This blog post contains affiliate links. If you use them I may be rewarded credit or commission. Please note that I only recommend products that I personally love and use. I appreciate all of my readers and always have your best interest in mind.
You’re expecting a baby, congratulations! Creating a baby registry is one of the many fun and exciting things you’ll get to do to prepare for your little ones arrival.. But it can also be stressful.
One quick internet search and you’ll find a never ending selection of baby items available today. It’s hard to know exactly what you’ll need and what you won’t. As a mom of two, I’ve been there. Sifting through pages of swings, strollers, and all sorts of things I had never heard of before.
It’s overwhelming!
That’s why I’ve created a list to help you figure out just what you’ll want to include on your registry. As well as my personal favorites and the items I couldn’t live without!
Alright, I know you’re busy so lets dive in..
Nursery & Sleep
Bassinet
Your baby will likely be in your bedroom when you bring him/her home from the hospital so you will need a sleep space for them. There are several options ranging from side sleepers that attach to your bed, to portable ones that can be easily stored away when not in use.
Crib
The options are endless when choosing a crib and the prices vary widely. You do not need to spend a fortune on your baby’s crib. There are plenty of affordable, beautiful, safe cribs out there. I chose to go with Delta Children for both of my babies and I absolutely love them.
I went with a white crib for my first, and a beautiful cherry wood for my second. Both are around the $200 mark and both convert into toddler beds! Click the images below to view the ones I went with!
Crib Mattress
The number one priority when selecting a crib mattress is safety. The mattress must be firm, and must fit your crib with no space around the edges.
For both of my babies I used a Serta Crib and Toddler Mattress, which can be flipped once your baby is a little older. A safe, quality mattress will cost anywhere between $70-$150, so you’ll want to be able to use it for years to come.
Mattress Protector
Accidents will happen. A Waterproof Mattress Protector will take the brunt of things, saving your baby’s mattress. I debated whether or not I needed one of these with my first. I inevitably got one. Best. Decision. Ever.
Crib Sheets
Anything that goes with the decor or style of your nursery, you will want to have on your registry. You don’t want a beautiful set of sheets go to waste because they completely clash with baby’s nursery.
Change Table
You’ll have a few options here and you’ll want to consider how much space you have. There are great folding change tables that you can tuck away when not in use and can easily be moved between rooms.
Another great option, and I did this for my second baby’s nursery, is a change table topper. You simply secure the top to a dresser and voila, it becomes a change table. I love this option because it can be removed when the baby is out of diapers. And it also eliminates the need for two separate pieces of furniture.
Change Pad
This is the one I got for both of my kids. It’s basic, fits a standard change table, wipes clean, and has a safety strap. Nothing fancy, works great!
Change Pad Covers
You can go with a cotton cover that will match your crib sheets, or go with disposable to save yourself the laundry.
Diaper Pail
Yes, you need one of these if you do not want your home smelling like a hot diaper. Also if you’re a dog owner, let me tell you from experience. Baby diapers are dog magnets. My personal favorite is the Ubbi, I have them in both of my kids rooms. They are totally odor trapping and best of all do not require a special bag-any trash bag works fine!
Rocking chair/Glider
My mother in law was right—words I never thought I’d say! I’m kidding!! I don’t have one of those passive aggressive sitcom relationships with my MIL. She’s a great woman who gives great tips. And the importance of a comfy nursery room chair was something she stressed to me—and she was right. You’ll spend a lot of late nights in this chair, feeding, soothing, rocking. You owe it to yourself to be comfortable while doing it.
White Noise Machine
I didn’t know the importance of a white noise machine until after my baby arrived. Now it’s something we can’t live without. Babies are accustomed to hearing continuous noise while in the womb and white noise machines are a great way to mimic the sounds your baby is used to and can help comfort them in their new environment.
Baby Monitor
There are a couple of things to consider when selecting a monitor for your baby. Do you want an audio/video monitor, or will audio alone serve your needs? Do you want a wifi or non wifi camera?
These things will all depend on your lifestyle. If you travel somewhat frequently, or leave your baby with a caretaker often and want to be able to check in, then wifi is going to be your bet!
Hangers and Closet Organizers
Tiny clothes need tiny hangers, and you’ll also want to grab some drawer or closet organizers!
Travel
Infant Car Seat
This may be the most important item to buy before baby’s arrival. The hospital will not let you leave unless you have one.
When it comes to options, you have plenty to choose from. Of course your number one “must have” feature is safety! One quick google search and you’ll find a ton of great top safety rated seats. You do not need to purchase the one with the biggest price tag either.
I used the Chicco Key fit infant car seat for both of my boys and I loved it!
Stroller
This is one of the bigger items that you’ll include and if you’re sharing your registry with family and friends, its a great option for your loved ones to pitch in on as a group gift. When it comes to choosing a stroller the options are endless. There are a few key things you should consider when selecting.
One of my regrets with my first baby was not getting a stroller that converted into a double. If you think there’s a possibly you will have a second baby within a couple of years of your first, consider a stroller that can accommodate a second child. My kids are 16 months apart so a double was a must. After a lot of thought and research we went with the Uppababy Vista. It is in the higher price range but the quality is unbeatable and they have a great resale vale (that part really sold me).
Other things to consider when choosing a stroller include convenience, how easily can it be folded and stored? Size, will it fit in the trunk of your car? What will you be using it for? Using a stroller for jogging vs leisure walks around a shopping mall are very different things that will require very different features from your stroller.
Diaper Bag
Your diaper bag will become your everyday bag now, so you want quality, durability, functionality, and of course style.
I prefer the back pack bags over the shoulder strap version. It’s much easier to chase your child with a back pack on, trust me.
