First time mom here, and I'm going to start getting ready to get my registry together. Sorry if a similar thread has already been created, but what list of things would you guys suggest that are MUST HAVES for a registry, besides the obvious carseat, stroller, etc?
I need suggestions on anything that I just might not think of!
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Married DH: 4/7/2012
TTC: 2/3/2016 (Me: 31yrs DH: 35yrs)
BFP: 4/10/2016
EDD: 12/18/16
Kaynen Alexander born 12/6/16 via c-section (bicornate uterus/breech)
Re: REGISTRY MUST HAVES!
Fisher-Price Ultra-Lite Day and Night Play Yard
Also Halo swaddle sleep sacks in all different sizes
I would also register for a stand alone jumper. They are so much fun! I just wouldn't get a doorway jumper because LO could bonk their head on the door frame.
I wouldn't register for a ton of bottles because babies can be very picky about which bottle they will or will not accept.
Bibs with smooth Velcro or snaps. The rough Velcro can scratch their skin. The bandana style is the best IMO because it covers up to their neck.
Water proof pads for the car seat, changing table etc. because you will have a poopsplosion or a leak at 3 am and you will be a tired zombie.
The Nose Frida. The blue bulb syringe they give you at the hospital is useless.
A white noise machine was very helpful for me when DS was a newborn.
Me: 33 H: 36
Married: 12/14/13 DS: 1/29/09
BFP2: 10/9/15 MMC: 11/12/15
BFP3: 4/6/16 DD: 12/12/16
A waterproof mattress pad, or maybe two. And plenty of crib sheets!
I liked the muslin swaddle blankets (like Aden + Anais, but there are less expensive ones out there) over sleep sacks.
Definitely register for the big-ticket things, even if you plan on buying it yourself. You'll get it at a discounted price when you complete your registry and buy the leftover things!
DD born 7.27.2014
BFP 09.2015 - m/c 10.21.2015
My advice OP - get an awesome rocker/glider. We couldn't imagine spending $500 on one. 3 years later, I type this sitting in it and I hate the cheap ($170) chair. We may blow it up or use it for target practice one day. We're buying a big, badass rocker for the twins - but I also need room for nursing two at a time.
I think I may 2nd the nice rocker/glider. And get something that you can forsee putting in another room once the nursery becomes a kids room.
We went with a cheaper rocker/recliner. I think we should have ponied up for something a little better but we are making due with it.
I had a Graco swing each time because they hold up to like 35/40 lbs! Which means your LO can nap in there until at least 1yr old. My 4 year old still swings in the one at my moms house and it's held up well.
Add to that: a small variety of bottles and binkies because you have no idea which one your baby will be down with. Receiving blankets were my go to for DD #2, she spit up everywhere and those flimsy "burp cloth" were way too small to catch her mess.
If you plan on breastfeeding and this is your first child: NIPPLE BUTTER!!! This saved my life when I had my first child, I had tried 3 other lanolin products that hardly made a difference. It's WAY better than lanolin and you don't feel gross about it ( Lanolin also called wool wax or wool grease, is a wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals.) yuk! I eat meat, but rubbing wax secretions from sheep or llamas on my nipples for my newborn to injest is not my thing.
Registry Do Nots, IMO a waste of money and space: wipe warmer (the wipe is room temp by the time it reaches their butt), bottle sanitizer tray (boil a pot of water, or use the dishwasher, they both sanitize and don't take up extra space), bottle drying rack (you have a regular drying rack, or a clean towel? Works the same). If it's a questionable purchase, you can always go back and buy it after you have the baby if you feel you need it. Register for important stuff!
We'll probably get another pack for this one. I like having them everywhere.
Baby G born 6/6/14, 37 weeks 1 day due to preeclampsia. 5lb12oz 19"
#2 due Christmas 2016.
I think it's important to let yourself splurge wherever you think it's necessary. This glider is expensive, but the crib we got was $100 from IKEA. Sure, it can only transition into a toddler bed, but is your teenager really going to want to sleep in a bed with their baby teeth marks all over it?
definitely register for an activity mat for floor/tummy time. We loved the kick and play piano!
