Common First-Year Challenges—and the Gear That Can Help You Handle Them

The first year with a baby can be full of big emotions, late-night am-I-doing-this-right? searches, and more than a few surprises. Between navigating sleep, play, feedings and everything in between, having your village on hand can make finding a few hands-free moments easier.

But it’s not just about finding your people (although that’s pretty important, too)—it’s also about having the right gear nearby. UPPAbaby is a favorite among many Babylist parents, mostly for their premium car seats and strollers that hold up through years of daily use and multiple kids. The new additions to their in-home gear lineup can help you and your baby feel more rested, connected and prepared—even when their needs seem ever-changing. Here are four common first-year parenting scenarios and gear go-tos from UPPAbaby that can help make your baby’s first year go a lot smoother.

Scenario #1: Your baby cries whenever you try to set them down and give your arms a break

Having a safe and secure spot to soothe your baby and keep them entertained (even if it’s just for a few minutes!) will be comforting for both of you. The Mamaroo Smart Swing has been a top choice among Babylist parents for years, and it now comes with a newborn insert, which means it’s ready to use from day one. The popular pick uses MultiMotion Technology to mirror a parent’s natural bouncing and swaying rhythms through five soothing motions, helping to calm and comfort babies in a way that feels like you’re holding them. You can also control over 400 customizable combinations of motion, speed and sound from the app, the swing’s base or even a smart speaker.

UPPAbaby Mamaroo - Wells

$349.99

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The attached toy mobile is also a convenient way to keep your baby engaged while supporting fine motor skill development as they learn to reach and grasp for the plush balls. If the swing’s name and look seem familiar, it’s because UPPAbaby bought 4moms, the company behind Mamaroo gear, and upgraded the designs. Like all UPPAbaby gear, the Mamaroo is now covered under a 3-year warranty (in comparison to the 4moms 1-year warranty), which is helpful if you’re planning on storing it before growing your family.

Scenario #2: It takes a while for your baby to fall asleep or settle back to sleep

Some babies nod off best with a bit of gentle rocking or bouncing. And in the early months when middle-of-the-night wakeups are the norm, a bassinet that helps your baby drift back to sleep can hopefully give you a little more rest, too. The Soma Smart Bassinet has fully mesh side walls and a foam-free mesh mattress for extra breathability, along with adjustable-height legs, so you can get a clear view of your baby from every angle, which is key if you’re recovering from birth and want to avoid extra bending or lifting.

UPPAbaby Soma Bassinet Soma Bassinet - Charlie

$599.99

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This upgraded version of the 4moms Mamaroo Sleep Bassinet uses the same MultiMotion Technology as the Mamaroo Smart Swing to mimic your natural bounce, rock or sway, with over 400 customizable combinations of motions, speeds and sounds to help create a calmer, more consistent sleep routine. (Plus it now runs for up to eight hours straight, so you don’t have to reset it in the middle of the night). Another convenient feature: It now comes with a built-in storage basket for stashing essentials like swaddles, pacifiers and burp cloths within arm’s reach.

Scenario #3: You need a safe place for your baby to sleep and play, wherever you are

Many parents prioritize gear that can work in multiple situations and grow with their baby, and a playard checks those boxes. Whether you’re traveling overnight, hanging outside, visiting family (who might not have a baby-ready space) or just want a convenient setup on a different level of your home during postpartum recovery, a playard can give you a portable, secure spot for your little one to rest or play, with a dedicated changing area so you’re not stuck changing diapers on the floor or couch. The Remi Travel Crib & Playard is a standout pick that’s practical and parent-friendly—we even named it the easiest playard to set up, thanks to its one-handed open and close that takes just seconds.

UPPAbaby REMI Travel Crib & Playard - Charlie

$399.99

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It comes in a range of modern neutrals and includes a removable mesh bassinet that creates a smaller sleep space for newborns up to 20 pounds. A zip-open side panel gives you a convenient way to comfort or lift your baby without leaning over the top, and there are a few add-on accessories to make your daily routine easier, like a changing station that rotates out of the way when not in use. Our favorite? A UPF 50+ canopy to block out light and make any indoor or outdoor space more sleep-friendly.

Scenario #4: You want a portable spot to keep your baby close (and comfortable) that you can move around your home

Even the simplest gear can shine as a helpful hero when you can use it throughout the day, especially if it gives your arms a break. The Mira 2-in-1 Bouncer & Seat does just that: It’s a lightweight, supportive and cozy space that folds flat to easily move around the house or take on the go (with an included carry bag for easy storage or travel), so you can squeeze in a few hands-free moments to do something like prep a bottle, eat a meal or (let’s be honest) finally use the toilet or shower.

UPPAbaby Mira 2-in-1 Bouncer and Seat - Stella (Grey Melange)

$149.99

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It gently moves in response to your baby’s movements, with three recline positions to support everything from newborn lounging to interactive play. The breathable mesh and removable liner can keep baby comfortable in any temperature, and you can register for it as a bundle with a toy bar, or add it later on to encourage independent play (tip: set up the bouncer facing a mirror or black and white contrast cards to help your baby stay content for a bit longer). When your little one is ready, you can flip the fabric over and convert the bouncer to a cozy chair that they can get in and out of independently.

The first year comes with plenty of unknowns, but having the right gear on hand can help you feel more confident (and more supported!) as you navigate it all. Whether you’re soothing your baby to sleep, setting them up for playtime, or just trying to carve out a minute for yourself, these well-designed picks from UPPAbaby can help make those early parenting moments a bit easier.

More UPPAbaby registry favorites to use at home:

UPPAbaby 
Ciro High Chair - Chloe

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babylist.com$279.99

UPPAbaby 
Ciro High Chair Plush Cushion - Grey

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babylist.com$39.99

UPPAbaby 
Bassinet V3 - Jake

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babylist.com$279.99

UPPAbaby 
Vista V3 Bassinet Stand - Grey

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babylist.com$199.99

UPPAbaby 
REMI Travel Crib & Playard Waterproof Mattress Cover

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babylist.com$39.99

UPPAbaby 
REMI Travel Crib Playard Changing Station - Charlie

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babylist.com$69.99

UPPAbaby 
REMI Travel Crib & Playard Canopy

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babylist.com$59.99

UPPAbaby 
REMI Travel Crib & Playard Travel Bag

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babylist.com$99.99

UPPAbaby 
REMI Travel Crib & Playard Changing Station Organizer

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babylist.com$44.99

UPPAbaby 
Mira Bouncer Toy Bar - Forest Fun

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babylist.com$59.99

This article is sponsored by UPPAbaby. Babylist’s free site, apps and emails are made possible by our sponsors. We limit our sponsored content to relevant partners that offer products and services we believe in and use ourselves.