I had a friend ask me what I'd recommend for a baby registry now that we've had Connor for a couple months, so I figured I'd put together my "perfect baby registry checklist," along with links to the items we have/love. I'm including items we registered for and use, as well as items we ended up purchasing even though they weren't on our registry. I'm not including things we registered for but don't really love/use, and I'm not including things that we won't need until later on (sippie cups, toys, babyproofing supplies, etc.)
I'm also include little lists of what you should take with you from the hospital and what you should stock up on at home before baby arrives. Hopefully this will be helpful to some of you expectant mamas! It'll at least be good for me to have it all recorded to look back at when/if we're blessed with Baby #2!
Crib - My parents bought us the DaVinci Jenny Lind Convertable Crib, and we love it! It was easy to assemble and I love the look of it.
Crib Mattress - Ours is a hand-me-down from my aunt and uncle. I figured if it was good enough for them, then it's good enough for us. :)
Waterproof Crib Mattress Pads (2) - We have this set of two, so we can make the bed with a mattress pad and sheet, then another mattress pad and sheet on top (that way when one set gets dirty in the middle of the night, we can just pull it off and have a clean set underneath).
Crib Sheets (3) - We have three crib sheets (Carter's jersey crib sheets), so we can always have one in the wash and two on the crib.
Cradle/Bassinet/Pack & Play - You just need something in your bedroom for the baby to sleep in at first. We used an heirloom cradle (that my mom and I both slept in as babies!).
Cradle Mattress - Ours was a gift from my parents.
Waterproof Cradle Mattress Pads (2) - We have two of these ones.
Cradle Sheets (2) - I DIYed two of these.
Warm Cuddly Blanket (1-2) - Honestly, I wouldn't register for any of these... people seem to like to give them as gifts! We received a few as gifts (including this one), and they're all great for cuddling!
Changing Table/Dresser - We have an IKEA Hemnes dresser, which we refinished in white paint. I'd recommend getting a dresser of some sort rather than an actual "changing table" so you can re-use it later (plus the extra storage in a dresser is really nice!).
Rocking Chair/Glider - We have this white rocking chair. I still can't believe how inexpensive it was. It's very sturdy and it rocks well and it was easy to assemble! I nurse Connor there at night and we sit in it to read books, etc.
Curtains - Ours are DIY (white IKEA curtains + this navy pom-pom trim).
Hamper - We have this white elephant hamper. SO cute.
Mobile - Not a necessity, but it's nice for baby to have something to look at. I still need to finish DIYing ours!
Baby Hangers - Target has packs of 10 baby hangers for $1.07, which is the best price I've found!
Etc., Etc. - Obviously you'll want to add other things to the nursery too. I'll do a post on Connor's nursery and everything in it soon!
Diapers - You can start stocking up on these whenever they go on sale! We used 4 88-count boxes of NB size before moving on to size 1s, and it seems like it would be safe to have at least 3 "super pack" boxes of each size in your stash. We like Pampers Swaddlers.
Wipes - You can never have enough wipes. We use the Pampers Sensitive wipes.
Boudreaux's Butt Paste - We use this with almost every diaper change as a preventative measure, and Connor's never really had any diaper rashes, so I guess it works! Buy a big one for the house and a little one for the diaper bag.
Changing Pad - We have the Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad.
Changing Pad Cover (2) - I DIYed one, and we also have this Carter's one.
Changing Pad Protectors (3-6) - The Boppy Changing Pad Liners save me from having to throw the changing pad covers in the wash every day. And they're white, so you can bleach them!
Wipes Dispenser - When Jeff suggested we register for this, I was kind of like "that seems unnecessary... can't we just use the regular wipes box?" But he was totally right... the OXO Tot PerfectPull Wipes Dispenser is so convenient!
Travel Wipes Dispenser - We love our OXO Tot On-the-Go Travel Wipes Dispenser!
Travel Changing Pad Clutch - The Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station goes everwhere with us!
Breast Pump - Our insurance paid for a Medela Pump In Style Advanced, and it works really well. I don't have anything to compare it to, but I have no complaints!
Nursing Pillow - We have a Boppy and the NursingPillow.com one, which I got for free with a coupon from Motherhood Maternity (I think those coupons are fairly common... you just pay shipping). I didn't use either of them for breastfeeding at all until Connor started sleeping in his nursery, but now I use the Boppy in the rocking chair when I feed him at night. I also like the Boppy for propping Connor up to sit in. The NursingPillow.com one was perfect for me to sit on during those first couple weeks post-delivery when I was still recovering (I'd pay the shipping fee again just to get it for that purpose), but I haven't really used it for feeding him yet.
