Baby Registry Must-Haves

I’m often asked what items are must-haves on a baby registry because let’s be honest, there are so many baby products out there that it can be overwhelming.  In my opinion, there are some things that are worth splurging on, and others not so much.  I have put together a list in this blog post, but first let’s talk about a few things to consider.

Where to Register?

First things first, where should I register? I HIGHLY recommend registering at at least one store that is in close proximity to your house. “Why?” you may ask? Well, you will find that some products just don’t work for you once the baby (or babies) arrive, and you will want to do the easiest possible return. Also, maybe you got some things that were nice to have but not must-have items. Picking a place close to home will make this so much easier for you. And here is a tip: do not feel bad about returning items that will not work for you! Make sure to keep all boxes, packaging and receipts for easy returns.

I also love Amazon, for obvious reasons because shipping right to your house is probably the easiest option, and they are pretty easy with returns. The only downside is prices and in-stock items change, so keep an eye out on your registry.

Also, don’t forget, you get a registry completion bonus at most places you register with. It’s typically 10% and a one time use. I highly recommend registering at 2-3 places, that way when you have to purchase things yourself, you can use your completion discount. I registered at 3 places, and I used my discount once before the babies came (to get those last minute must have items we did not receive as gifts), and then twice after the girls were born once we really figured out what worked for us and what didn’t.

Here are my Top Picks for where to Register:

• Amazon – sign up here
• Target – sign up here
• BuyBuy Baby

Your House

This is something really important. Do you live in a studio apartment or a 3 story house? This will matter when it comes to what you need. If you live on one level, you will need a lot less than if you live on multiple levels. I will tell you from experience you do not want to be carting baby gear (and babies) up and down the stairs multiple times per day. 

If the nursery is upstairs, and your living space is downstairs, you are going to want places to put baby downstairs as well as upstairs. And you will absolutely want a changing station on both levels! 

Now, let’s talk about the important stuff — what do you really need?! 

Safe Space to Sleep

Night Sleep

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends baby sleep in the same room as you for the first 6 months of life on a separate sleep space. If you plan to do this, a bassinet is going to be your easiest option especially if you breastfeed. This is a personal choice and should be discussed with your partner/Pediatrician. If you choose to room share here are my bassinet picks:

1. Singelton: Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper
2. Twin: Halo Twin Sleeper Double Bassinet

The other option would be using a crib or a pack ‘n play, but you will have to get out of bed to get baby to feed them. Whatever you do, just make sure you place baby back in their own sleep space before falling asleep yourself. FYI, twins and higher order multiples should not share a sleep space.

I will admit, that I put my girls in the cribs from day one and did not use a bassinet, but technically, rooming in (but not co sleeping) is the safest option. 

Daytime Naps

For the first 10-16 weeks while mom is recovering, I recommend having a place for baby to sleep during the day so you are not always running up and down the stairs. Remember babies sleep up to 20 hours a day in the beginning and wake up every 2-3 hours to feed. If you live on one level, this may not apply to you. 

Consider a Pack n Play for naps downstairs. Maybe even one with a built in changing table! Don’t forget to register for the Pack N Play sheets as well!

Swaddles 

Swaddling baby helps them feel safe and secure, and helps with sleep for baby. PLEASE NOTE: Stop swaddling once baby can roll (around 3-4 months).

There are 3 swaddles that I love (all of them are great for different reasons). I’d recommend purchasing/registering for 2-3 (per baby) of each swaddle depending on how often you plan to do laundry. Here is how and when I would use these swaddles:

1. Preemie: SwaddleMe
2. Newborn to breaking out of swaddle (roughly 6-8 weeks): either Halo or SwaddleMe
3. Breaking out of swaddle to rolling over: Miracle Blanket (this one is larger and a little more complicated than the Halo or SwaddleMe, so I recommend waiting until you really need to use it. Babies LOVE this one).
4. Once baby is rolling you may consider a transitional swaddle: go back to Halo (same as listed above) and swaddle baby with arms out. 

You can watch tutorials on how to swaddle on my Instagram account here.

