Can we talk about how overwhelming baby registries are?! Even if this isn’t your first, it feels like things change daily. I wanted to share my tried-and-true items after 3 kids. I have a variety of items for twins and singletons. You will also see my favorite natural products that I swear by. I hope this helps make the process a little less stressful. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anymore suggestions. I broke it down by section to make it easier to follow. Obviously, everyone loves different things but things are the items I know and love and have shared with many others in the past. There is a lot on here, so just pick things that seem fun for you to register for or you think you will need. You can always return things.
The first thing I will tell you is to take everything from the hospital! They will give you diapers, burp rags, pads for yourself, etc. Clear out the drawers. You paid for it (in a few different ways 😊) Also, add EVERYTHING to your registry. Even toddler items. Once you have your baby Amazon (or wherever you register) will give you a completion discount you can use for remaining items. I used it on diapers and wipes, too.
FEEDING
High Chair (Stokke Tripp Trapp)- You might have a little sticker shock on this one, but it is worth it. This chair will stay with them through the years. It has foot support, which is really important when littles are eating. When the boys first started, I stuffed a little towel on each side to steady them a bit. These chairs are great. The newborn insert was used more for hanging out than eating when they were little. Really not necessary. You want to make sure you grab the version with the baby set (that is the seat part) and that you also register for the tray.
Formula Maker (Baby Brezza)- I cannot brag about this enough. Think Keurig for baby formula. Even if you just need warm water for mixing, it will dispense the exact amount. There is a fancier version with WiFi, but I had this one.
Baby Food Maker (BabyMoov)- If you are going to make your own purees, this will make life so much easier. It has a 3-level steamer on one side and a blender on the other. It just makes the process much easier. I bought these reusable pouches.
Bibs- We loved these rubber ones for every day. Target brand also are great. We used these for travel because they fold nicely.
Burp Clothes- I had two different ones that I love. These Burts Bees are 100% organic. Super soft and thinner so they are great on the go. These bigger ones are great for every day. We had messy boys so these worked great.
Bottles- Bottle can be tough because you never know what your kid will like. Don’t go crazy with one type. Buy a variety. You will need the small ones (4oz) to start. Those will come with smaller nipples already on them (0 or 1). As they grow you can buy the larger ones (8oz +). Many babies start on Dr. Browns but they are a huge pain to clean. I like Avent with the wider nipple and easy cleanup. Avent does have a glass version if you are trying to avoid plastic. At that age they won’t be grabbing for it so no concern on breaking. Pro tip: put the bottle in the fridge after each use so it stays sterile and you can reuse it for the next feeding. I cleaned my bottles at the end of the day.
Drying Rack- A lot of people love the ‘grass’ mat. I used it with my first. Then I discovered this one. It takes up almost no counter space and works great.
Bottle Warmer- This one is up to you. You can always heat up a mug of water and then drop the bottle in. This is all about convenience and not having to continually check the temp to see if the bottle is warm enough.
Bottle Sterilizer- These units are generally pretty big and take up a lot of space. This is the one we used. To save space I liked these little sterilizer bags. You can use them 20 times each. I put bottles, pacis, etc. in there.
Breast Pump- Insurance should cover your breast pump. Even if this isn’t your first, you can still get a new one. I recommend the Spectra. It worked better than Medela. A lot of people love the convenience of a portable pump. I would recommend getting this as a secondary pump. They are not nearly as strong so they can be hard to use in the beginning. You may also want a Haakaa. This crazy little contraption suctions onto your boob and is very portable. I actually put it on one breast while I was feeding because I would leak. Check out the details here.
Breast Pump Supplies- Depending on how on the go you are, you may have different needs. They make pumping bags to store and use your pump. For starters you will need the storage bags, pads for your bra (I like the reusable ones. They are easy to wash and reuse) and most importantly, a pumping bra. This makes pumping hands free and easy. I loved this strapless one because I could pop it on without taking my clothes off.
Nipple Butter (Earth Mama Organic)- instant relief for those poor nipples
Nursing Pillow- The My Breast Friend pillow was great. Super easy to use and comfortable.
