Congratulations sis (and bro)! You are about to be somebody’s mama (or daddy), whew chillay. Get ready for the most interesting ride of your life. Becoming a new parent is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to preparing for your baby’s arrival. Creating a baby registry can be a helpful tool in ensuring that you have all the essential items needed to care for your little one. However, with so many products available, it can be challenging to know where to start.
I reached out to a few of my favorite mamas for advice and with their guidance, I was able to successfully complete my registry. Here are a few of the items that have really made a difference for me. Keep in mind that every parent is different and you will see what works (and doesn’t) for you soon enough. Let’s face it, we’re all just winging it, shrugs! Let’s get into this list.
Diaper and Wipes
This may be a no brainer, but I think it’s worth mentioning because with pregnancy brain, there’s no such thing as a no brainer. Remind me of all the things, mmmk. Babies go through a lot of diapers, so having a good supply is essential. Consider adding both disposable and cloth options (if you think you may be interested in that) to your registry, along with wipes and diaper rash cream.
Add different sizes of diapers, including preemie and size 1s, because you really never know when baby will arrive or how big, or small, they may be. You don’t want to end up with a crap load of newborn diapers and your baby come here at a whopping 11 pounds. Be ready for whatever. That’s kinda the parent mantra. Also, add different brands because some brands may work better than others for you. We landed on Coterie in my house and haven’t looked back.
Baby Clothes
I know, I know. People told you not to add this to your registry because people will get you clothes anyway. I learned that this is not always the case. I guess everyone thought that everyone else would get us clothes, resulting in very few people actually buying us clothes lol. Put them on the list sis, but also buy a few things yourself. I mean, going to Target is the fun and exciting part of being pregnant anyway. While it is tempting to buy all the cute outfits you see, remember that babies grow quickly. Include a mix of sizes, from newborn to 6 months, and focus on essentials like onesies, sleepers, and hats.
Honestly though, I’d only put 6 months and larger on my registry, because most babies live in plain white onesies the first couple of months. I mean if you got it like that, you can go grab Louie and Prada for your newborn, but just know they’re probably gonna have blowouts in them, shrugs. Also, this is a PSA. Do not go inside of Children’s Place or Carters. I repeat, do not go inside of Children’s Place or Carters. It’s a TRAP. Yall, there’s so much stuff in there, I literally got a headache within 3 minutes of stepping foot in there. It’s literally like the craziest TJ Maxx or Ross you’ve ever been in, but on steroids. Save yourself the migraine, and just visit them online. You’ve been warned, moving on.
Car Seat
A car seat is one of the most important items you’ll need for your baby. Make sure you choose one that is appropriate for your baby’s weight and age, and that it’s installed correctly. If you’re worried or unsure, you can go to any fire station and they will check the installation for you. I think the car seat is one of the few things you should actually splurge on. You’re going to use it so much. From doctor visits, to grocery store runs, to Grandma and Papa’s house, it will be one of your most used products. You want to be sure it is safe, sturdy and easy to use, cause who got time to be dealing with hard to use products?! We landed on the Nuna Pipa Lite Rx and have absolutely loved it. See my full review here.
Stroller
Like the car seat, a stroller is another must-have for new parents. We were blessed that my parents purchased our car seat and stroller combo. It was not cheap and we are so grateful. We went with the Nuna DEMI Grow Stroller and again, no complaints. It’s easy to use and Win seems very comfy in it. Cheat code: use a registry consultant that allows you to make your selections group eligible. This way, your family and friends can put money towards your big ticket items. They may not be able to afford to gift you with the $900 stroller that you want, but may be open to donating $100 towards it. In my experience, I think you should look for a stroller that is easy to maneuver and fits your lifestyle. If you plan on jogging or walking on rough terrain, consider a jogging stroller. I am not an avid jogger, so I focused on something that was easy to snap into pace and easy to maneuver through the aisles of Target.
