So excited to share what I have on my baby registry list – as well as a few more items for options and items I will be purchasing.
When I first cracked into creating a registry, I was OVERWHELMED. Honestly, I am still overwhelmed. “What does a swaddle even do?” “I need multiple strollers?” It’s a lot for a first time expecting parent.
So, little by little I started doing my research. I looked through my registries my friends had created, forwarded my current list to friends and family (so they could tell me what I *actually* needed and what I didn’t), spent hours looking up reviews of different brands and so much more.
While I obviously haven’t put much to the test yet, I wanted to share the items I was selecting and adding to my list. Once Baby Stabler is here, I will update this list, so I can tell you which items were my favorite and which items I could live without. I highly suggest using Babylist as your registry, super easy to use and you can get a toolbar extension that can add any product to it. Enjoy!
*All items below are linked, hover over the name of the item to be directed to the site to purchase.
BABY GEAR
Carrier: Artipoppe: The chicest carrier out there! The patterns are so pretty and there so many to choose from. Truthfully, I had a very hard time selecting my favorite.
Carrier: Babybjorn Carrier Free 3D: This is a less expensive carrier that also has high ratings and is functional.
Swing: I’m going with the Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Cradle ‘n Swing. My friends say this is one of the best purchases. At first I had selected Mamaroo, but heard mixed reviews. It seems like a lot of parents are in favor of the classic Fisher-Price!
Bouncer: BABYBJÖRN was the top contender for a bouncer. This allows you to be hands free, while the bouncer gently and safely rocks the baby, while offering support and comfort. There are three models: the Bouncer Balance Soft, the Bouncer Balance Bliss and the Bouncer Bundle with Toy. I am going to go with the Bliss!
Docking station: Dockatot is one of the most popular and for good reason! It’s a multi-functional lounger, co-sleeper and playtime lounger. It’s portable, washable and they come in so many beautiful designs. Essentially, it’s where you can safely put your baby down and it’s perfect to take with you on-the-go or traveling (babies love having a familiar place to sleep). Note: it does have a short shelf life, as babies do outgrow it quickly (about 6 months or so until babies start to roll over).
Wrap: Adding one from Solly Baby– wraps are a great handsfree option for newborns and babies up to 25lbs. These wraps are much softer than regular carriers and they keep your baby close to you! Solly Baby has been named the best baby wrap.
TRAVEL ITEMS
Stroller: Bugaboo Fox 3 is the one I’m going for (they’re currently running a 25% Black Friday Sale!) – but also highly recommend the Uppababy Vista as an option. When I asked parents about strollers, these seemed to be the two most popular. Ultimately, everyone seemed happy with either, so you can’t go wrong! The Uppababy has more storage space, so it would likely be better for places like NYC where you don’t have a car. I know there are other options like the Bugaboo donkey, which is great for two children. In my opinion, I can’t plan for that at the moment and would rather get the stroller that I need for now.
Additional items for the stroller: Rain covers, sun covers, snack trays and more! Depends on where you live (ie if you have snow!) but you can find them all here. I also added this Bugaboo stand which was recommended as an accessory purchase. You can take the seat off the stroller and easily connect the stand so it acts as a bassinet. For example, it’s good if your baby falls asleep on a walk and you want them to keep sleeping.
Car Seat/Stroller: Doona All-In-One Infant Car Seat and Stroller. The Doona is probably the ultimate must have and top recommended items from most parents I spoke to. It’s a carseat that also converts into a stroller. It’s functional, easy-to-use and a much more compact stroller that’s great for on-the-go, traveling and running errands in and out of the car. It’s a simple way for parents to transport their baby from their home to a car to strolling around town. It has wheels and folds for when you wish to use it as a car seat and you easily unfold it when you want to use it as a stroller. Great for travel or running errands, especially when you’ll be in and out of the car.
Pack and Play: Pack and Plays are travel cribs. They easily open and close, so you can fold it up and bring it with you when you travel. A great light option is the BabyBjorn! You will also need sheets for it, too!