Twins Nursing/Feeding Pillow- For multiple whether you are breast feeding or just need a place to prop them up, I love the Twin Z pillow. It is a little pricier so a great registry item (or search second hand. The cover is washable)
Table Mats- These are great for going out once your kid is in a high chair so you aren’t putting food on gross tables. You can use them at home to protect your tables, too.
Dish Soap (LemiShine)- this might not be on your mind, but washing those bottles, etc. with chemical-free dish soap is ideal.
Sippy Cups- these are a bit down the road, but here are a few I love. Hippypotamus makes the cutest straw cups that don’t spill. If you are trying to do less plastic, Green Sprout has these great 2-layer cups. The inside is glass, but outside is plastic so they won’t break. They come with a straw and sippy top and a lid.
DIAPERING & SLEEPING
Cloth Diapers- I get that this isn’t for everyone, so feel free to skip this one. If you want to give it a try, I will tell you it will save you a ton of money, is much greener (obviously), you will never deal with diaper rash and it really isn’t as bad as you think. We did it for my daughter until she started daycare, but didn’t for the boys (my husband said no, ha). One way to cheat is to use regular diapers when you are out and about too. To learn how you tube it. There are a million videos that show you how. You could even check them out before you commit. Here is what you need:
The outer shell-these are adjustable as they grow. You change out the liner throughout the day and then I throw these in the wash at the end of the day. Some use it longer. Extra Liners-some say these are for overnight, but I used them throughout the day so I wasn’t changing the shell. I had a diaper pail with a cloth bag that I could easily take out and dump them all (then the bag) into the laundry and didn’t touch a thing. You can also do a large wet bag. I do recommend a sprayer and pail. This is to clean the #2 straight into the toilet. Again, no touching here. The last few things are a regular size wet bag to have in the diaper bag to put soiled diapers in and a natural stain spray to keep the poop stains off.
Regular Diapers- These are a bit of personal preference but I liked Costco. No leaks, a great price and fragrance free. Pampers Pure is also nice. There are ‘cleaner’ options like Dyper but they can get pretty pricey.
Night Diapers- Once babies start sleeping through the night you often times need night diapers. They boys peed right through regular diapers. These Pampers Overnights were our favorites.
Diaper Pail (Ubbi)- the best pail to lock out odors. It has a lock on it, which you will need down the road when kids get mobile. Pro Tip: Don’t buy diaper pail bags. Regular kitchen garbage bags work just fine and are way cheaper.
Diaper Rash (Earth Mama Organic)- this stuff is the best and works fast
Changing Table- You may just get one that goes with your set, but here is why I didn’t. I liked one that could face me (think baby feet facing me and not longways). So much easier to change a diaper. Also, lots of good storage on the side for diapers, wipes, toys to entertain, etc. Make sure it comes with an actual pad on the top.
Changing Pad Cover- Most are pretty universal so find some cute ones you like and grab a few so you can easily switch out after they get soiled.
Wipes Dispenser- These make it so much easier to access your wipes. I didn’t do the warming one bc I thought it was a little silly, but also because I used the diaper change to wake my kiddo up a bit during feedings.
Wipes- If you are really feeling green, they do make reusable wipes. That was too much for me. I like Pampers Pure the best. They are soft and great to use. Kirkland (Costco) has a fragrance free one as well.
Sleeper PJs- lets start by saying zipper, zipper and only zipper. Snaps are a pain so only look for ones with zippers. I love Burts Bees and anything bamboo. They are cute and soft. You really can’t go wrong as long as they have feet.
Sleep Suit (Magic Merlin)- better known as the marshmallow suit. You won’t use this on day one, but this baby is so worth it around 3 months. It helps with kiddos who don’t want the tight swaddle but still have the startle reflex. One big surprise is that kiddos don’t get hot. We had our boys in them during summer in AZ and they were great.
Swaddles- swaddles are going to change over time. For starters, go Velcro. So easy! We started in this one, then went to the Merlin suit. When the boys could easily roll over we went to this one without sleeves. These all come in various sizes by age (ex: 6-9 months) and are usually room enough for some give in sizes. We finished with Kyte Baby. It was long and kept them settled in. We loved them. A little after a year we did away with the swaddle, but that is 100% a personal preference.
