Baby Registry Essentials

I decided to make three different baby registries when I was pregnant with my daughter for a few different reasons:  

1. I wanted to use Babylist because you can add things from different websites/stores without being limited to items on one platform. 

2. I wanted to use Amazon because that is where a lot of people shop and you can get free shipping. 

3. I wanted to use Target so that people had an in-store option if they preferred or if they were getting a gift last-minute. 

4. I also wanted to take advantage of the offers each site/store had for creating a baby registry with them - lots of free samples and products!

Now onto my most-used and recommended items from our registry! To start, here are my top 3:

1. Baby wrap/carrier - having one or both of these is handy for everyone, but especially if you have a Velcro baby like I do. This was the only way I got anything done the first few months of Nora’s life, how she took countless naps, and how I held her during many outings. We ended up getting both the wrap and carrier off our registry, and I loved them both at different stages!

   • Baby K’tan wrap - I liked this one during the newborn phase and for napping since it felt more cuddly and supportive of the head. This wrap was less intimidating to me than others out there since it is pre-wrapped for you and easy to use. Since it is pre-wrapped, you do want to make sure you get the right size. I would recommend sizing down if you’re in-between sizes because you want it to be snug (I got a small but wish I would have gotten an extra small). It stretches out with each use but this can be fixed with a wash and dry. 

   • Ergobaby carrier - this one I didn’t use until Nora got a bit older even though it is rated for babies 7-45lbs. It is easier on the back and feels secure as your baby continues to grow.

2. Haaka - I loved this thing and think it is a must-have for all breastfeeding moms! It can help with engorgement, clogged ducts, supply increase, or just catching letdown. 

3. This night light - I have used this every night since Nora was born and counting (almost 17 months in). You just double-tap it on/off and press down to dim/brighten it. It’s great for middle of the night feeds instead of turning on a bright lamp or light. It’s also portable and baby & toddler-proof when they throw & bite it. 🙃

And the rest, in no particular order:

• Breast pump - not necessarily a registry item since insurance is required to pay for a breast pump for you, but something that is a must-have for breastfeeding/pumping moms. I upgraded to this pump so my insurance only covered part of it but I like that it doesn’t have to be plugged in. I have also heard great things about wearable pumps - I haven’t tried one personally but will definitely look into them for my next baby. 

• Boppy pillow - for breastfeeding and for propping your baby up before they can sit-up on their own.

• Sound machine - we have this one that doubles as an air purifier and night light. We also have this portable one.

• Snuggle me organic lounger - makes your baby feel like they’re being held more so than some other “baby containers”.

• Humidifier - great for sickness at all ages. I have heard great things about this dishwasher safe one but it is spendy - on my wishlist for some day!

• Pack and play - we went with this one because it is super easy to set-up and tear-down with one hand. 

• Frida nose sucker - a lifesaver for congested babies that can’t blow their own noses. The electric ones are a nice idea, but don’t quite have the same force as a manual one in my opinion. 

• Nail trimmer - a necessity made a little easier with this electric nail file.

• Silicone bibs - easy to wash and collects the food that doesn’t quite make it in your child’s mouth. 

• Haaka baby fruit food feeder - nice for starting solids and teething. I have done frozen breast milk and frozen blueberries quite a bit.

*I didn’t add any health/hygiene items to this list since I plan to make a separate post about those.