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Baby Registry Essentials That Are Actually Worth It
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items As someone who had zero idea what should be on a baby registry when she got pregnant, and who spent hours upon hours researching, comparing brands and prices, and editing her baby registries hundreds of times… I’ve compiled a list of all my favorites...
Sections
11
Travel/On the Go
Feeding
Nursery furniture, decor, organization etc
Diapering
Clothing
Sleeping
Travel/On the Go
This diaper bag has it all! It has two large main compartments with multiple pockets in both so you can keep everything organized. The front pocket is insulated for bottle storage. It includes a portable changing mat, side pockets, USB cable and port...
Diaper Bag with Changing Pad, Pacifier Holder, USB Port
I wanted a carrier but just couldn’t shell out 100+ dollars for one… so happy I found this one! It’s sturdy, easy to use and convertible. And comes in many different styles. I have a cotton wrap as well but this one is nice for when you want somethin...
4-in-1 Adjustable Ergonomic Baby Carrier
There’s so many car seats out there, I am not even going to pretend like I researched them all or that this is the best one… it’s just the one I went with. I wanted something that would be convertible and grow with them because I didn’t want to get a...
Graco Slimfit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
This was probably one thing on my registry I literally never would have ever thought of- and thankfully a family member recommended it! It is waterproof and will protect your seats from spills etc but more importantly, it helps protect our seats (whi...
Car Seat Protector- Waterproof and Dirt Resistant
This is another item that you can find TONS of from basically every website and they all do the same thing. And don’t get me wrong you could easily use grocery sacks too. I just like that these easily roll up to fit in the diaper bag, so you can keep...
Wet Dry Bags for Baby Clothes - 3 Pack
Bags and the dispenser are probably not an essential. You could definitely just use grocery sacks. But I find these to be so much easier to neatly store and easily grab. Especially because some places (like airlines!) have rules about disposing of di...
Ubbi On The Go Bag Dispenser
I chose this travel system because it comes with both a stroller and an infant carrier/car seat! The carrier easily pops in and out of the car seat base. The front wheel makes it easier to navigate and can better go through grass, etc. It has a quick...
Graco Outpace™ All-Terrain Travel System
Feeding
I love this cover because it is so easy on and off, and is soft, lightweight and breathable. It also can easily be used as a carseat/carrier canopy as well! And the front stays lifted up so you can easily see underneath for breastfeeding/pumping
Muslin Nursing Cover for Baby Breastfeeding
Honestly it is hard to shop for bottles before baby gets here. It’s so hard to know what they will tolerate. This starter pack was nice because it came with different size bottles and nipples, a pacifier with the same nipple, and a bottle brush. I li...
Dr. Brown's Anti-Colic Options+ Newborn Set
I love muslin because it is soft and non irritating while also being absorbent! These are the perfect size as well. They come in 10 packs for $25 and tons of color options!
Muslin Burp Cloths 20" x 10", Pack of 10
I wish I could say it’s not worth the money but after so much research and comparisons, they really just are. It makes feeding so much easier. And the pillows from this brand hold up, are supportive and shaped just right. I will, however, say that I ...
Boppy Nursing Pillow - Ergonomic, Water-Repellent
Wearable pumps have honestly been what’s kept me breastfeeding after almost throwing in the towel week 3. I have the Spectra S1 and love it- and if you are mostly feeding from the breast and just pumping to have supply in hand for when you’re not aro...
Momcozy M5 Hands-Free Wearable Breast Pump, 2-Pack
Nursery furniture, decor, organization etc
This changing table was the perfect size, reasonably priced and fit our needs. It’s very easy to put together while still being sturdy. The two shelves give lots of room for storing diapers, wipes etc in close reach. And the height is perfect so we’r...
Delta Children Infant Changing Table with Pad
As I mentioned the changing table I got came with a pad, but it was flat and very thin, so I opted to get this instead and absolutely love it. It has rubber grips at the bottom so it doesn’t slip and a waterproof liner. And its standard size will fit...
