This is one mother's commentary to the "recommended list" for "baby must haves" on your registry.
Happy shopping!
Car seats
Infant car seat – Yes, you must have this to even go home from the hospital. If you get it 2nd hand, check online for recalls. The hospital will check the car seat model and if it's had any issues or too old, you can't take your new bundle of joy home! My recommendation – Buy name brand and buy it new. This IS something you want to splurge on!
Car seat base for 2nd car-Trust me – Worth it! Don't try to take the base out of one car and put it into another car. Tell the grandparents to get one for their cars too if they are going to be involved in the child's life more than just vacations to see the family.
Convertible car seat- This can actually wait and not be put on your registry because you won't need it until 4 – 6 months or later. My opinion is though, get one that converts ALL THE WAY to a booster seat. It's worth the extra money!
Booster car seat – Just get a convertible car seat that goes all the way to the booster!
Car seat toys – Don't have this on your infant car seat at the hospital! They will make you take it off for fear of an accident.
Shopping cart cover – For an infant? You don't need this until later if you need it at all. We got one and took it back because I can never remember to take the eco-friendly bags into the store let alone a shopping cart cover (most of which double as a high chair cover in restaurants)! They make sense, but I buy the germ-x wipes and just wipe the cart down before putting my toddler into the seat.
Strollers
Travel system – Yes, if you want the matching stroller with the car seat. They all fit into one another now. Just take your car seat with you when you shop for a stroller or register for one. (Just to check)
Full-size stroller – Yes, if you don't get a travel system. My recommendation is get a good one and splurge on this. You never know when/where you'll use it as those little bundles of joy pack on the pounds and you get tired of carrying them. Find one that reclines back for your child.
Lightweight stroller -Yes, if you're traveling. I only say that because we had our $300 stroller lost by an airline and they finally got it back to us after 3 weeks! What a pain!
Mid-size stroller – You don't need a full size, lightweight, jogging and mid-size stroller… find one stroller you really like and stick with it.
Jogger stroller – My recommendation is unless you're a big runner, buy a quality stroller that you can take on the road, collapses well, and will go over many terrains. Just my experience as we had one of each, and it was a waste of money.
Stroller toys – Any toy can be turned into a stroller toy… my recommendation is to invest in those plastic hooks or tether your toys to the stroller so in the off chance your child tosses the toy and you don't see it… they won't be gone forever!
Stroller diaper bag – This is silly to get a different diaper bag for your stroller. Get one diaper bag that will be functional for all areas or your life.
Backpacks & carriers
Backpacks - We got a backpack that also carries the child by Kelty… it was a God send when traveling in Maine when we were walking, and the stroller would have been a pain!
Front & back soft carriers – I went through a million types, and you will too, until you learn the style you like/want. This also goes for slings and wrap carriers. I know many women who like the organic look/style, some like the peanut shell, some like the name brand, some like the hip. Test out a few but test them when your baby arrives. Many look cute, but my son refused to lay in a peanut shell! Keep your receipts!
Play yards/travel yards
Yes, buy a pack and play that is convertible and easy to pack up for travel. We used ours as a bassinet for our first born in our bedroom.
Activity
Stationary entertainers – It's fine but like all toys, you can go nuts and buy your child everything but they won't look at them until 4 – 6 months old.
Walkers – You won't use this until 6 months so do you really need to register for it?
Gyms & playsets – Get one for your infant to lay on their back and kick the mat. Our son LOVED his.
Bouncers – Do your homework, but our son loved his bouncer.
Swings - YES, YES, YES – Greatest invention ever!
Door jumpers – Not needed if you get a bouncer but easier to transport if you need to.
Infant positioner – They say you aren't supposed to co-sleep so I have nothing to say about this other than we tried 2 and our son wiggled out of both. We just used a bassinet/pack and play next to our bed.
Feeding & nursing
Warmers & sterilizers -Warmer no, sterilizers, yes. Get one where you wash the bottle then stick it into the micro to sanitize it. Cheaper than the type you plug in and quicker than the dishwasher!
Burping cloths (Qty: 6-12) – Yes, get them for spit ups.
Cloth diapers (Qty: 6-12) – We use cloth diapers for burp rags… that's about it though.
Lap pads (Qty: 6) – Um… no
Bibs (Qty: 8-12) – Yes, invest in these! If not for food, for the times your child drools!!
Breastfeeding
Breastpump -Invest your money again in something good if you plan on going back to work or you plan to continue to breast feed. I tried for 2 months, and my son didn't want to participate in this action at all. I pumped for a few months so he could still get the benefit. Great item if you invest in a good one!
