A Baby Registry with Must-Have Items to Avoid Clutter in Your Home!
Let’s be honest, having babies brings so much clutter into your home. Here is an essential list that will help you continue staying organized once your baby arrives. Plus some of my favorite products to add to your registry and a list of items you don’t need to add to your registry.
- Diapers and wipes
- Bottles
- Formula (if not breastfeeding)
- Breast pump (if breastfeeding)
- A car seat
- Baby carrier or wrap
- Crib and crib mattress
- Bassinet
- Travel Bassinet
- Changing table or some changing surface
- Dresser
- Nursing pillow (if breastfeeding)
- Diaper bag
- Baby monitor and camera
- Activity center
- Baby bath support
- Grooming Kit
- Humidifier
- Stroller
- Swing
- High Chair
- Bibs
- Pacifier
- Bumbo
- Baby Dome
- Diaper Caddy
- Dreft
- Electric Nose Sucker
My Favorite Baby Items For Your Registry Listed Below:
1. Diapers and Wipes
Diapers and wipes are necessary to add to your registry so people know what kind to get you. If you are unsure on what kind to get you can always set up a diaper fund. This is something that the Amazon Registry has available. This means people can give you money towards diapers! My favorite diapers were Pamper Swaddlers (for all sizes) and my favorite wipes were the water based pampers. My babies have sensitive skin and break out easily, but for these brands they did not. The hospital we had our babies in also used pampers diapers.
2. Baby Bottles
Honestly, there are so many bottles and most likely you will have to try and find one that works best for your baby. I personally liked the Tommee Tippee bottles. I asked around and many people recommended this or the Dr. Brown’s bottles. I decided to go with these and didn’t have any issues with either of my kids. Then you can buy a new nipple size when they need to have a faster flow of milk. I usually found they needed to have an increase in size when the nipple would get pushed in when they drank or if they complained when drinking.
3. Formula
Formula is another check and guess when it comes to babies. I do recommend having some on hand even if you are breastfeeding incase you have a hard time producing. My recommendation is to fill out to get free samples. Follow the link below
4. Breast Pump
First, it is important to know most insurance pays for your breast pump! I got mine for both my babies from this website. You fill out all the information with your insurance and it will show you what you are eligible for and for how much. Mine included both a breast pump, compression socks, and a lumbar support belt!
The breast pump I chose was the Spectra S2. The only downside was that it has to be plugged in. There was no spot for batteries. I didn’t have any problems with these. If this is your second baby, your insurance should pay for another breast pump. I had one that was upstairs and then one for my work, so I didn’t have to haul it back and forth.
5. Car Seat & Carrier
I did not get the car seat that you carry into stores. It seemed bulky to me and I already would be carrying a baby and a baby bag. Instead, I opted to get this carrier where I could easily slip my child in and walk around holding them on my front with a bag on the bag. It was perfect and I really enjoyed using it. We ended up actually getting two. One for my husband and one for me because we used it so often that we were constantly moving the straps so it was easier to buy a second one.
The car seat I decided on was the Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit 4 in 1 car seat. It had the best safety rates which was the most important to me. It also gives my child the chance to be rear facing longer. I will keep my child rear facing as long as possible because of all the safety risks of turning them too soon.
6. Crib & Mattress
No, your crib does not come with the mattress so make sure to add one to your registry. This is the mattress I chose for both my babies. It comes with a water-resistant, removable cover as well. The crib I chose was mainly based off of looks, price, and if it could transition into a toddler bed. This is what we chose below.
7. Bassinet
We used our bassinet for the first 6 months of our babies’ lives. We kept them next to our bed and for the first 3 months I was able to wake up and easily feed them and change their diaper.
8. Travel Bassinet
If you are going to be traveling with your baby then this is a must have! We used our travel bassinet in multiple hotel rooms. You can rock the baby to help them sleep and it easily folds up to fit in the car. We used this on the main floor of our house so the baby could nap while I cleaned and could still keep an eye on them. I was that paranoid mom checking in on my child every minute to make sure they were breathing. So, this was very helpful to keep around.
9. Changing Table/Dresser
You don’t want to get on your hands and knees constantly. You will already be sore from birth for days to weeks or even months after giving birth and you will want to have everything as easy as possible to access. This includes changing your child. My changing table was right above my child’s dresser. If the dresser you chose does not come with a changing table above it and you really like that idea, then just buy one of these changing trays to go above it. Just know, that you will need to buy a changing pad, even if you bought the dresser that comes with the tray. The changing pad does not come with.
10. Nursing Pillow
Nursing pillows are a must if you are planning on breast feeding. It helps support your back and the baby’s head. Below is the pillow I used, mainly off how pretty it was.
11. Diaper Bag
I highly recommend a diaper backpack compared to just a bag. The backpack makes it easy to carry while also holding your child. This specific one worked for my family and has been able to carry everything we have needed.
12. Baby Monitor & Camera
Baby monitors are a must! We used ours to listen to our baby while we were downstairs and they were napping. Or when we went to a friends house, or if we were in the other room while they played in their rooms. On top of this, a camera can be very helpful to see what your child is doing. The only downfall is the sound isn’t always loud enough and you have to have your phone constantly on to see them, which is why having the monitors are just as important. These can go wherever you go and be on for hours before they need a charge. We chose a really cheap camera. It works great and we don’t have any complaints.
