Completing a baby registry can be so overwhelming. I remember sitting at my computer, pregnant brain and all, searching for items thinking: What does this thing do? It’s suggested for me? Alright, add that -click! I’ll admit, some of the things I registered for and received, I didn’t even use in time (I’m sorry!) but at least I had the opportunity to try them out the second time around. Although we were able to ultimately enjoy all of the registry items that we received, I really had a different perspective when I had my second baby. I couldn’t help but think about which items I couldn’t live without. Whether you’re a soon-to-be mom for the 1st time or 3rd time, I hope that you find some items on this list that will help with your decision-making process. These 27 things I truly am grateful for everyday, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
1.) Diaper Bag Backpack, RUVALINO. This is the best on-the-go diaper bag. Comes with a diaper changing pad and tons of compartments to stay organized (which speaks to me, haha!) Also, love the convenience of a backpack.
2.) Skip Hop Pronto Signature Portable Changer. This changer is fantastic for traveling or simply just having it on another floor/room in your house (Who wants to walk upstairs every time you have to change a diaper? Especially during the newborn phase!) The section for diapers and zipper compartment for wipes and cream make it a convenient on-the-go changing station.
3.) aden by aden + anais Car Seat Canopy. This 100% cotton canopy is breathable and great for taking your new little one out into the world. We also have used it to shield the sun in the car by snapping it onto the handles above the windows and draping it accordingly. (Mini van comes complete with the sun shield, but sometimes more shade is needed!)
4.) Ergobaby Carrier, Omni 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier. This. This is easily one of items that I am most grateful for. This carrier adapts with your growing baby and has many options for carrying (front and back facing.). We have used this for hiking, travel, shopping trips, or simply just to carry baby around the house (works great when you have to follow a toddler around as well!) Another huge plus: it washes well and maintains its shape.
5.) Munchkin Step Diaper Pail. A staple in the nursery for diaper disposal. The refill bags have a nice scent, which isn’t powerful, and, when full, it is easy to remove and refill the main bag!
6.) Keekaroo Peanut Changer. We have used this changer from day one, and it still looks brand new 1 year into our 2nd kiddo! The best part is, it does not need a cover, therefore no need to strip and wash if it gets dirty while changing. All you have to do is simply wipe it clean!
7.) Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. Great to have on hand when kids are sick and need the extra humidity! It also can be used when it is simply dry in the house (especially during those cold winter nights – to all of you who experience those!)
8.) Dohm Classic | The Original White Noise Machine. This noise cancelling machine has a soothing sound from a real fan. We use this in both of our kids’ rooms (and also have one for our own room!) A staple item for bedtime! (Tip: to create consistency and familarity with a bedtime routine when traveling, bring the machine along!)
9.) Sodynee Foldable Cloth Storage Box. These work wonders in large dresser drawers to help organize all of their small clothes and accessories. For example, since there are 6 total, use can one for each of the following: sleepers, bibs, burp cloths, socks, onesies, and pants.
10.) Burt’s Bees Baby – Unisex Sleep & Play, Organic Pajamas. There are SO many cute styles to choose from! Also, these 2 things make these even more wonderful: 100% cotton and zipper closure… need I say more? P.S. – In the very early newborn stage, these gowns are super convenient for diaper changes and comfortable as well (win win!)
11.) Copper Pearl Baby Bandana Drool Bibs. Similar to the pajamas above, these come in so many adorable styles! They are super absorbent and feature nickel-free snaps that adjust to fit newborns and toddlers. (The snaps prevent the bib from being unfastened by the baby/toddler which is definitely a plus!)
12.) aden + anais Swaddle Blanket | Boutique Muslin Blankets for Girls & Boys. Okay, I keep saying this, but there are some darling styles to choose from for this swaddle blanket set! It can be used as a receiving blanket, swaddle sack, or stroller cover.
I’ll spare you with saying in each individual description that the next 2 on the list also have so many cute styles to choose from (can you tell I love baby everything?)
13.) Copper Pearl Baby Burp Cloths. These are large in size and have a triple layer for ultra absorption. The cotton layer on both the front and back make it super comfortable for baby. (These can be paired with the Copper Pearl bibs mentioned above!)
14.) Zutano Cotton Baby Booties with Cotton Lining and Grippers. These actually stay put! They have 2 adjustable snaps with a gentle ankle elastic. We ended up buying these in every size since they wash well, are comfortable to walk in, and keep those little feet cozy! I was sad to see my oldest grow out of the 24 month size, but am happy that my youngest will get to wear them. Also available in fleece. (Again, for anyone who joins me in the cold winter crew!)