Contoured Changing Pad w/ Waterproof Lining, 32x16
Okay I’m not gonna lie, this one isn’t an essential. Having washable liners and disposable pads, I really didn’t need to get (multiple) decorative changing pad covers, but these from Target are just so cute! I had to throw them in
Plush Changing Pad Cover I Love You Script - Cloud Island™ Mint
I looked at so many different rocking chairs when setting up my nursery… I didn’t want to spend too much money and it couldn’t take up too much space but wanted something comfortable and reliable. This one turned out perfect! It is good sized, comfor...
Storkcraft Hoop Glider Nursery Rocking Chair and Ottoman - Natural Frame/Beige Fabric
This may not be so much an essential, since everyone has different setups in their baby rooms. But for us, we wanted to maximize storage space and organization- so having this was super helpful! I have it hanging on the closet door right by the chang...
Over the Door Hanging Organizer, 2 pack
I love this crib because it is convertible and will be able to be used as baby grows! It can eventually become a toddler bed, daybed and even a full size bed. The mattress height is adjustable which is great for the infant stages. And it has the opti...
Graco 5-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer
Diapering
The very best diapers on the market! The lining is 100% cotton and they are total chlorine free. My baby has never got a diaper rash in these. I ran out of them and had to temporarily use another brand and he quickly got a rash. Went back to these an...
Kudos Chlorine Free Cotton-Lined Disposable Diapers - Size 1 - 76ct
This diaper rash cream clears things up so quickly! We use A+D to prevent irritation if we see a hint of a rash… if it’s full blown then we use this one
Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream 3 oz Tube
This is a must-have if you have a two story home! I mean who wants to have to take the baby (probably up the stairs) to the baby room every time? Easily store all the essentials in the caddy! I had a c-section and going up and down the stairs was dif...
Diaper Caddy Organizer
Waterwipes are the best because they are literally water. 99.9% water in fact. So they are hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin! No worrying about breakouts and rashes. Available in many different counts. Target frequently has sales/discounts o...
WaterWipes Sensitive+ Newborn & Baby Wipes, Unscented & Hypoallergenic
This might seem silly but we grabbed a few because my husband has a thing about lotions/creams/etc. So much easier and cleaner! And you don’t have to worry about getting paste under your nails, etc
Mini Baby Diaper Cream Spatula with Case
I have a combination of disposable pads and washable liners… it’s really up to your preference. The liners are great for atop the changing pad in the nursery, but sometimes you just don’t want to deal with all the loads of laundry. And what about on-...
100 Count Super Absorbent Disposable Pads 22x22
It really depends on your diapering situation if you would want these or not. I got a changing table with a changing pad and washable cover. But the covers can be a little pricey and I didn't want to have to wash all the time if they get soiled- so I...
Munchkin® Waterproof Changing Pad Liners, 3 Count
These are thick, soft, made of good materials and come in a package with a flip top lid. Of all the wipes I’ve tried they definitely hold up the best while not breaking out my baby.
Millie Moon 99% Pure Water Baby Wipes - 576ct
Clothing
Literally the softest gowns I’ve ever seen in my entire life. My only complaint is that they don’t come in adult sizes! Seriously they are so soft and so stinkin’ cute. And there’s almost 200 patterns to choose from, including Harry Potter! I love th...
Knotted Gowns
I love all the Gerber packs of onesies! They’re soft, good quality and great value… I mean $3 per onesie can’t really be beat. They come in tons of color schemes and every size you’ll need. I’ve purchased from Target (linked here) and Amazon in vario...
Gerber Baby 5pk Short Sleeve Bodysuit - Cotton Knit, Pullover & Crotch Snap, Machine Washable
The zippyjamz are amazing because in addition to the normal zipper straight down the PJs they also have a zipper going foot-to-foot to make diaper changes so easy! And they come in tons of cute colors
zippyjamz Organic Footed Baby Onesie
Because who doesn’t love little onesies, you can never have enough!
Carter's Just One You® Baby 3pk Bodysuit: Cotton Blend, Crotch Snap, Tagless, Short Sleeve
I love Carter’s onesies because they are soft, good quality, and hold up well to washing- at an affordable price.