My favorite diaper bag is hands down the skip hop . I have plenty of room to carry the essentials for 2 kids. It has a ton of functional compartments. The wide zipper at the top gives you easy access to everything. And I can tell you from personal use, it is very durable!
Portable white noise machine
White noise on-the-go! I LOVE these for car and stroller rides!
Pack N Play
Great for naps/sleeping on-the-go, and also a great way to contain them once they start moving around!
Car seat mirror
Your little bean will be rear facing in the car for approximately the first two years. These car seat mirrors strap to the headrest of your back seat and can be easily positioned so you can always have an eye on your little one from the front seat.
Baby Carrier
Babies are serious stage five clingers! They want to be as close to mom as possible. A baby carrier will be your saving grace!
The Ergobaby 360 All Position Carrier has been my go-to carrier for years! It will comfortably hold your baby from newborn all the way up to 45 lbs and can be worn on your chest (with baby facing in or out), on your side, and also on your back.
I have also used the Cuddle Bug Wrap Sling which is great. I particularly love the wrap style carrier for the newborn stage. It keeps your baby super snuggled into you. I wore this around this house constantly when both of my babies were little.
Feeding
Haakaa manual breast pump
If you are planning to breastfeed, the Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump will be your best friend and the key to building up a good milk stash for the freezer. It is a small handheld silicon pump that suctions onto your breast to catch the letdown from the side you are not feeding from. I recommend this product to every new mom I know!
Nursing Pillow
If you plan to breastfeed you’ll want to have a good, comfy nursing pillow. It will help you tremendously in the early stages when you and your baby are adapting to the nursing process. And it will continue to be useful throughout your breastfeeding journey.
My personal favourites are the Boppy nursing pillow and My Breast Friend Nursing Posture Pillow. I have used both and can honestly say they’re both great.
To help differentiate-My Breast Friend has a strap that buckles around your lower back to secure the pillow from slipping. I love this feature!
On the other hand, the Boppy is simply a U shaped pillow that fits around your body with no strap holding it in place. This actually makes this pillow slightly easier to use one handed and allows you to get into position just a little bit faster.
Breastmilk Storage Bags
If you are planning to breastfeed breastmilk storage bags are a must.
High chair
This one likely won’t be needed for the first 4-6 months. But once your little one does start eating, their high chair will become the most highly used item you own (or it’ll at least be tied with the car seat).
The top 2 things to keep in mine when selecting a high chair are durability-your little one will sit in it anywhere from 3-6 times a day, and how easily it can be cleaned.
Bottles
This will depend on whether or not you plan to bottle feed of course! My only tip-don’t stock pile on bottles before baby arrives. Some babies can be very picky about the type of bottle they’ll accept.
Bottle Drying Rack
I have breastfeed, and I have bottle fed. I have used my drying rack equally in both cases. Babies come with all kinds of hand washables from bottles, to soothers, to breast pump parts, and teething rings.
This is my personal favorite! It allows everything to dry with proper air flow.
Microwave Sterilizing Bags
I had never heard of Microwave Steam Sterilizing Bags before receiving them as a baby shower gift- They are genius! You can toss bottle parts, pacifiers, breast pump parts, you name it. Add a small amount of water and toss in the microwave and voila. Steam sterilized in a couple of minutes!
Hygiene & Health
Diapers
You’re going to need lots! What better way to put a dent in the demand by adding them to your registry.
Side note: Babies grow crazy fast, especially in their first year. So don’t stock pile too many of one size. Your little one may not be in newborns very long!
Nose Frida/Snot Sucker
You will at some point need to suck the snot from your baby’s nose, I know, I’m not thrilled about it either. You’ll want to have a Nose Frida on hand when the time comes.
Wipes
You’ll need a million, and then some.
Baby Bathtub
Once upon a time there was one standard baby tub, but as with everything else on this list you have a lot to choose from. Everything from The Blooming Bath Lotus for sink baths. To Bathtub Seats so you can prop your little one up in a regular tub.
Hooded Towels
Not just because they’re adorable, but they’re quite functional as well! Do yourself a favor and get some with animal ears..ugggh so cute.
Nail Clippers or File
Cutting baby fingernails is one of my most dreaded parts of motherhood but they grow quick so it must be done!
Thermometer
A no brainer, but one I actually forgot to get before baby came. Always have a working thermometer around.
Baby Gear & Play
Swing
You’ll have options with this one too. And deciding which one is best will be a personal decision based on your needs. You’ll want to consider the size, how much space you have, and the price point.
The Fisher-Price Cradle ‘n Swing is a great option with 6 swing speeds, the option to swing side to side or back and forth, and 16 different songs and sounds. If you are looking for a more space friendly swing, the Ingenuity Swing ‘n Go Portable Baby Swing is a good option too.
Baby Gym/Activity Centre
Both of my kids had the Fisher-Price Rainforest Music & Lights Deluxe Gym and it was a HUGE hit!
Zip Up Pajamas
Key word-zip. There are a lot of adorable button down jammies, but trust me you do not want to be fumbling with buttons after a 2am diaper change. If you do get some button downs, my tip is to wear those on baby during the day.
Drool/Spit up Bibs
These are amazing and will save you from having to change your baby’s clothes every time they spit up. They also make the cutest accessory, bonus!
Baby Lounger
These are a must for your new baby. The Boppy Original Newborn Lounger is a favorite among moms, and you can’t beat the price!
Nursing & Car Seat Cover
These are incredible, and you will use them often. They are the perfect way to shade a sleeping baby and you can quickly toss it over your shoulders and use as a nursing cover.
Do you have any items that you couldn’t live without as a new mom? Tell me in the comments!