Nursing Pillow Cover - We bought this one from Etsy.
Nursing Cover - I thought about DIYing one, but I'm so glad I bought the Bebe Au Lait cover instead. It has a perfect rigid neckline that allows you to see the baby when you look down, and it has little pockets that are perfect for holding breast pads or nipple shields.
Nipple Shields - Connor was so tiny when he was born that his mouth wasn't quite big enough to latch properly, so we started using Medela nipple shields to help him latch. I still use them all the time, and most of my breastfeeding mama friends at least use them occasionally when things get sore. I have a bunch of them stashed all over the place so I'm never stuck looking for one with a hungry baby (one in the car, one in the diaper bag, one in our bedroom, one in the nursery, one extra in a drawer just in case).
Nursing Pads - I was using Medela disposable ones at first, but I recently bought the cotton washable ones and they're more comfortable, plus there's less waste involved (and I don't have to buy additional boxes).
Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads - These were a lifesaver for me during the first couple weeks of Connor's life! Stock up before you have the baby!
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags - Half the price of Medela and they work great!
Steam Cleaning Bags - These make sterilizing bottles and pump parts SO easy. You can re-use each one 20 times, so they're totally worth paying for.
Bottles (5oz and 9oz sizes) - We have three 5oz bottles and three 9oz bottles, and that's plenty for us so far (we're not using the 9oz ones yet), but obviously you'd need more depending on your child care situation, how often you wash them, etc. We use the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles, and Connor can seamlessly switch between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.
Bottle Nipples (3-4 of each type) - We've only used the slow-flow ones so far, but we have medium and fast ones for later.
Dishwasher Caddy - The Munchkin Deluxe Dishwasher Basket is super handy for washing bottle/pump parts in the dishwasher.
Bottle Brush - We have the Tommee Tippee Bottle & Nipple Cleaner, but any bottle brush probably works just fine.
Insulated Bottle Tote - We have two of the Tommee Tippee insulated bags.
Bibs - We've been happy with the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Milk Feeding Bibs because they're soft around Connor's neck and pretty absorbent, but honestly, I think any bib works just fine until you get to the eats-real-food stage (which we obviously haven't experienced yet).
Burp Cloths - Don't register for these. Instead, just go buy a couple packs of Gerber cloth diapers. They're so inexpensive, they work well, and let's be honest... they're going to get spit-up all over them, so you don't need them to be cute.
High Chair - We haven't had to use this yet, but we have the Fisher-Price Spacesaver High Chair. It attaches to a regular chair, and it adjusts as the baby grows. Also the tray can go in the dishwasher. We have lots of friends and family that have these and like them, so hopefully we like it too!
High Chair - We haven't had to use this yet, but we have the Fisher-Price Spacesaver High Chair. It attaches to a regular chair, and it adjusts as the baby grows. Also the tray can go in the dishwasher. We have lots of friends and family that have these and like them, so hopefully we like it too!
Puj Tub - It fits in the sink, stores flat, and makes bathing SUPER easy with a tiny baby. I love this thing.
Baby Tub - We'll use the Summer Infant Right Height Tub when Connor outgrows the Puj tub.
Baby Washcloths (6) - I just bought a cheap package of them from Wal-Mart, and they work just fine!
Hooded Towels (2) - The cuter the animal, the better. :) Connor loves this zebra one and this elephant one.
Baby Hair Brush - We just took home the one they used on Connor in the hospital.
Baby Shampoo/Wash - I love the smell of Burt's Bees Baby Bee Calming Shampoo and Wash.
Baby Lotion - We use the Burt's Bees Baby Bee Calming Lotion (smells lovely... I use it on myself sometimes!).
Baby Nail Clippers - We have this one from Amazon.
Infant Tylenol - You want this on hand ahead of time so you're not running to the store when you need it!
Thermometer - We have the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer.
Pack 'n Play - We have this one. You might want something more fancy if you're going to use it daily for sleeping, but ours is just for traveling.
Pack 'n Play Sheets (2) - We have these ones.
Diaper Bag - I bought a JJ Cole Satchel diaper bag initially, with the intention of maybe buying something nicer/more expensive later once I figured out exactly what I wanted/needed, but I've already stopped using the diaper bag entirely and I just stick the essentials (diaper changing clutch + its contents, extra outfit + Ziploc bags, burp cloth, Wubbanub, nursing cover) in a large purse with my wallet, phone, and keys. BUT - I did really like the JJ Cole... lots of pockets/space and it's pretty stylish for a diaper bag! It also has these super handy straps that allow it to clip onto the stroller, which is really convenient!
