I should have featured this pair of simple teethers before Easter so your little one could have sunk her teeth into something while older siblings were sinking their teeth into all things candy coated!

Maple Landmark’s natural unfinished teethers are perfect for little ones with sensitive gums (and are a much better option than foil-wrapped chocolate bunnies). These all-natural teethers contain absolutely no toxic chemicals and finishes. The smooth, rounded design is simple, which I think makes for the perfect teether. It seems the fancier a teether, the more my children ignored it!

Maple Landmark sells its natural unfinished teethers as a pair. Each one is sanded smooth to the touch, which ensures it is smooth to the mouth and gums as well. Each one measures about 3 1/2" in diameter and is 3/4" wide - large enough for your little one to grab it and hold it but small enough to make for a comfortable teether. You can purchase a pair of these sleek little teethers for $15 on Maple Landmark's website. - Emily H.

With all the concern about the safety of children's toys these days, it is worth your peace of mind and your child's health to invest in something that is free of BPA, phthalates and other toxic chemicals. But this investment doesn't have to break the bank - or your budget. You can spend just a few dollars more for a toy that is made of the highest quality materials, is more engaging than those pastel-colored plastic car keys and will be a heck of a lot safer for your little one.

Take the Tulpino rattle from German toymaker Selecta. This colorful grasping toy is made from hardwood coated with environmentally friendly, safe paint and finished with a coat of beeswax. So when your little one stops rattling and starts teething on her Tulpino rattle, you can rest assured she isn't ingesting anything harmful. And just because a toy is safe doesn't mean it’s boring! While the Tulpino's wooden handle is perfect for tiny hands, the colorful little balls click-clack against each other and can be spun around by those same little fingers.

My favorite feature of the Tulpino is the small (literally) element of surprise Selecta has thrown in with all that clicking and clacking. This wooden rattle has a mirror on its base, and nothing says fun like a baby seeing a reflection of herself on what is sure to be her new favorite rattle.

You can purchase Selecta's Tulpino rattle for $17.50 from Amazon.com. A bit more than those plastic car keys, but it will last longer and you'll know exactly what's going into your daughter's mouth when she chooses to use it as her favorite teether. - Emily H.

Registering for the real basics

A friend recently asked me what to register for. Now, my list of recommended items is probably more bare-bones than most, so I am likely to neglect things other people would want. So I thought I’d review some baby registry lists I found online to see what I thought of them. My assessments of six lists from leading parenting websites and retailers are below.

Good lists

Parents.com: I was impressed by this list. Sure, the quantities are off (8 pairs of socks? We had two, and we had a winter baby, and that was enough) and some things are not truly necessary (like a crib bumper, which is not recommended because of small increase in SIDS risk) but really, it is a good list. [Link]

Babyfit.com: A nicely organized, non-overwhelming list. Some things were a little odd (belly casting kit?) but most things were practical and safe. [Link]

Decent lists

Giggle.com: A good list. Again, too many of some things (seriously, how is a stroller blanket different from a crib blanket?) but not overwhelming and not very materialistic. [Link]

Target: Target’s Newborn and 0-3 month lists are comprehensive - overspendy but a good start to whittle down from. For instance, you do not need a diaper stacker, diaper disposal system, or diaper disposal refills, in my opinion. But that is your decision. And according to roughly 95% of the internet community, you can skip the wipes warmer. I know I did. [Link]

Bad lists

Baby/Toys R Us: Totally insane and overwhelming, this page would have made me cry. Unless you love to shop (and thus spend money), avoid. [Link]

Walmart.com: Whoa. Do not follow this list. Far too long, lots of unnecessary things, and at least one thing that is unsafe (sleep positioners). Finally, they completely lost me at “elbow cushion” for the bath list. Are they serious? I did not know such a thing existed. I think the "elbow cushion" of choice for 99.9% of moms is called a "towel." [Link] - Leigh G.

As I was looking for a gift or two for my son's first Christmas, I found Kathe Kruse's Poupsi Green and fell in love. It is a doll and teether in one. The ring for grabbing and teething is made of beech wood finished with bees wax. The doll itself is bright and colorful and has an adorable, smiling expression on its face. Plus, you can remove the ring and throw the doll right in the washing machine! The doll seemed too perfect to pass up, so I ordered it.

Now that the Poupsi has arrived at my home, I am even more excited. The cotton body of the doll actually has two different textures; the stripes are smooth and the green is plush and velvety. Its little hands and feet are knotted and seem perfect for tiny fingers to rub and manipulate, and once I saw the cute little expression on its face in person, it made my heart melt. The toy seems very well-made, so it should hold up to lots of chewing and a few cycles in my washing machine.

If you are looking for a great baby toy, the Poupsi is a great option at $20. - Sara I.

sigikid, a well-known European brand, only recently arrived in the United States. Since its origination in the famous toy-making region of Bavaria, the company has created toys known for their high quality, outstanding design and strong cuddle factor. Apparently if it isn’t made with the softest of plush materials and has the ability to be machine washed, it’s not a sigikid. (I wish more companies had that same philosophy!)

One of my favorite sigikids for newborns is their little Mouse Snuggly. Its super friendly face and fun colors make this adult smile, so I can only imagine what effect it has on little ones. Made out of organic cotton on the outside and stuffed with super-soft organic lambs-wool, it is sure to become your baby’s favorite toy. Plus it doubles as a teether, helping to soothe sore gums. In true sigikid style, this Mouse Snuggly is machine washable.

My other favorite newborn toy is the Natural Friends Sheep, a sweet stuffed animal with a music box is hidden in the collar. You’ve got a super soft, extra cuddly toy combined with a soothing lullaby. Sounds like the perfect combination! The Sheep is also made with organic cotton and stuffed with pure lamb's wool and is machine washable. You can purchase the Mouse Snuggly for $25 on Amazon.com and the Natural Friends Sheep for $42, also on Amazon.com. - Emily H.