Baby Registry Essentials All New Moms Need: Exposing Secrets
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Introducing the ultimate guide to Baby Registry Essentials for New Moms. Here I have curated a LONG list of every essential you need to add to your Baby Registry and why! As expectant mothers embark on the journey of preparing for their new arrival, the world of baby products can feel overwhelming. In this comprehensive blog post, I’ll be unveiling the secrets behind assembling the perfect baby registry, offering insights and recommendations from a seasoned mom point-of-view.
But first, let’s focus on YOU! Have you checked out my post on Pregnancy Must-Haves: Essentials Under $25? Definitely give this one a read to make sure you’re taken care of in Pregnancy!
Okay, let’s get on with it!
Easy Clothing
Zip-up Footed Pajamas
I know it’s tempting, upon finding out you’re pregnant, to shop for extravagant outfits. However when the time comes, I swear you’ll only want your baby in the softest, easy-to-change outfits. Always add in the staples to your baby registry that are easy to throw on and, of course, options you don’t mind getting stained.
My favorites are the Cloud Island Modal Collection from Target. I’m shocked that they are as inexpensive as they are. $12 for a 2-pack? Sounds like a serious gimmick for how buttery-soft they are. They have a ton of colors/prints with built-in mittens for the hands. These also come in the footless option as well.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have every single size/color they offer. My daughter is a 14-month-old track star so she doesn’t use the footed pajama, but is still able to wear the footless 6-9 months. They are extremely stretchy and will last a lifetime.
Soft Onesies (Long-sleeve & Short-sleeve)
Of course I’m going to recommend the same Cloud Island Modal Collection. How could I not? Surprise, they have onesies too. $12 for 3-pack and the size range goes much higher on these! I believe 18 month is the largest size, but again, they’re super super stretchy.
I like these because even though they are long-sleeve, they are super lightweight and breathable. Buttery soft onesies are an ultimate baby registry must-have.
Gowns
Knotted Gowns are the best way to keep middle of the night changes as simple as possible. It’s a simple untie… no buttons, no zippers. My daughter slept like a dream anytime we used this for sleep, I couldn’t have lived without these on my baby registry!
This particular one is the Bamboo Knotted Gown from Caden Lane and they are oh so soft. You can choose from a million prints and they all come with a matching hat!
Target also has knotted gowns in the Modal Collection. I believe these came out recently, so I will for sure be grabbing these for my second baby.
Socks
Socks are great because there’s no need to get fancy with it. Just get a ton of plain white socks (you’ll lose about half)!
Pretty self-explanatory but those fresh baby feet need to stay warm and cozy. I got mine in an 8-pack off of Amazon.
Sleep Sacks/Swaddles
PSA: Your baby will only need these types of swaddles until the are starting to show signs of rolling.
Do your research on safe sleep for newborns!
First and top pick would be the SwaddleMe Easy Change. You can get a 3-pack for about $32 on Amazon. These were great because my baby did NOT like her arms tucked in to a swaddle. This specific one gives you the option in case your baby is the same way. It also has a zipper at the bottom so there’s no need to un-swaddle for diaper changes! This helps keep them asleep so be sure to add these to your baby registry to save you from having to get them yourself!
The next pick, and popular pick, is the Halo SleepSack Swaddle. I have this on my must-try list for my second baby. It has nothing but great reviews and I have heard such great things about it from people I know! It has a TOG of 3.0 and is about $30 per swaddle. Good sleep is worth the investment!
Health
Nose Aspirator
Amazon kills the game in the baby department! Introducing, Grownsy Baby Nasal Aspirator. Remember, babies won’t know how to blow their nose until about 2 years old. Getting that gunk out for them is essential. I have tried the NoseFrida, it works decent. I found that the NoseFrida didn’t have great suction and broke easily, but this one is way better!
I’m not the biggest fan of the manual snot sucker, the idea of it personally grossed me out and the clean-up is tougher. Finding an electric nose sucker is the best way to go!
Nail Trimmer
I promise you’re not going to want to find out the hard way that these are a must. Nothing is worse than accidentally clipping your baby’s moving fingers when trimming nails. This makes that possibility impossible. Don’t forget to add things like this to your baby registry, they’re easy to forget about but super helpful have already.
Haakaa is a very trusted brand. This one comes with 6 different heads that will grow with your baby as their nails get stronger and a light for better guidance. It’s very gentle, that even the highest setting on the skin still feels like a tickle to me!
Save yourself from the heartache and stress, this is worth the add to your baby registry!
Gas Relief
THIS! I can’t say enough great things about this product. First of all, let me backtrack. My daughter went through some traumatic late-colic that started around 3/4 months. It felt like the screaming would never end, I didn’t know what to do!
Our pediatrician was shocked that it started so late, but recommended these probiotic drops for daily use. These drops truly saved our baby and she slept so much better after starting this!