Black out curtain for Pack And Play: Slumber Pod makes it so much easier for your baby to fall asleep when traveling. No black out blinds? No problem! It does take up quite a bit of room, so if you’re tight on room, you can get this Blackout Sheet on Amazon, only $20.
Diaper Bag: After extensive research, I decided to go with the Caraa Sport Large Nylon Baby Bag. This one has amazing reviews. It’s machine washable and a backpack – which I hear makes all the difference! I love the look of it and also got the mini bag to match. This is great for snacks, because it’s insulated to keep items cool.
CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES
Swaddles: I was told to go velcro when it comes to swaddles – the easier, the better! The ones I added were the Aden + Anais (also for girls), Halo and Ollie World.
Sleep Sacks: I added a couple from Kyte Baby. Once the baby graduates from a swaddle (usually after 4 months, when they don’t need to be wrapped so tightly) they can sleep in a sleep sack. It’s a wearable sleeping bag and it’s meant to be like a blanket (because a simple blanket would not be safe).
Onesies and Clothes: When it comes to onesies – a fan favorite is the Kyte Baby, once again. These zippers make it much easier to get the baby dressed and the Kyte baby quality is supposed to be top tier. The colors and patterns are so cute, too!
Additionally, I added some cute matching sets – this of course is all up to personal style and preference!
FEEDING
Food Maker: Beaba Babycook NEO Food Maker. This is very optional, many skip purees and find this to be unnecessary – because there are so many amazing companies these days with healthy and clean purées (like Yumi or Little Spoon). However, if you’re still set on making your own purees- you can steam, cook and blend raw fruit, veggies, meat and even fish in these Babycooks.
Formula Mixer: Baby Brezza Pro Advanced Another item that is optional, you might not know yet if you will use formula. I’ve heard this is a game changer if you do decide to incorporate formula part time or full time.
Bottle Sterilizer: Baby Brezza One Step Baby Bottle Sterilizer Dryer Advanced. The ultimate bottle sterilizer! Note: you must clean the bottles before putting them in here to sterilize. I’ve heard the biggest/jumbo size is best if you have the counter space.
Bottle Warmer: I went with the Baby Brezza Bottle Warmer which makes mealtime more comfortable for the baby. It won’t cause hot spots like the microwave and will evenly warm up the milk. Works with most brands, but double check just in case.
Drying Rack for bottles, nipples, and pump parts after they’re cleaned!
Nursing Pump: This actually may come free with your insurance, so make sure to check. The Spectra came highly recommended.
Hands Free Pump: I’ve heard that a hands free pump is super convenient and can help you multitask. I have heard that it comes more in handy at a little later of a stage vs the beginning. I’m going to get the Willow Pump!
Cloth Bibs: These are for drool and milk. You can find these anywhere, here are some cute ones.
Dish Wear: While this isn’t until a little later on, I think it’s worth adding to the registry. I selected the “First Bites Full Kit” as they are rubber and easy to clean. You can also get the individual bibs here.
High Chair: Another item that is not used until later on and totally depends if you have the space to receive it in advance, but if you would like one, I’ve also heard great things about Stokke Tripp Trapp! You can also purchase the one with the newborn set.
BATH TIME
Hooded Bath Towels: There are so many adorable options, I love the ones from Pottery Barn! I’m a sucker for the hooded ones with the animals. These wash cloths are hypoallergenic.
Bath Toys: There are so many cute options! I do hear the squirt ones can develop mold and it’s best to avoid those.
Bathtub: You’ll need a baby bath to go in the tub and the Frida Baby Soft Sink Baby Bath has great reviews. It can also fold up for traveling. It dries up quickly and is comfortable for the baby.
DIAPERING
Diaper Pail: This Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail is a popular one! Apparently, no matter what you get, after a while they all aren’t pleasant and need to be replaced.
Changing Pad: I’ve heard that spending a little extra on a changing pad that is easy to clean and wipe down, is 100% worth the money. The two that seem to be very popular are the Keekaroo Peanut and Hatch. All you need is a baby wipe to clean it, vs the ones made out of cotton material. This also stops mold and deterioration. The main difference between the Hatch and the Keekaroo is that the Hatch has a scale and acts as a “smart changer” that you can connect to an app. While that may not be necessary for most, I went with the Hatch primarily because it fit in my topper.
