As a first time mama on a budget, putting together our baby registry was overwhelming to say the least. There were hundreds of competing items on the baby market ranging in price (some outrageous) and it’s so hard to figure out what you will need before your little bundle of joy arrives. Whether you are having a baby or planning to have a baby someday, pin this list to save yourself lots of time and sanity. If you know a mama-to-be, send this pin her way!
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ROCK N PLAY
THIS IS A MUST. In my personal experience this item is pure magic. Babies love the gentle rocking motion with vibrations, soothing lullaby music, and the feeling of being snuggled – like they did in the womb. Having a rock n play truly is like receiving the gift of sleep. Need to cook, shower, do laundry, sleep? We would put baby in the Rock N’ Play and she would go into DEEP SLEEP. You will want to start transitioning to bassinet or crib after the first month because it can be addicting how well it works.
BASSINET
You have the option here. We chose a bassinet when transitioning from Rock N Play to crib because I had heard that once the baby sleeps in bed with you, it is very difficult to transition baby into her own room. I liked it because it was safe, affordable, and on wheels. The under storage is great for breathable blankets and diapers/wipes for late night changes. And I can wheel her from room to room without waking her.
DOCKATOT
Parents swear by the dock a tot for co-sleeping, especially breastfeeding mamas because it’s so easy to fed the baby in the middle of the night when baby is safely right next to you! I think for our next baby we will invest.
CONVERTIBLE CRIB
This is the exact crib I have in our nursery. Go for a convertible crib that grows with your baby. Good thing about the crib if you are on a budget is that you really do not need it until the end of the first month at the earliest. Doctors recommend that babies sleep in the same room as parents when you bring the baby home and are learning about different cues.
BABY MONITOR
I spent a lot of time researching baby monitors to find the best one and honestly, as long as the monitor has the features you want – it is good enough. This monitor is great. (It’s been 10+ months and I still love this monitor)
HALO SLEEP SACK
Around 5 weeks her startle reflex calmed a bit and it became much colder in NJ so we switched to the sleep sack. THANK GOD because I am a horrible swaddler and this is so much easier. You will need swaddles for those first few weeks, I recommend the Milkmaid Goods swaddles because they are super stretchy, soft and perfect size for swaddling.
HOMEDICS WHITE NOISE MACHINE
This noisemaker is a must. I ordered a second one to keep at grandma’s house. Our Bella loves the ocean waves setting and listening to ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ by Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole (ask me how we figured this out… no clue). I also purchased this portable sound machine for travel and to keep at her daycare.
SHOP BABY GEAR
CITY MINI GT TRAVEL SYSTEM
Okay so this is a big ticket item and you really do need to evaluate your family’s lifestyle. Bruno and I are literally always on the go. We needed something that was light, easily portable, durable and drove smoothly. I absolutely swear by the Citymini GT. Why? Oh goodness there are so many reasons…
Firstly, the wheels are like bike wheels which felt durable and drive so smoothly. We love walking the boardwalk in the summer so wheels were important. Also, it literally folds flat with the lift of one strap. Yep, I can comfortably close it while holding Bella. It was great for navigating the airports during our travels + literally everyone had a City Mini while in Disney (I think that says something). The bundled travel system was also a bonus because it comes with the infant car seat and base. So while it is a pricey item, remember that is 3 in 1 so consider the total cost of stroller, infant car seat, and car seat base when comparing price.
I recommend you go and take it for a test drive.
BABY BJORN CARRIER ONE
I am a proud skin-to-skin babywearing mama and our household owns two carriers. My husband loves the Baby Bjorn Baby Carry One because she feels safe and secure while she can grow into it from newborn until 3 years old.
SWING
Her daycare had this swing that she liked, we did not have one. Many registry checklists will claim that you need a bouncer, swing, and lounger. I’m here to tell you that you do not need everything. I will say that it is very convenient for you to have something in the rooms you are in most often. For example, we have the bouncer in the bathroom, a lounger in our guest bedroom, rock n play in the living room, swing in the office, etc… These items also depend on what type of movement your baby likes. Therefore I would suggest ensuring the items are returnable and testing them with your baby.
BOUNCER
Now what is so great about a bouncer? I’ll give to 2 reasons: your right hand and your left. When I put Bella in this bouncer she is totally entertained. I carry it to the bathroom when I want to shower and blow dry my hair, or place it in the kitchen when I am prepping a meal, or just put it in front of me when I want to watch some TV. We started to use this at 2 months. This is the bouncer that she had at daycare and loved as well (cheaper).
Update: Around 3 months Bella started to focus and play with this toy piece. It is so fun to watch her play!
LOUNGER
This one worked for us. It is cute, cheap and portable. If your baby has colic – this will work wonders! We would keep it on the bed, put it on the counter in the kitchen or lay on the floor with her.
