Baby Registry Essentials

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Having my daughter unexpectedly meant I didn’t have months to put together a baby registry. Instead, it was a frantic attempt to google all the things I may need. Now that the dust has settled, I have my own list of baby registry essential. Feel free to register for an Amazon baby registry at no cost today.

Diapering

Diapers– EVERY BABY NEEDS DIAPERS. A newborn can go through 12 diapers a day! Most children don’t begin potty training until 18 to 30 months and can go through 8 diapers daily. I really like Pampers diapers. They provide the best fit for my daughter and offer rewards through their program the Pampers Club. Pampers Club offers cash back, coupons, and informative material for new parents.
Diaper Wipes– You can never have too many wipes! I again choose Pampers’ brand, specifically their Sensitive Water Based Diaper Wipes. These wipes are hypoallergenic and unscented. You also receive points for these through the Pampers Club.
Portable Changing Pads– I did not buy a changing table or traditional changing pad. In my one bedroom apartment I just don’t have the space for it. Instead I bought a couple of Skip Hop Pronto Portable Changing Pads for around the house. Let’s be honest, any flat steady surface can be a changing table hence the reason for portable changing pads. I suggest buying one for however many diaper bags you have if they don’t include one, one for each car the baby will be in, and a couple for the house.
Diaper Bag or Backpack– In my post “A Few of My Favorite Things I featured the Vera Bradley Women’s Signature Cotton Ultimate Baby Diaper Bag (Bonbon Medallion). There are plenty of diaper bags and backpacks to chose from. Mancro’s Diaper Bag Backpack is a great example of a gender neutral diaper backpack. Important features for me are if they have insulated pockets for bottles, stroller straps, and include a changing pad.

Feeding

Baby bottles– You do not need 100 baby bottles. I have about 12 bottles with baby nipples and caps. I have about twenty that are storage bottles. That’s it. I use the Medela baby bottles since they work with my Medela breast pump.
Burp Cloths– Burp cloths are the prerequisite to bibs. You will not need bibs for a while. You will however need burp cloths and lots of them. Babies are going to spit u frequently. You probably don’t want it all over you. Amazon Essential Burp Cloths come in gender neutral colors!
Ready to Drink Formula– When breastfeeding isn’t an option, formula is there for you. However, powdered formula is a hassle. Ready to drink formula means just pouring it into a bottle. Similac Pro-Sensitive Infant Formula Ready to Drink Bottles are easy on babies tummies and parents’ peace of mind.

Car & Travel

Car seat & stroller combo (travel system)– You’ve got to take the baby home in a car seat right? I never knew what a baby travel system was until I had my daughter. Basically the car seat fits into your stroller so you can seamlessly go from car to stroller. I received the Baby Trend Pathway Jogger System from my mother and LOVE IT. This one is of course good for those who enjoy the rugged terrain or jogging. It’s also great for being in the mall and using the two cup holders for Starbucks.
Baby Car Mirror-I had a lot of anxiety the first time I drove in the car with my baby. I was constantly worried that I couldn’t see her. I didn’t even know baby car mirrors existed but then I got one and fell in love. With a baby car mirror it’s easy to keep a close eye on your baby while driving. The Shynerk Baby Car Mirror is one of the best.
Pack n Play– A Pack n Play is essentially a portable crib/playpen for babies. It’s great for if you are traveling or if you want your baby to be sleeping in another room aside from the main sleeping area. I shared in “A Few of My Favorite Things” that mine sits in my living room. Recently when my mother came to visit we brought it to the hotel. I recommend registering for one that’s a nursery center like Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe 2 Nursery Center, Twinkle Twinkle Moon it comes with a bassinet and changing station.

Clothing

Onesies– Babies need onesies. I opted to ask for a lot. Less laundry to do and babies are going to frequently get their onesie dirty. I love shopping at Carter’s. Their onesies fit my daughter the best out of several brands I’ve received and they offer preemie sizes. They also offer a rewards program which is an added bonus. Their 6-Pack Original Bodysuits are a great addition to any baby registry.
Baby Laundry Detergent-With baby clothes comes baby laundry. Baby laundry needs baby laundry detergent. I recommend buying detergent that is hypoallergenic and unscented. Dreft Pure Gentleness Plant-Based Liquid Baby Detergent meets those guidelines.
Nursing Bras– Clueless me had no idea that nursing bras existed let alone had a clue what they were for. But then my breast started to produce milk and my regular bras weren’t helpful. Not wearing a bra was just as uncomfortable. Thankfully my aunt bought me Hofish Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras.They come in sizes S-XXL and include bra extenders and clips. Even if you’re not breastfeeding your breast will thank you for the support.