13. Activity Center
Recently, I was ready to get rid of this activity center because I thought my toddlers had outgrown it. Then I remembered that it wasn’t just used as a bouncer, but it turns into a table as well! I was just thinking I needed to get my toddlers a table and I already had one at my finger tips. I love this thing! The kids loved jumping on it and playing with the piano that can stay on top or go under their feet. Now they love to draw on it or eat their snacks off of it.
14. Baby Bath Support
A baby bath support is designed to assist parents in bathing their infants safely and comfortably. Below is what we used.
15. Grooming Kit
There are many different grooming kits available for babies. This is what we used and it worked really well.
16. Humidifier
We tried many different humidifiers. One specific one I remember trying was shaped as a cloud and was super cute. Unfortunately, it stopped working only after two months. The humidifier we decided on was this Cool Mist that had almost 100k reviews and we don’t regret it! It can really pump out some mist! We rarely keep ours on the max level, but when the babies are really congested then we crank it up and it helps so much!
17. Stroller
Do yourself a favor and get a running stroller instead of a regular stroller. I tell you what, these jogging strollers are so much better than regular strollers. They glide so much easier! I will never use a regular stroller again. The only problem is if you have two babies or a toddler and a baby and you get the side by side jogging stroller, just know some doors it will be very difficult to go through. They made them very very tight. But this individual stroller I have had no problems with! This Graco stroller also includes an infant seat. There are options to just buy the running stroller, which is what I did. I also recommend getting a wagon. This is helpful when taking a trip to the zoo or beach and need to have a bunch of things packed in it, including your child. I haven’t found one that I have loved yet, and the ones that I am interested in are pricey. Let me know in the comments if you have found a good one with decent prices! Specifically one that can hold two toddlers and still be pulled in the sand.
18. Swing
Do yourself a favor and put the expensive swing on your registry that can go either direction. This was a lifesaver for me! I used it with both of my kids and one kid liked it going one way and the other liked it the opposite. You never know what is going to work best for your little ones, so splurge and get this. We kept ours plugged in to save on money from batteries.
19. High Chair
This high chair is amazing because of all the things it can transform into. It has 7 stages to grow with your baby!
20. Bibs
The bibs I found the most useful were these silicone bibs. They can easily be washed off and catch all the food and water that is spilled. I rarely used cloth bibs. They only time they were the most helpful was for catching drool.
21. Pacifier
Did you know that using pacifiers helps reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk? It is believed that pacifier use may help maintain an open airway and promote a safer sleep environment for babies. Babies have a natural instinct to suck, and pacifiers provide a means for them to self-soothe. Sucking on a pacifier can help calm and comfort babies, especially during times of distress, such as when they are tired, fussy, or experiencing minor discomfort. Each of my kids liked different kinds of pacifiers. I think it is just a guess and check. Luckily, they aren’t too expensive. If you decide to get a pacifier than you definitely need to invest in one of these pacifier clips that will prevent the pacifier from falling off your child.
22. Bumbo
I use this everywhere and daily! I used it with my daughter until she was about two years old! There was a time where we stopped using it because her thighs got so chunky but eventually she slimmed down again and we continued to use it. I mainly use this as a booster seat at the dining room table so the babies can sit at the table and feel a part of the conversations. This is another thing I used to bring to my mother-in-laws or my grandmothers house so the babies had somewhere safe to sit that can be strapped down, and it even has a tray that comes out as well to put on top of it.
23. Baby Dome
I used this everywhere outside. On camping trips, to the beach, or in the garden. It folds up so easily and has automatic arms to carry it. It also closes to prevent mosquitos and other bugs from getting in. It also protects the baby from UV rays. I was so sad when I realized my now 1 year old will not be needing this at the beach anymore.
24. Diaper Caddy
A friend of mine gave me a diaper caddy and said trust me, you won’t want to go up and down the stairs to the changing table constantly, and she was right! This was very helpful, didn’t cost much, and can be taken anywhere.
25. Dreft
Add as much Dreft to your registry as you want because you will be using it for awhile. Babies should use Dreft laundry detergent because it is specifically formulated to be gentle on their delicate skin. Regular laundry detergents can contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in babies. Dreft is hypoallergenic, free of dyes, and designed to be tough on stains while still being gentle enough for baby clothes and blankets.
26. Electric Nose Sucker
These are so easy to use and clear your babies sinuses out quickly! If you don’t get this on your registry then buy it yourself! It will save you so much hassle!
Things you don’t need on your baby registry:
Clothes, people are going to buy you clothes no matter what.
Teething toys-people again are going to buy you
Toys- you will get so many!
Blankets-many people will make handmade or find cute ones
Changing pad covers: honestly, we rarely use them. It is more for looks. I am constantly having to take it off and wash them because poop or pee gets on it. Instead if I don’t have anything on it then I can just wash it clean with a wipe.
Forehead thermometer. This never worked for me. I don’t think they work great and when I thought my baby had a fever they said the best way was to check anally. So we take a wipe and wipe it ahead of time to ease it in. It didn’t bother them much until they became a toddler and I transitioned to putting it in their mouth…yes I bought a new one beforehand lol.