Let’s be honest! Preparing for a newborn baby is no joke! The pressure and the expenses that come with it are enough to cause a good amount of stress!
One way to ease the transition and get the support you wish as an expectant mom is through sharing a baby registry with your family and friends.
Our loved ones are always so ready to help when we are just clear of what we need from them.
Through sharing a baby registry, they will have a checklist of several things to choose from without feeling lost in a sea of adorable and shiny little things.
“A baby is something you carry inside you for nine months, in your arms for three years and in your heart till the day you die.”
~ Mary Mason
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Everything you need to know about the Baby Registry
A baby registry is a place (mostly online) where you can list baby products you wish to stock up on before your little one arrives.
This list will help you get prepared and organized so duplicates of such products won’t happen.
Most parents prefer to start their baby registries as soon as possible. However, they won’t share them up until the 12th week of pregnancy due to safety and personal reasons.
There are several baby registries out there and the following are just some of them:
Amazon
Target
Babylist
BuyBuy Baby
Walmart
Pottery Barn Kids
Bed Bath and Beyond
Kohl’s
However, all you need is that one place where you can find everything without getting stressed out over not finding that newborn baby necessity.
My favorite by far is Amazon’s baby registry. Amazon is packed with everything you can ever want!
When you create a baby registry with most online stores, you get a free welcome box and approximately 10-15% discount for whatever is left on your baby registry.
Create your baby registry on Amazon here. You get a FREE welcome box, up to 15% completion discount and more! If you don’t like the product, don’t you worry. They have an extended free 90-day return policy you can avail!
That is why I am so thankful to the person who came up with the idea of a baby registry!
Related article: Hospital Bag Must-Haves [Plus The Practical Checklist]
Newborn Baby Must-Haves for the Nursery
Blackout curtains
Your tiny newborn is used to the warm and dark environment in your belly. Mimic that environment by putting up blackout curtains for the nursery windows.
These thermal insulated blackout curtains are smart energy savers. They keep a good room temperature equilibrium for the changing seasons.
Crib and mattress with fitted sheets
Popsugar named this the BEST CRIB for 2019 and both my kids used this.
Delta Children has been in the industry for 50 years and “safety is the heart of everything they do”.
If in any case you would want another brand, be sure that they exceed safety requirements. After all, it is for your little baby. Am I right? (*winks)
Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post.
Mobile
This take-along mobile is a practical choice. It is easy to attached to the crib, the play yard, the bassinet or more.
In other words, your baby can have fun with it wherever he may go.
Bassinet
A bassinet is also a good choice for when you prefer to co-sleep and you don’t have ample space in your bedroom. (Take note: Co-sleeping is different from bed-sharing).
Glider or rocking chair
The womb-to-world transition is never easy. It will be rough for both you and your little one.
For that reason, your baby would love you to hold him all the time. As soon as you put him down, he will generally cry and cry until you pick him up.
We are mere humans and that responsibility alone can be overtaxing especially to someone who just gave birth.
That’s where this swiveling glider rocker comes in. This is specifically designed with comfort and safety in mind, so you and your baby can rest gently.
Ottoman
Nursing your baby or rocking him to sleep while sitting on your glider for a prolonged period of time can make your lower limbs fall asleep.
With the help of an ottoman, you can position your legs as comfortably as possible so your nerves are not compressed, totally preventing your legs from falling asleep.
This ottoman right here doesn’t only serve that purpose. It also doubles as a stylish piece of storage container where you can stash anything you want for your baby-feeding station.
Night light
[By the way, you’re probably not sleeping well anymore. I know it isn’t easy carrying a baby in the tummy (I was there twice myself.) and it gets really uncomfortable at bedtime – so, you might want to grab yourself a pregnancy pillow to hopefully help with sleep. It sure was a life-saver for me when I was pregnant. I am certain it will do wonders for you too.]
Baby Registry Must-Haves for Feeding
Whether you’re planning to breastfeed or bottle-feed, you’re going to need the right accessories to be prepared to feed your little one all day every day.
