Easy Baby Registry Guide

Easy baby registry guide. Everything you need to add to your baby registry as a first-time mom. keep it simple, know exactly what you need!

After having my first baby and all of the research I did during pregnancy, I actually know what you need for your baby’s first year. Lots of moms will tell you what worked for them. The truth is that some items are subjective and some items you just actually need for taking care of your baby. I’m here to make it simple and I’ve created an easy guide of what to consider adding to your baby registry. I’ll cover ‘The Basics’ so you know where the hell to start. You can make the fun detailed decisions. After all, as a new mom, it’s your special journey.

‘The Basics’

Now I’ll get right to it. Here’s my list of needed items for baby’s first year. I’ll add some of my personal input. Do with the information what you will. For the most part, though, these general items will give you a jumping off point for starting and finishing your baby registry with ease.

Diapering

Hypoallergenic diapers are a must! Babies have delicate skin. The chances that your little one’s skin will be sensitive is very likely. There is always a debate on brand of Diapers. Huggies versus Pampers is the big one. Here’s a Diaper brand that I have found that works just as well as both Huggies and Pampers, if not better and for a more affordable price, Amazon Brand – Mama Bear Gentle Touch Diapers.

Sensitive skin baby wipes I would consider buying in bulk. I wouldn’t go too crazy on buying diapers too far in advance because you have no clue how fast your baby will grow out of each size. Feel free to go crazy on the wipes though. You won’t want to run out of those suckers!

Diaper rash cream you will need. It doesn’t matter how many times you change that baby’s diaper they are bound to get diaper rash. I had jumped on the latest band wagon and bought ridiculous amounts of Aquaphore to find out by my pediatrician that it was actually making the diaper rash worse. The thing with Diaper rash is that you want to keep it dry down there. Aquaphore is essentially Vasoline. It keeps it moist. I highly recommend Desitin!

Hand sanitizer can be an easily overlooked necessity. It is essential to keep hand sanitizer at your diaper changing station. You will be changing diapers on repeat. Find a hand sanitizer that does not dry out your hands. I personally use Lemyn Organics Medical Grade Hand Sanitizer Gel.

Wipeable Changing table/pad is going to save you so much grief. Do not buy any changing pad you cannot simply wipe down and sanitize. You will get baby poop on it. You just will. Also consider the size. Make sure it will still be big enough for your infant as they grow. Diapering lasts quite a while.

Diaper Pale was something I wasn’t convinced I needed at first. I thought a trash bin was fine. It is not. You’ll want to contain the smell. Even if the inside of your diaper pale smells like death. You want that smell in the pale and not in the room. Big debate is over metal or plastic. Metal will rust when sanitized and plastic will absorb smell. I chose plastic and threw a charcoal bag in the bottom.

Changing station can be different things. It can be a changing pad on a dresser, a proper changing table, or a part of a dual crib and changing station. Whatever you decide fits your space make sure you have easy access to all the items listed above right where the diapering will be happening. Drawers, shelves, and caddies all work.

Bathing

Baby bathtub is essential for your little until they can sit up completely unaided. Like all other baby related items, there are so many to pick from. Try finding a tub that will grow with baby. My son grew so fast he would have outgrown the bathtubs more suited for newborns before he was ready. I was also restricted on storage space. I chose Skip Hop Baby Bath Tub that had a hook I used to hang dry and store from my shower curtain rod.

Plastic cup You’ll need for pouring water to rinse off your baby. There are fancier items on the market that do the exact same thing. You really only need a plastic cup.

Hooded bath towel and washcloth sets are really nice for keeping baby warm during and after the bath. A warm wet washcloth placed over your newborn during bath time gives them security and warmth while the washing ritual takes place. A hooded towel is nice for after the bath, so your baby’s head doesn’t get cold while drying off.

Hypoallergenic shampoo/body wash and lotion to keep your baby clean and soft without irritation to their skin.

Baby healthcare and grooming kit is one of the best crafted gifts for a new mom. Find one that includes everything you’ll need from thermometer to hairbrush, finger toothbrush, nose aspirator and nail care. I chose one that included an electric nail file to keep my baby from getting cut by a traditional nail clipper.

