After getting this mommy thing down for the last 4 months, I’ve realized all the things we should and maybe shouldn’t have put on our registry! For all you mama-to-bes, here’s a list of some items I honestly wish I put on my baby registry! Luckily, we had some gift cards lying around to snag all the things we needed so far! This list doesn’t include things like, a crib, stroller or nursing chair because to me, these are items that automatically come to mind when you’re expecting. Instead, it includes items you may not have come across or really thought you may need. I should also note that this is not a sponsored post, and meant to help future parents with some items that I believe are baby registry must-haves!
Baby Registry items you’ll actually use:
- Keekaroo Peanut Changer | Ditch the classic changing pad and get this easy to clean, and water resistant changer. Made for newborns to up to age 3, it was designed for hospitals which means it’s durable and soft for your baby. The price on this thing is a bit heftier than a regular change pad, but you’ll be saving time and money on washing all those change pad covers from diaper changes that just do go as planned! This is probably my favourite item on this list.
- Baby Björn Bouncer | This thing really saved my life (and sanity). Not only does the bouncer allow you to free up some hands, but also be able to take a break from time to time. I’ve also used this in the bathroom with Miles sitting in there with a toy, whilst taking a shower! Although this bouncer doesn’t move on its own, there’s no need to buy the expensive ones that have different settings. As baby has been growing, he’s been learning to bounce in there by himself with his own movements.
- Baby Sling/Wrap/Carrier | Here’s another one to help free up some hands! I loved using my Solly baby wrap when Miles was smaller and had little strength in his neck. After gaining more strength and being able to hold his neck, I have been using a carrier and a Wild Bird Co. sling! I personally like the wraps/slings over the carriers, just because baby feels closer however my husband prefers the latter. If you like more support because you’ll be wearing baby for awhile, I think the carrier is a must (the Ergobaby Omni 360 one also can be used from newborn and up without any additional inserts). The wraps are great for short-term wear, especially around the home.
- Snuggle Me Organic Lounger | This lounger has been everywhere in our home: in the living room, in the bedroom, in the bassinet, etc. We used to place Miles’ in the lounger all the time. He’s just recently stopped using it but we will still be using this thing for him to lay in when he’s a bit bigger. It’s perfect for him to chill out in with his legs hanging, and it was perfect to keep him nice and safe when he was younger.
- American Baby Sheet Saver | Miles has had a handful of diaper accidents in this crib and this sheet saver has saved me time from having to remove the crib sheet off the mattress! All can be cleaned by untying the sheet saver, and throwing it in the wash! I only have one but you could potentially line up and tie more than one of these on the mattress just in case baby moves around.
- Angelcare Bath Tub Support | Newborn bathing was not fun in our household. Miles used to hate bath time as a newborn. Luckily we had this bath tub support to prop him in so that he would be safely placed in the tub. The plastic back with small holes grips baby’s back and holds them in place so you can wash baby without needing to hold them at the same time.
- Skip Hop Activity Gym | I still use this playmat to change Miles during the day, this way he’s distracted by fun toys while the real work is getting done by mama!
- Sleep Sack | Miles recently moved into a sleep sack and I wish they made this in adult size! It keeps baby warm and safe through his slumber. We are using this one here, but we will need a lighter/thinner one for the upcoming warmer months.
- Multi-Use Baby Cover | This is a definite must-have item for any new mama. It honestly was the best thing to cover the baby seat especially when they’re sensitive to things like light, sounds and germs! It also functions as a nursing cover which I find better than most because Miles stays inside the cover especially when he became more active. You can also use this as a blanket for baby! Talk about bang for your buck!
- HydraSense Baby Nasal Care | I’ve tried both the snot sucker and HydraSense and can tell you that I definitely prefer the latter. Babies, unlike adults can’t get rid of their boogers on their own. The HyrdraSense comes in handy to remove all of them! I found the snot sucker too large for Miles’ nostrils and found the HydraSense much easier to use.
- ToteSavvy | This bag organizer is something I use in my large purses and diaper backpack. It has many pockets and compartments so that you can organize your bag without compromising style!
Some Tips + Tricks:
- Sound machine | No need to spend money on this bad boy. We just used an old phone a friend lent us and downloaded an app loaded with different types of whitenoise/sounds!
- Swaddles | Don’t get me wrong, you need swaddles, but you don’t need to overload yourself with them. You just need a few for when they’re younger than 3-4 months. My recommendation though is to purchase a swaddle wrap (with velcro closing). They saved our lives especially when baby would just break out of the swaddle and we’d swaddle over and over again!
- Onesies | Think about those sleepless nights you have. Those times, you’ll have to wake up in the middle of the night over and over again to change diaper, feed baby and burp. You want to be able to get baby back to sleep and yourself! In the early months, zippered onesies (especially ones that zip from both the top and the bottom) are key. Miles only wears onesies at home (and what baby doesn’t). For bedtime, I’ll always change him into a zippered one so that if there is a little accident in the middle of the night, getting his clothes off will be the least of my worries.
- Newborn shoes | From what I’ve found, baby shoes are so adorable. But ask me how many times I’ve put Miles in shoes and my answer is less than the fingers on my hands! They really don’t need them as newborns, so don’t bother going out and purchasing a whole bunch. My advice, just have a good pair for special ocassions or for photo ops!
- Clothes | I know, as soon as I found out I was having a boy, I wanted to buy all the clothes. What I’ve learned is that, baby might be bigger or smaller than the clothing companies size their clothes. For instance, I find Baby Gap to be pretty accurate, but Carter’s fits smaller. The other thing to keep in mind is that baby is growing and you don’t want to have purchased a whole bunch of summer clothes, only to find out when that time comes, that baby is bigger and can’t even fit into them! Hold off, buy a few key pieces ie. like newborn and 0-3 onesies, and for the rest, I have been purchasing here and there as Miles grows.