Home life

Bassinet or Bedside Sleeper– Baby has to have a place to sleep! Bassinets and bedside sleepers are both cribs designed for newborns until about four months. The main difference is bedside sleepers are designed to attach to your bed and have an opening on the bedside so you and your baby can essentially co-sleep. I was given the Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet. It includes a mobile and soothing unit that includes music as well as light projections. The Kidsclub Baby Bedside Sleeper is an Amazon favorite that has been highly recommended to me as well.
Baby Carrier or Baby Wrap-Sometimes you want to be hands free! A baby carrier allows you to do that. The Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier will work for newborns at least 7 pounds and can be used up to 45 pounds. If you’re not ready for the carrier the Ergo Baby Wrap is an excellent alternative.
Baby Monitor– You can’t always be directly in eyesight of your baby. That’s ok. That’s what baby monitors are for. There are plenty of options out there and you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on one. I was gifted the Upgraded VTech DM111 Audio Baby Monitor and it cost less than $30.
Pacifiers & Pacifiers Wipes– Babies will cry and when they do, a pacifier may be just what they need. I prefer MAM pacifiers but especially their MAM Night Pacifiers. Don’t fumble in the dark looking for a pacifier because they glow! In the same breath, pacifiers get dirty a lot and if you’re like me you want a quick way to clean them. Cue the pacifier wipes!
Blankets– I like to let my daughter lay in other places other than her bassinet. I may place a blanket on the bed or couch. If it’s nippy I may swaddle her with one. I’ll take any blankets but receiving blankets seem to be the go to. Carter’s Baby 7-Pack Flannel Receiving Blankets provide just what I need.
Baby Memory Book– Having a baby and all that comes with them is not something you want to forget. Pearhead First 5 Years Chevron Baby Memory Book makes sure you don’t.

Bath time

Bathtub, towels, and washcloth– Babies do not get dirty frequently but when they do, a bath is needed. Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub I highly recommend as it can be used from newborn to toddler. You don’t need a lot of towels and washcloths. Simple Joys by Carter’s Baby 8-Piece Towel and Washcloth Set includes five washcloths, two hooded towels and one non hooded towel.
Baby Soap, shampoo, and lotion-When choosing a baby soap I advise getting one that is a soap/shampoo, unscented, and will be gentle on a baby’s skin. Burt’s Bees Baby Sensitive Shampoo and Wash ticks all those boxes. I enjoy Burt’s Bees Baby Lotion too but I love Burt’s Bees Baby 100% Natural Multipurpose Ointment even more. The ointment can go on your baby’s face as well as body. It is also good for eczema and any other skin ailments on your baby.

Bottle Cleaning

Baby Bottle Drying Rack– I never knew something so simple could be so ingenious and helpful. Boon Grass Countertop Baby Bottle Drying Rack is a must have for drying bottles, parts, and any other baby things you wash in the sink!
Baby Dish Soap & Bottle Brush Set -Dish soap for babies is meant to clean baby bottles, breast pump, parts, etc. Dapple Baby, Bottle and Dish Soap Dish Liquid is hypoallergenic and fragrance free. Bottle brush set are to easily clean all your baby’s bottles. I use the Munchkin Bottle Cleaning Set.

Personal Cleanliness

Face & Hand Wipes– Diaper wipes are not meant for a baby’s face or hands. Burt’s Bees Baby Face & Hand Cloths are unscented and accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Baby Hand Soap & Hand Sanitizer– Regular hand soap and hand sanitizer can be harmful to your baby especially if they contain alcohol or other harmful ingredients. Dr. Bronner’s products have plenty of uses for your baby but I use Dr. Bronner’s Organic Sugar Soap (Baby Unscented, 24 Ounce) when washing my hands. Babyganics Foaming Pump Hand Sanitizer is alcohol free and unscented. I keep it in the house, diaper bag, and car.

Baby Health

Thermometer– Babies will get sick and taking their temperature is necessary. The LPOW Digital Thermometer takes a baby’s temperature via forehead. Simple, easy, and painless for everyone involved.
Medicine Dispenser– My daughter had thrush in the early weeks after her birth. I was given the medication and the syringe to give her the medicine. It looked easy but it was not. Thankfully I bought the Accu-Dose Pacifier Baby Medicine Dispenser by FridaBaby. It was simple and easy to use and neither me or the baby fussed over the medication.

This list I thought was quite extensive but it doesn’t even begin to cover what you may find on a baby registry. Hopefully this list can help you cover the essentials on your baby registry!