When I made my registry, I added so many things I never actually used. This list is the baby gear that truly made life easier — no fluff, just the affordable essentials I’d recommend to any new mom. Think of it as the registry I wish I had the first ...
Sections
6
💤 Sleep essentials
👩🍼Feeding must haves!
🛁 Bath & Diapering
🏡 Everyday Gear
🌡️ Health & Safety
🚗 Car must haves
💤 Sleep essentials
Sleep was one of the hardest parts of the newborn stage for me. I quickly learned which items were lifesavers and which were just hype. This section has the sleep essentials that actually helped Indie (and me!) rest better — affordable, safe, and mom...
A bit expensive, I know. But I promise..indie slept in this between us until she was 1. Was totally worth it. She’s 2 & still tries to get in it!
Infant Loungers
LIFE SAVER for dads who just can’t get the hang of “swaddling!”
Organic Baby Swaddle Sleep Sacks 2-Pack
Zip-up sleepers are a must — especially for middle-of-the-night diaper changes. I’d skip fancy outfits and stock up on these because babies live in them! Gerber brand is great quality!
Gerber Baby Girls' 4 Pack Sleep 'N Play Footie
Zip-up sleepers are a must — especially for middle-of-the-night diaper changes. I’d skip fancy outfits and stock up on these because babies live in them. (Boy option)
Gerber Baby Boys 4 Pack Sleep 'N Play Footie
Gowns are a lifesaver for nightly diaper changes! no zippers or snaps to mess with, just quick and easy.
Simple Joys by Carter's Baby Girls' 3-Pack Sleeper Gown
Gowns are a lifesaver for nightly diaper changes! no zippers or snaps to mess with, just quick and easy.
Simple Joys by Carter's Baby 3-Pack Cotton Gown
Soft, breathable mittens to protect them babies face! Affordable too! You don’t want to wake up to a scratch!
Pro Goleem Muslin Baby Mittens 0-6 Months
You will have the light on the hatch sound machine already but you may want an extra little light for those nightly feeds!
Touch Bedside Table Lamp with USB & 3-Way Dim
Worth the splurge. Believe me! It’s a ban you can tighten around their belly when they have colic, upset stomach, etc. it works!
MEMEENO Baby Belly Band for Gas & Colic Relief
No question…if possible, it’s a must. This will give you such peace of mind! Tracks their oxygen, heart rate, sleep patterns & much more! Will also alert you of any abnormalities!
Owlet® Dream Sock
A cheaper option to the snuggle me pillow!
Baby Lounger - Snuggle Cozy Me Infant Lounger
Sort of a splurge and not necessary but it is helpful for when you need to get those dishes cleaned, clothes folded, bathe! You just bring it where you need! It’s small enough to fit anywhere! Usually goes on sale!
Dream On Me Karley Bassinet Blue & Grey
If you purchase the portable crib then I would just get this play pen! Affordable & good ratings!
Dream On Me Zazzy Portable Playard w/ Bassinet
The bassinet attachment is so useful! Especially if you don’t purchase the travel bassinet! The changing table is a plus also!
Pamo Babe Portable Foldable Playpen & Mattress
Just go ahead & get the waterproof sheets for the pack-n-play! It beats having to buy a mattress protector & sheets separately.
Pack and Play Waterproof Mattress Pads, 2 Pack
Comfortable crib mattress!
Serta Perfect Start Dual Sided Baby & Toddler Mattress
I promise you’re gonna want to have a mattress protector on the crib mattress!
Lunsing Waterproof Crib Mattress Protector
Affordable sheets for your babies crib mattress!
GUNTAIL Baby Crib Sheets 2 Pack Brown & Green
Bluetooth, set schedules, alarms, all around a must have! Multiple different sounds!
Hatch Rest 2nd Gen Baby Sound Machine & Light
👩🍼Feeding must haves!
Aside from Dr. brown bottles these were my favorite. Not many parts to clean & indie loved them! Perfect drip!
Nanobebe Flexy Silicone Baby Bottle 3-Pack
If you choose the Dr. brown route, these smaller bottles are easier for the first few months!
