I have been working on this post for a loooooong time, wanting to make sure I really was able to speak to the usefulness, reliability & our overall satisfaction with some of the major purchases on our baby registry. I am a research nut when it comes to picking baby products, but also insist on finding the cutest stuff out there at the same time.
I have broken the registry down into nursery, feeding, gear & essentials. I feel like these are the most important items to include on a registry (or purchase yourself of course). I have left out clothing, furniture & all extras like lotions, detergents, etc. because I really think those items vary so much for everyone (and every baby!) and honestly, that list could go on FOREVER.
Now, let's get to the good stuff! First up, our favorites for the nursery!
First Years Sound Machine
- Great selection of white noises, can be very loud, hooks up to your ipod & can be set to no timer. An essential for getting your baby to sleep well!
- Great selection of white noises, can be very loud, hooks up to your ipod & can be set to no timer. An essential for getting your baby to sleep well!Summer Infant Video Monitor
- This monitor is a must have! A great peace of mind when you are able to literally see your baby breathing through the night vision camera.
- This monitor is a must have! A great peace of mind when you are able to literally see your baby breathing through the night vision camera.Crane Humidifier
- We have two of these, one in our room & one in the nursery. Especially handy for when you are pregnant (dry nose) or when your little one gets their first cold. Also, could it be any cuter?
- We have two of these, one in our room & one in the nursery. Especially handy for when you are pregnant (dry nose) or when your little one gets their first cold. Also, could it be any cuter?Halo SleepSack
- For when your baby learns how to bust out of the baby burrito, you'll want these on hand for bedtime. A wearable blanket so you don't have to worry about suffocation, and they keep your little ones toasty warm & cozy.
- For when your baby learns how to bust out of the baby burrito, you'll want these on hand for bedtime. A wearable blanket so you don't have to worry about suffocation, and they keep your little ones toasty warm & cozy.Summer Infant Changing Pad
- Just happens to be the brand we chose (I think any would do) but worked out well since it fit with any changing pad cover & we were able to attach it to the changing table.
- Just happens to be the brand we chose (I think any would do) but worked out well since it fit with any changing pad cover & we were able to attach it to the changing table.Nap Nanny - Only purchase this if you think you want your baby to sleep 10+ hours per night (insert sarcasm font here). The Nap Nanny ROCKS. Keeps your baby in a comfy, secure, propped up position for ultimate sleep-through-the-night-ness. We were so thankful to our great friends for giving us this (they can't sing enough praises about it either!) ...it was honestly a saving grace for us in getting our crazy baby to sleep (which I ultimately think taught her amazing sleep habits from early on). UPDATE: I am aware that the Nap Nanny has been recalled, however, if used properly AND with caution/supervision, it should not pose any threat to a baby. As long as your baby cannot sit up or roll over on their own, they should be perfectly safe sleeping in the Nap Nanny if securely buckled in. I stand behind this product 100% and plan to use it again in the future.
- Only purchase this if you think you want your baby to sleep 10+ hours per night (insert sarcasm font here). The Nap Nanny ROCKS. Keeps your baby in a comfy, secure, propped up position for ultimate sleep-through-the-night-ness. We were so thankful to our great friends for giving us this (they can't sing enough praises about it either!) ...it was honestly a saving grace for us in getting our crazy baby to sleep (which I ultimately think taught her amazing sleep habits from early on). UPDATE: I am aware that the Nap Nanny has been recalled, however, if used properly AND with caution/supervision, it should not pose any threat to a baby. As long as your baby cannot sit up or roll over on their own, they should be perfectly safe sleeping in the Nap Nanny if securely buckled in. I stand behind this product 100% and plan to use it again in the future.Fan
- Definitely important to have in the nursery (not only as a preventative measure for Sids, so I have read) but to help regulate temperature & provide a little extra background noise. Plus, this one is really freaking cute.
- Definitely important to have in the nursery (not only as a preventative measure for Sids, so I have read) but to help regulate temperature & provide a little extra background noise. Plus, this one is really freaking cute.Aden+Anais Swaddle Blankets - Ingredients for the perfect baby burrito! These are the best (and cutest!) blankets of all time... great for not only swaddling (and snuggling!) but the perfect lightweight carseat cover for cool weather or germ protection. We bought 8 before Harper was born & hubby couldn't understand why we "needed so many"... now he looks back & laughs saying he totally gets it now!
