Even if you're a first time mom, putting together a baby registry is easy. There are hundreds of lists just like these all over the internet - Pinterest, Youtube, Baby Center, you name it. They are EVERYWHERE. I'm sure by the time you've gotten to my list, you've already read a few others.
Everyone's list is going to be different, because different things are important to different people. Some people recommend getting a changing table, and others (like me), think they are a waste of space. I'm going to give you my list of must haves, wants & desires, and things I left off on purpose, but I'm also going to tell you why. Hopefully it'll help you make choices that fit you better when putting together your registry online or in store.
I have to start this list with things I already have - my sister had a baby about a year ago (he's having a Where the Wild Things Are themed birthday party next weekend, and the cuteness is overwhelming). She handed off a great deal of items that I needed, and I couldn't be more grateful.
THINGS MY SISTER GAVE ME
Luckily for me, my sister was one of those people with personality traits like "patience," and didn't want to find out the gender of her baby until baby was born. (I found out I was having a girl when I was only 12 weeks pregnant, after a fancy blood test that checked for male chromosomes in my blood, the absence of which denotes a female baby). Because she didn't want to know the gender early, everything she had was gender neutral! Including clothes.
1. Fisher-Price My Little SnugaMonkey Special Edition Cradle 'n Swing
A swing has always been a must have for me. Sure, it takes up a bit of space, but it's a life saver if your little one likes to be rocked while they sleep. Both of my boys needed some kind of rocking motion to stay asleep longer. Almost every nap was taken in a swing, and I'm grateful that she lent me this one for our little girl.
2. Halo Bassinet
A bassinet is a must have for sure. The Halo Bassinet is meant to swing over onto the mattress so you can keep baby close. Unfortunately, mine doesn't do this because my bed goes all the way flat to the floor. It's one of those beds with built in dressers underneath. Because of this, the bassinet will just have to hang out nearby - but it's not that big of a deal. My boys had bassinets near the bed, but spent only about half the night actually sleeping in it. The rest of the night, they were sleeping in bed with me. On the off chance I woke up and baby was done eating, I'd just put them back in the bassinet and go back to sleep.
I know of people who immediately begin with baby in the crib in the nursery. I'm not judgy. If you want to keep your bedroom baby-free, I get it. I am just too lazy to get up and walk to a different room 4-6 times a night to feed baby. It was easier for me to just scoop them out of the little bassinet, put them on my breast, and go back to sleep with them cuddled beside me.
She gave me the crib sheets that came with it. I would recommend having a few extras.
She gave me the crib sheets that came with it. I would recommend having a few extras.
3. Chicco Keyfit 30 Car Seat with Base
My sister is the queen of safety, and she chose an excellent car seat for her son Hayes. This one has incredibly high safety ratings, and again, it was gender neutral. When she handed it off to me, it actually looked brand new. The two bases were very easy to install. It saved me a ton of money, too, because good car seats like this one can be quite expensive.
4. Boppy Breastfeeding Pillow
I honestly could not live without the boppy. It saved my back when I was breastfeeding the little ones. Plus, when they get a tiny bit bigger and less floppy (the baby, not the pillow) you can set them in the pillow with their backs against it and play with them. The one she gave me was brown with a monkey on it, which I guess is gender neutral, but I sew, so I went ahead and made pink & purple polka dot cover to slip on it. Having an extra washable cover is important. If you're a seasoned mommy, you know why. For the new moms out there, don't put ANYTHING underneath your baby that you aren't willing to throw away. Trust me.
5. Fisher Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat
My sister cleverly renamed this the "Shit Me Up" floor seat, because every time she'd put Hayes in the seat, he'd poop all the way up his back. It's a good thing this seat has a removable, washable cover. It is great for when baby gets some neck strength and can hold their heads up. Some babies prefer to be in a seated, or reclined position when they are awake. My babies loved their little floor seats.
