What I actually needed on my baby registry
There. Are. So. Many. Options.
Full-sized, mini, umbrella, jogging, double, car seat, travel, convertible… and that’s just strollers! The sheer amount of product to consume, all labeled as ‘a baby essential’, truly has me drowning.
Like me, you probably want to maximize your baby registry, since people are not only willing to make bigger purchases for your baby, they are eager!
It can be really daunting trying to figure out what you should put on a registry. I remember when we were pregnant with our first baby, I put a breast pump (The Spectrum 2)on my registry. We were so surprised and blown away by the generosity of a friend when she purchased that pump for us! We later found out that my insurance was actually providing that very same pump to us, for free! Ugh, why didn’t I know that sooner? What else could have been purchased in it’s place???
That is why I have created this very simple list of baby registry essentials. The list may seem long but hang in there! I have attached links to many of the products. While these links are affiliate links, I promise you, I actually use what I have listed below. Let’s get to it:
Stroller: Pick a stroller that will fit your lifestyle. If you live in a city, you might want a lightweight stroller that can easily fold down for a quick bus ride or storing at the back of the restaurant (when you muster the courage to go out again).
BabyZen Yoyo2
NYC families LOVE the Yoyo! It’s lightweight, easy to fold, sufficient storage under the carriage.
Graco Outspace LX
My family uses this stroller because we recently bought a car and wanted a stroller that could attach a car seat. We also love that the back of the stroller folds down and BOTH of my children can sit in this together comfortably.
2. Bedroom: Consider the space of your nursery Let’s be honest, a baby will only use a bassinet for 3 months. I highly encourage looking on FB Marketplace or you local Buy Nothing Group for a hand-me-down bassinet. The HALO is a great bassinet!
When looking for a crib, consider a crib that grows with you child. You will also need the matching mattress, and some sheets to go with it! (Blankets and comforters come much later.)
Dream On Me- Aden 4 in 1 Crib
This crib goes from crib, to toddler bed, to twin bed!
To really set the space and help baby with sleep, I highly encourage a sound machine and blackout curtains.
3. Diapers, Wipes, Cream: Yes, yes yes!
Make sure to ask for diapers in all kinds of sizes, you will grow out of size 0-1 very quickly! Honest Diapers are great and have a cute pattern! Speaking of diapers, don’t forget a diaper pail and bags. I use the Munchkin Step Pail, it has odor control and an easy to use bag holder.
I am a fan of zinc-free creams because they are easier to clean. For a luxury purchase check out Earth Mama for an afordable option try Maty’s.
4. Bottles & Pacifiers
There are so many factors when considering shopping for bottles. 1. Will I need bottles? 2. What kind of bottles will my baby like? 3.What size nipple do I need?
I suggest starting with 2 or 3 different bottles to test out which you and baby prefer. There are so many options, so choosing a variety will help you figure out what feels right. You will also want to look out for the sizes on the nipples. The size will indicate how fast the flow of milk comes out.
Tommee Tippee: Soft Silicone, sizes 5oz & 9oz
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow: Helps with colic
Comotomo: Wide neck deisgn
Pacifiers are also a hit or miss, try getting a few different nipple shapes to see what feels right.
5. Clothes, Blankets, Swaddles
People love baby clothes! No need to put any baby clothes on your registry, you will get plenty of clothes without asking for it!
Same goes for blankets.
Swaddles though, get a few different types to see what baby will like.
Swaddles
Peanut zipper swaddles, velcro swaddles, muslin swaddles!
I recommend the SwaddleMe Pod.
5. Bathtime
Baby towels, baby soap, and a tub! Living in NYC, bathroom space is tight! Look for a tub that is foldable, with a newborn insert. Stokke Flexi is great!
6. Miscellaneous
Here are some other items to add to your registry:
Changing table & pad
Baby hangers
Baby Lounger
Postnatal Vitamins for mom
Last but not least, create a way for people to give you cash! Cash is great for last minute baby items, those too-exhausted-to-cook Grub-hub orders, or occasional but necessary date nights out.