- Ingredients for the perfect baby burrito! These are the best (and cutest!) blankets of all time... great for not only swaddling (and snuggling!) but the perfect lightweight carseat cover for cool weather or germ protection. We bought 8 before Harper was born & hubby couldn't understand why we "needed so many"... now he looks back & laughs saying he totally gets it now! Moving on to feeding essentials! Some of this will differ if you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, but these are just my recommendations! :)
Boppy Pillow
- Great for a million reasons, but most importantly for great positioning for breastfeeding from the very beginning. Then they transition to tummy time & a comfy little prop for baby later on. Also, if you buy the boppy bare naked pillow, then you can find adorable covers on Etsy!
- Great for a million reasons, but most importantly for great positioning for breastfeeding from the very beginning. Then they transition to tummy time & a comfy little prop for baby later on. Also, if you buy the boppy bare naked pillow, then you can find adorable covers on Etsy!Medela Pump in Style Advanced
- This is the breastpump that I used (and was recommended to me by tons of other moms) & I can't say enough good things about it. Although part of me would like to roast it in a bonfire because exclusively pumping SUCKED (long story...we'll come back to this another time)... the pump itself is fantastic and so worth the money. Plus, the dorky bag is extremely handy! :) TIP: Make sure you get lots of extra pump parts... when you are spending most of your day breastfeeding or pumping, the last thing you want to do is rush to clean/sanitize those parts before the next feeding. I recommend 3-5 sets of every pump part.
- This is the breastpump that I used (and was recommended to me by tons of other moms) & I can't say enough good things about it. Although part of me would like to roast it in a bonfire because exclusively pumping SUCKED (long story...we'll come back to this another time)... the pump itself is fantastic and so worth the money. Plus, the dorky bag is extremely handy! :) TIP: Make sure you get lots of extra pump parts... when you are spending most of your day breastfeeding or pumping, the last thing you want to do is rush to clean/sanitize those parts before the next feeding. I recommend 3-5 sets of every pump part.Lansinoh Lanolin
- Your weapon against dry, cracked, painful nipples. One or two tubes was plenty for me, it is extremely thick. Also works well as chapstick!
- Your weapon against dry, cracked, painful nipples. One or two tubes was plenty for me, it is extremely thick. Also works well as chapstick! Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads
- These are absolute HEAVEN when you are breastfeeding. Like, orgasm worthy when you put them on your sore nips.
- These are absolute HEAVEN when you are breastfeeding. Like, orgasm worthy when you put them on your sore nips. Lansinoh Nursing Pads
- So you don't stain/ruin all your sexy nursing bras OR leak through your heather grey shirts in line at baby Gap.
- So you don't stain/ruin all your sexy nursing bras OR leak through your heather grey shirts in line at baby Gap.Tommee Tippee Milk Feeding Bibs
- There are a million kinds of bibs out there, but I like these the best, hands down. Keeps the milk out of your sweet baby's neck rolls but they are also super duper absorbent unlike some of the other bibs that seem to be made of waterproof material.
- There are a million kinds of bibs out there, but I like these the best, hands down. Keeps the milk out of your sweet baby's neck rolls but they are also super duper absorbent unlike some of the other bibs that seem to be made of waterproof material.Avent Bottles - Everyone has their own preference, for us, these were the best. I felt like a lot of bottle nipples were too flimsy in her mouth (does that even make sense?) but these seemed to be just right. Advice, buy very few 4 oz. ones & instead get some bigger ones. Once you transition to the 6-8oz. mark, you'll be annoyed that you have to go buy a bunch of new bottles. Even though those little guys are pretty cute.
- Everyone has their own preference, for us, these were the best. I felt like a lot of bottle nipples were too flimsy in her mouth (does that even make sense?) but these seemed to be just right. Advice, buy very few 4 oz. ones & instead get some bigger ones. Once you transition to the 6-8oz. mark, you'll be annoyed that you have to go buy a bunch of new bottles. Even though those little guys are pretty cute.Cloth Diapers/Burp Cloths
- Cloth diapers make the best burp cloths, without question. Brandon actually gets mad if I give him any other burp cloth other than these raggedy things.
