Hi girls! I originally wasn’t planning on blogging about this topic since we won’t be having a baby shower for baby number three. Then the other day I put together a list for a girlfriend who is a first time mom and thought I actually might have a thing or two to say after using so many baby items with my first two. I know it can be overwhelming seeing so many different brands and items, especially for first time moms who think they will need everything! I definitely remember being this way and buying sooo much stuff, only to end up using half of it. With our third baby coming in a few months we are running out of space in our house, ha! So, I’ve narrowed down the newborn items we used the most to this must-have baby registry list. There are also some nice to have but not necessary items below. I hope this is helpful to you!
Also, everything linked below is on Amazon! If you create an amazon registry you can easily add these items to it. Another benefit of the Amazon Baby Registry is that you will receive a 15% off coupon 60 days before your due date to purchase any items remaining on your registry!
Must-Have Baby Registry Items
Breast Pump – check to see if your insurance covers it, mine did both times.
Bumbo Chair – Great before they can sit on their own. We fed our girls baby food in this and moved it all around the house for them to just hang out in. One of our most used things!
Newborn Detergent: Only wash baby’s clothes/sheets with this for about the first year as regular detergent is too harsh on their delicate skin.
Infant Carseat: We used the Chicco Key fit with both kids, loved it. Will be purchasing the same one for baby #3.
Carseat Base: Get an extra base for the carseat and put one in each car. Literally so worth every penny to have this!
Stroller: Depending on your needs… Bob jogging stroller if you plan to do lots of outdoor running, hiking, etc. I have a love/hate with this stroller, it has awesome capabilities, but tires are like bike tires and can go flat often and is not very portable. We also have an umbrella travel stroller that I kept for this baby and love. When my second was born we used the Baby Jogger City Select Double and loved it! Since neither of my girls are in a stroller now, I will be using the Baby Jogger city mini GT2 for baby number three. Before purchasing any stroller, make sure they are compatible with the infant carseat you are buying.
Stroller / Car Seat Adapter: You will need an adapter for the carseat if you want to attach it to your stroller. Best for smaller babies until they can sit in stroller on their own. Make sure it is for the stroller / car seat combo you have:
Bassinet: Baby will prob be in your room for first few months and large cribs can be overwhelming for them after such a small womb. I want to try this obnoxiously expensive one this time around (also available to rent on their website), but there are way more affordable ones.
Sleep Sacks: Baby will sleep in these every night and it makes for easy diaper changes. Honestly any brand is fine.. I’ll link what we use though.
Bottles: Good to have just in case, even if breastfeeding. We loved these ones and our kids never had gas/tummy issues!
Baby Carrier: A Must! Babies want to be held 24/7 and this is the only thing that allows you to get things done. I used this one with both my girls. Also love that you can wear it on your back which is great for hiking when they aren’t a newborn anymore. Also, you don’t need the newborn insert, just roll up a swaddle blanket and put it under their bum.
Sound Machine: Babies like white noise as it reminds them of the womb. We just got a cheap travel one that we used in the nursery and it was also great to take with us if we traveled or in the car.
Swaddle Blankets – These are our absolute favorite brand. Our babies loved to be swaddled and Hayden still loves to sleep with them as her special blankets.
Nose Frida: This thing is amazing when baby gets sick! Works way better than the plastic squeeze ones they use at the hospital.
Diaper Bag: I love the Fawn Design ones, used for Hayden and will again this time.
Crib Mattress: Make sure whatever one you order fits the crib you got and add a waterproof mattress pad as well.
Newton Crib Mattress – buying this for baby #3 based on safety.
Baby Grooming Kit: Babies are born with long fingernails. Get a good kit that includes clippers and files.
Nice To Have (But Not Necessary)
Solly Wrap – this baby carrier is great for small, newborn babies. However, it only lasted me a few months before my babies wanted to face outward and see what’s going on. The Ergo carrier I mentioned above works for both stages so it’s my preferred if you don’t want to waste money.
Swing – A great place to set baby down. My first was not a fan of the swing but my second loved it.
Newborn Loungers: Great place to put baby down, especially when they can start rolling off the bed.
Snuggle Me Organic – I’m getting this for baby #3.
Haakaa: I’ve never actually used this but I have heard great things. When you are nursing, your other boob leaks and this helps to catch it all then you can put in freezer for a bottle later or something. I am definitely going to try it with this baby!
Bottle Warmer & Sanitizer – Not necessary, but if someone wants to buy it off your registry for you it’s good to have.
High Chair – You probably wont need this for awhile and like I said above, we used the Bumbo chair most often for it’s portability. However, if someone buys it off your registry now then you wont need to get one later.
Ikea High Chair – buying this for baby #3 with these custom accessories.
Diaper Pail – Keep it next to the changing table. Keeps the stinky diaper smell inside which is needed when you change 5 newborn poops per day, ha!
Baby Towels: Not a necessity, but the hood is helpful and so cute!
Nursing Pillow: I’m lazy and would just grab a regular pillow, but these are helpful if you have one.
Nursing / Car Seat Cover: Great for nursing in public and also I like it over the car seat to keep the sun off them and the germs out. It’s a two in one!
Bibs – The rubber bib is great when they are self feeding. Add some cloth ones for newborn… I put bibs on them even with a bottle because they are so messy and spit it everywhere ha!
Car Mirror: Great when they are rear facing.
Baby Bath: It’s nice to have but honestly we just took baby in the shower with us or washed her in the sink as a mini bath.
Diaper Changing Pad: Honestly we never even used this. Just changed them in whatever room we were in and put down a blanket to lay them on.
For Yourself
Postpartum Care Kit – Everything you need! The squirt bottle is way more functional then the one they give you at the hospital, highly recommend!
Nursing Bras: If you plan to nurse, these are an essential! Any brand, style, or fit will work.
Belly Band: I wore this after both babies and returned to my original jean size! You still have relaxin or whatever makes your muscles stretch in your system for 6 weeks after birth, so that’s the time to train them to go back down.
Am I missing anything, mamas? Leave your favorites down below!