What’s On My Baby Registry
When this little girl arrives, it will have been almost 4.5 years since we’ve had a baby. We’ve moved twice since then and given away a lot of our baby gear. There are also many new products on the market, so we’re definitely in need of some things. Registering for a baby can be overwhelming, so I’m putting together a pretty simple list of what worked for us last time and what we’re planning to get this time around.
I teamed up with my friend, Natalie Paramore, a food and lifestyle blogger and mom-to-be. We’re both due in May and have been working on our baby registries. I wanted to share my registry with this being my second child, and link to her registry for all the first time mamas out there.
I also wanted to answer some of the questions I got on Instagram about baby registries:
What are the top 3 registry items you couldn’t live without?
((Obviously, bottles, diapers and wipes,, but I don’t think that counts because you have to have those.))
So, I’ll say a Boppy or some lounge pillow for baby, sound machine and exercise ball for bouncing a fussy or colicky baby.
What’s your biggest advice when putting together a baby registry?
Don’t register for too many of the same type of bottle because you may need to try a few before you find the one your baby likes.
Do your research on carseats and crib mattresses. Jamie Grayson, The Baby Guy, says those are the top two items parents should focus on the most.
If you live in a two story house or a larger home, get two changing pads and two baby lounge pillow, so you’re not having to make so many trips to one room.
Just get the exercise ball.
What item(s) did you figure out you really didn’t need?
Runner was colicky and cried A LOT. Unfortunately, none of the swings, bouncers or moving contraptions helped, so we really didn’t need those. I’m not registering for one this time either. If we decide to get one, I’ll probably buy one used or borrow from a friend. (Again, exercise ball. $15).
Also, I’m not including a highchair on here because that’s an item that you don’t need right away and there are so many different preferences when it comes to high chairs. I have an expensive modern looking one that’s great and we’ve also used a cheap one from Ikea that’s just as good. You won’t use it for months, so unless you’ve got somewhere to store a highchair, it’s not necessary to have before the baby is born.
We also got super grossed out by the diaper trash can. Baby poop diapers are disgusting, y’all. You have to be very consistent about cleaning the trash can out very frequently, or it starts to smell so bad and there is no getting rid of the stink! We may just keep a little trash can in the room and clean it out every day.
Is a bassinet really necessary since it’s used for such a short time?
Yes and no. Most parents prefer (and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends) that you have the baby in your room with you the first few months (AAP says at least the first six months or up to a year). So, yes, the baby needs to sleep in something unless you have a crib in your room. That being said, a bassinet is really an aesthetic item. You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on a fancy bassinet. A basic bassinet that meets safety standards is just fine. We used an inexpensive one with Runner and we’re borrowing one from a friend this time.
Please keep in mind, this is our registry for what works best for our family. Everyone is different and has different priorities. Also, this list isn’t sponsored, however, I am including affiliate links and may earn a small commission if you make any purchases through those links.
Carseat
With Runner we had two carseats and two strollers, so we each had our own system (we won one system at an event and registered for the other). We’ve since given those systems away and this time around we got the Doona which is an infant carseat and stroller in one and comes with a latch base for the car. Talk about making life easy! It looks so convenient and my friends who have it say it’s the greatest thing ever. Done and done.
Stroller
Since we have the Doona, that will be our primary stroller, but we also have the B.O.B jogging stroller, which we love. We’re very active and out on the hike and bike trail or on walks on our neighborhood, so we used this a lot and I know we will again. Just keep in mind, you have to use a carseat with the B.O.B. until the baby is big enough to sit up, so we’ll have to get an inexpensive carseat since the Doona is not compatible.
Crib
We went with this 3-in-1 convertible crib for Run and it was great. We used it as a toddler bed once he was climbing out of his crib and just transitioned him to a full size bed a few months ago. Justin gave the crib a fresh coat of paint and now it’s in baby girl’s nursery.
Crib mattress
When it comes to a baby’s mattress, breathability is the most important factor in my opinion. This one is pricey, but has been proven to reduce suffocation risk, is hypoallergenic and non-toxic.
Waterproof crib mattress pad
Definitely an essential item for those inevitable um blow out situations… this one is also breathable.