- Cloth diapers make the best burp cloths, without question. Brandon actually gets mad if I give him any other burp cloth other than these raggedy things.Boon Lawn Drying Rack - Definitely get the lawn, not the grass. You'll want this when you have six million pump parts, bottles, toys, and the rest of the things you are trying to hand wash. We actually have both, and the little tree/blooms to accessorize. Plus, tops the list as cutest baby item ever.
- Definitely get the lawn, not the grass. You'll want this when you have six million pump parts, bottles, toys, and the rest of the things you are trying to hand wash. We actually have both, and the little tree/blooms to accessorize. Plus, tops the list as cutest baby item ever.Munchkin Bottle Brush
- Best one out there, in my opinion. Love the spongy at the top & the nipple brush that sticks in the bottom. I literally remember standing in the bottle brush aisle for 30+ minutes before Harper was born...and ended up leaving empty handed. Thank God, again, for our good friends (Paul & Jen!!) that gave us all of the best baby items so that we didn't have to make these "hard" decisions ourselves.
- Best one out there, in my opinion. Love the spongy at the top & the nipple brush that sticks in the bottom. I literally remember standing in the bottle brush aisle for 30+ minutes before Harper was born...and ended up leaving empty handed. Thank God, again, for our good friends (Paul & Jen!!) that gave us all of the best baby items so that we didn't have to make these "hard" decisions ourselves.BabyGanics Bottle Soap
- I wasn't going to put any soap/lotion/etc. type items on here, BUT, you will be so thankful to have tons of this on hand. New moms, you'll freak out over germs and be hand washing everything in sight. This stuff is the bomb.com & you can truly never have enough. TIP: Before you bring your babe home from the hospital, have a designated "baby section" (maybe a cupboard and drawer) closest to the sink AND a big bowl/tub that you can use in one side of the sink (with your Boon drying rack next to it) for all of your hand washing, sanitizing & storage needs. So glad we did this, the thought of their bottles being washed same side of the sink as your forks & then stored on the counter next to the microwave will drive you insane.
- I wasn't going to put any soap/lotion/etc. type items on here, BUT, you will be so thankful to have tons of this on hand. New moms, you'll freak out over germs and be hand washing everything in sight. This stuff is the bomb.com & you can truly never have enough. TIP: Before you bring your babe home from the hospital, have a designated "baby section" (maybe a cupboard and drawer) closest to the sink AND a big bowl/tub that you can use in one side of the sink (with your Boon drying rack next to it) for all of your hand washing, sanitizing & storage needs. So glad we did this, the thought of their bottles being washed same side of the sink as your forks & then stored on the counter next to the microwave will drive you insane.Boon High Chair
- Disclaimer: we do not actually have this high chair. I have read a million reviews on a million high chairs and have deemed this the best. We bought one from Ikea for $60 (which I'll admit, totally grew on me, and is really suitable for bigger babies, it is called the Blames, I think..) but I probably wouldn't recommend it. Looking to purchase this one for Harper soon, or at least for baby number two someday.
- Disclaimer: we do not actually have this high chair. I have read a million reviews on a million high chairs and have deemed this the best. We bought one from Ikea for $60 (which I'll admit, totally grew on me, and is really suitable for bigger babies, it is called the Blames, I think..) but I probably wouldn't recommend it. Looking to purchase this one for Harper soon, or at least for baby number two someday.
Aprica Playard
- Also on our list of favorite baby items EVER. We love this so much. It is so much sturdier & muchhhhh cuter than traditional pack n' plays.
