Putting together my baby registry was so very stressful for me. I knew what I liked, but I had no idea what I needed. I love kids and have been around them my whole life, but I had only ever changed a couple of diapers and had certainly never fed a baby dinner. I was so thankful ton have a few veteran moms help me with my registry. My friend Amber actually physically took me to register, and then I had one friend after another call me up to tell me exactly what I needed.
To make it easier, I’ve split this up in the same order that Babies R Us does. Obviously this is all just my personal opinion and this is not a completely comprehensive list, but these are some of my favorite items.
How Sweet It Is, this is for you.
Nursery
Crib & Changing Table: Baby Mod parklane 3 in 1 convertible crib in espresso ($285, $389)
I decided to go for a cheaper crib so we could get a fancy mattress. After almost 3 years it has several dents on the bottom from my vacuum and teeth marks along the rail, but a brown magic marker seems to hide them pretty well.
Mattress: Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Classic 150 Crib Mattress ($259)
I have friend who has the Nook Pebble Pure Crib Mattress in Cloud ($395) and swears by it.
Swivel/Rocking Recliner: Best Chair Tryp Recliner ($600 from Buy Buy Baby, including taxes, delivery, and 20% off coupon)
This is one of the smartest purchases we made. The chair is not very stylish, but man is it comfy at 3 AM night after night.
Travel Crib: My preference is the Aprica Haven Playard as it just pops open and closed, however it doesn’t seem to be available anymore. Look at other brands besides the Graco Pack n Play as the Graco one is kind of a pain to put up and down.
Bedding
(2 each) Crib fitted sheet & changing pad covers: Land of Nod ($24, $35)
Don’t balk at the price. It’s worth it, and they sometimes go on sale. I have 2 sets for each crib and that’s all we’ve needed. The elastic never stretches out, and likewise the sheets don’t shrink either. The cotton has never pilled after 3 years of use, and the fabric still feels brand new. You will have to change the sheets a lot more the first few months with diaper explosions and the like, so feel free to get a couple of super cheap sets for those emergencies. But these are your main ones.
Waterproof Mattress Pad: Naturepedic Waterproof Fitted Crib Pad, 28×52 ($65)
It kills me to spend the money on this, but it’s worthwhile. I just wash the same one over and over again and cross my fingers there’s no issues overnight when the pad is still in the wash.
Changing Table Pad: The ones I have and love are no longer sold, so I’m no help in this department.
Receiving Blanket: aden + anais Swaddle Blankets (price varies)
We use these for everything: early days swaddling, wiping up spit up, nursing cover, stroller shade, summer blanket. We still use them today. Online and in specialty boutiques you can get much nicer designs than in the big baby stores. I have 6, and while it seems like a lot I literally use them for everything the first 3 months.
Crib/Stroller Blanket: PBK Dot & Stripe Chamois Stroller Blanket ($39.50)
I did not buy a single blanket for my kids. These were very popular gifts from family and friends. My kids’ favorites are the ones above, any blanket with a satin border, and the quilts my mother in law made them.
Swaddles: Miracle Blanket Baby Swaddle Blanket, Green with Beige Trim ($32) and HALO SleepSack 100% Cotton Swaddle, Cream, Small ($16.99)
The Miracle Blanket is the baby strait jacket that allowed my kids to sleep 11 straight hours early on. The HALO SleepSack was good for transitioning out of swaddling and also for parents who might not want as tight a swaddle as the Miracle Blanket.
New mom tip: If you think your newborn doesn’t like swaddling then you’re doing it wrong. Swaddle tighter.
Sound machine: HoMedics SS-2000G/F-AMZ Sound Spa Relaxation Machine with 6 Nature Sounds, Silver ($19.97)
Car Seats
Infant Car Seat: Britax B-Safe Infant Car Seat, Black ($144)
Britax is my favorite brand. I also like Chicco.
Convertible Car Seat: RECARO ProRIDE Convertible Car Seat ($230) Britax Boulevard 70-G3 Convertible Car Seat Seat, Onyx ($290)
Only register for the convertible car seat if you have room to hold it until you’ll need it. My kids moved to the convertible car seat at about 8-10 months, but some kids stay in the infant bucket seat longer than that.
Strollers & Carriers
Before we get to this section I just have to say I have a stroller obsession. As someone who uses my stroller daily I have found that I need different ones for different reasons. I like to have a travel system stroller (the kind where the car seat just clicks right in), a lightweight umbrella stroller, and a jogging stroller.
Travel System Stroller: Get whichever one fits with your infant car seat.
Lightweight umbrella stroller: UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller, Sebby/Teal (~$200)
This is GREAT for airplane travel or when you’re going in the car and don’t have room for a bigger stroller. In my opinion it is the absolute best umbrella stroller out there – it’s light, has an arm strap, reclines, has decent storage, and is easy to clean.
