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Baby Registry Essentials That Are Actually Worth It
85
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
12
Travel/On the Go
Breastfeeding
Feeding
Nursery furniture, decor, organization etc
Diapering
Clothing
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 w wipe dispenser, a...
Diaper Bag Multi Function Backpack
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
Car cameras are 100% worth it! Mirrors often end up reflecting light and blinding the little one, plus you constantly have to adjust your own mirror to see. The camera has given us huge peace of mind when driving. When I was given this as a gift for ...
1080P Camera for Rear-facing Car Seat
Breastfeeding
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
If you are pumping these are a lifesaver! Especially if/when you go back to work or are traveling. They’re also great for pacifiers, teether toys, etc. And while recovering postpartum and pumping every 2 hours to get the milk to come in, these were a...
Dapple Baby Breast Pump Wipes, Hypoallergenic, 25 Count
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
This is one thing I waited way too long to get and wish I would’ve had right when my baby was born. He was having trouble latching and this not only helped with latch but also helps give sore nipples a break
Lansinoh Contact Nipple Shield with Case - 20mm - 2ct: Silicone Material
Feeding
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
The Cloud Island line makes another great product with these super soft, long lasting burp clothes! I ended up buying like three more sets after being gifted the first one because they were definitely my favorite burp cloths and I had them with me at...
Baby 3pk Muslin Burp Cloth - Cloud Island™: Cotton, 0-12 Months, 19.5" x 8.25", Recycled Content
Once you start solids a good, wipeable bib is a MUST. You have months before you get to this point so maybe it’s not a registry must-have, but it’s good to prepare early. And they actually came in handy earlier for my spit up-prone reflux baby anyway...
Water-Resistant Bibs - 3pk - Suns/Stripe - Cloud Island™
There’s tons of high chairs out there so it will really come down to the style you want. I chose this one because there’s no cloth, so it’s easy to clean. The tray and liner are both removable and can be easily washed. And it will eventually covert i...
Graco Table2Table Lux High Chair - Rhodes
These are good for feeding if you are wanting a soft, cloth type bib… plus they are great for keeping baby dry during hr drooling/teething months
Muslin Baby Drool Bibs 6pack
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
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 have used other brands temporarily when we ran out of these (including Honest, Millie Moon, Huggies and P...
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
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. Seriously they are so soft and so stinkin’ cute. And there’s almost 200 patterns to choose from, including Harry Potter! I love the knotted gowns because they are super easy and perfect fo...
Knotted Gowns
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
You really can never have enough onesies and Carter’s is my one of my favorite brands for this!
Carter's Just One You®️ Baby 4pk Short Sleeve Solid Bodysuit - 3M
Cloud Island from Target is just a gem. Their footie pjs are so so soft, I wish they had them for adults. They have many sizes, patterns and styles so just search on Target’s website to find the kind of you want and they often have deals/sales so kee...
Baby Boys' 2pk Dogs So Very Soft Modal Sleep N' Play - Cloud Island™ Cream 0-3M
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 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
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
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
There’s so much to do with this activity gym! Many baby toys are minimally used before they grow out of it but my little babe never gets sick of this one! It’s got a tummy time pillow, detachable piano, tons of different detachable toys and even flas...
Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin' Tunes Music and Language Discovery Play Gym - Blue/Gray
The Cloud Island loveys ARE A MUST! My little one takes his with him everywhere. And it is the only and only thing that helps him soothe himself to sleep. Not sure we would’ve made it through the 4-month sleep regression without it
Brown Dog Security Blanket - S - Cloud Island™
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
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
These oatmeal baths have helped so much with baby’s dry skin and eczema!
Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Soothing Oatmeal Bath Treatment for Relief of Dry, Itchy Skin - 3.75oz - 5ct
This quickly gets rid of cradle xrap without the need for expensive special shampoos or anything. I just use it once or twice with regular baby soap and flakes are gone
Frida Baby DermaFrida The FlakeFixer 3-Step Cradle Cap System
Of course we all hope we don’t need it for anything. But when my babe was sick and needed Tylenol this was a lifesaver. Plus he had a lot of issues with gas his first couple months, so gas drops were a must and these made giving those so easy!
Frida Baby MediFrida Accu-Dose Pacifier Medicine Dispenser
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
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
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
Perfect for soaking bottles, pacifiers, pump parts, etc. Even with a bottle washer I always soaked first. And it collapses and can easily take on the go which is great for traveling
Dr. Brown's 2.4gal Plastic Collapsible Sink Basin Dish Washing Pan
These can be a little controversial. Would I spend $300 to buy it myself? No. Am I so so happy that it was gifted to me and would recommend having it on your list for others to team up to get you? Totally yes. It does take a liiiittle bit of work to ...
Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro - Washer Sterilizer Dryer
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
Your hospital will probably give you one of these but I liked having a second so I had one to use while the other was in the wash. Especially if you have a c-section, this is a must! You might think it’s not really necessary but I’m telling you it ma...
Frida Mom Postpartum Abdominal Support Binder
These may not be a fun thing to buy, or get, as a gift but if you’re prepping for postpartum these are a must! And you really can’t have enough. Whatever the brand or kind, just make sure you stock up on good quality, comfortable pads.
U by Kotex Maxi Pads Heavy Absorbency 22ct
Another not-so-fun thing to buy but… A must must must have after c-section, but also great for after vaginal delivery as well… these are comfortable, disposable, easy to take on and off. Most importantly they will not rub on any surgical incision sit...
Mesh Postpartum Underwear 12 Pack