6. Owlet Baby Vitals Monitor
This is a must have for every parent, ever. I was lucky enough to receive this as a gift, but if you can't get someone to gift it to you, try their payment plans. The Owlet monitors the baby's vitals, including oxygen levels & temperature. It has saved so many babies already. As a co-sleeping mom, I couldn't imagine not using it.
7. Various Onesies, Sleepers, & Receiving Blankets
I received a whole basket full of white onesies, gender neutral onesies, sleepers, swaddling blankets, and receiving blankets. Almost all of them were NB size, which is why my list of must haves starts with more clothes in a different size. See below.
8. Baby Moby Wrap
I love baby wearing. I was so excited to get this wrap. It's lightweight, easy to use, and keeps baby close. Consider adding one of these to your registry. If you've never tried baby-wearing, give it a shot at least once.
8. Baby Moby Wrap
I love baby wearing. I was so excited to get this wrap. It's lightweight, easy to use, and keeps baby close. Consider adding one of these to your registry. If you've never tried baby-wearing, give it a shot at least once.
MUST HAVES
1. Onesies & Sleepers
It is a common misconception that babies come out wearing newborn sized clothes. My first child did. My second child was a whopping 10lbs and went straight into 0-3 month clothing. It is important that you start with a variety of sizes, because babies come in a variety of sizes. They also grow REALLY fast, so they may fit into those newborn clothes, but only for a few weeks. I have about 15 onesies in NB size (which is more than enough), so I added various packs of onesies to my baby registry in sizes 0-3, 3-6, and 6-9. Most of the clothes on the registry are 0-3 and 3-6 months. Also, SLEEPERS. Those footed, zip up sleepers, are the best. Try to find sleepers that zip from bottom to top, though. (When they are fully zipped, the zipper is at their feet). This makes it easy to change baby without having to completely undress them.
2. Baby Bathtub
If you want to try to bathe your baby without a special tub, be my guest. Just to warn you, it's hard. Babies are obnoxiously slippery. Those cute flower tubs you stick in the sink will get the job done, but they are expensive and these babies grow fast, like I said. I added a cheap $18 tub onto my registry from Amazon. It allows you to bathe a slippery baby with ease.
3. Baby Bath Essentials
A few baby towels, washcloths, and some baby-sensitive soap is really all you need. I added a few onto my amazon registry.
4. Diapers, Creams, Powders, Etc.
Diapers are expensive. I love adding them onto my registry, because it's a practical item that I need. I know cloth diapering is probably less expensive over time, but I don't have the time, patience, or desire to deal with them. I personally like Pampers & Luv's disposables. Keep in mind, they won't stay in these diaper sizes long, so I just put a few boxes to start.
Pampers Swaddlers Size Newborn (128 Count)
Pampers Swaddlers Size 1 (216 Count)
Pampers Baby Wipes 7X Refill (448 Count) x 2 Boxes
Add a few creams, lotions, and powders for baby's bum. I opted not to get the bum paste spreader tool. It looks like a little plastic shovel. It's cute, and seems practical, but I don't mind getting butt paste on my hands. It comes off with water and soap.
5. Breastmilk Storage Bags
These are really inexpensive, so if they don't get purchased from your registry, you can just grab them on your own. I need them, even though I work from home and don't have to send the little one to daycare. There are times I produce more than baby can eat, so I pump and store for later. Breast milk can also be used in baths to help with skin rashes, can be dropped in eyes to clear eye infections, and more. Breast milk is truly fantastic, so I pump and store just in case. Plus, momma wants to go out sometimes, and I'll need to have a storage of milk saved up for babysitters and grandparents. Lansinoh is the brand I typically go with.
6. MAM Orthodontic Pacifiers
Pacifiers are totally a strange thing. Some babies LOVE them. Some babies HATE them. Some mama's don't want to use them, others do. My babies couldn't live without them, so I'm getting them again. If my daughter decides she doesn't like them, it's only $6 wasted. On the off chance she's like my sons, though, they'll be a life saver.