Together with your nursing mom essentials, here are the most important baby feeding essentials to register for:
Baby bottles
I should be honest… You will be away from your baby no matter how much you dislike it. Ready yourself for that tear-jerking moment.
With baby bottles, it will be easier for the person left with your baby to feed him (either with breastmilk or formula).
Nursing pillow
A nursing pillow eases the baby feeding experience. It can tremendously save your back, neck, and shoulders since it can bring your baby up to the right height.
It can also be a good accessory for tummy time and you can even teach your baby to sit up through the help of a nursing pillow.
Bandana bibs
Avoid your baby’s shirt from getting soaked while feeding. Use a bandana bib that can absorb all the dribble.
I may be a little biased towards this brand of baby bandana bibs (because of the fact that it is my own). They are made out of high quality materials, super absorbent, modern, fun and functional! They are even hypoallergenic. Check them out now!
Burp cloths
Up until a certain age, your new baby will need help with burping. With burp comes occasional spit-up!
That is why you will need to get enough burp cloths for your new little one.
Assuming that you plan to wash every other day, I suggest that you get at least 10 of those.
Newborn Baby Registry Essentials for Diapering
I vividly remember how I used to change my first-born’s diaper. Slow and awkward… That was how it went! Now, you ask?! I can do it in my sleep!
You will get there too with the help of these diapering essentials:
Diapers
Diapers will be your most used essential. Your little one will be using it for a few years (unless you decide to utilize cloth diapers) – so NEVER FORGET to put this on there and do it now! (*winks)
You can start a diaper stockpile as early as possible.
I have to warn you though. Never overdo it until you learn your baby’s size and skin sensitivities.
Wipes
Second to diapers, wipes should never be forgotten.
Just remember to choose the unscented ones for now as they are best for sensitive skin.
Diaper rash cream
It is best to choose a diaper rash cream that is not harsh on a newborn baby’s sensitive skin.
Both my kids tried 4-5 different brands before we settled on this diaper rash cream. It is pediatrician recommended and hypoallergenic.
Hand sanitizer
As a medical laboratory scientist, it is only natural that I get so obsessed with a clean environment.
I always make sure that my hands are unsoiled before touching or giving anything to my children.
While thorough handwashing with soap and water is advisable, you won’t always have access to both (especially when you’re traveling).
Hand sanitizers are lifesavers!
Changing pad and table
This really is a personal choice.
Many parents prefer to leave out the changing table and just settle for an affordable changing pad.
Personally, I believe that changing tables are indubitably a huge help. It will save your back and hips as it prevents you from bending forward over and over again (unless of course if you are very tall).
We have to admit that newborn babies are pooping/peeing machines! We will be doing this task a hundred times a day!
Hands-free trash can
You will need a durable and sturdy garbage can to dump those dirty, smelly wipes and diapers. A hands-free, easy to open bin is all you need to reduce the spread of germs!
This trash can has an odor-control system that can do all that and more!
Baby Registry Must-Haves for Travel
Car seat
I place great emphasis on this: You can’t take your baby home in a vehicle without a car seat!
All states require that an infant or a child must ride in a safety seat at all times. Though non-compliance fines vary from $10 – $500, all state laws are in unison when it comes to your child’s safety. [Source: Governors Highway Safety Association]
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
This car seat is built to grow with your child. Rear-facing, it can support a baby from 5 lbs to 40 lbs. Forward-facing, it can support a 22 to 65-lb toddler. In addition, when the belt-positioning booster is used, it can support a kid from 40-100 lbs.
Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 Car Seat
This car seat can give you 10 years of use. It can support a little baby weighing 4 lbs rear-facing up to a kid that weighs 110 lbs using the backless booster.
You don’t have to buy a new car seat for the same child ever again!
Stroller or Baby carrier
If you prefer wearing your baby, this baby carrier is perfect for your baby’s early months. It is hands down the best I have ever used.
Diaper bag
Go for function over fashion when choosing a diaper bag.
Also, you need to consider daddy. Find something that both of you can use without being awkward about it.