Stroller - We have the Britax B-Agile and B-Safe travel system, and we LOVE it. This stroller is super easy to maneuver (I even jog with it sometimes) and fold/unfold, it's pretty lightweight, and it has all sorts of useful features.
Stroller Organizer - The Britax Stroller Organizer adds pockets and cupholders to the stroller. It's perfect for holding my keys and phone while we're running errands.
Diaper Bag - I bought a JJ Cole Satchel diaper bag initially, with the intention of maybe buying something nicer/more expensive later once I figured out exactly what I wanted/needed, but I've already stopped using the diaper bag entirely and I just stick the essentials (diaper changing clutch + its contents, extra outfit + Ziploc bags, burp cloth, Wubbanub, nursing cover) in a large purse with my wallet, phone, and keys. BUT - I did really like the JJ Cole... lots of pockets/space and it's pretty stylish for a diaper bag! It also has these super handy straps that allow it to clip onto the stroller, which is really convenient!
Stroller - We have the Britax B-Agile and B-Safe travel system, and we LOVE it. This stroller is super easy to maneuver (I even jog with it sometimes) and fold/unfold, it's pretty lightweight, and it has all sorts of useful features.
Stroller Organizer - The Britax Stroller Organizer adds pockets and cupholders to the stroller. It's perfect for holding my keys and phone while we're running errands.
Car Seat - We have the B-Safe infant seat that goes with our stroller. We picked it because of the excellent safety ratings + relatively light weight.
Car Seat Head Insert - The Britax Head and Body Support Pillow keeps Connor snug in the car seat until he grows a little bigger.
Back Seat Mirror - The Britax Back Seat Mirror is nice and big.
Shopping Cart Cover - We have the Taggies Tag 'n Go Cart Cover, which also works on restaurant high chairs).
Baby Carrier (Fabric) - I love our Baby K'tan! It's the ONLY way I get things done around the house sometimes! It's not complicated like the Moby, and Connor seems to like it!
Baby Carrier - We have a Baby Bjorn, but we haven't really used it much yet. I think we will once Connor has better head control. I've also heard good things about the Ergo carrier.
Back Seat Mirror - The Britax Back Seat Mirror is nice and big.
Shopping Cart Cover - We have the Taggies Tag 'n Go Cart Cover, which also works on restaurant high chairs).
Baby Carrier (Fabric) - I love our Baby K'tan! It's the ONLY way I get things done around the house sometimes! It's not complicated like the Moby, and Connor seems to like it!
Baby Carrier - We have a Baby Bjorn, but we haven't really used it much yet. I think we will once Connor has better head control. I've also heard good things about the Ergo carrier.
WubbaNub - I went to a baby play group last week and every single baby had one of these. They're just so useful (the stuffed animal makes the pacifier harder to lose, and the baby can hold onto it). We have the WubbaNub giraffe.
Bouncer/Swing - Everyone kept telling me different stories about what their babies liked for bouncers/swings, so we decided to just get the (relatively-inexpensive) Fisher-Price My Little Snugbunny Deluxe Bouncer rather than investing in something larger that Connor might not even like. We thought we might buy a swing or a Mamaroo once Connor was here, but I'm pretty sure this bouncer is all we'll need, and it's even better than a swing because it's really portable (I can put it in the bathroom while I get ready in the morning, in the kitchen while I'm cooking dinner, etc.). He naps in it during the day a lot. Really, you just need some place where the baby can safely hang out that isn't in a crib or in your arms (so you can do things like eat dinner).
Playmat - We have the Fisher-Price My Little Snugabunny Ultra Comfort Musical Gym. Perfect for tummy time and for distracting the baby with lights/music/moving birds so I can go to the bathroom really quick. :)
Clothing - So people are going to buy you lots of cute baby clothes as gifts. And you're going to buy a few things because you just have to have them. But really, I think all you need to start with is about 10 footed sleeper outfits, plus a couple actual outfits that the baby can wear to church or to special events. Other than that, I'd wait until you actually have the baby to determine what you want/need. For our newborn-sized clothes, we eventually ended up having about 10 onesies (some long-sleeved and some short-sleeved), 5 pairs of pants, 2 "fancy" outfits, 4 hats, and 8 pairs of socks (in addition to a bunch of footed sleepers).
