Basic Registry Items

jackiesmom324

Hey yall. I think I might have lost this but I thought we had a thread earlier that had a list of basic registry items. This is my first baby and I know we have alot of STMs and beyond on here with lots of good advice. I really just want the basics not anything fancy. If you put it on here I can create a amazon registry we can use for a reference.  yeah im a basic bish!

Amber_Waves

I think a lot depends on your home and your anticipated needs... 
I went through https://www.lucieslist.com/baby-registry-basics/ when I made my registry.  There's A LOT of info & choices there, but if you do one category a day, it's not too overwhelming.

cait5413

Basics: changing table pad to go on top of dresser (I think ours is safety first), baby bath (ours might also be safety first--it has a sling for when baby is little and then you can take out the sling and use the tub), pack n play is highly recommended for baby sleeping in your room, travel, or naps at a friend/relative's. Playmat for tummy time (you could use a blanket, but the dangly toys get really entertaining to them). Diapers (pampers swaddlers and up and up), wipes ( we like water wipes and huggies), car seat, stroller, baby carrier, crib and crib mattress. We like the quick zip sheets for quick changes, but they can be hard to find. Swaddle me swaddles. The Aden and anais muslin blankets/swaddles seemed expensive to me, but they really are nice and come in handy. Good registry item. Diaper cream, thermometer, nail scissors (not clippers)

eazybreezy225

For us, we have to be space conscious.
So we are creative and eliminating anything that takes up space that we don't absolutely HAVE to have.
For us, this means number one must-have is a super nice pack-in-play. One with the bassinet and changing station on top with multiple levels for the mattress as baby grows. This will be baby's bed and changing "table". 
We also registered for extra pack n play sheets and changing pad covers. Diapers in size 1 and 2 (2 boxes each). Wipes (2 or 3 boxes)... Breast milk storage baggies (I exclusively pump). 
Baby bath (I'm getting one of those flower pads for the sink!).. baby lotion, baby wash, diaper ointment.
Another must have for us is a baby swing. Doesn't need to be fancy... but my babies always LOVED their swings... and it saved my sanity. I recommend purchasing rechargeable batteries and a battery charger for the swing... or else you'll go through batteries like crazy.

sjis

In terms of swaddles, I'd like to share that I tried a number of different types and DD would always ninja out of them and cry. So I'd hold out on buying a bunch. Eventually I got the woombie and it was the best thing ever! I'll never go back to Muslin swaddles. Some babies don't like it all and sleep better without them. 

I know it's not entirely essential but the Cushy Closer for your doors is heaven sent. I think it's about $15 or less. They are on most of my doors for keeping closing doors silent and for DD not accidentally locking herself out or in. Anytime there's a shower I throw one of these in. 

Also I found wash cloths entirely useless. Buy a baby konjac sponge for bath time. 

jlemons-2

How have I never heard of the Cushy Closer??? That would have been a lifesaver a year ago. 

threatlevelmidnight

We also have to be very space conscious. Here are my favorite, most used items from DS..
Chicco keyfit 30 car seat
Urbini Reversi stroller
Fisher-Price rock n play (lifesaver)
Muslin swaddle blankets (we never used to swaddle, but they are the perfect blanket to snuggle them with)
MAM bottles and pacifiers (only ones he'd take)
Diapers (we love Target and Walmart brand)
Wipes (Walmart brand - sensitive)
Baby wash (we love California Baby)
Lotion (California Baby)
Diaper cream (we like butt paste)
Bath tub (tried several, and love the Angel Care one the best)
Medela pump
Steam bags for cleaning pump parts, bottles, etc. 
Fisher Price swing

KathrynJ088

jlemons-2 said:

How have I never heard of the Cushy Closer??? That would have been a lifesaver a year ago. 

 You could use just about anything to do the same thing. I was considering making some then realized that I could buy 99 cent bandanas (or scrap fabric) and fold them up like a headband and tie around each of the knobs.

jackiesmom324

hey all. I added all that stuff to my list .Im thinking of doing the Willow pump.  I saw the recommendation on Bum Genius are there any others? is there a cloth diapering set that would be good to start off on with a budget? https://www.amazon.com/Noras-Nursery-Pocket-Diapers-Inserts/dp/B0153SP86E/ref=sr_1_8_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1500237567&sr=8-8&keywords=cloth+diaper&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011

jackiesmom324

What about these items
Pack N Play Changing Pad Cover
Swaddle Me
Portable Bassinet/Diaper Bag
Convertible Crib/Changing Table

cait5413

Swaddle me _yes!
We didn't have the pack n play with the changing insert
We bought a convertible crib, but no changing table. Just put the changing pad on a dresser. 