This diaper bag right here is perfect for all those reasons!
Portable play yard
This portable play yard features a removable full-size bassinet and changing table.
As it is compact, you can use it as a mini crib alternative for when you’re traveling with your infant.
Baby Registry Basics to help your Newborn Baby Sleep
Sleep sack/swaddle blankets/swaddlers
I love this award-winning sleep sack by Love To Dream. It’s an easy (and better) way to swaddle your baby.
Swing
Best for naps! Both my kids loved this baby swing every naptime when they both were very little. They took the longest naps on this!
Baby Registry Essentials for Baby’s Health and Safety
As the adage goes, “Make preparations in advance – you never have trouble if you are prepared for it.”
I am with Theodore Roosevelt on that!
No matter how hard we try to protect our little ones, there will always be circumstances beyond our control.
Gather the following essentials to either prevent or treat what’s bound to happen. You better be prepared than sorry!
Nursery First Aid and Grooming Kit
- Nail clippers
- Blunt scissors
- Baby hair brush or comb
- Cotton balls
- Gum brush
- Thermometer
- Medicine dispenser
- Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator
- Saline nasal drops (drug-free)
- Baby gas spray and drops (natural and alcohol-free)
- Infant Acetaminophen (consult your doctor before giving to babies under 3 months old)
Cool Mist Humidifier
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends an indoor relative humidity between 30-60%. Just the right amount of moisture to provide optimal breathing conditions your baby needs.
In the winter, the air tends to be mostly harsh and dry. For that reason, everyone experiences sore throats and dry sinuses.
A baby is more susceptible to these side effects. Thus, a humidifier is recommended in your little one’s nursery.
Baby Registry Needs for Baby Bath Time
Bath time with my baby is one of our most favorite time of day and the following are the things you need for it:
- Baby bath tub
- Body wash and shampoo
- Scalp massaging scrub
- Rinsing cup
- Washcloths
- Hooded towels
Important: Check out my comprehensive guide on Baby Bath Time and learn more about how to give your baby a bath the right way.
Baby Wardrobe Essentials to Add to your Baby Registry
- Onesies (short and long sleeves) — about 7 to 14 for the first 3 months
- Footed sleepers
- Sweaters or jackets
- Dress-up outfits
- Hat or cap (weather dependent)
- Socks
Related article: 29 Necessities to Stockpile Before Baby Arrives
What not to put on your Baby Registry
Practicality-wise, you can make it through your baby’s first year without these products. However, some of these can make life with a newborn a little easier.
- Breast pump — I strongly recommend that you get a pump. However, do not put it on your baby registry as most providers (if not all) will cover the cost of your breast pump. Call your health insurance provider for more information about this now.
- Wipe warmer — I used this for my winter baby.
- Diaper pail — I prefer a good quality trash can over this.
- Bottle warmer — I got this as a gift and tried it out for a few weeks but decided to stop using it.
- Sterilizer — I used this for a bit and found it tedious. I then just settled for the good old hot soapy water.
- Pacifiers — My kids were never a fan.
- Mittens — My kids were never a fan of these either.
- Baby shoes — Until your baby is walking, don’t even bother getting a pair. They will only inhibit growth and movement.
- Crib bedding sets — You don’t need crib skirts and bumpers. All you need are fitted crib sheets.
- Sound machine — I never had one. I just logged into YouTube and played soothing nature sounds. My kids loved it!
- Bouncer — If you have a swing, you won’t need this.
- Baby Monitor — Instinct teaches a mother to sleep with one eye open. Unless you have a huge house, you won’t need this.
Related article: 13 Items not to Put on your Baby Registry [No regrets]
Conclusion on Baby Registry Essentials
Every parent’s opinion differs when it comes to what is really needed for his or her baby.
Nevertheless, we all can agree with one thing — Whatever our little ones need, we will do anything and everything to provide it!
There you have it, Mama!
I hope you find this article helpful. Leave me a comment below and tell me what you think. Better yet, share it with your friends.
Talk to you soon,
Your Ultimate Baby Registry Essentials Checklist
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