It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or your third, creating a baby registry is so much fun! Something about sifting through all the cute baby items and dreaming about the sweet little one that will use them is magical. (It also makes pregnancy a little bit easier!)
However, there are so many options, brands, necessities, convenience items and choices to make it can become wildly overwhelming, right? You’re not alone mama.
I’ve put together a list of things that I think are truly necessary mixed with a few “just because” items. I also want to remind you that just because I may deem something a “must have” doesn’t mean it will work flawlessly for you too. All babies are different and part of motherhood is learning what you/your baby loves and who they are.
That’s the best part! ❤️
Baby Gear
- Sound machine (the Hatch has great reviews. I have a simple one from Target that we love just as much)
- Crib & mattress
- Dresser
- Bouncy seat
- Swing
- Pack and play
- Stroller & Car seat combination
- Sling or Wrap for baby-wearing
- Diaper bag
- Rocking chair/glider
Linens
- Swaddle blankets (5-6)
- Crib Sheets (4-5)
- “Thick blanket” (think fleece, Sherpa, something heavier for colder weather)
- Sleep sack (2) (I love these for babies who can roll over and cannot be safely swaddled anymore!)
- Waterproof mattress cover (just trust me!)
- Burp Rags (cloth diaper or muslin are my go-to options)
Clothes
- Sleepers (with zippers preferably): 7-10
- Onesies: 8-10 (long and short sleeve)
- Outfits: 6-7
- Hats: 2-3
- Socks: 5-7 pairs
Obviously this is going to vary depending on the weather, your babies size, your preference in their clothing and just how many cute clothing items you would like to buy your baby.
Don’t stress if you find you don’t have enough of a certain size..Amazon has your back!
Feeding
- Bottles (I prefer Dr. Brown’s bottles)
- Formula (I used a “gentle” formula for both my older kids with no problems.)
- Bottle brush
- Bottle drying rack
- High chair*
- Bibs*
- Utensils & bowls*
- Breast Pump (an automatic pump like Spectra One or Medela)
- Haakaa pump (my favorite breastfeeding accessory!)
- Boppy pillow
- Milk Storage Bags
- Breast pads (if your supply is anything like mine, these will be a lifesaver!)
- Nursing bras and tanks
*You won’t need these items for a while but it’s still fun to register for them and store them away for when baby is old enough!
Bath Time
- Soap (preferably unscented since it’s the most gentle of delicate skin)
- Lotion (I prefer Dove baby since it’s the only lotion that works for my daughter)
- Infant Bath Tub
- Towels (3-4)
- wash clothes
- Bath toys (even if baby can’t play with them yet, they still can enjoy the bright colors and shapes.)
Diapering
- Changing pad or table (I actually never used a changing table or mattress very often. I tend to change my babies in whatever room I’m in)
- Diaper caddy (super convenient to travel around the house)
- Wipes
- Diaper trash bags (wal-mart bags also work great to seal in the stinky diapers in the trash.)
- Diaper rash cream
- Diapers (don’t be afraid to buy too many in the “wrong size/brand”. You can always trade them in at the store for whichever size you need or brand you prefer)
Health and Safety
- Laundry Soap (the seventh generation brand is currently the only soap my 2 youngest can use. I am looking for a better alternative.)
- Infant tylenol
- Bulb syringe (I recommend a clear one that can come apart for thorough cleaning)
- Nail clippers
- Gas relief drops
- Gripe water
- Boogie wipes (gentle on little runny noses)
- Saline drops
- Cotton balls
- Infant swabs
- Thermometer (I would have a rectal and temporal/ear thermometer on hand)
*if you’re having a boy and plan on a circumcision, you may want to stock a small amount of some gauze and petroleum jelly just in case. The hospital will provide some but we quickly ran out on the first day home!
Nursery
- Cute decor (tip: you can get a percentage off anything left un-purchased on your registry. Definitely worth it!)
- Storage bins
- Hamper
- *Some of the nursery furniture is included in the baby gear section
This part is really for you to dream up and decorate for your baby however you’d like to. So, have fun with it!
And if you don’t have a nursery space for your baby, that’s ok! Both of my older children were in my room for the first couple of years due to limited space. You can still create a little nursery nook in your bedroom that feels just as special.
Toys & Books
- Play gym and mat for tummy time (totally not “required” but makes playtime more interesting for baby)
- Soft books
- Board books
- Lovies or Stuffed Animals
- Teethers
- Toys that make noise (rattles, musical, crinkle toys)
That about sums up the list for today! As a mom of now 3 kiddos, I have found the staples I truly need and the convenience items to make my life easier.
My best advice?
Trust your mom gut. Even as a first time momma, I promise you will know what feels right for your baby. And if not? Reach out for help. Don’t try to be a super mom and do it all on your own. Trust me. I speak from experience.
Now, go create a Babylist or Target registry and have fun with it!
Raising This Home 