Easy Baby Registry Guide for Sleeping

Bassinet was something I would buy the second time around and wished I had bought the first time to make my life so much easier. I struggled with sleep because I didn’t have a lot of space and I figured my son would sleep in his crib in my room. As a mom you cannot sleep without constantly checking to see if your baby is still breathing. I ended up sleeping on the ground next to my baby so he could safely sleep next to me. It was a back breaker until my husband, and I ended up taking sleeping shifts. The point is, there are so many fancy bassinets that lean into your bed or even bassinets that rock the baby back and forth. I highly recommend looking into them.

Crib is another item that we put a lot of thought into. I chose a crib that could transform into a toddler bed when my son was ready, and it was also a dual changing station with drawers for clothes and whatever else. I was limited on space so I liked that our crib could be all the things I needed it to be all in one.

Pack N’ play is something I bought after my baby was born but I honestly think it could be another great solution for saving space and money. There are really cool Pack N’ Plays that master the art of being a proper bedside bassinet with the side that drops down, a small crib, and a travel crib all in one. You can buy a travel mattress to fit the pack N’ play and use it for all stages until a toddler bed is needed. However, if you decide on having a proper bassinet and crib, I still recommend the pack N’ play for naps in the Livingroom and traveling to see family. I really believe it’s a necessity for the registry.

Extra sheets for those diaper blowouts are a good idea. Have at least 2 extra sheets on hand for any and all Baby matresses you have. Crib, travel crib and bassinet alike.

Mattress protectors like the sheets, are for blowouts, and you should have two extras. Or, pro-tip, I use doggy pee pads that you can buy in bulk for cheap. just slip it under the sheet for some easy protection and clean up. I also use the doggy pee pads for anything else I want to keep safe from baby messes. For instance, the baby bouncer.

Cotton swaddle sleep sacks work so great to keep your baby swaddled and warm but not over heated. I love them because you don’t swaddle your baby too lose or too tight and so you can rest assured that your baby is warm, comfortable and safe. You’ll need multiple to get you through the week. keep in consideration there will be blowouts! I’d say a minimum of 6 would work if you have a washer and dryer on the ready.

Non-swaddle sleep sacks for when your baby starts to roll over, so their arms are free. Swaddling after your baby can roll over is unsafe. Babies should not use a regular blanket at night until after a year old or advised by your pediatrician.

Sound machine that lights up is great for helping your baby fall asleep when they are fussy. It is a really underestimated tool. Trust me that it will help you out so much! Bonus if the sound machine lights up for a night light for late night feeding and changing. Red light specifically is known to mimic the inside of the womb and not disturb your newborn.

Pacifiers are such a personal preference. If you do decide to use them to help your baby self-sooth look for nipples that are better for oral health and mimicking the breast. Another consideration is having an open area around the rim of the Paci for pacifier clips to be attached to during the day only. Pacifier clips at night are a strangling hazard. My personal preference is the glow-in-the-dark Maam pacifiers. They are easier to find in the crib at night and just reassuring that I can see where my baby is in the dark.

Feeding

Anti-colic bottles are the only bottles you should buy. Your baby is going to get gassy and suffer with colic with a traditional bottle. Don’t waste your time or your money and just opt for the anti-colic bottle. I used the Avent Phillips air venting bottles. However, I’ve heard great things about Dr.Browns bottles as well.

Slow flow nipples you’ll need to buy if the bottle you choose does not come with them. Most first-time moms don’t know that there are different nipple flows for bottles. You’ll need to start with the slowest flow of nipple for when your baby is a newborn.

Large bottle sanitizer is a baby product that I cannot emphasize enough. It is one of my top favorite purchases. Do not bother with any other sanitizer products. You won’t need them. Buy a large bottle sanitizer that will fit six to eight bottles and has an extra space for pacifiers and all the other small parts. Papablic Baby Bottle Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer is the sanitizer I bought.

Baby bottle brush is such a handy tool for cleaning bottles. Most come with a small part that will fit into the end of the nipple so you can be assured that your bottles are clean for your vulnerable baby.

Bottle organizer/ rack is great for setting aside an area specifically for your clean bottles and all your extra parts. It makes it so much easier to tend to your newborn when you have an easy access area. I call my little section of the kitchen my son’s feeding station. Many moms have these huge drying racks to the side of their sink. I actually found a product not specifically for baby bottles but for bottles in general. My find was the Mefirt Water Bottle Organizer and I love that it keeps everything organized and out of the way. After all, I have a bottle sanitizer that I put my freshly cleaned bottles directly into for sanitizing and drying.

