some of these even fold up small enough to fit into your carry-on if you’re traveling by plane.

Portable sound machine. Unfamiliar noises can make it hard for anyone to sleep, and babies can easily get overstimulated and fussy in a new environment. Soothing sounds can help keep them calm and happy and make for a much better travel experience for everyone! (I always use a sound machine in my studio for newborn sessions—it really does work!)

I hope these tips for traveling with a newborn help make this holiday season a little more manageable. Remember, if travel just feels like too much right now, it’s okay to break with tradition this time and ask family to come to you, or to plan your trip for a few months down the road, once things have settled down a bit. The most important thing is that you and your little one have a wonderful first holiday together!