Most Commonly Missed Registry Items.
As a first time mother, there can be so much pressure put on a registry. You will hear everything from “The baby only really needs diapers, a few clothes and a place to sleep!” all the way to “[insert pickup or delivery service here] saved my life because I have had to order things non-stop!” There is a lot to consider when picking items for your registry, hopefully this post gives you a few things to think about adding. Let’s get started:
#1: Newborn size, double-zip sleepers
Regardless of how big your doctor says your baby is, chances are they will still be newborn size (or preemie) for a couple of weeks (or more!). It is so important to stock up on basic newborn sized items and I usually recommend focusing your registry on double-zip sleepers. Why you ask? Well quite frankly… pulling a onesie over a newborn’s head is a b****! And another plus is that you don’t have to bother with pants and socks if it is chilly in your house or outside.
Let’s talk numbers. You always hear about wild poo and pee stories - they are all true… and it is easier to laugh about it if you aren’t having to stress about not having clean clothes. I would recommend 7-10!
#2: Waterproof Mattress Cover [Crib, Bassinet, Pack n’ Play]
If you haven’t already experienced this, you will realize there are items that some moms swear by [hey Amanda!] and other moms didn’t even think about and got by totally fine [hey y’all!]. However, there is no debating the benefits of having your child on an easily wipeable surface [see poo and pee note above]!
#3: Pack n’ Play Mattress* + Sheets
When considering a Pack n’ Play one thing to read about is the mattress option that comes with it. If you listened to our IG story about this topic, you know that these mattresses are generally about as comfortable as a basic economy airplane seat. Additional mattresses or pads are available to provide a more cushioned surface for your babe to sleep on.
Do keep in mind that the benefit of a Pack n’ Play is the portability - so make sure you think through how you plan to use this. A replacement mattress could work well if you are using it as a second crib in another room in the house or at a babysitter or grandparent’s house - someplace it is more or less stationary. If you are planning to use your Pack n’ Play as something you toss in the car for a road trip, you might want to research a padded sheet or something that is easier to pack away!
#4: Diaper Caddy
One odd thing that I never expected when I had my daughter was just how many places in the house I would end up changing her diaper. Like literally anywhere but her changing table… This is why a great diaper caddy is on this list!
Make sure it is easy to clean, either something that can be tossed in the washing machine or something made of a wipeable material [diaper cream is the glitter of the newborn phase… it will get in places you won’t understand]. Also, make sure it can fit 5+ diapers and a full pack of wipes!
#5 Baby Cart
Think of this cart as your mobile command center for you and baby!
You can keep diapers, wipes, lotions, extra clothes, burp rags, pee pads, etc. on this cart and roll it wherever you need it. Many moms use this in their master bedroom while the baby is still in their room, and refill from the nursery’s primary stock from time to time.
#6 Baby Hangers
Because babies cycle through clothes like it is a sport, you need tons of hangers! I think I bought my daughter 50 hangers and ran out of them almost immediately [like, what?!]
#7 Gas Drops
Just, yeah.
#8 Sleep Sacks
This one seems really obvious at the surface, but let me explain. Just like with bottles, not all babies like all sleep sacks! And quite frankly, not all parents like all sleep sacks.
Register for several different kinds of the “swaddle” kind - SwaddleMe, HALO, Nested Bean, Love To Dream, etc. But also register for a more standard sleep sack in larger sizes - I recommend getting at least 1 in 3-6 months!
#9 Dimmable Lighting
No one likes a bright light in the middle of the night… not you, not your baby and certainly not your husband.
Many folks like some sort of dimmable, portable light to carry around with them depending on where they are having to soothe or feed in the middle of the night. If you are responsible and can remember to charge your light [I do not fall into that category] this is a great option! For those of us that have issues remembering to plug things back in, make sure you have dimmable lights in your “comfy” areas - your room, the nursery, near the couch, etc.
Also, make sure you TEST whatever lighting option you choose. Some portable lights make you cycle through every color of the rainbow before you can shut it off, so make sure you are happy with the operation of it, before you actually have to use it.
Just like with everything else in parenthood, the things you will actually need all depends on your baby, you and your partner - there is no one-size-fits-all registry because no one baby is the same and no one family is the same!