7. Bottles & Bottle Brushes
Even if you're breastfeeding, you're going to want to leave the house now and again. Or, if you're like me and you go on long road trips often to visit family, you'll need a way to feed little one in the car without pulling over somewhere. Whether you're formula feeding or breast feeding, you'll need at least a few bottles & a way to clean and sanitize them. My suggestion is to get samples from Walmart, Target, and Amazon, so you have a variety of bottle types. Babies can be pretty particular.
8. Baby Thermometer
I opt for the ones that read on the forehead. I tried the pacifier thermometer with my first baby, but he wouldn't keep it in his mouth long enough for it to get a reading, which was really frustrating. The forehead thermometers are more expensive, but they are fast and accurate.
9. Nursing Cover
I am a huge advocate for breastfeeding. Women shouldn't have to cover up when they breastfeed. After all, some babies don't like it and some babies get really hot under those things. A nursing cover is something that I, personally, decided that I wanted. It made me feel more confident and comfortable around family, friends, and strangers. I really only went uncovered in my own home, but everywhere else, I wore one. It never bothered my babies, and hopefully it won't bother my new little one. If it does, I'll go without it. I prefer to be prepared with one, though. Again, it's a personal choice. I'm not saying you should, or even have to get one if you breastfeed. You do you.
10. Nose Frida
WHERE WAS THIS WHEN MY LITTLES WERE BORN. I had the thick bulb syringes, and they were a nightmare. My babies would cry and thrash and it was so hard to use it. It worked, after like 10 minutes of pure baby torture. The nose frida is a must have for me. Instead of the bulb syringe, it's a tube you stick on the edge of their nose and use your lung power to suck out those boogers. Don't worry, nothing is actually going into your mouth. There are filters and such. You won't be eating boogers, and your baby will be happier and breathing faster.
11. Pack N' Play
The Graco Pack 'n Play is awesome. It's easy to travel with so you can take baby places, and adds another spot in your house to store things when it isn't on the go. The Pack N Play Cuddle Cove Playard on Amazon has little shelves inside for clothes, diapers, and more. Plus, when your little one gets older you can drop them in the little baby prison to play with toys and you don't have to worry about them escaping (yet).
12. No Scratch Mittens
I had to have these because even though I'm great at keeping my baby's nails short, they still manage to scratch their faces.
13. Burp Cloths & Extra Receiving Blankets
Babies spit up. They puke on you, they poop on you, it gets messy. If you don't have a burp cloth, throw a receiving blanket over your shoulder before you burp that baby. You'll thank me.
14. Some kind of Diaper Bag
What to pack in it is an entirely different list. Pockets. Make sure it has lots of pockets.
15. Stroller
Yes, I do baby wear, but babies get heavy. I don't want to wear a baby for 6 solid hours at the zoo, and I live next door to it with an annual membership. I have two other kids. Strollers are not only great for pushing around baby, but they have areas for you to put your bags and snacks! Win!
THINGS I WANT, BUT COULD LIVE WITHOUT
1. Baby Socks & Hats
I have baby socks and hats on my registry, but if no one buys them I'm not rushing to the store. First of all, it's a misconception that babies lose heat through their heads. They need them in the hospital because they move from a warm 98.6 to a 72 degree room, and that kind of shift is hard on them. They don't need to wear hats 24/7 when you get home. They will be plenty warm, wrapped up, and regulating their own body temperature with all that fat they put on in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Baby socks are the worst. They get lost all the time, and honestly, my babies' feet were never really exposed. They wore footed sleepers, and went they didn't they were bundled up in blankets anyway.
2. Decorative Clothes & Dresses
Yes, this stuff is totally adorable. I've seen so many outfits on Etsy that I wanted to just snatch up, but being a third time mom, I know its impractical. Those outfits are hard to get on and off, and babies are so messy. They poop on EVERYTHING. For me, cute dresses & fluffy outfits are not a necessity.