Diaper Caddy: I will go with an acrylic one like this one by Beddi Baby. A caddy will keep all your diapering needs organized. Perfect for on top of a dresser or changing table!
Skincare: We can’t forget about skincare! This Ella Ola Skincare Bundle is perfect to add to your registry, as it comes complete with 5 amazing products: Shampoo + Body Wash, Body Lotion, Face Cream, Diaper Rash Cream, and Massage Oil (sounds heavenly!) I really trust the EllaOla products, they are safe, effective, gentle, science-backed for a baby’s sensitive skin. Not to mention, it’s so aesthetically pleasing on your change table!
NURSERY ESSENTIALS
Glider: After much research, I’m going with the Nurture& Glider Plus for my nursery. This is an important decision as you apparently will be spending a ton of time in your glider. I heard going automatic was key and the Glider Plus truly has all the features you could ever need from your nursery chair: power recline, non-toxic, stain-resistant, beyond comfortable, built in USB and more.
Crib Mattress: When looking for a crib mattress, I wanted something that was Green Guard Certified, organic, and non-toxic. I am going to go with this one from Avocado. I also love that it’s dual sided – one side for infant, the other for toddler. The Newton or the Naturepedic are popular options, too!
White Noise Machine: Hatch Rest Sound Machine is a game changer apparently. I know I sleep better with white noise and apparently this is the best one. The night light is also helpful for middle of the night diaper changes, because cell phone light and regular light might really bother the baby.
Baby Monitor: Nanit Pro Camera + Nanit Flex Stand for a baby monitor is another must have. You can view what is happening in your baby’s crib from your phone and has a lot of high tech features and safety measures.
Humidifier: I was told that a humidifier for easier sleeping and breathing for baby is key. I am going with the Little Dream by Canopy Humidifier, which is quite small but can work up to 500 sq ft.
Decor items such as these baskets are a great way to store items such as toys so they look neat and presentable! Also love the look of rockers and stuffed animals to add to the room.
TOYS + BOOKS
Toy Subscription: I put some books on my registry, but I’ve heard from several parents that signing up for the Lovevery toy subscription is your best bet. I added 6 different subscriptions (one gets sent for approx. every 2 months) on my registry, each for a different stage of development. When your baby/toddler reaches a stage, they send you toys that are appropriate for them. It takes out a lot of the guessing!
SKIP*HOP® Explore & More 3-Stage Activity Center:I heard this is a game changer when it comes to entertaining babies if you need a hands free moment! Will definitely be getting one.
The Play Gym: also by Lovevery (but not part of their subscription). This is an activity mat – perfect to use for your baby to safely play.
Play Pad: The Nurture& PlayPad circle that you can easily lay out anywhere! This is a cushioned playmat designed for tummy time. It’s waterproof and chic.
RATTLES + ACCESSORIES
Here are some cute teethers I found: from mushie and Sophie The Giraffe. Also, this rattle.
Blocks are such a cute way to mark milestones, I love these one by Blaylock Blocks. They have a pink version as well.
Rocker for the nursery is such a sweet accessory – I love this Elephant Rocker!
OTHER ITEMS
The following things I will buy, but did not add to my registry! Here’s a list:
– FridaBaby Quick-Read Digital Rectal Thermometer
– The 3-Step Cradle Cap System by Fridababy
– Baby Nasal Aspirator – Frida Baby Bundle (24 Hygiene Filters)
– Baby Nail Trimmer – Electric
– Oogiebear – Nose and Ear Gadget
– Diapers + diaper wipes
– Burp Cloths
– Clothing Hangers
– Pacifiers – you can sign up for the Babylist Pacifier Box (6 Pacifiers + Pacifier Clip). They send you 6 different pacifiers for different brands to see which one your baby will like best.
– A Bottle Sample Kit. Similar to the pacifier box, this is so you can see which bottles will work best for your baby! I hear Dr. Browns tends to be the most loved, but you never know.
Stay tuned for a full nursery tour (furniture + design!) as well as a “What’s in my Hospital Bag!”
xx d