- Also on our list of favorite baby items EVER. We love this so much. It is so much sturdier & muchhhhh cuter than traditional pack n' plays.Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Car Seat
- I insisted in having an all black car seat (so this may seem totally unreasonable to you) but I wanted something very neutral (and I hate "tan") so this was almost an obvious choice for us. It has extremely high safety ratings & is SO easy to latch in and out of the base (and the straps are super easy too!). We were between this and one of the Britax infant seats, but this fit in the BabyTrend Snap n' Go stroller frame that we also got as a gift (which was also awesome, but not necessary if you have another stroller), but the Britax did not. Only complaint, it is a bit on the heavy side, but it didn't bother me too much. We have been really happy with it
- I insisted in having an all black car seat (so this may seem totally unreasonable to you) but I wanted something very neutral (and I hate "tan") so this was almost an obvious choice for us. It has extremely high safety ratings & is SO easy to latch in and out of the base (and the straps are super easy too!). We were between this and one of the Britax infant seats, but this fit in the BabyTrend Snap n' Go stroller frame that we also got as a gift (which was also awesome, but not necessary if you have another stroller), but the Britax did not. Only complaint, it is a bit on the heavy side, but it didn't bother me too much. We have been really happy with it Baby Jogger City Mini - Love this stroller so so so much. It is so awesome to push, comfy for baby & probably one of the cutest strollers out there for the price. I have professed my love for this stroller enough on my blog, so I won't keep going on and on :)
- Love this stroller so so so much. It is so awesome to push, comfy for baby & probably one of the cutest strollers out there for the price. I have professed my love for this stroller enough on my blog, so I won't keep going on and on :)Fisher Price Swing
- Everybody probably already knows how valuable a baby swing is... this is the one we got and totally loved it! Harper still naps in this on occasion... plus the neutral colors make it an obvious choice if you want to use it for a boy or girl & plan on it looking good with your home decor! :)
- Everybody probably already knows how valuable a baby swing is... this is the one we got and totally loved it! Harper still naps in this on occasion... plus the neutral colors make it an obvious choice if you want to use it for a boy or girl & plan on it looking good with your home decor! :)Fisher Price Bouncer
- Same goes for the bouncer, these are amazing and I wish we could have one in every room of the house. Harper lived in these for the first 3-4 months of her life.
- Same goes for the bouncer, these are amazing and I wish we could have one in every room of the house. Harper lived in these for the first 3-4 months of her life. I call these the "essentials" although some may totally disagree. (ok, maybe Sophie really isn't an essential.. and moms may even like it more than babies do... but the rest are definitely essentials in my book!).
Sophie The Giraffe Teether - Harper really loved this (as do most babies) so Sophie gets my vote. You can watch the HERE about why everyone loves Sophie so much! :)
- Harper really loved this (as do most babies) so Sophie gets my vote. You can watch the HERE about why everyone loves Sophie so much! :)Aden+Anais Security Blankets - These are the most perfect sized, sweetest little blankets to give your little one at nap or bedtime. I wish we would have gotten these sooner. They are so great for soothing babies to sleep ...Harper loves to suck on the satin edging or put them over her face when she is tired. Plus, the lightweight muslin material makes for a perfect blanket that you can actually let them take to bed at night. Also... adorable!
- These are the most perfect sized, sweetest little blankets to give your little one at nap or bedtime. I wish we would have gotten these sooner. They are so great for soothing babies to sleep ...Harper loves to suck on the satin edging or put them over her face when she is tired. Plus, the lightweight muslin material makes for a perfect blanket that you can actually let them take to bed at night. Also... adorable!Storksak Diaper Bag
- I love this diaper bag for a million reasons (other than the fact that is metallic grey... can that be my favorite color?) ...it has a ton of pouches & pockets for optimal organization PLUS stroller straps that will rock your world. You can read more about my diaper bag and it's contents HERE.
- I love this diaper bag for a million reasons (other than the fact that is metallic grey... can that be my favorite color?) ...it has a ton of pouches & pockets for optimal organization PLUS stroller straps that will rock your world. You can read more about my diaper bag and it's contents HERE.Puj Tub
- Having a great folding tub that you can plop into the sink is pretty much the best thing ever when you have a newborn. This one rocks. Eventually you will need to upgrade to a different tub but what's most important on your registry is one that you can use right away, since bath time is a must when you are trying to establish your bedtime routine.
- Having a great folding tub that you can plop into the sink is pretty much the best thing ever when you have a newborn. This one rocks. Eventually you will need to upgrade to a different tub but what's most important on your registry is one that you can use right away, since bath time is a must when you are trying to establish your bedtime routine.Diaper Genie
- I know a lot of people that hated theirs, but we honestly love the diaper genie! This can be substituted by a trash can in the garage where you can ditch poopy diapers, but if you are in a small space where it is important to mask the smell right away, this will totally do the trick! TIP: We only use this for poopy diapers... if it's just wet, it goes in the regular trash. Otherwise you will fly through the refills like no other.
