*We’ve partnered with Lullaby Baby to share how shopping small can help you ace your registry. If you know you’re going back to work after baby, you might want to think out of the box when it comes to your baby registry. Out of the big box, that is. Sure, when it comes to shopping for run-of-the-mill bulk items (ahem, a three months supply of toilet paper?) the big box stores are certainly a great option. But for more important purchases in life -- say, a baby registry -- the smaller baby shops win, with their hands-on approach and personal attention. To give us some real life inspiration, we tagged along with Michelle Gindi of Buddha Bowls and Burpees while she registered for Baby #3 at Lullaby Baby in Brooklyn. Shop owner (and mom of 3) Kayla Kramer helped Michelle prep for returning to her job as a health coach after baby by picking out some back-to-work basics, plus some new baby must-haves. On the top of Michelle's list? A highly efficient breast pump. Kayla immediately steered Michelle toward the pump she can't stop talking about these days: Medela's new Sonata Smart Breast Pump. And because of the intimate setting of a small boutique, Kayla was also able to recommend the Medela parts and accessories she would need to help make breastfeeding and pumping a success and explain how everything worked. Read on for more of Kayla's hand-picked selections, plus her expert opinion on what makes each one perfect for Michelle's registry (and yours) as a back-to-work mama.

1. Medela Sonata Smart Breast Pump Kayla says: "This is an incredible pump because it performs like a hospital pump but is super quiet - even better for the mom pumping at work. But the thing that our customers really love is that the pump connects to an app that tracks your pumping sessions for you in real-time. Everything is digital - there's even a dashboard (instead of the buttons and switches of previous models). Because it is so efficient, it improves the pumping-at-work experience by cutting the time it takes to pump. I also like that all the pump accessories have been improved over previous versions." $399 2. Bitybean Ultracompact Baby Carrier Kayla says: "Every new mom needs a baby carrier, and it is especially helpful when doing daycare or babysitter drop off if you're not planning on taking a stroller to and from your destination. I like this carrier because it is lightweight, and the shoulder straps are really comfortable." $59.99 3. Clip and Pump Bra by Bravado Kayla says: "This is not so much a nursing bra as it is a nursing accessory. You can clip it on discreetly under your shirt, slide the breast shields in and start pumping. This is great for working moms because it is a hands free AND discreet pumping accessory, allowing you to pump at your desk (even if you don't have a private pumping space). It is really incredible." $30 4. Medela Quick Clean Breastpump & Accessory Sanitizer Kayla says: "Basically, this is like what Purell is to hands. Spray this on your breast pump parts and the spray sanitizes the parts within 60 seconds. It is safe to use around your baby, it is EPA approved, and you can use whatever item you've sprayed right after you've sprayed it (no need to rinse the spray off). This stuff makes for easy pump cleaning when pumping in unsanitary environments (which, let's face it, you will probably find yourself in when pumping outside the home)." $7.99 5. ThinkBaby Diaper Rash Ointment Kayla says: "This product was just released, but I really like that this company tends to be very conscious about the ingredients they use in their products. They've had tremendous success with other products. So far, our customers have been saying great things about this." $14.95 6. Medela Sonata Double Pumping Kit Kayla says: "If you're pumping away from home, it's essential to have spare parts on-hand. You don't want to reach into your pump bag and realize you left a breast shield on your drying rack at home. I would recommend keeping a backup kit like this at work, or in your bag, for just this kind of situation. You can't find pump parts in your average drug store." $54.99 7. Philips Avent Smart Baby Monitor Kayla says: "I like this monitor because it connects with an app, and it is works with Wi-Fi. So if you're at work, you can check on your baby back at home. It gives you peace of mind." Works with an app, Wifi Capable. So if you're at work, you can check in on baby." $239 8. Munch Mitt Pastels Original Silicone Teether Mitten Kayla says: "Babies are always putting their fingers and hands in their mouths, especially when teething. This is a great solution for teething babies and also for babies who tend to scratch their faces." $29.98 9. JuJuBe Be Pumped The First Lady Kayla says: "For going back to work, you need to be organized and prepared. A good diaper bag that gives you everything you're going to need is so important. This one by Be Pumped has a pocket so every item goes into the right place." $200 10. Uppababy MINU Stroller Kayla says: "This stroller has great wheels, great suspension, and folds up really small while still being a very solid product. You can use it with your baby right from Day 1, and it has car seat adaptability. This is one of the best in-and-out-of-the-car strollers around. It's even great for naps because it has a bassinet function. I look at this as a "full solution" stroller, as it goes from car seat, to bassinet, to lightweight stroller without needing adaptors." $429 11. Uppababy MESA Car Seat Kayla says: "This carseat can go right onto the Uppababy MINU Stroller without any adaptors, making traveling with baby a very concise, hassle-free experience." $349 12. Owlet Kayla says: "This sock provides peace of mind and is a life saver - literally. Customers tell us how the Owlet has saved their baby. It's great for moms, especially when working from home." $299 13. Skip Hop Explore and More Baby's View 3-Stage Activity Center Kayla says: "This activity center is compact, easy to assemble, and keeps baby occupied so you can get stuff done!" $119 14. Nuna Leaf Curve Bouncer and Rocker Chair Kayla says: "This bouncer is eco-smart and evolutionary in both style and design. It also has an ultra smooth and quiet side-to-side motion, which lasts over two minutes with just a gentle push." $299.95

Lifestyle photography by Ren'ee Kahn Bresler.