Oh, the baby registry. I think creating it is supposed to be fun, but it wasn’t the way I did it. I agonized over everything, so worried we wouldn’t get absolutely everything we needed.
Don’t panic. Everything will work out. The things you miss, you’ll make up for later. I had lots of friends who gave advice and even hand-me-downs. Our little guy had everything he needed and more besides, thanks to our kind friends and family.
The following is a list of not only my baby registry must-haves, but also things that, as a first-time mom, I liked and things we didn’t need.
Keep this in mind, though: your baby will be different from mine, and from every other baby. Sure, your friends will tell you all about the pacifier that “saved their lives,” but your baby will let you know what works for him or her, and what doesn’t. So don’t go overboard registering for 50 of the same bottle or diapers or wipes, etc. Register for a couple different types of each staple item, and try them until you find the one that works. Case in point, we registered for three or four different types of diapers, and ended up completely getting rid of Huggies because out of all the brands, that one leaked like crazy for us. At least now we know!
Changing supplies:
Basics
Diapers (and lots of them!)
Wipes
Changing table
A changing pad and covers
Diaper cream
A trash can or diaper disposal
Diaper bag
Travel changing pad
Bonus Helpful Items
Disposable changing pad covers (saved us a lot of laundry!)
Diaper trash bags (great for the diaper bag for changing while out and about)
A caddy for extra diapers and wipes
Travel wipes case
We Love
Pampers and Second Generation diapers
Huggies Natural Care wipes
Burt’s Bees and Boudreaux’s Butt Paste
Our step-open trash can and scented trash bags
SkipHop Duo diaper bag
Didn’t Need
Wipe warmer
Diaper disposal (a Diaper Genie, for example) and expensive refills
Feeding Supplies:
Basics
Bottles
Bottle brush/es
A breast pump (if breastfeeding) – or you can get it free with health insurance!
Formula (if not)
Breastfeeding pillow (breastfeeding or not!)
Lanolin ointment (if breastfeeding)
Breastfeeding cover (if breastfeeding – I borrowed one)
Breastmilk storage bags (if breastfeeding)
Bibs
High chair
Bonus Helpful Items
Drying rack
Bottle warmer
Sterilizer
Breastfeeding shield
We Love
Avent natural bottles
Munchkin bottle brushes
Rental pump from hospital
Boppy pillow and covers (useful for baby as he/she grows!)
Lanolin!!
Didn’t Need
Disposable breast pads
Feeding supplies like spoons and bowls (but will need eventually, so register if you’re thinking ahead)
Dishwasher container
Haven’t used bibs yet, but I’m sure I will!
Burp cloths – I’ve mostly used whatever is on-hand. Usually blankets.
Sleeping:
Basics
Crib
Crib sheets (multiple!)
Receiving blankets
Swaddle blankets
Pacifier (0-6 months)
Bonus Helpful Items
Bassinet, co-sleeper, or other place for newborn to sleep near you
Swaddle wraps
Pack and play (with sheets)
Sound machine/projector
We Love
Fisher-Price Rock n’ Play! (it’s all he has slept in, and super-portable)
Aden and Anais swaddle blankets (light and breathable, multiple uses)
SwaddleMe wraps (the only guaranteed way he’ll sleep, so far)
Avent pacifiers
Didn’t Need
Bumpers or pillows – nothing else in the crib!
Pacifier clips (haven’t used yet, anyway)
Health and Bathing:
Basics
Bathtub
Wash cloths
Hooded towel
Shampoo/baby wash
Lotion
Nail clippers
Hairbrush
Thermometer (we just have a regular one, nothing fancy)
Saline spray
Gas drops
Baby pain reliever/fever reducer
“Nose bulb” (or the snot sucker, as I like to call it)
Bonus Helpful Items
Hand and face wipes
Bath cover (like a big washcloth, to keep baby warm – our guy is not a fan of baths)
Water thermometer/rubber ducky that tells when water is too hot
Cup to pour water over head
Hand sanitizer
Alcohol wipes for umbilical cord stump (only if wet)
We Love
Burt’s Bees products
Little Remedies products
The HUGE hooded towel I got from Ikea
Didn’t Need
Baby bathrobe
Baby powder
Travel:
Basics
Car seat
Stroller
Head support (for when they’re small)
Bonus Helpful Items
Bundle blanket
Stroller hook
Window screens
Seat cover for store carts
We Love
Britax B-Agile! (So easy to get in and out)
Didn’t Need
Strap covers
Mirror for backseat (but may be helpful someday)
Clothing:
Honestly, you probably don’t need to register for clothes – people love to buy baby clothes! But it’s good to make sure you have the staples.
Basics
Onesies
Pants
Sleepers
Socks (the fuzzy ones tend to slip off more)
Hats
Gentle laundry detergent!
Bonus Helpful Items
Cardigan sweaters/hoodies
Small, lightweight laundry hamper
We Love
Carter’s onesies and pants
Ecos laundry detergent, fragrance free (not necessarily baby kind)
Didn’t Need
Hand mitts
Those button down plain white t-shirts
Shoes (but they are super cute)
“Gowns” (onesies with an elastic bottom, no feet) – hard to use for us
Play:
Basics
Play mat
Bumbo seat
Swing
Bonus Helpful Items
Things that jitter and/or make noise
Books
Tummy time mat
We Love
Infantino play mat from Target
Graco 2-in-1 swing
Didn’t Need
Stuffed animals (although we got a lot!)
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Okay, what did I miss?
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