While I’m not a doctor, fortunately, this probiotic is available over-the-counter. If I had known earlier, I would have started these on my baby registry from day one. Probiotics are crucial for a baby’s underdeveloped digestive system!
Thermometer
Don’t forget to add the essentials to your baby registry! To be prepared to tackle your baby’s first sickness, you’re going to need one of these on deck.
Baby Wash/Lotions
You guys… I wish you could smell this from across the screen. If you want your baby smelling fresh no matter how old they get, this is the set you want to get. I put samples of this on my baby registry because I didn’t know how much I’d love it, but I went back for more!
The lotion, aside from the amazing scent, is one-of-a-kind. The texture is so velvety, unlike the other watery-textured baby lotions I’ve tried. This has never irritated my daughters skin and has only made it softer. You definitely get your moneys worth, I can’t recommend it enough!
Diapering
Diaper Pail
Get yourself aa diaper pail unless you want your house smelling like poo for the rest of your days! Regular trash cans won’t do the trick, so seal the smell with a diaper pail. This one is called the Ubbi Diaper Pail, I really like it, my only complaint is that I just wish they had bigger sizes. Definitely was a must-have on my baby registry!
Changing Pad
I prefer a wipeable changing pad. I’m still not sure why people opt for cushions, adding to the laundry load. This one is so convenient because it’s wipeable; no need for extra covers. Let’s be honest, you’ll be dealing with blowouts, so easier cleanup is a must.
I chose the SkipHop wipeable pad, it’s a fraction of the price compared to the Keekaroo and works the exact same.
If comfort is a concern, I’ll place a soft blanket on the pad for pee changes which aren’t typically messy (unless you have a boy!). But otherwise, my baby hasn’t minded, and having this changing pad on my baby registry has been a HUGE game changer.
Diapers
Of course you need diapers! I like the MillieMoon Diapers because of their comfortability. Huggies are also always an easy-go because of the convenience. If your baby has sensitive skin, you may want to try a couple different brands.
You’re going to want to stock up on these in your baby registry, Would you be shocked if I told you I’m still using diapers gifted from my baby shower? Yup! My daughter is 14 months old and still using baby shower diapers. Have each of your guests bring in a pack to save yourself major bucks!
Wipes
I wish I could say that you can’t go wrong with any kind of wipes, but you definitely are going to want to be picky with these. I’ll tell you which ones I hated and why, and which ones I loved and why.
Starting with which ones I hated, that would be the Huggies wipes. These are rough and not wet enough, felt like I was sandpapering my babies fresh skin. NOT recommended. I also won’t recommend anything with fragrance. This can give your baby infections and irritations, so stick with the purest ingredients. All you need is water!
Which brings me to my favorite, The Water Wipes! These are a fan favorite, it’s just water! They are super soft and essentially the perfect amount of wetness to clean up any mess. Highly recommend to add to your baby registry.
Diaper Rash Cream
Diaper rash cream is essential to have on hand. Unfortunately, it’s expected for babies to have diaper rashes so this is helpful to have on your baby registry to soothe any discomfort that can cause for your baby.
If your baby is having consistent diaper rashes, be sure to try new wipes, diapers, and/or body wash and see your Pediatrician.
Feeding
Breast Pump
I will say, I didn’t nail it in this department last go around. If you don’t prefer to be stuck to the wall in a chair with no free hands, then you’re going to want to splurge on your breast pump. A pill I did not want to swallow last time! But why not add to your baby registry in case someone is wanting to gift you one?
Now that I’m a second time mom, I’ve chosen to invest in the Elvie Wearable Pump. No one has time to sit and be milked like a cow on a leash in a dark room holding those things in place! At least now I will be able to be on-the-go and chase my toddler while still pumping.
Breastmilk Storage Bags
Having these on your baby registry will come in handy when you chose to pull out that breast pump.
Pro-tip: When storing in freezer, get the extra air out of the bag and flatten them out so you can lay flat for easier defrosting and storing.
Haaka
You may or may not know this yet, but when you breastfeed on one side, it comes out the other side too! Put a Haaka on your baby registry to catch the extra milk and save it for future feedings.
Bottles
I recommend getting a few of common brands to test out. Some babies are very picky with their bottles. I have always had amazing luck with Avent Bottles. Not only were these recommended by many, but they are also very easy to clean! You aren’t going to want to choose a bottle that has a million parts to clean.
Equipment
Pack n’ Play
A Pack n’ Play is going to be your best friend for many reasons. For one, it’s an amazing way to keep your baby in a safe spot so you can finally get to those dishes that have been piling up. Secondly, it’s your ultimate travel best friend so your baby has a safe place to sleep when vacationing or visiting out of town. Third, it’s a great play area to throw some toys in there and let them have safe independent play! Add this to your baby registry for ultimate parenting ease.
Here is the best of the best and the one we have at home, its a 3-in-1 bassinet, crib, and changing table. We still use this on a daily and will continue to use as we have baby #2!