Simple Joys by Carter's Unisex Short-Sleeve Bodysuit
Cloud Island’s footie pjs are so freaking soft. Like I wish they made them for adults they are that soft and comfy. They have tons of different styles and sizes so just search Cloud Island baby pajamas at Target, you won’t regret it
Baby Boys' 2pk So Very Soft Modal Blend Sleep N' Play - Cloud Island™ Light Blue 0-3M: Footed Pajamas, Two-Way Zipper, Mitten Cuff
Sleeping
I absolutely love the Cloud Island crib sheets- soft, breathable and machine washable without being paper thin or scratchy like many other brands I’ve received. They just feel higher quality but at a good price!
Polyester Rayon Fitted Crib Sheet - Green - Cloud Island™
Okay I might be writing a love note to Cloud Island/Target- but I really have found they are just one of the better brands out there. I heard so many good things about The PeanutShell sheets and was so disappointed in how thin and scratchy they were....
Fitted Play Yard Jersey Sheet 2pk - Cloud Island™
I am a fan of Graco products, what can I say. I think they just make a quality product and I like knowing that everything will fit together perfectly. This was a good quality mattress and good price!
Graco Premium Crib & Toddler Mattress
These mattress protectors fit perfect, are machine washable, and don’t make noise. Plus it’s a 2 pack at a great price! I can’t yet speak to longevity but they have great reviews
Waterproof Crib Mattress Protector 2 Pack
Honestly I decided to forgo a bassinet and just do a Pack n Play! It works as a bassinet and I know we will use the Pack n Play for awhile for travel so it saves a lot of money to just get this. And it’s easily stored and easy to assemble.
Graco Pack 'n Play® On The Go™ Playard
I love the Pack and Play but the mat that comes with it is kind of a joke. So I got this one and can confirm it fits perfectly! It is much thicker and more supportive, and the standard size will fit mattress protectors and sheets designated for playa...
hiccapop Pack and Play Mattress Pad (38"x26"x1.5")
I love sound machines in general, I have one for myself… and this one is great because it also has a nightlight, and can be activated by the touch ring. Perfect for middle of the night changes/feedings! And it can be controlled via app as well
Hatch Rest 2nd Gen All-in-one Sleep Machine, Nightlight & Sound Machine
Perfect for wintertime, these warm sleep sacks allow you to swaddle with arms in or leave arms out as a wearable blanket. the two-way zipper allows easy access for diaper changes
HALO Sleepsack Swaddle, 3-Way, TOG 3.0, Cream, Newborn
I am all for swaddlers and sleep sacks just for the ease and peace of mind! For my registry I put a newborn swaddle pod, a set of these bigger swaddle blankets, and a sleep sack, to have a few different options and ability to transition.
Original Swaddle, 3-6 Months
Easy swaddling for safe sleeping, plus a two-way zipper to make diaper changes easier!
SwaddleMe Compression Baby Swaddle Pod 2-Pack
Another good option instead of the packs I have listed above, is to get this set- that comes with one pod, one original swaddle blanket, and one sleep sack- and find what works best!
SwaddleMe Comfort Pack Baby Swaddle 0-3M
This is a great monitor if you’re wanting something small and cheap but reliable! We have the Owlet camera and sock for our baby’s nursery (and I have a lot of mixed opinions on that) but wanted something easy and portable for around the house and on...
Baby Monitor w/ Camera & 2 way Audio
Activity
I was skeptical what the quality would be but I love how this one turned out! It’s not a huge mat, you will still want to get a full size one, but I love the setup with the included toys, it’s super cushiony, and it easily folds up to store
Baby Activity Gym Tummy Time Mat w/ 6 Toys
Help baby’s development with this interactive seat! It’s secure, wipeable for easy clean up and takes AA batteries so no need to charge or hunt down hard-to-find batteries
Infantino Go gaga! Music & Lights 3-in-1 Discovery Seat & Booster
Pacifiers are another one on the list that I snagged as many samples as I could- because you just really don't know what baby is gonna take. There are some sample boxes out there from sites like Babylist as well that can be useful!