Silicone bibs are easy to clean and most have a little pocket at the bottom to catch falling food. Perfect for when your babe starts trying solids around 6 months old.

Suction bowls and plates are just a cool invention every mom needs. It’s another fun feeding item for once your baby is exploring solid foods. Around that age your baby will be reaching for everything. It keeps more mess on the highchair instead of, well, everywhere.

Mini silicone cups were a new one for me. When we grew up, we all knew about the sippy cups. It turns out that sippy cups actually stunt little one’s development for learning a mature swallow and can delay learning to talk as well. Now they have mini silicone cups for babies as little as 6 months to practice swallowing the proper way, with their tongue touching the roof of their mouth.

Food processor is for making your own puree baby foods. There are other newer and trendier methods for introducing solid foods. Do your research and decide what method is best for you and your baby. For me, as a first-time mom, starting my baby off with anything thicker than purees was too terrifying. I really enjoyed making purees homemade and a decent food processor was a necessity for me.

Silicone ice trays go hand in hand with making homemade puree baby food. The idea is that you puree your baby’s food and then spoon the puree into the silicone ice tray. Put the lid over the top and place in the freezer to store it. This way you can make batches of food for your baby and just pop a food cube out to defrost once it’s time to eat.

Silicone self-feeding spoons is another great feeding tool to help your little one to learn how to hold the utensil and practice feeding themselves.

Small, flat silicone tip spoons are important when feeding your baby for the first times. Babies are just learning how to swallow without a bottle and it’s important that the spoon is flat and easy for the baby to get the food off the spoon and into their mouth. Just make sure the spoon you choose has a soft or silicone tip so that you don’t hurt your baby’s delicate mouth.

Highchair is such an important purchase that deserves some good thought. How your baby will fit into their highchair is important to their ability to learn to eat. There is a lot to know about what makes a good fitting highchair. Make sure to research before you buy.

Breast Feeding

Breast pump is crucial whether you plan to breast feed or not. Your milk will come in full force about 3 days after you give birth. If you don’t get the milk out quickly you will become engorged. Let me tell you from first-hand experience that it hurts, a lot! You can get a free breast pump through your insurance, so check into that. Even if you buy a cool, hands-free pump like I did. You should still pick up your free hospital grade pump as well. Take all the breast pump you can get!

Extra breast pump parts are like bottles in that they get used a lot. Newborns already use up all your time. You’ll want to have extra parts for when the original parts are dirty. A tip, make sure you know your nipple size first and make sure you buy the correct size of flange. yes, as your lactation consultant will tell you, it does make a difference!

Nipple butter was a lifesaver for me when I was breastfeeding for the first time. There is a learning curve, and your nipples will pay the price. Organic Nipple Butter™ Breastfeeding Cream by Earth Mama was the only thing that helped.

Breast feeding cover is pretty self-explanatory. If you are courageous enough to not need one, don’t buy it.

Milk storage bags/bottles for your supply if you decide to not breastfeed exclusively and would like to use a bottle as well. Fill the bag to the number of ounces that your baby is drinking so that you do not defrost too much at a time and waste your supply.

Breast pads for that fun leaky boob thing that happens when your breast is full, or you hear your baby cry.

Nursing bra for easy access. Just make sure to wait until you know how huge your breasts will be. You may be shocked by the end of your pregnancy.

Pumping bra either compatible for hands-free or hands-on pumps. You may want both types.

Nursing pillow is a must-have! I thought for a second that I could use a regular old pillow. No, you cannot. There really is such a difference. Learning to breast feed is already difficult at the beginning. Use all the tools you can get your hands on. I prefer the boppy pillow myself because it can also be used to help aid your growing sunshine while they learn to sit up on their own.

After Birth Care

Robes and night gowns because pants just feel weird right after birth. Keep it loose and flowy is my afterbirth mantra! Plus, I love how easy it is to open a robe for doing skin to skin. More on that topic in my post about How To Pack Your Hospital Bag – Well-Rounded Woman PNW %.

Ice packs will be oh so necessary if you tear down there. You can buy reusable ice pads online or you can check how-to turn a regular pad into a padsicle on YouTube.

Spray bottle for rinsing your lady bits after the big day is a gift you will receive at the hospital. However, you can buy better ones that reach all the places easier on Amazon.com.

Perineal spray is heavenly after your perineal has gone through hell. I used Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray.