Baby Carrier
One word for you here: BOBA! A baby carrier is a great way to keep your baby close and your hands free. There are many different types to choose from, including wraps, slings, and structured carriers. While I suggest that you should try on a few to see which one feels most comfortable for you, I also suggest not wasting your time and putting a Boba on your registry. Now, I will warn you that it’s a bit tricky at first, but nothing a lil YouTube tutorial can’t fix. Once you figure it out, it is the best thing since biscuits baby. Also, don’t forget to grab dad a carrier too. You do not want to be the only one getting this workout, carrying the baby, share the wealth.
Nursing/Feeding Supplies
It may be called a baby registry, but honey it’s about you too. If you plan on breastfeeding, include items like nursing bras (I absolutely loved this one), nursing pads, and a couple of breast pumps on your registry. Do not forget to check with your insurance company on providing you a free or discounted breast pump. You deserve! For formula feeding, consider adding different brands of bottles, nipples, and a bottle brush. Babies love to eat and when they get into the cluster feeding phase, whew chile. Be prepared to basically always be available to feed. These kids have appetites that are bigger than them. How Sway?!
Bassinet and/or Crib
Newborns sleep a lot. Although very cute, they’re actually quite boring creatures. Since they spend most of their time sleeping, make sure you provide somewhere comfy for them (besides your chest, cause…awww). Your baby will need a safe place to sleep, so include a bassinet or crib on your registry. Look for one that meets current safety standards and fits your space and style. For the bassinet, we went with Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Luxe Series upstairs in our room and the 4MOMs Breeze Plus (see my full review here) in the living room. As for the crib, we chose the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1. I have zero complaints on any of them.
Baby Monitor
A baby monitor can provide peace of mind while your baby is sleeping. Consider one with video and audio capabilities, and make sure it has a good range. We put two of these on our registry and both of them work well. We have one in our living room (VTech VM 3258) that’s more cost effective, but in the nursery (Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor), we wanted all the bells and whistles. Is that necessary? Maybe not, but did it make us feel better? Absolutely! There’s nothing like hearing a sound at 3:00 am and checking your phone to see that baby is still safely and soundly asleep.
Bathing supplies
Bathing your baby can be a fun bonding experience, so include items like a baby bathtub, washcloths, and baby soap/shampoo on your registry. For the tub, we decided on the Aqua Scale. It came highly recommended and it worked great for my family’s needs. Win was born three weeks early so his weight was something we needed to keep track of. This tub not only has a digital scale, but it also tells you the temperature of the water (I mean I still used my elbow, but still). We used it until he sized out of it and it was great. Add it sis!
Diaper Bag
Lastly, add a good diaper bag to your registry. A diaper bag is essential for on-the-go parents. Look for one with plenty of pockets and compartments to keep everything organized, but also look for one that you that you wouldn’t mind carrying around with you. Let’s face it, this thing basically double duties as my purse. Hubby and I each have one. His is sleek and more manly, or as manly as a diaper bag can be. Mine definitely gives mom vibes and I’m okay with that. They both have changing stations within them, which makes diaper changes on the go a bit easier. I highly recommend each of them.
Bonus Item: Iglesina Fast Table Chair
Yall, the Iglesina Fast Table Chair has been a game changer for us. We do not have to worry about the germs on the high chairs at restaurants. Do you need a high chair? No ma’am, I have my own. It’s lightweight and very easy to use. We actually bought a second one to use at home. Win was not a fan of the traditional high chair. Bro wanted to sit at the table with us. We love this thing. Highly recommend. Add it to your baby registry, now!
In addition to these items, there are many other products that may be useful for your family. Consider including items like a high chair, swaddles, playpen, or baby swing, depending on your needs and lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from other parents or your healthcare provider, as they may have valuable insights and advice. Remember, creating a baby registry is a helpful way to ensure that you have all the essentials for your new baby, but it’s okay to make adjustments as you go along and learn what works best for you and your family.
That’s It. That’s All Yall.
J. Bai
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