Breast pads, shields & cream – You will leak so get the pads! I recommend disposable. The washable ones are fine, but you have to wash them and then you lose one and not the other like socks! Shields are good too but consult your doctor for the necessary uses for them. Cream… YES!! Load up on good cream specifically for breastfeeding mothers so the baby won't be hurt if they ingest some of it.
Breast milk storage- I recommend the storage bags that come with the Medela system. Also, Dr. Brown bottles fit on the Medela system along with most other narrow mouthed bottles.
Nursing pillow & stool – Nursing pillow isn't necessary. I just used a bunch of our pillows at the house. A stool though is highly recommended from my experience.
Nursing wrap/cover- If you plan to breast feed – Yes. Especially in public. It's hard when you're new to fumble with this but do it at home a number of times with your wrap before trying it out in public. I'm a little modest so I highly recommend this.
Bottle-feeding
Bottles for formula (Qty: 6-8) – Yes, you'll need 6 – 8 bottles because you'll be amazed if you don't wash them EVERY few hours how quickly you go through them. Even if you plan to breast feed, get a few to have on stand by. Just in case!! I planned to breast feed, and my son didn't want to participate.
Bottle nipples – If you buy bottles, you'll get nipples with them but check the age on them. They have 1, 2, 3, and 4 … and Y shaped holes in the nipples… size 1 is for little ones all the way up to Y shaped to let older babies get cereal and milk out.
Bottle drying rack – Use a rag and turn the bottles up side down.
Bottle brush – Highly recommend but get a new one every month or so… like a sponge, they will go bad.
Dishwasher caddy – I recommend the mesh ones which are easiest to use.
Insulated tote- Yes, get one but you might go through a few different ones. I recommend getting one that can fit in your baby bag and will remain standing up in the bag. If it tips over, they can leak if the bottle leaks.
Solid feeding
Feeding sets – You won't be feeding your little one solids for a few months so there's no reason to register for this right away.
Training cups -Training cups came for us after 12 months.
Infant spoons (for home) – Get a few, but you won't use them for a number of months.
Baby food processors & accessories – Great if you are going to make organic baby food. I wasn't so ambitious so I didn't register for one.
High chairs
High chairs – YES, but you won't be using this until 6 months.
High chair cover – To cover what? NO!
Splat mat – Maybe for your toddler at the kitchen table, but most high chairs come with a plastic piece that comes off of the main tray to wash.
High chair toys – Not necessary in my opinion. Use the toys you have.
Extra high chair pad – Maybe but just take the dirty one off and wash it. We made it through our first child without issue.
Booster seats
Booster seats – Yes, but you won't use it until 12 months or later.
Splat mat – Yes, but see above. You won't use for a long while.
Feeding accessories
Feeding accessories – Get spoons, forks, etc later on. Trust me! You won't use them for a while.
Bath & potty
Bathtub & seat – Yes, get a baby bathtub that converts into an older baby one.
Washcloths (Qty: 8-12) – We bought disposable ones or we used ours. Waste of money in my opinion.
Hooded bath towels (Qty: 4-6) -Don't waste your money. They are cute but unpractical. Get a super cute towel instead that's just his/hers.
Gentle shampoo & body wash – Yes, get baby stuff… splurge!
Baby lotion- Get a bottle, but we didn't use it too often.
Bath accessories – We got a duck that went over the faucet which helps them from hitting their head as they get older but a pain for guests to get off to use the shower feature of the bath tub!
Bath toys – They will use more as they get older.
Step stool – Not for the bathroom but yes, in general. You don't want your child to crawl over and into the tub before you're ready for them to jump in.
Travel folding potty set -Have you ever seen a potty trained infant? Get this later.
Stand alone potty seat – You won't be potty training until 12 months or later.
Toilet training seat (ring) – see above. Not for an infant registry.
Baby care & grooming
Nail clippers – Maybe but for a little one, it's a waste of money. The best advice I ever got was to bite their nails off rather than clip because you won't cut the skin.
Brushes & comb – If you have a little girl, but no need to get a goofy little baby brush. They are cute but impractical.
Digital thermometer – Get a quick reading one. No one likes the thermometer you know where!
Ear thermometer – We never got one because of the cost and we can just quickly take their temp in the rear. Waste of money in my humble opinion.
Grooming kit – Maybe, but not at the top of my recommendations to register for.
First aid kit- Yes, yes, yes!!
Humidifier/vaporizer – You'll thank yourself if your baby is sick in the winter. Great items.
Baby mittens – Keep your baby's nails short and you won't need these.
Baby oil – I think I used mine twice. Since then, I use it for my hair but not on our son. Lotion is better.
Cotton swabs – Get baby cotton swabs – regular ones are too little for baby ears and can go in too far.
Cotton balls – We had 3 tons in the house, but we didn't use them that much with our son. Register for some but don't go nuts.