Sleep Sack/Wearable Blanket

I recommend transitioning to a sleep sack or wearable blanket when your child starts rolling (around 3-4 months). I would advise getting 2-3 per child in each size. Typically start with a medium. You can read my article here on healthy sleep tips. Here are the ones I recommend:

1. Halo SleepSack
2. SwaddleDesigns wearable blanket has a two way zipper
3. Once baby can stand, Halo makes a SleepSack for walkers that is awesome. You may choose to wait on this one since you wont need it for a while, but if you have lots of family and friends buying you gifts, absolutely add to your registry! 

Items to put your Baby in (Swings, Bouncers, Etc.)

During the day, you will want various contraptions to keep your baby safe and happy. The swing, in my opinion, is something every baby loves. This is my favorite swing:

Snugapuppy

I love bouncy seats because they are light weight, inexpensive, and keep baby safe. I’d recommend at least one. I would use this in your room so that you can get dressed/shower and for bath time to keep baby safe (especially if you have twins). Read my article here. This is my pick for bouncy:

Bright Starts Bouncer

Personally, I’d skip the expensive items like the mamaRoo (sorry 4moms) just because so many babies don’t like this item. Save your pennies for something else. P.S. I love 4moms brand, I just think I’d splurge on some of their other items over the mamaRoo.

Strollers/Car Seats

Depending on your needs you may want just one stroller or multiple ones. If you end up with a luxury stroller system, you may not need anything else, but if you want a snap and go, you will need something for when baby grows out of infant car seat. If you are a runner, you may want a jogging stroller, but remember do not jog with baby until they are six months old. I personally have a luxury stroller system for long walks (and we used as a snap and go system with infant car seats), and a double umbrella for travel and to keep in car for when we are out and about now that my girls are in a convertible car seat. Here are my picks in each category:

Luxury Stroller System

A high quality and multifunctional a luxury stroller system will take you from birth to whenever you are done using a stroller. They are expensive and can be on the heavy side, but they are awesome for city living/twins/people who love to walk.

My Pick:

UPPAbaby Vista (great for twins or two small kids plus a toddler on a ride along board). We paired our Vista with the Mesa car seats which worked like a snap and go stroller when the girls were still in infant car seats. This is a splurge-worthy item in my opinion.

Umbrella Strollers

Umbrella strollers are great for throwing in the car or for travel, but not for long walks. If they don’t recline, do not use until baby can sit up. 

Budget pick: Summer Infant

High end picks: double: UPPAbaby G-LINK  single: UPPAbaby G-LUXE

Snap and go Strollers

Super lightweight for when baby is in infant car seat. Not really sturdy enough for long walks but great for getting in and out of car. This will be purchased with your car seat and is typically specific to which car seat you choose. Here are my picks: 

1. Single: Chicco (works with this infant car seat). 
2. Double: Joovy Twin Roo+ (FYI the weight for a double snap and go is not that far off from the frame of the UPPAbaby Vista, which is why we returned our Joovy and opted for the nicer longer term option. This one works with several different infant car seats listed on Amazon). 

Jogging Stroller

BOB Revolution Flex or BOB Revolution Flex Duallie. Remember do not jog with baby until they are 6 months old! 

Infant Car Seats

I highly recommend getting an infant car seat rated for 4 pounds and up, and installing it in your car before you hit your 35 week mark. This is my favorite infant car seat — we loved it and had the whole system. But if you want something a bit less expensive, this one is a super safe and awesome option — it consistently receives some of the highest ratings in Consumer Reports. In the off chance that you have a preemie (like I did), you cannot go home without a car seat that is safe for a small baby like the ones listed above. Many hospitals will make you bring the car seat in for a car seat test if your little one is small or has any other issues for a safety test. Some people prefer to go right to a convertible car seat, but there are many reasons why I think an infant car seat is a better option. The infant car seat is typically rated for a lower weight and secures the neck more for a little baby. It also lays back more, and since newborns do not have great head control, the infant seat is a bit safer.

My picks:

1. Luxury: UPPAbaby Mesa
2. Mid-range: Chicco

Convertible Car Seats 

I recommend transitioning to a convertible car seat somewhere between 8 months and 1 year old depending on height and weight of baby. This is our favorite convertible followed by this one (FYI you will not need this for the hospital if you have an infant seat). You may decide to keep this off your registry if you want the latest and greatest model since you wont be using it for at least 6 months or so. On the other hand, since it is a big ticket item, it may be beneficial to add to registry.

