From a mama of (almost) 6, here are my top recommendations for what you actually need on your baby registry. But…I’m using “need” loosely.
Disclaimer: Useful Does Not Mean Necessary
These are all items that I, at one point or another, have made use of or have found great assistance from. I stand by their usefulness. Many were especially helpful when I was a first time mom, and then again when I was navigating life with a toddler and a newborn. Some of these products have truly made my life so much easier. Some still do! In an ever-growing market of baby products, I hope to minimize some of the noise by sharing things I both used AND loved.
That said, I am in a new season of motherhood now and I strive to encourage mother’s to find themselves in this season sooner. While I’ll still pull them out and find purpose for them from time to time, there are several items (such as the crib, breast pump, and pacifiers to name a few) that get little to no use these days.
Babies truly only need their mother’s.
My Tried & True Favorites
You could call these “must-haves” if you’d like, however for myself I don’t find them to be interchangeable terms. I’ve found great use from these items at different points and in those seasons would have definitely said that they were a “must have.” Things change and people are different though, so what may have once been a “must have” for me, may never be a must have for you. Enjoy this list anyhow!
Baby Items
Clothing and Changing
- Diapers (sizes 1-3)
- Wipes
- Diaper Rash Cream
- Seasonally Appropriate Wear
- Onesies & Pants
- Socks, Hats & Mittens
- Zippered Footed Outfits
- Sleeper Gowns
Sleeping
- Muslin Blankets
- Bassinet and/or Crib
- Mattress
- Sheets
- Crib Liners
- Black Out Curtains
Small Accessories
- Pacifiers
- Pacifier Clips
- Teether
- Nasal Aspirator/NoseFrida
- Sound Machine Thermometer
Large Accessories
- Swing or Bouncer
- Baby Monitor
- Glider or Rocking Chair
Feeding
- Glass Bottles
- Bottle Brush
- Nipples (various sizes)
- Milk Storage Bottles and/or Bags
- Haakaa
- Breast Pump (manual or electric)
- Bibs
- Burp Cloths
- Highchair or Booster
- Bottle Brush
- Nursing Cover
Travel
- Convertible Carseat
- Stroller/Carseat/Base System
- Travel Sound Machine
- Diaper Bag
- Changing Mat
- Baby Carrier
- Pack-&-Play
- Mirror (for rear-facing)
Hygiene/Bath
- Bath Soap
- Nail Clippers
- Aquaphor or Lotion
- Infant Bath Seat
- Comb/Hairbrush
Items/Gifts for Mama
Postpartum Recovery & Care
- Button-Up Pajamas
- Socks and/or Slippers
- Robe
- Nursing Bras + Tanks
- Nursing Pads
- Postpartum Recovery Kit
- (includes disposable underwear, perineal cream or spray, peri bottle, and hot and cold pads)
- Herbal Teas
- Sitz Bath
- Heating Pad
- Nipple Cream
Postpartum Support
- Postpartum Doula Fund
- Warm Meals/Meal Train
- Housekeeping Fund
- Laundry Service Fund
- Restaurant Gift Cards
Funds
- Prenatal Massage Gift Card(s)
- Maternity Photography Fund
- Birth Photographer Fund
- Birth Doula Fund
- Midwife Fund
Optional
Postpartum Recovery & Care
- Sunshades (for car windows)
- Travel High-Chair/Booster
- Stroller Accessories
Sleeping
- Swaddles or Sleep Sacks
- Night-light (could also be
- your sound machine)
- Co-sleeping guard rail
Feeding
- Bottle Warmer
- Baby Utensils
- Boppy
- Bottle Sterilizer
- Nipple Shields
- Silicone Snack Cups
- Hands-Free Pumping Bra
- Food Processor
Accessories
- Hamper
- Humidifier
- Cabinet Locks
- Outlet Covers
- Baby Gates
- Faucet Cover (Bathtub)
- First-Aid Kit
- Personalized Keepsakes
Things I Would Absolutely Pass On
| Baby Towels | Regular towels work just fine and your baby won’t outgrow them. |
| Changing Table | You’ll change them everywhere but that table |
| Play Gyms | Throw a blanket on the floor and turn on the fan. |
| Baby Toys | Haven’t met a baby that didn’t prefer spatulas and remotes. |
| Button-Up Onesie’s | Do you want to do a puzzle, while delirious at 3am? |
| Diaper Genie | It’s a glorified trash can… Buy a trash can. |
| Expensive Bassinet | Baby may end up co-sleeping. Buy one for a reasonable price. |
| Exersaucer | Heavy. Bulky. Not conducive for development. PASS. |
Some Final Tips
Tip #1: Create a registry that allows “funding”
I tend to gravitate toward Babylist.com when it comes to creating a registry. You can select products from multiple brands and stores, as well as create different funds that friends and family can contribute toward. These are great for saving money for a doula or birth photographer, hiring help in postpartum, or even to start a savings for your baby before they’ve even arrived.
Tip #2: Prioritize your registry based on need and budget
Start out by adding items you absolutely need. There are things that you won’t be able to go without in those early days. Make sure you have considered what is a necessity and what you already have on hand when making your registry. Additionally, keep your budget in mind. Don’t feel bad about adding pricier items like cribs, strollers, and carseats. While these items may be a hefty price for one person to pay, multiple friends & family can pool together to get these for you.
Tip #3: If planning for more children, opt for a modular stroller
When registering for a stroller, I highly recommend going with a travel system because it includes an infant carseat, base, and stroller. They also make travel systems with modular strollers that allow you to convert from a single to double with ease. All you need are the attachments which you can add to your registry also, or purchase later on (we have the Wonderfold Wagon for our army!)
Tip #4: Buy items from your registry at a discount
After your shower is over you’ll likely be left with items still on your list. Most retailers allow you to purchase items from your registry with at a discount! For example, Target gives two 15% off coupons (one in-store purchase, one online) for items on your registry. Amazon and Babylist also offer 15% completion discounts on your registry items. See baby registry promotion details from each retailer for more detailed information on each discount.
