When I got pregnant, I was so overwhelmed with what I needed that it physically stressed me out. I’m a type A gal, so I feel like I need to make a notes app list for everything in my life. So when I didn’t have this perfect, laid-out list of all the baby things I needed, I was stuckkk. But then I found the Babylist app/website and all was right in the world. Lol obviously not an ad, but seriously, it helped so much! At first, I just thought it was a place to make your registry but what I learned is that it has categories within it and an actual checklist of all the typical items parents use/that baby needs and suggestions for each category! So then I started to build my little registry and #1. man it seems like you need a lot and #2. gosh some of the most popular items are SO much more expensive than you thought (like excuse me, why is a changing pad over $150?!? @Keekaroo.) If you’re on the hunt for good registry recommendations, then welcome! And I use the word ‘good’ lightly because at the end of the day, get what you want or what you think baby might need. Some moms swear by one product and use it daily, while another mom has never used it in her life and ended up donating it. Everyone is different! But I do feel like I take a really reasonable approach and can now say what we didn’t end up using on the other side (aka 8 months into this.)
Click here to view my registry for ideas!
My most used items:
For Mom:
- Utility cart for supplies
- Reusable bra pads for leaking (really just like in the early stage)
- Nursing bras
- Silverettes !!!! These things truly saved me the first month
For the newborn stage:
- Zip sleepers
- Swaddles (if you’re into that) – I really liked Love to Dream because it still snuggled her, but she could still move her arms around in it.
- Wipe warmer – I truly think this helped diaper changes when she was little SO much. If you or your baby doesn’t care about the wipes being warm, at least get a wipe holder because it makes taking the wipes out so much easier when you are trying to hold all 4 limbs with one hand, so they don’t smear poop everywhere (just keeping it real.)
Still now 8 months in, basically daily:
- Hatch sound machine – I know it is pricey for a sound machine but we really like all of the features it offers, and I feel like it will be put to even more use when she’s a toddler/in her own room
- Evenflo Shyft Dualride – I probably will use this for every kid, truly so easy and convenient! I know some people are particular about buying new car seats, but the nice thing about these is that you can often find them on Facebook Marketplace.
- Electric nose sucker – Especially great when they are tiny or when they are sick
- Paci’s (if your baby takes them) – we use Ninni Co! I know they are pricey, but they ended up being gifted to us, and there are such good things said about them relating to breastfeeding
- Changing pad – We just use the cheap Munchkin one on top of our dresser, works how it should lol. My sister actually travels so much that she keeps one in her car, which is kind of genius haha.
- Burb cloths. That’s pretty self-explanatory. Just get them. A lot of them.
- Diaper pail – Seriously, I did not think we were going to use this that much but I put it on our registry and we’ve used it every day since we’ve been home from the hospital. Get whatever brand you’re willing to ask for or buy yourself lol. This is the one we got.
- Toys and books – There are some on my registry link, but I also just look at articles for toys during each month/stage that she’s in.
What I didn’t think I needed to put on the registry and ended up buying after the fact:
- MEDS – Gosh, please ask for these (even if you think you’ll never use them) because when you have a little screaming baby who’s sick or colicy, you’re willing to do anything to help them. We have things like gas/colic drops and Boiron Homeopathic for colds and teething.
- Good quality humidifier – Maybe it was just the time of year she was born in but I felt like she was sick all of the time (literally had RSV at 3 weeks old.) The baby-branded ones, like Frida, are not nearly as good.
- 1 Cute newborn outfit – I know it’s silly, but for your first outing or 1-month picture, we only had pajamas haha.
- Mom, don’t feel weird about putting items on the registry that you know you’ll need! Like snacks, medicines, pajamas/lounge wear, and items to heal postpartum.
Probably my #1 tip in saving money for all of the things that aren’t gifted to you… THRIFT! Go to Once Upon a Child or KidtoKid. Oh, your baby doesn’t like the swaddle you tried? That’s ok. Go try a different style for like $5. And they have strollers, toys, sleepers, onesies, & cute outfits! I think 98% of Eden’s closet is hand-me-downs, my clothes from when I was a baby, thrifted, and gifted. I was just talking to my husband the other day about this, in my opinion, having a baby is as expensive as you want it to be…😶So choose what you think is necessary and important for your sanity and your family!
Moms, comment your favorite baby items that you swear by! ♡