Bumbo seats are great.
Space Saver high chairs are really helpful when you have to go somewhere and you're not sure if a high chair will be available (i.e. A friend or family members house)
stretchy wraps like a Moby or Ktan are great for the newborn stage. Sometimes it was just to just wrap her up while we were both shirtless for some skin time. Plus... Newborn snugs❤️
A+A makes these little lovies called "issies". They are small Muslin squares with a silky trim. When my DD was around 3m i started noticing she was feeling around for soft things for comfort.. Namely she would run her little fingers through a soft tuft of hair on the nape of her neck. I offered her an issie for nap/bed times because it was small and thin and I felt comfortable letting her sleep with it. She still LOVES her issie and they are small enough that they're not obnoxious to travel with.
Keep an open mind when registering for bath products. My pedi said Johnsons products were terrible on an infants skin (DD started having bad reactions to them) so we switched to baby Aveeno and haven't looked back. There are loads of natural options, though.
Hmmm... I'll come back if I think of more...
DD1 EDD 08/18/01, born 08/03/2001 ~ 9lbs 10oz, 21.5 in
DS1 EDD 4/30/2004, born 05/04/2004 ~ 10lbs, 22 in
mc 02/14/12 @ 5 weeks
DD2 EDD 12/25/12, born 12/30/12 ~ 10lbs 11oz, 21.25 in
mc 12/05/15 @ 12 weeks
Cautiously expecting 12/02/16
I don't really think you need pnp unless you plan on staying over at other peoples houses/traveling. There's no sense in having a bassinet, pnp, crib, and multiple other nap devices.
I don't have a horse in the race since we aren't having another shower. I made one for the coupons and completion discount at 2 stores though. Got to be thrifty with twins coming, right?!
I registered this time around too, but they are private as I'm not having a shower. I just want the discount! It all adds up so 10-20% off helps a lot.
Also, I had the RNP, a swing, PNP with napper, and bouncy chair. I have no regrets. They all got used daily in my house. If I was tight on space, I'd have a difficult time choosing which to eliminate. The bouncy chair is great to move into the bathroom during those first months if you want to shower when no one is home and don't want to leave baby out in the "wild" (house...if have 3 dogs lol). That also helps clear out baby congestion!
1. A quality pack n play... Get one with the infant insert and changing area. But don't feel like you have to pay a ton for a fancy one either.
2. An ergo baby carrier... Or beco. One that allows you to back carry. This is my most favorite, most used baby item! Ever. Along these lines I also love my ring sling. I've only ever made mine. It's super easy! My most recent one looks like a Sakura bloom one, but cost a faction of the price. And also research how to use it properly... So may new mamas don't wear them safely. Just google "safe baby wearing".
3. Muslin swaddle blankets. Great for swaddling, nursing and using as a jumbo burp cloth. I never leave home with out one.
4. A simple umbrella stroller... With storage basket. I like the Chicco brand. Really the whole big stroller trend is over rated unless you live in a big city or go to a mall a lot. But I'm sort of a minimalist and like to conserve car cargo space. So you might do better with something else.
5. Oxo foldable bib and spoon... My latest find! LOVE this bib! Cleans up easy and is comfy for baby. Stash it in your diaper bag or purse.
One more...
A chair booster style high chair... Ours is 11 years old and going strong! I think it cost $15-20 and it's nice that it's easy to store and doesn't take up room and is easy to clean.
Things I opt out of...
- traditional diaper bags... They look to "mommy" to me. I just get a bigger purse.
- swings... None of mine liked them and the one I had (while nice) got little use. We have used our bjorn bouncer for all our kids ... I'll keep it for grand kid! Love it.
- big strollers... I've owed them all... Jogger, pram, sit and stand... They all frustrated me.
Just my mileage. Yours may vary. And really, different babies (and mamas) need different things. Have fun!
Due December 27th with baby #7
Also someone asked about shampoos...
I love Shea Moisture brand baby shampoo and the "head to toe ointment" (didn't favor the cream). The smell is nice and it's very natural.
Due December 27th with baby #7
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.