Dr. Brown's Anti-Colic Feeding Set Pink
You’re gonna want some bigger bottles (this holds 9oz) for when they start needing more food!
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Wide-Neck Glass Bottles 9oz, 3 Pack
You may have to buy different size nipples for each stage!
Nanobebe Silicone Baby Bottle Nipples, 2-Pack
Extra Dr. brown nipples
Dr. Brown's Level 2 Wide-Neck Silicone Nipple, 6 Pack
Convenient way of preparing bottles!
Munchkin Formula Dispenser, BPA Free, 3x9oz, Blue
Gonna need some bibs while feeding milk!
10 Pack Cotton Snap Baby Bibs for Boys & Girls
Silicone spoons for just starting to eat!
6-Piece Silicone Baby Feeding Spoons Soft-Tip
Easy way to put the baby food while feeding!
Munchkin® Multi™ Baby and Toddler Bowls, 8 Pack
You will never have enough burp clothes! Perfect for cleaning up spit, milk, etc.
Cute Castle 12 Pack Muslin Burp Cloths 20x10
We love this high chair! The inside material comes off and it’s plastic so you can just throw it in the wash!
Dream On Me Portable 2-in-1 Tabletalk High Chair Grey
🛁 Bath & Diapering
A simple tub! Indie loved it & when they get a little older and can sit up, turn it over and let them sit inside it! *a hack*
Angelcare Baby Bath Support Gray - Under 6 Months
Again, you won’t regret. Gentle on skin and smells AMAZING!
Noodle & Boo 2-in-1 Newborn Hair & Body Wash
Every baby needs some lotion! Perfect for after baths-lather them babies up with the best smelling lotion!!
Noodle & Boo Super Soft Baby Lotion
The best soft hooded towels!
Yoofoss 2-Pack Hooded Baby Towels 32x32
The only wash clothes you’ll need!
SWEET DOLPHIN 12 Pack Baby Muslin Washcloths
Cheaper alternative to noodle and boo! But still very good quality!
Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care Baby Wash 13oz
Hands down- the best diapers! I’ve tried multiple brands and these by far exceeded my expectations! I will travel to any store to make sure I have these diapers! They’re thick, fitting and top tier quality!
Rascals
A 12 pack of wipes for around $22 you can’t beat! I love these wipes! They last a long time, stay fresh & are easy to get out the pack!
Members Mark diaper and wipes : r/samsclub
You’re gonna need some butt paste! At some point! This is a great brand!
Boudreaux's Butt Paste Max Strength Cream
Soft, gentle brush set that’s perfect for newborn hair and cradle cap. The bristles are delicate enough for baby’s scalp but still do the job. Comes with multiple pieces, so you’ve got a brush, comb, and cradle cap tool all in one affordable set.
Baby Hair Brush & Comb Set, 4Pcs Grey
🏡 Everyday Gear
Affordable great quality bouncer! Lightweight so it’s easy to move!! There’s no need to spend a ton of money on a bouncer!
Bright Starts Baby Bouncer Safari Fun 0-6M
If you’re wanting a bouncer with more neutral colors this one is still a decent price & great quality!
SUNTUE Baby Bouncer Seat 0-12 Months Portable
Over 20k reviews! On the affordable side, easy & compact baby swing!
Ingenuity ConvertMe 2-in-1 Baby Swing & Seat
Hands down the best high chair I’ve owned! The cushion is plastic so you can just toss it in the washer! So easy for cleaning!!!
Dream On Me Portable 2-in-1 Tabletalk High Chair Grey
I’ve tried the more expensive brands & nothing compares to this one!!!! It was so easy to use & It didn’t feel like it was covering my babies face! A must! You need to get stuff done around the house? Strap up! lol
Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Ergonomic Baby Carrier
A little expensive but if you can splurge this is a great durable swing! We loved it! Simple & easy to take apart to wash!
Graco Simple Sway Swing
Safety 1st is such a durable, reliable brand and this walker is super affordable compared to others. Sturdy enough to last, with fun built-in activities to keep baby entertained while practicing those first steps.