Full coverage underwear is so much more comforting than the mesh wanna-Be-underwear that they give you at the hospital. High-waisted is a plus in-case you have to have a C-section.

Assortment of pads and liners to go in your new beautiful full coverage underwear. You’ll have postpartum bleeding that will start very heavy and eventually turn into spotting.

Witch hazel pads are also healing for your lady bits. You’ll most likely receive them at the hospital, but it’s a good plan to have extra waiting at home.

Clothing

Drool bib Once your baby starts teething, they will be flooding out the mouth with drool. Teething may happen sooner than you expect. My son started teething at 3 months old! Furthermore, you can coordinate drool bibs with cute outfits, and that’s just fun! I bought really cute bandana style drool bibs.

Vest shirts are essential for the newborn age. They keep the remaining umbilical cord dry and unbothered until they can fall off naturally within the first month. You do not want clothing or anything else touching and rubbing on the umbilical cord.

Footed pants are great to keep the little baby feet warm. baby socks just fall off and get lost and are unnecessary until later on.

Mittens to keep tiny hands from clawing their cute button noses and curly lashes until you can safely trim their nails.

Booties are perfect for times when the pants are not footed, or you need an extra layer to keep feet warm. Socks fall off but booties that snap or Velcro stay on!

Sleepers make perfect sleepwear or just the best outfit for the early stages of babyhood. Best sleepers have mitten cuffs, two-way zippers, are footed, and are made of breathable cotton material.

Onesies for days that you actually get around to dressing your baby in something other than a sleeper or swaddle, or for littles that are not newborns but are not quite ready for regular shirts and pants. pro tip, find onesies that have overlap material or snaps on the shoulders to stretch over and pull down the body. No-one wants to pull a onesie full of poopy blowout over their sweetheart’s head.

Grippy socks are perfect for babies about 9 months or older who are figuring out crawling and standing up for the first time.

Flexible sole shoes are so important for babies that are starting to walk. Deciding on the right shoe is so much more important than you think. Cartilage and bones in the feet continue to develop and are not really ready to be confined in shoes. If it’s time for shoes pick shoes with thick flexible rubber outer soles.

Rompers are a cute and fun way to have an easy all in one outfit ready to go. I prefer rompers with snaps on the bottom for easy diaper changes.

Open foot pants are better for older babies who are ready to try crawling and walking. You can also pair them with booties for a fun outfit when they are small.

Hats for different seasons are a good idea. Floppy sun hats for the Summer and beanies that cover the ears for the Winter.

Accessories are not crucial. However, it’s so fun to doll up your super cutie. It’s just as fun for friends and family to gift you. I’m talking bows and head bands for days! Who needs shorts or overalls to go over onesies anyways? At the same time, why the hell not? Fuzzy animal slippers and you name it is all welcomed!

Bathing Suits and rash guards for summertime babies. Just keep babies out of the water until you are okayed by the pediatrician and be mindful about having your little one in the sun.

Easy Baby Registry Guide for Car Rides

Car Seat/Travel system is probably the best recommendation I have on this list. It is a life saver to have an infant car seat that locks into the stroller easily. So many Dr. appointments at the beginning. Especially with a newborn who sleeps, a lot! There’s no need to disturb your itsy-bitsy sleeper going from car to inside the house. Just lock the car seat into the car seat base and back out as needed.

Extra infant car seat base is pretty cool to have in your partners car. You can easily lock in the infant car seat from one car to the next.

All-in-one car seat to booster regardless of what infant car seat you decide to choose from, there are many car seats for all different ages you’ll need after that. Because there are so many phases of car seats and it’s a seemingly continuous expense. I opted for a Graco all in one convertible car seat that goes from convertible car seat to booster and everything in-between. It’s a little more spendy upfront, but in the long run you save money.

Car seat mirror so you can see your bundle of joy rear-faced in the backseat. Some people spend on a car seat camera for their car. Personally, I found it to be unnecessary. Nothing is clearer than your baby’s reflection. Having electronics in the car increases the chance of break-ins and theft. If you do buy a mirror my suggestion would be to buy one that is large and has lights, and to buy two if you plan to have your bubs in your partners car as well.

Window shades to keep sun off of your baby’s skin and out of their eyes if you do not have tinted windows.

Toys

Play gym is not only useful for baby play and tummy time. My baby would even take naps on his play gym matt when he was a newborn.