My Picks:

1. Luxury: Nuna RAVA
2. Midrange: Britax Boulevard

Feeding

High chair picks: 

1. 4moms
2. IKEA (if you go this route, just purchase this on your own its only $23 and It is AWESOME)! 

Travel highchair

Great for restaurants, to bring to the grandparents’ or friends’ houses, or if you go out of town.

My pick:

Inglesina

Other items to consider for feeding

1. Bibs for milk. These are my favorite 
2. Bibs for food. These are the best! 
3. Bottles. These are my favorite, but don’t buy too many because this is very baby specific. Start with 5 oz and move to 9 oz bottles once baby is drinking more. 
4. Making homemade baby food? This item is awesome. Read my article here on how to introduce solids. 
5. ezpz silicone placemats for solid food 
6. Drying Rack. I like this one because it is easy to clean. Remember, drying racks are meant to get rid of loose water, so they become moldy pretty quickly. Pick a drying rack that is easy to clean. A lot of people like the boon lawn, but I have heard they are not as easy to clean. And because the bottles touch the actual lawn part of the rack, I have concerns that they could be a little moldy. Although, if you keep it clean, this shouldn’t be an issue. Whatever rack you decide on, just make sure to clean every couple of weeks! 
7. If you plan to bottle feed, I LOVED my Baby Brezza. Think Keurig but for formula. Makes the right amount of formula at just the perfect temperature. If you think you may do a combo of breastmilk and formula, I recommend registering for this item and keeping the box. That way you can return if you don’t end up needing it. But if you do need it, you will be so glad to have it! For twins, I highly recommend. Just remember, it takes a while for the water to heat up, so turn on the machine a few minutes before your baby is hungry! 

Breastfeeding Supplies

I wouldn’t really register for breastfeeding supplies. You can get your pump through insurance. Read my article here on how to do that. All other breastfeeding supplies you can buy on FSA.com using HSA or FSA money. Don’t know what that is? Read my article here.

Bathtime 

Read my article here to find my top bathtime picks.

Sick Baby Supplies

Read my article here to find my favorite must have items for sick baby. You should always keep these stocked in the house! 

Baby Nail Care

Read my article here for baby nail care. 

Misc

1. Boppy pillow for bottle feeding. If you are breastfeeding you may want something more structured like this. Or this one is always a lactation consultants favorite. For twins, consider the twin z pillow.
2. Boppy lounger for hanging out in 
3. Play mat for tummy time
4. Toys. Check out my article on development here for some toy ideas 
5. Crib sheets (3-4) and sheet savers. Tip: put a sheet saver between layers of sheets (2-3 layers per crib), so that if baby has an accident, you can peel off a layer and not worry about changing all of the sheets in the middle of the night
6. Crib Waterproof mattress cover goes in between mattress and first set of sheets. 
7. Changer (x2 if you have something to put it on downstairs. This is one of my favorite “splurge” items. So much easier than using a traditional changing pad because it just wipes down! Skip a changing table and stick on top of a dresser instead. 
8. Diaper pail. I love the Diaper Dekor, but FYI Costco sells inserts to the Diaper Genie, so that may be a selling point. 
9. Diaper bag. THIS IS THE BEST DIAPER BACKPACK EVER! I originally purchased a fancy/expensive diaper bag and then ordered this one when my girls were about 3 months and the old one is packed away in a closet.
10. Baskets to hold diapers and wipes 
11. Echo dot to play music 
12. Baby monitor. Single baby: Infant optics (can add cameras if you have another child later on)   twins: Summer infant
13. Baby carrier. Structured: Ergobaby Soft: Boba wrap 
    
14. Newborn baby clothes. I’d suggest keeping this minimal. People tend to buy this type of stuff regardless of whether or not you register for it. I’d get 5-10 newborn sleep and plays and a few onesies (long sleeve or short sleeve depending on season) to start. These items are super easy to order online after baby comes. 
15. Play yard/Pack N Play. You will want this for travel, and you may want one with a changing station for downstairs if you don’t have a dresser to put a changer on top of. Here are my top picks: Twin: Graco; Single with changer: Graco; Luxury: Bjorn