3. Sensitive Laundry Detergent
I use a dye-free laundry detergent for the whole family. It's pretty good for babies too. They don't need their own special laundry soap unless you're washing your family's clothes with a super powerful bleach product.
4. Bottle Warmer
We have an electric kettle. It goes from zero to steaming in about 15-20 seconds. Pouring that water into a bowl and putting the bottle, or bag of milk, into the bowl, is the fastest and cheapest way to heat it without an electric warmer. If someone gifted it to me, I might use it, but I'm not going to let it take up space on my baby registry.
5. Glider & Ottoman
I live in a small house, and I really have nowhere to put one. I had one with my first baby and rarely ever sat in it. For some reason, my babies didn't like to rock and nurse at the same time, they preferred it when I was still. They only liked to rock while they were sleeping, and I had a swing for that.
2. Decorative Clothes & Dresses
Yes, this stuff is totally adorable. I've seen so many outfits on Etsy that I wanted to just snatch up, but being a third time mom, I know its impractical. Those outfits are hard to get on and off, and babies are so messy. They poop on EVERYTHING. For me, cute dresses & fluffy outfits are not a necessity.
3. Sensitive Laundry Detergent
I use a dye-free laundry detergent for the whole family. It's pretty good for babies too. They don't need their own special laundry soap unless you're washing your family's clothes with a super powerful bleach product.
4. Bottle Warmer
We have an electric kettle. It goes from zero to steaming in about 15-20 seconds. Pouring that water into a bowl and putting the bottle, or bag of milk, into the bowl, is the fastest and cheapest way to heat it without an electric warmer. If someone gifted it to me, I might use it, but I'm not going to let it take up space on my baby registry.
5. Glider & Ottoman
I live in a small house, and I really have nowhere to put one. I had one with my first baby and rarely ever sat in it. For some reason, my babies didn't like to rock and nurse at the same time, they preferred it when I was still. They only liked to rock while they were sleeping, and I had a swing for that.
THINGS I LEFT OFF ON PURPOSE
1. Breast Pump
You don't need to add this to your registry unless you don't have health insurance. Since I do have health insurance through my employer, I was able to get one free through Edgepark online. They took care of EVERYTHING and shipped me a very high quality, quite expensive electric pump.
2. Changing Table
A changing table is a waste of space, in my opinion. I had one when my oldest was born and used it exactly once. With both my kids, everywhere was my changing table. The bed, the couch, the floor. Wherever I was, that's where the baby was changed. It's way more convenient.
3. Crib & Crib Sheets
(What? Don't get a crib!? This lady is crazy!) I know you're thinking it, but hear me out. I left it off my registry because I don't want it right now. Again, I live in a small house, and don't have room for a nursery. I had a nursery with my first and second, and they didn't move into their cribs until they were too big for the bassinet, which took about 4-5 months. I don't know about you, but I don't have room in my house for a crib to just sit and hang out for nearly half a year. I'll skip this one for now.
4. High Chair
Babies aren't recommended to start receiving solid foods until 6 months old. If you're shocked at that fact, read the new recommendations by the American Pediatric Association. No baby food, no rice cereal, nothing. High chairs take up a huge amount of space, and I'm not prepared to sit and watch one collect dust for 6 months. I'll get one later, when it's closer to time for baby to start eating solids.
5. Socket / Outlet Covers / Baby Proof Locks
Babies don't start crawling for a while. Baby proof locks and outlet covers are cheap. When baby shows signs of crawling, I'll grab a few sets from the store. Until then, I'd like to keep using my cabinets without having to figure out how to unlock them.
6. Night Light
I don't have problems seeing in the dark when my eyes are adjusted. I have a natural nightlight outside my bedroom window anyway, since we live in the middle of the city and our streetlights are ridiculous.
7. Baby Gates
Again, baby doesn't crawl for a while. I don't want things I don't need today taking up space in an already small home.
