I've been writing Gotta Haves for Parenting on the Peninsula since its beginning. In that time I have gathered a long list of “Gotta Haves” that I've shared. With the upcoming holiday season fast approaching, I thought it would be helpful for those shopping for expectant parents or new parents to print a list of my top five favorites (in order of “Gotta Have” most).

#1 The Bundle Me

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that winter is my least favorite season. The short days and the cold nights make the season seem to creep by. I found this to be especially true during the months I was on maternity leave with my infant daughter, as a vast majority of that time was in the winter. Therefore, here is one “Gotta Have” to make those winter months with your little one a bit more bearable.

The Bundle Me is something I could not have done without as a new mom. I never had to struggle to get her into and out of an outfit that made her look like the Michelin Man or an overstuffed marshmallow. Also, as a mom with a girl, it’s hard to resist dressing her to the nines, even at nine days old. So the Bundle Me served many purposes for my daughter and me.

If you’re not familiar with the Bundle Me, it’s a carseat/ stroller cover made with a fleece design that easily travels from carseat or carrier to jogger to stroller and helps protect your little one against the elements. It’s designed in such a way that you can easily regulate your baby’s temperature by zipping off or on the top cover that serves as a blanket. This is especially convenient when your little one is sleeping, so she needn’t be disturbed or taken out of her carseat/carrier to be bundled up. You also can dress them in any outfit you choose, and know that the Bundle Me will keep them cozy and warm while outside, and then allow them to show off their fabulous baby couture when safely inside.

Need I mention that the bottom portion protects your carseat/carrier or stroller from the inevitable diaper accident or spit up incident? I’ve noticed that the covers that come with carseats/carriers just don’t wash very well or sometimes at all, so this definitely extends the life of your carseat/carrier.

I recently read a review of this product on the Babies R Us Web site) that also highlights a great safety aspect of this item that I hadn’t thought of:

“…When we had our carseat … the officer said that he REALLY liked this product because it makes it easier to fasten the baby correctly in the carseat. He said that often when babies are in thick snowsuits parents don't always get the straps tight enough.”

If you know someone who is having a winter baby or have one yourself, The Bundle Me makes a great gift or registry item. The maker, JJ Cole, also offers a lightweight version for the warmer months that I also recommend. The Original Bundle Me (the winter fleece version) runs $39.99; Bundle Me Lite runs $24.99. Both Original and Lite for age 0-12 months can be found at Babies R Us and Lullaby Lane.

#2 Sit 'n Secure

Have you ever been out to eat at a restaurant who provided you with a wooden high chair with restraining straps that were broken or just didn’t keep your child safely in his/her seat? Or maybe your little one is just the type that slips out of those not-so-secure confinements like a little Houdini? Oh boy, do I have a ‘Gotta Have’ for you!

When my daughter was old enough to start sitting in those wooden high chairs at restaurants, I knew I had a problem. She would somehow get herself out of the straps and try to stand up. After a close call of her nearly falling out of the high chair I decided that some smart mom or dad had to have come up with something to solve this dangerous dilemma. So I started searching all over for something to keep my daughter sitting still—or at least strap her down.

I had seen covers for the grocery cart, but thought there had to be something for a restaurant highchair that wasn’t so bulky. Finally, I came across this little number.

The best thing about it is that it really kept my daughter in her seat. Not only does it work in a highchair at a restaurant but it also works in any chair or shopping cart. And, it’s just a light piece of fabric, so it fit into any bag easily. The only downside is that it takes a few tries to get the idea of how to get the thing on your child.

The only place I’ve been able to find the “Sit ‘N Secure” is via Amazon.com or other online vendors. Priced at $12- $16.

#3 Snack Trap

I came upon the Snack Trap when my husband ordered some other baby feeding supplies about a year ago when my daughter started eating solid foods. This item has quickly become a favorite of our household. The best part about these little treasures is that they work as advertised… the snacks stay trapped until the child reaches into the cup to retrieve their favorite treat. The Snack Trap has rescued our family many times during both short and long trips, as my daughter was kept preoccupied by the challenge of getting the snack out of the cup as well as eating it.

There are a few flaws with these “Traps;” one is that some children can figure out how to take the top off, then you have treats everywhere. This is more likely to happen as the tops lose their tight grip on the cup after many times in the dishwasher. I’ve also heard that some children manage to get their little hands stuck in the “Trap” though I haven’t had my children experience that yet. The flaw that I have experienced is really something innate about children…they lose things. Snack Traps are no exception, (although on some occasions I swear some of mine sprouted legs and ran away) so be prepared to buy them in batches. Although nothing is perfect, I feel the Snack Trap comes close to it as a “Gotta Have” for our family.

You can find Snack Traps at local stores like Talbot’s Toyland, Babies R Us, and Lullaby Lane. Priced at $4-$6 each.

#4 The Boppy Pillow

Thinking back to the early infant days, the one essential item I always had in reach, besides diapers, was my Boppy. Whether breastfeeding or not, this item is a “Gotta Have” with any newborn. If you haven't already experienced the Boppy, let me tell you a little bit about it. As described on their Web site, the Boppy pillow “has so many uses. Using it when feeding puts your body into an ergonomically correct position. And babies love it for tummy time, playing, and learning to sit.”

As the Boppy has become more popular, the company has come out with various options from the standard pillow, to playtime Boppys with toys attached, and even a bouncer option. Decorative slip covers can be purchased separately that zip on andoff for easy washing. Various Boppy options, in many colors and shapes, can be viewed on their Web site, www.boppy.com. This item is so popular that it has become easy to find at nearly any store that carries baby supplies (i.e.,Target, Babies R Us, and Talbot’s Toyland).

#5 The Boon “Squirt” Spoon

When baby is ready for first foods, and wants to feed himself with a bottle, it becomes a bit of a challenge from the standpoint of cleanliness and functionality for both mom and baby.

I know firsthand how quick the little ones are at grabbing that jar of baby food, and just smearing it everywhere once they do. Enter the Boon “Squirt”. It is basically a 'souped up' (no pun intended) baby spoon. Imagine being able to squeeze baby food out of a tube into the spoon single handed. You can accomplish this otherwise unimaginable feat with this enhanced spoon. It is easy to fill and holds up to three ounces of baby food in the bulb attached to the spoon end. Just squeeze the bulb to dispense the right amount of food. For about $7.50 per spoon, you'll probably want to keep one in your diaper bag while one's in the wash at home. As you might guess, this is a perfect item for feeding on the go, and of course a “Gotta Have”. Thanks to fellow Redwood City mom, Mia Threatt, for introducing me to this product upon our chance meeting at Margarita's Restaurant.

by Katie Comfort who is a mother of an 18 month old boy and a 4 year old girl and resides with her husband and menagerie of cats & dogs in Redwood City.