Car Seat
This is a NEED. You will not be able to bring your baby home without a car seat installed so be sure to add this to your must-haves on your baby registry!
We went with the UppaBaby Mesa V2 carseat and we love it! It was very easy to configure and get installed. I had so much confidence in the safety putting my newborn in to the car seat.
Crib
A baby registry staple!
Babyletto. That’s all I’ll say. The best brand for all things furniture. We went with the Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib which fit with our nursery theme perfect and can be used for both boys and girls so we can reuse it!
Stroller
You’ve probably already put thought in to which stroller you want to buy. I will say this is a topic that I put a lot of thought in to, I ended up picking the Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller for many reasons that I can put in to a blog post for you. It has held up great and just so happened to be one of the cheaper options as well.
I like that it is customizable for your own situation. It can hold up to 1, 2, or even 3 kids! Also can attach almost any brand of car seat with the adapter. This essential was definitely was a must-have to list on our baby registry.
Bassinet
This is what your baby will be sleeping in for the first 5-6 months of life. You will probably be up every two or so hours feeding your baby especially in those first few weeks, so you’re going to want to have a nice bedside bassinet to make those nighttime feedings as easy as possible.
I recommend adding the Halo Swivel Sleeper to your baby registry. Having a bassinet that was moveable was essential!
Baby Monitor
I love the HelloBaby Monitor we got from Amazon! This isn’t something that you really HAVE to splurge on…
I currently use the Nanit for my 14 month old but that’s because she really doesn’t need to be closely monitored anymore. We always use my amazon monitor for travel and will be using for baby #2 as well. I like that it has a big screen that isn’t on my phone so I can watch no matter what I am doing at the moment.
Baby Car Monitor/Mirror
If you want to travel with ease, add this car monitor to your baby registry. I love that I can easily watch her through a camera on my dashboard so I don’t have to take my eyes far off the road to check on her. This has been a game changer for travel!
Accessories
Pacifiers
Alright, now we’re on to the accessories! All babies are different so I can’t necessarily promise that the ones my baby love will be the same ones your baby loves.
My recommendation is to buy a few different brands to tag on to your baby registry! From 0-6 months my daughter loved these Tommee Tippee breast-like pacifiers, and from 6 months-now my baby loves these Tommee Tippee ones. Definitely give these a try!
Teething Toys
I stocked up on a whole bunch of these… It was helpful to have them all around the house since babies put everything in their mouth! Those teething days were pretty rough so having them on hand were amazing.
Bottle Accessories
As in “bottle accessories”, I mean bottle brushes, bottle wash, and a bottle drying rack. These are the things we tend to forget about but are so helpful to have on your baby registry! Any bottle brush will do, but as for bottle cleaners, I use the Dapple Baby Dish Wash! Clean, fresh ingredients and also unscented!
SnuggleMe Lounger
It’s a shame this one is listed at the end because holy moly… this was my saving grace. The SnuggleMe Lounger. This was like a big hug for my baby and she spent a TON of her time in this as a newborn.
It says not to let them nap in the SnuggleMe, which for nighttime or unattended sleep I completely agree. However, when I’m supervising I do let my baby nap in the SnuggleMe. Plus, it’s hard not to fall asleep with how comfortable it is!
This also helped when she was learning to sit up, so we definitely got our use out if it. Don’t forget to get a cover for it! We’ve had our fair share of blowouts in this lounger.
Sound Machine
If you’re making your baby registry, be sure not to miss adding a sound machine! It’s always great to have at least one stationary and one portable sound machine.
Here is my favorite sound machine for my daughters room, this stays in there and sometimes will bring when traveling which has helped her sleep so much. It also lets me be as loud as I need to be during nap time!
A BabyShusher was my go-to portable sound machine, this helped so much especially during car rides to keep my daughter calm.
Baby Bath
Adding a baby bath to your registry ensures a safe and convenient way to bathe your newborn. That first bath is the sweetest time, why not make it easy with a baby bath that can grow with your baby until they are able to sit up strong?
The SkipHop Baby Bath is what I chose to make bath times easy. I like this a lot because you’re able to stop the flow of water. This keeps baby warm and comfortable and I highly recommend this one!
Baby Carrier
Baby Carriers are always handy to have on deck. You don’t need but maybe 1 or 2 on hand for times when you just really need your hands free (which is often, let’s be honest).
This Amazon baby carrier has always been easy and very budget friendly.
You don’t need a crazy expensive carrier, but if you’re looking for a more comfortable option and you want to invest, this one is also one that I have that I really enjoy as well.
Wrapping It Up
As we prepare to welcome our bundles of joy into the world, let’s remember that our registry choices reflect our unique lifestyles and preferences. Whether it’s opting for eco-friendly diapers or choosing a sleek, modern crib, each decision is a reflection of who we are as individuals and as mothers-to-be!
If you’ve made it this far, You’re the real OG and I bet you feel way more prepared than when you first started! Hopefully, you have taken some tips and made a few notes on what you’d like on your baby registry.