8. Wipes Warmer
Wipes warmers are completely unnecessary in my opinion, and are also breeders of bacteria. Warm, moist environments are havens for bacteria. They love it. Plus, there have been dozens of stories of these warmers sparking and catching fire. Wet wipes & electricity just don't mix. If your baby doesn't like cold wipes, rub them in the palm of your hands for a minute. Your body heat will warm it up plenty.
9. Sippy Cups, Spoons, and Bowls
Sippy cups, spoons, and bowls likely won't be introduced until the baby is 6 months old. I don't want these floating around my house right now. There's no need. I can buy them later.
10. Diaper Pail & Refills
Do you really want a pail full of dirty diapers just chilling in your room, or living room, or kitchen, or wherever you plan to put it? When you change them, it stinks, really, really bad. They are tough to keep sanitary, and the refills are expensive. It makes so much more sense to me to just throw away the diapers and take them out daily with the trash each night.
Did I miss anything you found important with your babies? If so, please feel free to comment below. Add your experiences, your must haves, and your "live withouts."
We all have different experiences as parents, and sharing those experiences is helpful to everyone.
2. Changing Table
A changing table is a waste of space, in my opinion. I had one when my oldest was born and used it exactly once. With both my kids, everywhere was my changing table. The bed, the couch, the floor. Wherever I was, that's where the baby was changed. It's way more convenient.
3. Crib & Crib Sheets
(What? Don't get a crib!? This lady is crazy!) I know you're thinking it, but hear me out. I left it off my registry because I don't want it right now. Again, I live in a small house, and don't have room for a nursery. I had a nursery with my first and second, and they didn't move into their cribs until they were too big for the bassinet, which took about 4-5 months. I don't know about you, but I don't have room in my house for a crib to just sit and hang out for nearly half a year. I'll skip this one for now.
4. High Chair
Babies aren't recommended to start receiving solid foods until 6 months old. If you're shocked at that fact, read the new recommendations by the American Pediatric Association. No baby food, no rice cereal, nothing. High chairs take up a huge amount of space, and I'm not prepared to sit and watch one collect dust for 6 months. I'll get one later, when it's closer to time for baby to start eating solids.
5. Socket / Outlet Covers / Baby Proof Locks
Babies don't start crawling for a while. Baby proof locks and outlet covers are cheap. When baby shows signs of crawling, I'll grab a few sets from the store. Until then, I'd like to keep using my cabinets without having to figure out how to unlock them.
6. Night Light
I don't have problems seeing in the dark when my eyes are adjusted. I have a natural nightlight outside my bedroom window anyway, since we live in the middle of the city and our streetlights are ridiculous.
7. Baby Gates
Again, baby doesn't crawl for a while. I don't want things I don't need today taking up space in an already small home.
8. Wipes Warmer
Wipes warmers are completely unnecessary in my opinion, and are also breeders of bacteria. Warm, moist environments are havens for bacteria. They love it. Plus, there have been dozens of stories of these warmers sparking and catching fire. Wet wipes & electricity just don't mix. If your baby doesn't like cold wipes, rub them in the palm of your hands for a minute. Your body heat will warm it up plenty.
9. Sippy Cups, Spoons, and Bowls
Sippy cups, spoons, and bowls likely won't be introduced until the baby is 6 months old. I don't want these floating around my house right now. There's no need. I can buy them later.
10. Diaper Pail & Refills
Do you really want a pail full of dirty diapers just chilling in your room, or living room, or kitchen, or wherever you plan to put it? When you change them, it stinks, really, really bad. They are tough to keep sanitary, and the refills are expensive. It makes so much more sense to me to just throw away the diapers and take them out daily with the trash each night.
Did I miss anything you found important with your babies? If so, please feel free to comment below. Add your experiences, your must haves, and your "live withouts."
We all have different experiences as parents, and sharing those experiences is helpful to everyone.
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