Petroleum jelly – Just get really good butt paste for diaper rash. Some kids react differently to different types. Get small trial sizes of a few if you can and try them out to see which one works best on your baby's bottom.
Gas relief drops – Never used it.
Teethers- Our son didn't like the frozen kind but liked the others that you didn't freeze.
Pacifiers – Our son didn't like them, but get a few different types and see what type they like. You don't want to get a single kind and your child doesn't like them.
Pain relief products- YES! Baby/infant specific but consult your doctor first.
Diapers & formula
Diapers - Yes, of course. But don't buy TOO many newborn. We bought a bunch and our son was 10 lbs. He was in size 1 when he was born. Keep receipts. Oh, and buy in bulk. You'll need them!
Baby wipes – Buy in bulk!
Diaper pail refills- I think a diaper pail is a waste of money. Buy little garbage bags or use plastic shopping bags to throw them out.
Wipe warmer – Do you really need this? No, if you are out and about, you won't have a diaper warmer so you don't need it at home.
Diaper pail – Take it out after you change your little bundle; you don't need a special diaper pail.
Formula- Don't go nuts buying one type. Your child may not like the type you buy or have a special need for soy or other types.
Diaper bags – Get a nice one, splurge! Get one that will be practical and will fit your life style. I've gone through a bunch trying to find the perfect one.
Baby changing mat- Yes, great item. We bought a diaper bag and the pad came with it.
Diaper ointment – Yes, get trial sizes and make sure the ointment agrees with your little one's bottom.
Travel wipes- Rather than travel wipes, get a travel case for wipes and put some of your bulk wipes in the travel case!
Safety
Audio monitor – Get one that lasts too and splurge. If you go outside, you want it to go with you and not die in 30 minutes!
Video monitor – Get it if you want, but don't register for both the audio and video. I don't think this is necessary unless you have a mansion and you can't run to your baby without doing a marathon.
Cabinet/drawer latches- You'll need these later on but not right away.
Safety gates – You'll need it later on, not right away unless you have an animal. Great for keeping dogs out too.
Outlet covers – Yes, but not right away.
Corner guards- See above.
Edge guards – See above.
Smoke & carbon monoxide alarm – YES, RIGHT AWAY!
Cradles/bassinets
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib – Yes, very worth the money!
Bedding sets- Yes, this is something personal. We got a Quilt with our son's name embroidered on it. Great item to give to him when he gets older.
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib sheets (Qty: 2-3) – Up to you, but most have plastic or washable bottoms.. should be ok.
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib toys – Don't put toys where your baby sleeps!
Mattresses
Crib mattress – Splurge on this. It will take your child through a toddler bed, too, and you know what it's like to have a horrible mattress.
Crib mattress pads (Qty: 3) – We got one. It's something extra to wash if your child gets sick but it adds a little extra softness to it.
Vinyl mattress cover- Get a mattress with a plastic cover on it. Worth it.
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib mattress- Most good ones come with it.
Bedding
Crib bedding set – Yes.
Fitted crib sheets (Qty: 4-6) – We have 3. You don't need 6.
Blankets (Qty: 4-6) – You'll get a million of them, but you only need a few.
Receiving blankets (Qty: 4-6) – You only need a few.
Waterproof pads (Qty: 4-6) – For what? No, get a good mattress.
Sheet savers (Qty: 4-6) – No, waste of money
Changing table covers (Qty: 2-4) – We used our bed.
Changing table pads – We used our bed.
Sleep positioner- Don't co-sleep is what most experts advise. We used a pack and play in our room.
Nursery storage
Storage solutions – Start collecting the stuff for your baby and then shop for storage. You may find one thing works and another doesn't.
Organizers – Yes, get a good closet organizer and put it up early so as you get stuff, you can put it away. We store diapers in the top shelf and have double hanging shelves from there. Works great.
Shelves- See above.
Baskets/storage bins (Qty: 2-4) – Don't register for these items. Go to a Home Depot or Lowes and buy what you need once you figure out how much you get.
Layette
Bibs (Qty: 8-12) – You'll need plenty.
Burp cloths – Yes, very much needed.
Washcloths (Qty: 12) – We bought disposable or used our own. Waste of money for baby washcloths.
Towels (Qty: 4) – Get one or 2 really cute ones for your child.
Bodysuits (Qty: 9-12) – Get a bunch of onesies, but get quality ones not cheap thin ones.
Gowns (Qty: 4-6) – For sleeping, these are great but again, invest or ask for name brand. You'll use them for multiple children.
Layette sets-I'm not sold on these.
Bedding
Bedding sets – Think about the theme of the room and register from there. You don't need a sham cover by the way!
Blankets (Qty: 4-6) – You'll get plenty from people.
Sheets (Qty: 4-6) – We only bought 3, unless you don't do your laundry a lot.
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