When I first started my baby registry, I had no idea where to start. I had no clue what I’d need the most and I actually made the mistake of putting too much on my list. So, I wanted to create a list of basic baby registry must-haves. It’s important to make sure that you don’t overload your baby registry. I found that if you add too many things, the chances someone will not buy the things you actually need.
**Disclosure: This post includes Amazon Associates links which means if you happen to buy a product through my link, my family will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.**
My Top Baby Registry Must-Haves
In my opinion, baby clothes may be something you want to add a minimal amount of to your registry. Chances are people will shower you with baby clothes on the day of your baby shower regardless if you put it on your registry or not. The important things to add to your registry are big items that you may need help purchasing.
Amazon has the option to add group gifting for more expensive items. This is great because multiple people can contribute so one person isn’t stuck with an expensive item. Anyways, on to the important registry items.
4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Obviously one of the most important things to add to your baby registry is a crib for the baby. I really love this crib because not only is it beautiful and modern, but it is also convertible. This crib can turn into a Toddler bed, a day bed, and a sofa which means this purchase will grow with your baby through each stage.
Portable baby swing for 0-9 months
A baby swing made a huge difference for me with my son. Often times putting him in his swing was the only way I was able to take a shower or clean up the house. My son was very clingy (which I actually loved) but he loved spending time in his swing. This particular swing is pretty affordable so definitely worth the purchase.
3 Pack Swaddles
If anything, I’m sure you’ve heard by now that swaddles are essential for babies who cannot roll. The swaddle blanket helps your baby feel safe by providing a hug-like wrap. Swaddling helped my son sleep soundly for longer since this helped stop the Moro reflex, which is the falling reflex all babies have.
White Noise & Night Light
White noise and a soft night light is essential for your baby. Not only does the white noise help your baby sleep, but there are also studies that show red light helps you sleep and may help you produce melatonin. However keep in mind blue light may wake you up more, rather than help you sleep.
Retractable Baby Gate
This baby gate is definitely a baby registry must-have. We have 3 of these retractable baby gates for each of our doorways, and they have been a game changer. Not only are these easy to install they are also less bulky and less of a hassle compared to traditional baby gates. Something like this you may not need until your baby is crawling, but its good to have on hand for when that day comes. I will never buy another kind of baby gate again, because these are just that amazing.
Magnetic baby-proofing cabinet locks.
These cabinet locks are on my personal wish list. I love the concept of a hidden cabinet lock that won’t be easy for your baby to undo. It’s important to keep your baby/toddler out of certain cabinets, so why not use these non-obvious cabinet locks? Add ’em to the baby registry!
Breast Pump
Breast pumps are pricey so it may be a good idea to add it to your registry to offer group gifting and possibly have multiple people pitch in on the price. Try to avoid forking out tons of money if possible. Chances are you’ll need that money later when your baby finally goes through all of the diapers and wipes you were gifted or nobody bought the rest of the things you needed.
Hands-Free Pump
I truly wish that I added this to my registry and focused on buying it. These pumps are great because they just insert into your bra, providing hands-free pumping for your baby. This means that you can get things done while pumping rather than being stuck to an outlet. This would have been a game-changer!
Recliner
This baby registry item is more on the pricey side, however, that is where group gifting comes in. Although, I would have paid full price to have a good quality recliner to rock my baby in and feed him in. In my opinion, this chair would be definitely worth the price, because this would have helped me tremendously when my son was a baby. This chair could even come useful when your baby is a toddler, you could rock them to soothe them through a tantrum or read to them at bedtime.
Nursing pillow
I’ve heard mixed things from multiple moms on the internet about nursing pillows. However, in my experience, this nursing pillow really helped with breastfeeding. The pillow also came in handy when my son was about 5-6 months and learning how to sit up. I would often prop him up so he could play with his toys with ease. Of course, always supervise your baby when propped on the pillow.
Pack-and-play
A pack-and-play is great for multiple reasons. You can keep this in your living room to put your baby in shortly when you need to use the restroom or take a break. Our pack-and-play also comes in handy when we need to travel, as it’s basically a portable crib. My toddler still uses it when we travel! Then when you need to do some yard work outside, you can put a crib sheet over the top and it provides a safe and shady place for your baby to play while you work.
Hands-Free Diaper Pail
In my opinion, this is a must-have baby registry item. I was not even considering buying one, but my mom bought one for us anything. Boy, am I thankful! This diaper pail comes in handy when throwing away stinky diapers. It helps when you just don’t have time to take the trash out right away by keeping the odor locked in. This will especially come in handy when your baby starts eating solids. Solid food diapers smell terrible.
Baby Bassinet
Although not 100% necessary if you have a crib, I am so thankful that we were gifted a bassinet. This came in handy when my son was newborn-6 months and I was sleep deprived. Having a bassinet right by your bed is great when your baby is waking up multiple times throughout the night and you just simply need more sleep. This makes for easy feeding and easily putting the baby back to sleep. I have no idea what I would have done without a bassinet.
Video Baby Monitor
A video baby monitor is 100% necessary and totally worth the price. Being able to see your baby snooze away is great for peace of mind. Being a new mom is already stressful as it is, don’t add to the stress by having to guess if your baby is okay. Just simply look at the monitor to check your little one.
Sign up for Amazon’s diaper fund
The nice thing about having a registry on Amazon is that they have a diaper fund. Anyone can contribute money to this fund and you can use that money to buy any size of diapers when needed. That way you don’t get too many or too little of a certain size, you can just buy the size you need at the time.
Those are the baby registry items we actually used.
I really hope that this post was helpful to any new mamas out there. I know what it’s like to have no idea where to start with the baby registry. I also know what it’s like to receive items I never really found use for. This list will help you decide what you’ll truly need.
Thank you so much for reading my blog!
Here are some other posts you may enjoy!
How to Survive the First Year of Being a Mom.
Things You Might Not Know About Pregnancy
Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting an Emergency C-section
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See you next time
With love,