A few comments on the footed sleeper outfits... Carter's makes some that have little fold-over mitten cuffs on the sleeves (super useful while baby is little so they don't scratch themselves), and Target has Gerber ones with zippers rather than snaps (super convenient for nighttime diaper changes). I have yet to find any that have zippers and mitten cuffs, but if you can find some of those, they'd be the BEST! I have found some gown-style ones with mitten cuffs (mittens + easy diaper changes), and I really like those (but baby can't wear them in the car seat).
Also, I highly recommend the socks that look like shoes! Shoes for babies are just impractical and unnecessary, but "shoe-socks" make them look like their outfit is complete. :)
A few comments on the footed sleeper outfits... Carter's makes some that have little fold-over mitten cuffs on the sleeves (super useful while baby is little so they don't scratch themselves), and Target has Gerber ones with zippers rather than snaps (super convenient for nighttime diaper changes). I have yet to find any that have zippers and mitten cuffs, but if you can find some of those, they'd be the BEST! I have found some gown-style ones with mitten cuffs (mittens + easy diaper changes), and I really like those (but baby can't wear them in the car seat).
Also, I highly recommend the socks that look like shoes! Shoes for babies are just impractical and unnecessary, but "shoe-socks" make them look like their outfit is complete. :)
Things to Take from the Hospital
Brush for Baby's Hair - the one they had is perfect... it's soft and has fine little bristles. I don't know where you can buy a similar one, so just take the hospital one!
Flannel Blankets - somehow we ended up with four hospital blankets. They're nice and warm and soft! We don't use them anymore, but we did for the first 2-3 weeks while Connor was teeny tiny.
Stretchy Stomach Band - they'll give you a stretchy band to put around your stomach during/after labor. Take it with you! It's super useful for holding all that post-delivery loose belly skin together for the first couple weeks after you have the baby, and wearing it will make you feel a little more like a human. :)
Dermoplast, Squeeze Bottle - just take them with you. You'll be glad you did.
Diapers, Wipes, Pads - they're just sitting there... take them with you!
Flannel Blankets - somehow we ended up with four hospital blankets. They're nice and warm and soft! We don't use them anymore, but we did for the first 2-3 weeks while Connor was teeny tiny.
Stretchy Stomach Band - they'll give you a stretchy band to put around your stomach during/after labor. Take it with you! It's super useful for holding all that post-delivery loose belly skin together for the first couple weeks after you have the baby, and wearing it will make you feel a little more like a human. :)
Dermoplast, Squeeze Bottle - just take them with you. You'll be glad you did.
Diapers, Wipes, Pads - they're just sitting there... take them with you!
Stock up on...
Thank-you Notes and Stamps
Laundry Detergent, Stain Remover - you don't have to buy a baby-specific one... just get one of the no-scent/no-dye kinds (we like Tide Free & Gentle). Oxi-Clean powder and Oxi-Clean stain sticks will be your best friends. Having a baby means everything will end up covered in poop, pee, spit-up, breast milk, or some combination of the four. :)
Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Paper Plates - Stock up on this stuff so you don't have to later. Let yourself use paper plates for a while after you come home from the hospital and avoid doing the dishes!
Hand Sanitizer, Pads for Mom - Hand sanitizer for pre/post diaper changes and pads for the obvious (you don't want your husband to have to go shopping for those... haha).
Post-Partum Clothes - To the extent that you can buy anything that's loose-fitting and nursing-friendly before you have the baby, you'll thank yourself later! I bought the dress that I wore to Connor's baptism ahead of time, and I'm SO glad I did because it would've been tough to go out with a newborn trying on clothes.
Nursing Tanks and Bras - I like these nursing tanks for sleeping in, and I REALLY like these nursing camis for wearing under shirts/dresses. Buy a size bigger than you'd normally get. For bras, I have these (super comfy) and these (for when I'm trying to look a little more put-together), but I'd recommend only buying one or two until you see what size you actually are post-delivery.
Baskets/Storage for Baby Stuff in Your Bedroom - We ended up with stacks of blankets, burp cloths, and baby clothes all over every surface in our bedroom. I wish I had either (1) cleared out a couple drawers, or (2) bought some baskets to go under our bench and hold baby stuff. Now Connor's sleeping in his nursery, so most of his stuff is up there, but at the beginning it definitely felt like our room was covered in baby stuff for a while. I'll make a better plan ahead of time for the next baby!
So that's my super-long list of everything you should have for baby and what I'd recommend! Other mamas - is there anything you love that I didn't list?