Board books are the best books for reading to your little because they do not rip and get destroyed easily by little hands.

Black and white crinkle books are the very first books to buy for your babe. Newborns cannot see well, and the black and white pictures help your baby’s sight and development. The crinkle gives the added bonus of touch and feel fun for baby as well.

Rattles come in different varieties and shapes. I bought a set of wooden Montessori rattles that help with fine motor skills like; grasping, holding, and passing from one hand to the other. If you can find other toys that also double as a rattle and make noise when you shake them, that’s a bonus!

Teethers will be your best friend! There are many on the market so I will go ahead and just list the ones that were most affective for my son’s sore gums.

Smily Mia Teething Toys for Babies 0-6 Months, Never-Drop Penguin Teether for Babies 3-6Months

Nippii freezeable Pacifier for Teething Babies.

Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys :

Oball is the absolute best toy for a young baby practicing fine motor skills. If you take anything away from this list of toys let it be this one! Bright Starts Oball Easy Grasp Classic Ball 

Wrist and ankle rattles help babies find their feet and hands and are so adorable to see your cutie wearing.

Stacking rings, cups and blocks are fun toys that will grow with your baby as they increase their skills.

Sorting toys come in many options. I recommend Fisher-PriceSorting Play for Infants Ages 6+ Months.

Puzzles with knobs develops the pincer grasp from 9 months to 12 months and continues to be fun after that.

Push walker is a toy that focuses on just what you’re thinking – learning to stand and walk. Different from other baby products that are marketed for walking, this product will not negatively impact your baby’s hips or other body structures. Some push walkers make noise and have other puzzles and fun games on the front to entice your little. Some are wooden and some are plastic. Either work, it just depends on what extra features you are interested in.

Stuffed animals are not a developmental toy, but oh so cuddly! It is nice to have items that are just fun or soothing for your loved one.

Mirrors for tummy time can encourage your Hunny to lift their head and strengthen those neck muscles. babies love to see baby faces, even their own.

Object permanence and cause and effect toys are shockingly entertaining for babies. They can look very simple but do exactly what your small babe needs, entertain and help with learning.

Bath toys make bath time into fun sensory water play. Especially if your little guy or gal has a hard time with bath time. Bath toys can make bath time more fun and less dreadful.

Other

Baby monitor has been improved these days. Simple camera baby monitors are the same price as old school Walkie Talkie style baby monitors. How fancy of a camera baby monitor you would like is completely dependent on what you want and need. However, I decided against monitors that link up to an app on my phone. My reasoning is that I like being able to use my phone while also being able to look at a separate monitor screen to check on my son. I’ve also heard of instances where baby monitor apps were hacked, and strangers could see into your home and watch your baby. Cringy, right? Just something to consider.

Carriers so you can baby wear while your Sweetheart is still itty bitty. While your baby is a newborn, it can be much easier to get things done around your home while wearing your baby. Newborns like to be close and connected most of the time. There are wraps, soft carriers, and heavy-duty carriers for bigger babies and trips outside. I prefer having more than one type of carrier for both my partner and I to use.

Diaper bag is a must! There is a lot to pack around once you have a baby. I have three different diaper bags. My fancier diaper bag that was a gift from my husband. My backpack style diaper bag that is easier to carry when you are lugging around a baby, car seat, stroller, etc. I also have an over the shoulder diaper bag that I often use when we are going on a longer outing and we will need extra stuff. When you need two bags its best to get one that goes on the back and one that goes on your side so you can carry everything you need to, including your baby.

Baby book is such a sweet memory keepsake that I think is totally worth the money. These moments are going to go by quickly and I want to cherish every moment and be able to share my memories with my baby once they have grown older.

Playpen for having a completely safe space for your little when you just need a moment to get something done without worry.

Beach tent is a fun addition to the registry if you have a summer baby or a beach nearby that you love. It can be hard to get out with a baby. If you do, you’ll want them protected from the sun. Babies cannot use baby sunscreen until after 6 months of age.

Stroller accessories are an addition to the registry that can be many different things. It can be toys that connect to the stroller seat. It can be a sun or rain cover. There are lots of accessories to explore.

Bouncers and swings for soothing babies and having a safe place to put your Hunny before they become independent and mobile. I would place our bouncer in the bathroom when I needed to shower, for example.

Leave me a comment and let me know if this easy baby registry guide was helpful or if there is anything else you would add.

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