Safety 1st Ready,Set, Walk! Activity Center, Lavendar Buzz
Baby jumpers can get pricey, but this one is more affordable while still packed with fun toys and activities. Sturdy, easy to put together, and keeps little ones entertained without breaking the bank!
Smart Steps Bounce N' Play 3-in-1 Activity Center
Large, sturdy playpen with breathable mesh sides, gives baby plenty of space to play safely while you get things done. Easy to set up, durable for daily use, and big enough for toys and crawling without feeling cramped. Also great if you have dogs!
Hiaksedt Baby Playpen 50x50 Inch Mesh Fence
Soft, thick padding makes this mat perfect for tummy time, crawling, or play inside a playpen. Foldable, machine washable, and the boho design looks nice in any room — not your typical bright, busy baby mat!
Blissful Diary 50x50 Baby Play Mat Foam
🌡️ Health & Safety
An ear thermometer is the way to go! You can’t beat the price of this one!
yuwell Digital Ear Thermometer for All Ages
You’re gonna want a rectal thermometer..sometimes your baby may be running fever & you’ll need to compare ear temp to rectal. Too cheap not to buy just in case!
JJ CARE Baby Rectal Thermometer LCD Fast
Honestly for their nails..this is all you need. You can pair with a file. For 2.99 you can’t go wrong!
Safety 1st Fold-Up Nail Clippers - 2pk
This nail file works great if you’re scared to use clippers! There’s no need to buy a more expensive one. They all work the same!
Baby Nail Trimmer with Light Electric Clippers
A simple baby nose sucker. Always handy to have around! Works great & cheap!
Safety 1st Nasal Aspirator, White, One Size
Mylicon drops are always good to have on hand! This is an item your gonna want name brand!
MYLICON Infants Gas Relief Drops, Dye Free, 1oz
These saved our sanity. They helped our baby SO much! We had a bit of colic & L reuteri is the only proven to for sure to help with colic medication wise. There are more expensive brands but this one has the same ingredients for half the cost!
6m+ Gentle allergy relief for little ones 6+ months. Helps with sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, itchy/watery eyes, and mild wheezing. Naturally inspired, no alcohol, dyes, or parabens and it comes with a dosing syringe for easy use.
Dr. Talbot's Homeopathic Infant Daily Allergy Relief with Cell Salts, Grape, 4 fl oz
6m+ These tiny tablets dissolve instantly in baby’s mouth. super easy to give. Helps with stuffy/runny nose, cough, sneezing, and restlessness so little ones can sleep more comfortably.
6m+ Daytime version of the tiny dissolving tablets. super easy for babies to take. Helps relieve runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, and cough so little ones can feel better and stay more comfortable during the day.
6m+ A solid, trusted brand that’s been around forever. These drops give little ones essential vitamins plus iron to support healthy growth and development. Great option if you want something reliable and pediatrician-recommended.
Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol Iron Multivitamin Drops 50mL
I know. It’s not cheap..& I’m gonna add it again in health & safety because that’s how important I think this device is! If you can afford one, buy one even if you can find one second hand! I would rather it alert me of any abnormal activity ...
Owlet Dream Sock® - FDA-Cleared Baby Monitor
Gentle dual-ended tool that makes cleaning baby’s nose and ears easier and safer than cotton swabs. Designed to remove mucus or wax without hurting sensitive little noses and ears, and it even comes with a travel case for hygiene.
Dr. Talbot’s Baby Nose & Ear Cleaner Set, 2 Pack
🚗 Car must haves
One of the top-rated infant car seats for safety and ease of use. The KeyFit 30 clicks securely into its base and is compatible with Chicco strollers, making travel simple. It has excellent crash-test ratings, energy-absorbing foam, and newborn head/...
Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat & Base 4-22 lbs
So much safer than a regular car mirror. This baby car camera gives a clear, wide view of your little one. Even at night with the HD night vision. No more twisting around while driving, just glance at the screen like a backup camera for instant peace...
Baby Car Mirror with 4.3'' HD Night Vision Display
Speaks for its self! You don’t want the sunlight shining in your newborns face!