Instead of getting another Clek, this time we’re going with the Nuna Rava because my sister SWEARS by it, and when a mom swears by something you know it’s good! It’s in my Nordstrom cart and I’m hoping to snag it during the sale next week (if you guys don’t get it first – ha!) We have Mazen’s old Clek car seat as our “big boy” convertible and it’s about to expire. I loved the Mesa overall and vote for it mostly because it works seamlessly with and clicks into the Uppababy stroller I’m going to recommend below. When the baby is tiny you can’t just throw him on your hip and walk inside, so its nice to have the car seat for transport and sleeping. But while you do need them, they are SO important. Infant car seats are annoying because you only need them for about six to nine months before you move to a convertible. (I don’t even think mind can fold anymore!) Mesa Infant Car Seat The only con is it is a HUGE PAIN to get in and out of a car, so keep that in mind. Both of my kids love(d) this stroller! And considering I’m going on ~6 years years of use over an 8 year time frame, I’ve gotten my money’s worth. While you certainly can walk with any stroller, a jogging stroller will really help with the workout side of a walk or run. The shocks on this thing are incredible, and our BOB Revolution I got in 2012 for Mazen is still going strong for Birch! The air-filled tires and shocks are crucial, and the extra large sun shade will carry you through summers. (Or a jogging stroller in general – pick your brand). If you are active at all, you need a BOB. This is my list of our very favorite baby gear essentials worth splurging on. I had a friend who was newly pregnant say to me: “Just tell me what to buy!” There is so much gear to choose from and sometimes you just need a friend to tell you baby gear to splurge on and what you don’t really need or could buy second hand to use for a short period of time.

Doc a tot sun shade