TOYS & SUCH
Toys- Oballs are one the best. Little fingers can grasp them early. Every kid loves this phone and will for a few years. We have extras that stay in their carseats in the car for entertainment. Same goes for this remote. We used this spinning wheel everywhere. It even helped keep them occupied when we started in the highchair.
Teethers- Rubber teethers are always great for those gums as teeth come in. Sophie is a favorite, but really any will do. Also, grab some that you can throw in the fridge. Teething hurts and those feel good on the gums. I also recommend this all-natural oil to help sooth those teething aches.
Tummy Time Mat- There are few options here. Standard mats are great because there are toys all around. I personally like this one because it grows with them. They can hit their feet to play the music. Once they can sit up it becomes a little piano for them to bang on.
Tummy Time Toys- a lot of first toys are black and white for the contrast. I love this set because it has a mirror and crinkles. All things that are great for promoting tummy time.
Pacifiers- You may not want to go the paci route, but keep in mind you may end up with a thumb sucker. I have both and would take a paci any day 😊 Many kids don’t like them so don’t go crazy. Like bottles, kids can be picky about pacis. If you want to go that route grab a few. Here are some popular ones: Avent and Nuk. We liked the glow in the dark Nuk because they were easy to find in the crib at night. Don’t forget to grab a clip so you don’t end up losing them or with them on the ground.
Bouncer- you won’t need this for a bit, but you can always register for it. This is similar to one we had. It takes up a little less space.
Stuffed Animals- better known to kids as stuffies. Don’t buy them! You will receive so many as gifts. This goes for the little loveys too. I am sure you will get one (or 5) at your shower)
BATH & PERSONAL CARE
Baby Shampoo (Honest Co)- I love the lavender. Sometimes you can grab this in a two pack at Costco and save a few bucks.
Thermometer- you will need a standard and a digital. This digital is great for a quick read. If your baby ever spikes a temp, you will need a standard thermometer to do a rectal check for the doctor. You can also use these under the arms.
Nail Clippers- These are great ones. If the thought I clipping tiny nails scares you grab an electric file. They are so easy to use.
Nasal Aspirator- Many of heard of the Nose Frida. It sounds gross, but really works well. The hospital recommended the Baby Vac for one for the boys and it is a game changer. It hooks to the vacuum, which seems crazy, but it works like nothing else. I tried to on myself to make sure it wasn’t too aggressive and it wasn’t bad at all. I didn’t find that the electric ones worked well. The saline is a must, too. It loosens everything up right before you suction. You will get the little bulb one from the hospital. It is great for the diaper bag. The Oogie Bear is a great little gadget to grab boogers (trust me, your fingers can’t get them no matter how hard you try).
Lotion- there are a few lotions I like. Earth Mama makes a great unscented. I like the Honest Lavender. Make sure if you get any scented it is all natural and ‘fragrance’ isn’t in the ingredients. This Honest set gives you the body wash and lotion. We used the body wash in every bath as the body wash and shampoo for all my kids.
Bathtub- This Fischer Price tub is a great bathtub because it grows with your kiddo. It starts with the newborn sling, then goes to a little tub, then has a seat that allows them to sit up with some support. We have a big farmhouse (single tub) sink and loved this Angel Care one since it sat nicely in it and propped them up well. We wrapped them in a muslin blanket to keep them warm. We also added a second one of these and they both fit in our bathtub. Once they could sit up these were amazing with keeping them upright and in place.
Bath Thermometer- this is a must since it is hard to gauge water temp for little ones. We still use it today.
NURSERY & HOME
Bookshelf/Storage Unit- We got almost the same unit (ours isn’t available). It is great for toy storage, books, etc. It will grow with them.
Baby Furniture- you can find a set that fits your style. If you go to Amazon and search their ‘warehouse’ you can find a lot of out of box items in perfect condition for a fraction of the price.
Glider- get one this is comfortable and has a foot rest (ottoman)! You are going to be there a lot. I got lucky with a hand me down, but this is a popular one.