These were probab...
NUK Timeless Comfy Pacifier 5-Pack 0-6M
This may not be an essential for you, but I definitely recommend it. It has been a life saver for us, as it is pretty much the only thing that soothes our baby when he is colicky from gas/digestive issues. There have also been times where it is liter...
Graco Soothe 'n Sway LX Swing & Bouncer
Like I said, you’ll have no idea what brand or type your baby will like, but these were my baby’s favorite so they make the list! Pacifiers might be controversial, but they help soothe, satisfy sucking reflex and reduce the risk of SIDS so I personal...
BIBS Natural Rubber Pacifiers Set of 2
Bathing
I love all things Cloud Island from Target, not gonna lie. Every towel, washcloth, liner, clothing etc I have gotten from them is so very soft and gentle. Plus they’re cute and come in lots of colors! I think they’re a great price and will hold up we...
Muslin Hooded Towel - Cloud Island™, Machine Washable, 30"x30", 3 pack
These terry washclothes are so freaking soft and gentle! And at $7 for 6, you really can’t beat it. I’ve got a mix of these and thicker muslin washclothes in our baby bathroom. And they come in pinks and blues as well!
Washclothes 6 pack- Carter's Just One You®️ Baby Duck Terry Animal Print 9"x9"
A very close second to my Cloud Island faves, these muslin wash clothes are great because they are a little thicker and more absorbent while still being soft and non-irritating. That’s why I got packs of both kinds. These are a good size and come in ...
12 Pack Muslin Washcloths for Baby - 12"x12"
These are going to be a little thicker and more absorbent than the Cloud Island type- but still soft and gentle for baby!
Hooded Baby Towels, 100% Muslin Organic Cotton
I love this tub because it collapses to save space, it has a seat to keep baby secure, and the thermometer helped ease my worries of whether the water was too hot or cold
MoreFeel Collapsible Baby Bathtub with Thermometer & Towel
Health
I find electric suctions quicker, easier and more effective than bulb/manual suctions so purchasing this was just totally worth it to me
Frida Baby Electric NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator - 5pc
A great-sized humidifier that also doubles as a soft nightlight and a diffuser that you can use Frida-brand relaxing Vapor drops! It is annoying to add water to sometimes, if you want to fill up the whole thing. If just adding a cup full of water it ...
Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier, Diffuser + Nightlight
Great as a diaper rash preventative but honestly it’s not even just for diaper rashes, it has other uses too. Long before I even thought of having a baby a doctor recommended A+D to me for skin issues. Working in health care I’ve had multiple patient...
A+D Baby Diaper Rash Ointment, Baby Protectant with Vitamins A and D
The AAP recommends a vitamin D supplement if exclusively breastfeeding, but definitely check with your own pediatrician. Ours quickly recommended giving vitamin D supplement drops. I like this one because it can be administered directly or added to m...
Enfamil D-Vi-Sol Infant Vitamin D Dietary Supplement Liquid Drops - 1.69oz
So I picked this kit just because it had the essentials I want, but there’s tons out there. I like this brand because it is reliable, and they have a few different kit configurations of what you want- clippers, brush, bulb suction, thermometer, etc o...
Safety 1st Baby Care Basics Health and Grooming Set - White
Here’s the larger kit that comes with it all! I personally got the basics, and then a thermometer and electric suction. But again, you grab what it is important to you!
Safety 1st Deluxe Baby Nursery Kit - Green - 30pc
As mentioned, there’s so many different brands and kits with these kinds of items. I’m pretty sure I have at least 4 thermometers lying around. So go with what works for you!
Safety 1st 3-in-1 Nursery Thermometer, Analog
I find Frida baby brand to be reliable and quality products! This picker is great for nose and ears and comes in a little protective case! I have one of these in my nursery, downstairs diaper caddy, diaper bag… they are just nice to have.