15.) Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub. This grows from newborn to toddler. We loved using the sling feature. It has a plug for easy drainage and a hook for convenient drying!
16.) aden + anais muslin backed hooded towel. An adorable hooded towel that keeps baby warm and cozy after bath time! It is 100% cotton and has a loop for easy drying.
17.) FAMMY Bamboo Baby Washcloths. These are all natural, free from dyes, and SUPER soft so that you can easily wipe clean without irritation!
18.) Baby Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida. This truly is the Snotsucker! I can’t tell you how many times we’ve reached for this! It works wonders to clear stuffy noses. Currently, we have 2 of these, one for each of our girls. (Tip: if you choose to purchase individual ones for each kid, label each NoseFrida and saline spray to avoid a mix up!)
19.) Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You. I think that I tear up every time I read this book to the girls. (Pregnant & postpartum it was more like an actual cry) It delivers a special message and has such fanciful illustrations! Definitely a #1 go-to during bedtime routine.
20.) Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Warmer. We actually use this bottle warmer with the Avent bottles (#22 on this list… different brand, I know, but still compatible!). It is easy to use and adjusts to fit different sized bottles.
21.) Boon Lawn Countertop Baby Bottle Drying Rack. Perfect for drying bottles, sippy cups, and other baby/toddler items! The stem and twig accessories hold small bottle and sip cup parts. It’s easy to clean and made without BPA or PVC. We currently have 2 of these on our countertops, one for each girls’ drink containers of choice.
22.) Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle Newborn Starter Gift Set. This gift starter set comes with multiple bottle/nipple sizes and accessories. When I was done nursing, we tried both the Dr. Brown’s bottles and these Avent ones and prefer these since there are less pieces to wash and our kids have taken to them well. They are also available in glass which is what we used.
23.) Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor. We decided to go the traditional baby monitor route instead of the Wifi option that would connect to our phones (we’re on our phones so much already, so it’s nice to take a break and not have to walk around with them sometimes!) This monitor is lightweight, gets great signal, and has all of the main features that you need to keep an eye (or ear) on your little one. When we had our second babe, we simply just purchased a 2nd camera. You can choose to connect to one camera at a time, or there is a scan feature that switches from one camera to the next every 10 seconds or so!
24.) Woolino 4 Season Basic Baby Sleeping Bag. Okay, it’s safe to say that this is our absolute favorite on the list! This is something that was not originally on our baby registry, but I wish that I had known about it and included it. With our first baby, we pretty much tried every sleeping bag under the sun from cotton to fleece (and everything in between!) but nothing compares to this one. It’s 100% natural, made with Merino wool with an organic cotton outer layer. The wool regulates body temperature, which means that this sleeping bag can be used in all 4 seasons, which saves you from purchasing separate ones for each season (we did that the 1st time around before we purchased this one soon after!) It also comes with a card that gives suggestions on what to dress your babe in under the sleeping bag based off of the temperature of the room he/she is sleeping in for optimal sleep comfort. It washes well and also holds up well… I can confidently say this since we have only been using this with our second kiddo as a hand-me-down from her older sister! This something that is used on a daily basis, for both naps and nighttime sleep, which is why I am so thankful for it each day.
25.) HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series Bassinet. This bassinet was used with both of our girls for the first 5 months or so while they slept in our room. It was super convenient to have the side wall that lowers; it provides easy access to baby while nursing and recovering postpartum. I especially found this helpful the 2nd time around when I had a c-section. We liked the additional features such as the nightlight, vibrations, and other sounds, but there is one available without those features as well: Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper, Essentia Series.
26.) Burt’s Bees Baby – Fitted Crib Sheet, 100% Organic Cotton Crib Sheet. We have a few of these. They are made of 100% organic cotton, and I love how the sheet truly fits snug on the mattress and does not wrinkle up on the corners or sides like some other sheets do. Super cute patterns to choose from as well! (and you thought that I was done with saying that?)
27.) WubbaNub Infant Pacifier. There are so many adorable pacifier/plush animal options, which, of course, made it difficult for me to choose just one! If you decide to go the pacifier route (and if your babe decides to use one) then this one works well since it’s easy for baby to hold and will not get lost easily. I have also washed them and they hold up well!
As you can see, this list does not include large standard items such as a crib, car seat, stroller, etc. When I created this, I focused on items that stood out to me on a daily basis while casually (because it’s always so casual) taking care of the kids!
Do you have any baby items that you cannot live without? I would love to hear about them! Thank you for reading!