Baby Hangers- I like the felt ones because little clothes stay on much better
Sit Me Up- I love this little seat as they started to build that core strength to sit up
Crib Mattress Cover- This is more affordable that the Naturepedic we bought, but is still organic. You will want 2. Pro Tip: Put two on together. If there is an accident in the middle of the night you can slip one off and you don’t have to put a new one on.
Bassinett (Halo)- we love the Halo bassinet. It swivels and has mesh sides. The side also collapses down so you can easily put an arm in there from bed. For twins we did the Double Halo Twin Sleeper, but it is a bit of a beast. We had to put it at the foot of the bed. If space is an issue two singles might be easier for you.
Lounger- The one we used was discontinued but this is a less expensive version of the Dock-a-Tot. This is great to chill on the couch next to you. Especially when they were little. My kids all napped better in these early on.
Blankets- Resist the urge to buy any cute blankets. You will receive a ton of them. Seriously. A ton.
Sound Machine (Hatch)- This is our go to with all our kids. Great volume and good white noise. A little light if needed.
Monitor- People are either pro and against WiFi. I totally get both views (concern of WiFi hackers). I liked the WiFi because we used the app to see them on the phones. Hello Baby is a popular one. With the boys we used the Owlet because we used the sock monitors, as well.
Laundry Detergent (Stoneworks)- this fragrance free and all natural detergent is great for babies and adults. No toxins in the detergent = no toxins or irritants on baby’s skin.
Swing (Mamaroo)- this swing was the best. It had different settings for different motions. You can find these secondhand pretty often, as well. If you prefer a gently bouncer to start, this is a top seller but pricier.
TRAVEL
Stroller & Carseat- We did the Peg Perego combo with the Stroller, Carseat and Base. I have a lot of friends that love the Mockingbird too. Don’t forget to register for an extra base so you have bases in both cars to easily transfer kiddos back and forth.
Double Stroller (Baby Jogger)- We did the Baby Jogger and loved it. It starts with the carseats and then moves to seats that have like 15 configurations. It is owned by Graco, so Graco carseats work, as well. We added the little scooter on the back for our oldest. It easily folds into the unit when she isn’t on it.
Carrier (Ergobaby)- I like this one because you can use it for a really long time. It is breathable too. I was never comfortable with the wrap ones, but did use the Ktan a handful of times because it is prewrapped.
Diaper Bag- My Ergobaby bag is the best but it was discontinued. This one is very similar. I love a backpack. It is easy and handsfree.
Wet bag- You will use this for years for kids stuff. It is great to throw things in.
Disposable Diaper Bags- These are essentially dog poop bags. So yes, buy those. They are cheaper. When you are out with your kid and have a poopy diaper, you can put it in these bags so it won’t smell up the garbage or make a mess while transporting to the garbage.
Pack n Play- Graco makes a great one. I never used all the extras that came with it so a simple one worked.
Window Shades- The sun is bright on those little faces. These easily go on the windows.
Carseat Canopy- These are great to keep unwanted hands out of the carseat. They easily convert to a nursing cover too.
Stroller Hooks- Hooks are just handy to keep things hands free. You can add shopping bags, purses, etc.
Carseat Mirror- This lets you see your rear facing baby while you drive. You may have to try a few out to see what works with your car. My new car had a different headrest and these didn’t work as well.
Portable Sound Machine (Yogasleep)- this is great on the go. It can be set next to the Pack n Play or hooked into the carseat or carrier.
Travel Stroller- At some point you are going to want a simple, lightweight travel stroller. They are great and lightweight. Zoe makes the best double travel stroller.
Stroller Caddy- This is a must. Throw your phone, drink, etc. in there. It will fill up fast. This is a great one for double strollers.
Portable Changing Pad- This will live in your diaper bag. You want this one because it holds diapers and wipes so you can grab it and go to the bathroom (or wherever) without lugging the whole bag
Portable highchair- This one hooks to any table or counter and stores flat so it is easy on the go. This one is great if you prefer for them to sit on the ground or on a chair.