PACK N PLAY:
For the Pack N Play you really need to think about how you are going to use it. If you are using it as a crib and changing table for the first month, it will need to be durable and sturdy. If you will need it for a sitter when you go back to work then it will also need to be multifunctional (crib and play pen). Planning on always being on the go, then it needs to be light and easy to assemble. So I have two recommendations:
BABY BJORN TRAVEL LIGHT CRIB
I like the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light because it’s so easy to assemble and I love the skinny travel bag. We use this in the back yard and Bella loves it.
CHICCO LULLABY PACK N PLAY
I like the Chicco because it felt sturdy in comparison to other brands. It’s known for being easy to transport and durable. I know parents who used this as a crib in their master bedroom because you ca raise and lower it. If you are planning to use this as your crib, this one is your go-to
ACTIVITY GYM
I didn’t think too much about this particular item because I didn’t think it would get much use right away but boy was I wrong. Bella loves her activity gym and I have her in it at least three times a day. She loves all the colors and sounds of the animals. It really has helped with her development and tummy time. She stares, coos and kicks … leading to a sleepy head. Highly recommend this one! Also, I love the pillow that it comes with. It has seriously helped us during tummy time (which she hated)
FEEDING ESSENTIALS
BIBS + BURP CLOTHS
I like the Burts Bee’s brand but whatever you like/get.
DR. BROWN BOTTLES
These bottles are the best. NOTE: Registry for the 4 ounce, rather than the 8 ounce because those are too big and hard to storage or travel with. Nipple sizes change every 3 months. Washing bottles is a pain so buy the dishwasher basket.
BOON GRASS DRYING RACK
This is great because it holds up all of my bottles and pump parts. Plus it is machine washable!
WUBBANUB
These adorable little plushies with pacifiers attached are perfect for newborns because the plush keeps the pacifier end in their month. As baby grows, it is easy for the baby and toddler to hold and now, we are obsessed.
DIAPER BAG
This book bag is super lightweight and able to hold everything you would need for your baby’s outing. Enough pockets for organization with a large, deep main pocket. It comes with a changing pad too!
BREAST PUMP
Your insurance should cover the pump because it is a medical device so call them in your 2nd-3rd trimester. They may not cover accessories like theMedela Expression Hands Free Bustier(which you will need)
BATH ESSENTIALS
BLOOMING BATH
The blooming bath has made bath time stress free with a newborn. No need to worry about slips, falls, or head concerns. Baby stays in place as the warm water soothes them. Easy to dry and clean.
BABY BATH TUB
Personally I like having both baths. The blooming bath is nice as a quick sink bath and this 4-in-1 is great as a bath tub for a bit longer baths or to bring with you in shower. This bath will grow with baby!
HOODED TOWELS
I think the pottery barn kids ones are the best and the cutest. Perfect gift set idea with these adorable bath toys.
SKIP HOP BATH CUP
Tear free bathtime! Include the whale bath spout cover
AVEENO
I love aveeno products – This Mommy & Me kit was awesome.
DIAPER ESSENTIALS
DIAPER DEKOR
It’s small, no smell, easy to take out and hands free for midnight zombie changes. I love the bag design as you essentially just knot the bottom and it’s a continuous bag. Make sure you buy extrabags!
TRIPLE PASTE
The ONLY diaper rash cream you will ever need. Bella had a little diaper rash at 4 weeks old and we were able to kick it in the butt within 2 days. Lifesaver. Now I use it as preventive and apply it every night. This stuff can get pricey so register for 2 tubs and 2 travel size bottles.
PAMPERS
The best diapers for babies with sensitive skin. I have never had a diaper explosion in these bad boys. Plus the line on the diaper tells you when there is a pee/poo. You are going to want to subscribe and save these through Amazon!
EXTRAS
FRIDABABY BITTY BUNDLE
YAS! This set has the NoseFrida, Windi, and everything you need from the best innovative baby brand!
CLOTHING ESSENTIALS
I was horrible at changing my Bella in and out of her clothes when she would spit up. Anything that had to go over her head would lead to a breakdown for baby and ultimately me, especially at 3AM. These Kimono tops were AMAZING and so hard to find soft 100% cotton. Finding clothing with the hand covers and feet covers are necessary for those newborn nights.Also, do not buy the gerber brand. The material is not soft and it does not stretch. Gap has my favorite kimonos but they are only sold in the winter months 🙁
NIGHTTIME STAR GAZER
My little one was mesmerized by looking up at these stars during midnight feedings and bedtime. It was the perfect “nightlight” that got her ready for bed and made her sleepy. For us, it was a great night light to see her in the middle of night and make sure she was ok without having to use the TV light, our phone, or the bedroom light.
FINAL THOUGHTS
My final thought for your registry is to not concern yourself with putting everything you will need on it. Make sure there is a price range for people to choose but do not be afraid to put expensive items as options. People enjoy grouping up to help purchase stuff you will need. As for clothing, I suggest not putting much clothing as an option because it’s fun to shop for adorable outfits (plus you will get a ton of clothing regardless). Make sure you relax and enjoy your special day. You can see my baby shower here. Hope this complete baby registry helps!