Jogging Stroller: BOB Revolution SE Single Stroller, Black
These go on sale periodically through REI or on Amazon.
Carrier: Britax Baby Carrier, Black ($86.87) Rockin Baby Pouch ($80)
Diaper Bag: I am partial to the designer bags, just make sure whatever you choose it’s easy to clean and that it’s big enough.
Travel diaper changing mat: Infantino Park Place Playmat $25
It’s nice and big so you don’t have to worry about icky germs anywhere you’re changing the baby. Also really easy to clean and store.
Feeding
Refer to the Babies R Us registry list for the comprehensive list. These are just my favorites.
Breast Pump: Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with On the Go Tote ($235)
Bottles: Lifefactory Glass Baby Bottle with Silicone Sleeve, Spring Green, 4 Ounce ($14.99)
We also used Tommee Tippee which is a Babies R Us exclusive. There is a Tommee Tippee Breast Pump Adaptor you can buy so you can pump straight into the Tommee Tippee bottle.
Bibs: Make My Day Silicone Baby Bib, Lime ($9.79)
People gave traditional bibs as gifts, and I loved the beautiful ones available on Etsy. The above bib is the ONLY bib you need once your child starts solids at 6 months old. You simply wash it with soap and water and reuse. This specific one is cute because the boys’ version has a bowtie and the girls’ version has a necklace.
Pacifier: WubbaNub Giraffe ($12.95)
If your kid takes a pacifier, grab a few of these plush ones. The pacifier easily stays in their mouths before they’re old enough to hold onto a tiny pacifier alone.
High Chair: Whichever high chair you pick, keep in mind that food will get into every single crevice. Find one that’s easy to clean!
Burp Cloths: Gerber Birdseye 10 Count 3-Ply Prefold Cloth Diapers, White ($12) aden + anais 2 Pack Muslin Burpy Bib, Jungle Jam ($22)
I used the Gerbers all day long at home, and the A&A ones when we went out.
Table Top I added this section myself.
Bowls and divided plates: Skip Hop Zoo Melamine Plate and Bowl Set, Bee ($11.99)
First straw cup: Playtex Lil’ Gripper/Anytime 9 Ounce Straw Cup, 2 Count, ($8.49)
Toddler straw cup: Thermos 12-Ounce Funtainer Bottle, Blue ($14.99)
First spoons: Munchkin 6 Pack Soft-Tip Infant Spoon ($5.09)
Toddler silverware: Skip Hop ZOOtensils Fork and Spoon, Owl ($14.83)
Labels: Name Bubbles
Dinnerware set: Corelle
We have all white plates, so I bought a matching set of white Corelle dinnerware. It doesn’t shatter when dropped so it’s good dinnerware for them to practice eating like the adults without having to worry.
Storage: OXO Tot Baby Blocks Freezer Storage Containers 2 Ounce, Set 6, Clear ($9.99)
Lunch box – You need one!
Diapering Pretty self explanatory so I’m skipping this section save for one tidbit.
Cloth wipes: Buy some. These are my faves: FuzziBunz Wonder Wipes, 10 Pack ($6.95) You’re not supposed to use disposable wipes for the first several weeks after a baby is born as their skin is so sensitive. Buy cloth wipes and a spray bottle to spray the wipes with water.
Bathing & Infant Care – favorites only
Baby Bathtub: Munchkin White Hot Safety Bath Cradle ($5-10 in Target stores exclusively)
We didn’t have room for a traditional baby bathtub, so I used this instead and loved it.
Baby Bath Towels: Jumping Beans® Olivia Owl Hooded Bath Towel ($20), PBK Classic Solid Bath Wrap ($24.50)
The Jumping Beans ones go on sale at Kohl’s all the time. I have 1 hooded towel/kid and wash them every couple of days.
Shampoo/Body Wash/Lotion: anything California Baby Shampoo & Bodywash – Calming – 19 oz (price varies), The Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash ($9.50)
Clothing
You’ll use a lot of onesies, Carter’s Sleep N Plays (available in cotton and fleece), socks, and hats the first month or two. Pick what you like and just make sure it’s easy to clean and get on and off. I think Carter’s is the most practical for infant clothing, even though it isn’t super stylish.
Safety
Monitor: Summer Infant Baby Touch Digital Color Video Monitor ($184)
A 3rd party sells a silicone sleeve for the monitor for around $10. Buy it if you’re clumsy like me and drop the monitor several times a month.
Baby Gates: Munchkin Easy-Close Metal Safety Gate, White ($42.49)
Outlet covers and plugs: Kidco Universal Outlet Cover 3 Pack – White ($9.20)
Cabinet and drawer locks: Safety 1st Magnetic Locking System Complete ($22.99)
That’s all for now – I will save the Play Time favorites for Part 2. That’s all the fun stuff.