Frida Baby 3-in-1 Picker
If not already getting a kit that has them, I would put these stand-alone clippers on my registry- I like the products this brand makes, as they are created with baby safety as the number one priority.
Safety 1st Fold-Up Nail Clippers - 2pk
For soaps, and really any topical products, it's hard to know what your baby will tolerate and if they will have sensitivities to different brands so it unfortunately is just trial and error. I have signed up for every welcome box and free sample tha...
Aveeno Baby Newborn Hypoallergenic Wash
This is seriously one of the things on this list that we have used the most! We’ve already gone through two and soon to be a third. It seriously is a lifesaver. Our boy has had gas troubles from the beginning and all the exercises in the world were n...
Little Remedies Newborn Gas Relief Drops, 1oz
Household & safety
Cleaning products, things for around the house, baby-proofing, etc. Note: You may not need all of these, it depends how you have things situated, if you are exclusively bottle-feeding, etc
I’m putting both this and the Dapple brush set on this list because it really depends on your needs- if you travel a lot you might want both, if using primarily at home and mainly just wanting the brushes then either one could be beneficial, if you a...
Baby Bottle Brush Set with Silicone & Drying Rack
As I mentioned before, I’m adding both this and the momcozy brush set just because everyone’s individual needs vary. We travel a lot so I wanted both— This one is compact and includes the wipes so I can stick it in my diaper bag to always have on han...
Dapple On the Go Breast Pump & Baby Bottle Cleaning Kit
Again, it really all depends on your needs. You might have a bottle sterilizer and have no use for this. You might be washing everything in dishwasher or a basin. I received a Baby Brezza as a gift for most washing, but I still wanted these bags to t...
Dr. Brown's Microwave Steam Sterilizer Bags, 5 Count
Prenatal & postpartum
There’s tons of nursing pads out there so pick whatever fits your needs/budget! I chose these because they are individually wrapped so I can easily split up my stock and store them in my diaper bag, purse, with my breast pump, etc. But if you are bre...
Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads - 60ct
This stuff is soft and soothing, and a little goes a long way! Great for stretching bellies to reduce itching, and for down there for perineal massage and prevent tearing during birth. I ended up having an emergency c-section and didn’t need it for p...
Lansinoh Organic Birth Prep Oil, 1.7 Fl. Ounces
Prenatals are going to be personal preference and, honestly, probably a little trial and error. I liked the gummies early on in my pregnancy when I was having trouble stomaching them. Gummy versions helped a little. I loved the OLLY brand for the ing...
Nature Made Prenatal with Folic Acid + DHA, Prenatal Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Softgels - 60ct
I love love love this iron supplement. As someone with IBD and iron-deficiency anemia I have been taking an iron supplement long before pregnancy, and this one is as gentle and easy to tolerate as SlowFe at a fifth of the cost! As I mentioned on anot...
21st Century Slow Release Iron Tablets, 60 Count
I mentioned on the other vitamins links that gummies were a little easier for me to tolerate early on in pregnancy when I was at my sickest, and this was a good solid prenatal, the one I did best with. However I prefer the NatureMade just because it ...
OLLY Prenatal Multivitamin Gummy, 60 Ct
Working full time and honestly just exhausted most of my pregnant- I didn’t have time to read a bunch of books. I had time for exactly one. I think it’s common for people to opt for the tried and true What to Expect When You’re Expecting, birthing bo...
What to Expect the First Year (Paperback) by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel
So so so worth it. Early on I got both this and the large U shaped one, and as time when on I found that this was just easier and exactly the support I needed for my hips and back. Plus it helps to keep you from rolling onto your back. And it is adju...
Momcozy Portable W-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
I love this one over others because it is a thick, butter consistency that melts into the skin so it’s not sticky and doesn’t leave residue. It’s organic and safe for breastfeeding. I’ve been using since early on in pregnancy to help with irritation ...
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter™ Cream
Not only is this good for postpartum to gently care for down there, but- for those of us with bladder leakage and irritation- it is actually a lifesaver during pregnancy as well!
Peri Bottle with Carry Bag