alysapuggles

I will second the quick zip/zip off sheets. We had those with DS and it was so nice middle of the night sheet changes. Also mattress protectors. Have a couple of each for quick cleanups after messes.
Regarding baby swings and batteries, we got a swing that plugged in or used batteries, so if you can find one with a plug in option, it's really nice.
Not exactly a basic, but we had a little gadget called an Itzbeen for DS, and we ended up using it way more than we ever thought. It basically keeps the time since the last feeding/diaper/etc.. how long they've been sleeping, how long since I last pumped, that kind of thing. It was useful to us because it was so easy to lose track of time.
Cheap prefolds from Amazon or where ever. We used those for burp cloths.
We used AA blankets for swaddling, but later got a Woombie and that was awesome too!
I used my Boppy not only for feeding, but also to sit/rest baby in and I also sat on it at times for tailbone or relief from stitches pain when I was healing.
Also maybe not a basic, but we used our monitor for years with DS and it became a must have for us.

thatlauragirl

On the flip side, my rookie mistake might help you. We found the Tommee Tippee bottles, loved them and registered for a whole set of them with coordinating parts. The only problem was our son freaking hated them! I would avoid registering for too many bottles because there's no guarantees your lo will like them.

My registery basics:
- travel system
- FP Rock and Play
- swing 
- pack and play
- diapers/wipes
- baby toiletries
- packs of onesies
- swaddle sacks or blankets
- play mat for tummy time
- wipes warmer

splsmama2016

@jackiesmom324 I have a love/hate with our crib/changing table combo. You can't separate it from the bed until you turn it into a full size bed. So for us, I feel it's going to be a climbing hazard here shortly. I LOVED the convenience when DD was little and wasn't sitting/standing/walking. 

For cloth diapers, we just started using them more. We got the Bum Genius 5.0, which is a pocket/insert instead of the AIO. I have friends who swear by Nikki's diapers, Rumparooz and groVia. I also have a friend who made them for her son, so it's all personal preference. Pocket/insert, snap in liners, etc.

flowerpower5838

Our essentials for DS1:

• Pack n Play (we kept it in the family room and it served as a place to sleep and change/store diapers, then evolved to a toy corral/play pen)
• Noise machine
• Rock n Play (DS slept in this next to our bed for about 6 weeks. I don't thing the self-rocking one is necessary but that likely varies by person)
• Zipper jammies (there is nothing worse than MOTN changes and having to be coordinated enough to redo snaps)
• A breastfeeding friendly pillow (we used a Boppy, but I am sure other ones are better)
• An infant car seat (we have and like the chicco keyfit 30)
• A stroller your car seat drops into (it really is super convenient, especially if you're not into baby wearing or baby is too small for your carrier)
• Play mat for tummy time (DS loved his - we had a pretty no frills Fisher-Price version I think it's jungle themed)
• Swing (I recommend buying used if possible as you never know if baby is going to like it)
• Nose Frida and saline solution (I think with December babies this is going to be crucial)
• Diapers and wipes (we prefer Pampers Swaddlers when they were little and Pampers cruisers when they start crawling. I prefer Up and Up overnight diapers, too. Wipes we usually buy the Member's Mark brand at Sams Club)

Things we liked but who knows for everyone else:

• Avent bottles (we liked the "Natural" ones)
• He only took Mam pacifiers (if you can avoid the avent soothies, those aren't supposed to be good for their teeth)
• Plain white onesies (I liked to coordinate cute bandana bibs or fun patterned pants, etc.

Things I would not buy/register for again:

• A combo noise machine/humidifier (the water lead to issues with the noise machine part when the humidifier ran on high which seems like a DUH in hindsight)
• An audio-only baby monitor (I am going to get a video one this time around - I thought it was a little extravagant but it would be nice to have a visual to read a situation before going in his room)
• Baby puree making kit (we ended up doing BLW and didn't need it)
• Any baby clothes or toiletries (If someone is hosting a shower for you, do NOT register for any toiletries if you're not picky. I feel like we got SOOOO many of those little gift sets, in addition to the full size bottles for which we registered. DS is 16 months and we are still crazy-well stocked. Also I wouldn't buy too many outfits as you'll likely need to gauge what you receive and then fill the size gaps as necessary)
• Skip Hop Duo diaper bag (it wasn't "organized" enough for me - I wish I would have gotten a dedicated diaper backpack) 

I also recommend Lucie's List. It's a great baseline to start and determine what you need, things you think you can skip, etc. But be sure to do your own due diligence when researching. 

ETA a few things

Amber_Waves

@jackiesmom324 As far as a breast pump, double-check if your insurance covers it.  If so, no need to register for or buy one.

ml005

I really want a rock n play, but dont know anyone personally that have one. Do you know if I could use it in place of a swing in the beginning? or would I need both from the hop? My other kids usually slept in the swing with very little motion in the first couple months.

jackiesmom324

Thanks @flowerpower5838

threatlevelmidnight

ml005 said:

I really want a rock n play, but dont know anyone personally that have one. Do you know if I could use it in place of a swing in the beginning? or would I need both from the hop? My other kids usually slept in the swing with very little motion in the first couple months.

I think if you're going to do one or the other, I would do the rock n play. It really is perfect for sleeping and the swing takes up so much space. My son didn't like the swing until he was a little older. But I did really use both a lot.