Baby Registry Essentials to Add to Your List Now
As a new mom, I did tons of research when I created my baby registry. Now that my little one is a full-blown toddler, I have a better idea of which things are essential and products that I love.
I hope this list will take some of the guess work out of it for you and help you create your baby registry.
My #1 tip?
Make your registry on Amazon. Not only do they offer free shipping with Prime and fast delivery, they also send you a welcome box with free stuff AND a completion discount. Click here for a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime!
That means you can purchase anything left on your registry after the baby is born for 10% off (15% off if you have Prime!).
Click here to start making your baby registry on Amazon!
Without further ado, here are your Baby Registry Essentials…
*This page contains affiliate links to products I recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
Sleep
Halo Sleepsack– Newborns love to be swaddled when they sleep, but some are downright Houdinis. My little one would break out of his swaddle and then wake up. Then we got the Halo sleepsack. His little arms and legs were wrapped tight and he slept soundly.
Bassinet– We chose to have our baby sleep in our room until he was about 6 months old. My mother-in-law got us this bassinet and I love it. My favorite feature is the little glow light you can turn on to check on baby without disturbing him.
Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine– This thing is amazing. I know it seems a bit steep for a sound machine, but trust me, you want this on your baby registry. It’s controlled by an app on your phone and has a huge assortment of sounds and colors. Now that my sweet baby is a toddler, we’ve programmed it to change to a different color and sound when he’s allowed to get out of bed in the morning. Total game changer.
Video monitor– Once your little babe moves into his own room, you’re going to want a monitor. We started out with just an audio monitor at first but it made me anxious not being able to see my baby. We bought this video monitor and it is so nice being able to check on him at any time.
Swing– My little one loved spending time in his swing. And I loved having a safe place to put him down when I needed to do a few things. Because I was super paranoid about him getting a flat spot on his head, I got this awesome cushion to help prevent it.
Pack ‘n Play– This is probably one of the most versatile products you’ll add to your baby registry. I keep mine in the living for a safe place for baby to play and nap. There is also a changing table attachment which is great if you living in a two story house and don’t want to go upstairs every time baby needs a new diaper. It is perfect as a travel crib, too!
Pacifier– My absolute favorite pacifier is these by MAM. I tried loads of other brands, but my son didn’t care for them. MAM pacifiers are designed to feel like mother’s breast. My advice: get the ones that glow in the dark. You’ll thank me when you’re trying to find it in the middle of the night. To keep them clean in the diaper bag, grab a set of these little containers. Don’t forget to add some pacifier clips to your baby registry, too.
Diapering, Bath, and Health
Diaper Genie– The necessity of this item is hotly debated among my friends. I think the big determining factor is how accessible your outdoor garbage can is. I have a detached garage, so I have to go outside to get to my garbage. Many of my friends, though, have their garbage inside their attached garage so it’s super easy to dispose of a smelly diaper. If you don’t want to walk out to your garbage cans multiple times a day, I suggest you add this to your baby registry. Don’t forget extra bags and filters!
Diaper bag– Personally, I prefer a backpack diaper bag over a messenger bag. It is so much easier to lug around when you’re carrying a baby. This one is durable and has lots of smart pockets. Make sure you register for these travel diaper disposal bags, too!
Aquaphor and Boudreaux’s Butt Paste– Add both of these to your baby registry. My son did not do well with Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, but Aquaphor clears his diaper rash up quickly. My other mom friends swear by Boudreaux’s, though. Register for both and see what you (and your baby) prefer.
Baby bath– This baby bath is safe, compact, and easy to use anywhere. My son was able to sit in it comfortably which made bath time so much easier. Don’t forget to add soap to your baby registry!
NoseFrida– I know, this thing sounds absolutely disgusting. But it WORKS. And when you have a crying baby who can’t sleep because he’s stuffed up, you’re going to want something that works fast.
Owlet Baby Monitor– I’ll be honest, this one is out of my price range. But if you can swing the price tag, I’d definitely add this to your baby registry. My friends who are lucky enough to have it tell me how much they like having the piece of mind of knowing their little one is safe.
Vicks rectal thermometer– If you want an accurate reading of your baby’s temperature, you’re going to want a rectal thermometer. I’ve had the kind that your sweep across the forehead or stick in baby’s ear and they are not accurate AT ALL. If you think your little one is sick, you want to be confident in the thermometer you’re using. Bonus- this one is just the right size so you know how far to insert it.
NailFrida baby nail clippers– Cutting a baby’s nails is a TERRIFYING experience, especially when they are itty bitty. These are a bit pricier than some, but they’re worth it for the added safety features.
Gripe Water– This stuff is amazing for settling little upset tummies and relieving gas. It’s a lifesaver, so be sure to add a few bottles to your baby registry.
Feeding
Breast Pump– If you are planning to breast feed, a pump is a must-have. Many insurance carriers will provide you with one. I used the Medela Pump in Style Advanced and I really liked it. On a whim, I also purchased this car adapter for it and I’m so glad I did. There were more than a few times I had to resort to pumping in my car!
Haakaa– Want to collect milk without any effort? Register for the Haakaa! While your baby is nursing, put the Haakaa on your other breast and collect milk with zero effort. You will be surprised by how many ounces you can get in a day just from this.
Boppy– A Boppy will save your back and your arms. Like a rookie, I didn’t take my Boppy to the hospital when my baby was born and it was so awkward trying to arrange the bed pillows to support me. Get a Boppy and some extra covers. Your back will thank you. Oh, and you’ll probably want the waterproof cover, too.
Nursing cover– I love this nursing cover because it’s pretty and it’s versatile. It can be used for privacy when breast feeding or pumping, a cover for the baby carrier, a high chair cover, and a shopping cart cover. Genius.
Burp cloths– Buy them all. Just get all the burp cloths.
Nuk Bottles– I am not persnickety about many baby items, but I am about this. Nuk bottles are THE BEST bottles out there. They are prefect for breast fed babies because the nipple is designed to feel like a breast. We had very few issues getting our son to accept a Nuk bottle.
Bottle drying rack– The Boon bottle drying rack is designed specifically for baby bottle and accessories. It was so nice to have a separate, clean rack to dry all of the bottles and pump parts.
Dishwasher basket– Throw everything in here and run it in the dishwasher. I’ve used this for pump parts, bottle parts, straws, baby utensils, you name it. The basket is perfect for making sure nothing falls out and gets lost.
Other pretty important stuff for your baby registry
Carseat and stroller– This travel system is really nice because the infant car seat snaps into the stroller. SO convenient. Now that my son is bigger, he rides along in the regular seat. We loved this carseat blanket for the cold winter months.
Car mirror– By law, babies need to be in rear-facing car seats until they are 2 years old. Be sure to add a car mirror to your baby registry so you can keep an eye on him while you drive.
Jumperoo/Bouncer– Once your little one is big enough, they are going to want to spend A LOT of time in this genius contraption. It is so nice to have a safe place for your baby to play and work on his motor skills.
Play Gym– Floor time is so important for little ones and this play gym makes it fun. I love the variety of toys on this one. My baby particularly loved looking at himself in the little mirror.
Baby books- Yes, you can Google pretty much anything. But, I really liked having a trusted source to refer to when I needed advice about sleep training, weaning, etc. I have both Baby 411 and What to Expect When You’re Expecting.
And there you have it!
Was this list helpful to you? Is there anything else you absolutely love for a baby registry? Share in the comments!
While you’re at it, take a look at my Breakfast Smoothie recipe. It is perfect for a busy, tired mom!
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