- I know a lot of people that hated theirs, but we honestly love the diaper genie! This can be substituted by a trash can in the garage where you can ditch poopy diapers, but if you are in a small space where it is important to mask the smell right away, this will totally do the trick! TIP: We only use this for poopy diapers... if it's just wet, it goes in the regular trash. Otherwise you will fly through the refills like no other.Pampers Sensitive Diapers - Needed to include diapers as part of the registry of course, but I know every mom has their own preference on brand (and disposable vs. cloth) but we used Pampers Sensitive & never had a single complaint.
- Needed to include diapers as part of the registry of course, but I know every mom has their own preference on brand (and disposable vs. cloth) but we used Pampers Sensitive & never had a single complaint.Pampers Sensitive Wipes - Same goes for wipes, we have always used these & think they are the best. I actually did use a few other brands (from traveling or stuff we got at our shower) and never liked them as much. Feel free to register for one hundred thousand boxes because you can never have too many.
- Same goes for wipes, we have always used these & think they are the best. I actually did use a few other brands (from traveling or stuff we got at our shower) and never liked them as much. Feel free to register for one hundred K'Tan Baby Carrier - I love this carrier so much! It is super easy to put on & I felt like Harper was always so comfortable & secure while I was wearing her. Plus, it comes in the size that YOU are instead of your baby, so you can comfortably wear your babe from newborn to toddler with just one wrap. Highly recommended!
- I love this carrier so much! It is super easy to put on & I felt like Harper was always so comfortable & secure while I was wearing her. Plus, it comes in the size that YOU are instead of your baby, so you can comfortably wear your babe from newborn to toddler with just one wrap. Highly recommended!Exergen Temporal Thermometer
- I know the hospitals recommend that you use a rectal thermometer, so you definitely will need one of these as well.. but these are extra important. The first time your child gets a fever and they fall asleep... and you know they need to sleep but you are stressing about their temp... you will be so glad you have this. You can sneak in their room and take their temp in their sleep without even waking them!
- I know the hospitals recommend that you use a rectal thermometer, so you definitely will need one of these as well.. but these are extra important. The first time your child gets a fever and they fall asleep... and you know they need to sleep but you are stressing about their temp... you will be so glad you have this. You can sneak in their room and take their temp in their sleep without even waking them! Nuk Pacifier - These are going to be different for every baby, but we tried TONS. I really wanted the gumdrop ones to work because they are cute and we got a bunch free from the hospital... but at the end of the day.. she liked these the best. And to be honest, most of the babies I see that are older (which means they have definitely picked a favorite paci) use Nuks. Also, can never have too many of these because they disappear like socks & ponytail holders.
- These are going to be different for every baby, but we tried TONS. I really wanted the gumdrop ones to work because they are cute and we got a bunch free from the hospital... but at the end of the day.. she liked these the best. And to be honest, most of the babies I see that are older (which means they have definitely picked a favorite paci) use Nuks. Also, can never have too many of these because they disappear like socks & ponytail holders.Brica Baby Mirror
- Got this at my shower & so thankful for it. Allows for you to see your babe in their rear facing car seat.... so great for first time moms that are nervous about driving with your baby for the first time. Now that Harper is older, she loves it because she can see herself in it! :)
- Got this at my shower & so thankful for it. Allows for you to see your babe in their rear facing car seat.... so great for first time moms that are nervous about driving with your baby for the first time. Now that Harper is older, she loves it because she can see herself in it! :)WHEW! Long winded to say the least. I know that I loved reading about baby registries when I was pregnant, so I hope you found this helpful! :) I am not an expert by any means, these are just items that we loved & that worked for us... most of them started out as recommendations from other moms too! Also, may not be necessary to include on your registry, but we have come across many of our new favorite baby items as Harper has grown! You can find them by month here:
As always, feel free to post your baby registry must haves in the comments! I love reading about what other moms find most important for a happy & healthy (and stylish!) baby! :)
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