Crib sheets
I love the muslin ones like this and it’s good to have a few. All we had in Run’s crib was a crib sheet (no bumpers, blankets, etc. as is recommended) and we’ll do the same with this baby.
Changing Pad
We loved this changing pad with Runner and will use it again. You wipe it down for easy cleaning and there are no covers to clean and change. It’s worth every penny and I’ve told so many people about it.
Swaddles
We’re fans of the velcro swaddles because they’re super easy and can keep baby swaddled tight, but some people prefer using the swaddle blankets. I think it’s good to have both. You’ll definitely use the blankets for other things like draping over the stroller, a light blanket for baby when out, spit up, breastfeeding, etc.
Monitor
There are so many cameras and monitors on the market it’s hard to decide which is best. We liked having one like this that had both the monitor screen and was compatible with your phone.
Travel bassinet
Not essential, but a good idea if you have plans to travel early on or will be going to relatives homes, etc. We have plans for both of those, so I’m registering for this one. It’s lightweight, has mesh panels and folds up. Plus, it’s super inexpensive.
Baby play gym/mat
We gave ours away because it took up so much space, and just got The Play Gym by Lovevery which looks awesome. It’s on the more expensive side, but it’s designed for baby's physical, cognitive, visual and motor learning. There are five development zones on the play mat and it’s made with 100% baby safe materials. Mats are used for play and tummy time and I’m sure we will use this one a lot.
Baby lounge pillow
Maybe our most used baby item. You have to have somewhere comfortable to set down the baby. Can’t go wrong with this one.
Nursing pillow
It’s like the lounge pillow, but with a hole in the middle so you can wrap it around the front of your body and use for feeding. Even if you’re not breastfeeding, this can be used for bottle feeding.
Burp cloths
Essential. Stock up. And get the thick kind. You’ll want them in your diaper bag, changing station, and all around your house wherever baby may be. Run had reflux and spit up ALL DAY LONG. It was gross, and I had burp cloths on hand at all times. I like these muslin ones because they’re absorbent.
Bottles
Like I said, I recommend trying a couple different bottles to see which one your baby likes best. There are special bottles that are supposed to fight with colic and different types of nipples. We used the Joovy Boob with Runner and will probably try those again. Even if you’re planning to breastfeed, you’ll still be pumping and want to give your partner the chance to feed the baby as well. Plus, breastfeeding can definitely be challenging in the beginning and you may have to turn to formula sooner than planned. It’s good to have bottles on hand to make sure baby is fed.
Exercise ball
I feel like I’ve mentioned this before… honestly, this was the best advice we got from a friend who had a fussy baby and said that was the only thing that helped. And it’s the only thing that seemed to calm down Runner, who was extremely fussy and colicky as a newborn. We bounced him on that damn ball all day and night. We deflated it and traveled with it. Something about the light bouncing motion that kept him calm.
Baby carrier
Run didn’t love being worn as much as I had hoped, but we still used ours occasionally and plan to use it again. And if your baby is happy being worn, then a carrier is a must. You can be hands free and use it to go out with the baby without having to bring the stroller.
Humidifier
Unfortunately, when a baby has a cold, there’s not much you can do other than try to make them more comfortable. This cool mist humidifier helps to provide some relief and sends out mist in any direction.
Thermometer
You definitely want to have a reliable one. We went through several before finding this one and have used it for years now. It’s expensive, but it connects to an app on your phone and has always seemed accurate.
Diaper Bag
I was very concerned with wanting a nice looking leather bag the first time around. I found a great. leather tote-style diaper bag by a company that I believe is no longer in business. It was great and had enough compartments for everything I needed, which is key. It’ got pretty heavy on my shoulder though, so this time around I’ve decided to try a backpack. I saw something about the Paperclip diaper bag on Instagram and did a little research. It’s made from recycled materials, includes bottle pockets on the outside and in and even has a roll out diaper changing station! I think it’s going to be great for travel and something that Justin and I would both be happy to carry around.
I hope this is helpful for those who are expecting. I didn’t include clothes here, but of course newborns need many onesies and footed PJs (we love the zip up PJs). Here’s the link again to check out Natalie’s registry post. I’d love to hear from you on Instagram if you have any questions or comments about registering!