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As a pregnant first time mom, I didn’t truly understand what life with a baby would be like. When it came to creating my baby registry, in addition to getting advice from friends and family members who had kids, I had basically had to guess what I need.
I also was worried about putting too much on my registry, because I wanted to be somewhat of a minimalist when it came to baby items. Now that my baby is here, I don’t put importance on being a minimalist as much anymore.
There are a few products I wish I would have included because they 100 percent made life easier! When you are a tired new mom, you’ll be truly thankful for the items that make less work for you.
Here are 15 Things I SHOULD Have Included on my Baby Registry
1. Nail grinder
Okay you will seriously thank me for this when you are faced with the treacherous task of clipping your baby’s tiny delicate nails.
I first used the traditional baby nail clippers and even though I was trying to be careful, babies are VERY WIGGLY. I ended up cutting my baby’s nail a bit too short and I’ll never forget the tragic look on my baby’s face! That night I ordered this nail grinder. It’s so easy to use, just a few taps on your baby’s nails and it will gently grind them away!
2. Nursery glider
I was hesitant to put a large and pricey furniture item on my registry. I was just going to use a stationary sofa chair I already had, but someone ended gifting us this nursery glider, and I absolutely love it. Not only does it look adorable in the nursery, but it is comfy and rocks back and forth. It makes story time and those middle of the night feedings such a cozy, sweet experience.
3. Multiple kinds of swaddles
Being a first time mom, I didn’t realize how many types of swaddles are out there. I only knew of the basic kind… you know, the little blankets that you manually have to wrap your baby in a really complicated sequence. It turns out, newborns are like little Houdini’s who can break out of the swaddle easily. It’s also recommended that you stop swaddling your baby’s arms after 8 weeks for sleep safety. Sleep sacks act as a wearable blanket for you baby without restricting the arms.
I had to purchase a few different kinds of swaddles and sleep sacks. I liked the Halo brand because it works as both a swaddle and a sleep sack!
4. Clothes in larger sizes
When I was pregnant, I was so concerned with having everything I would immediately need for a newborn, that I didn’t plan too far ahead for when my baby grew. I received plenty of newborn and 0-3 month clothing from my shower, but not a lot of larger sizes. Those first 3 months went fast, and my baby grew in the blink of an eye! I wish I would have put some larger sizes of clothing on my registry.
5. Diapers in larger sizes
In addition to larger clothing, I wish I had planned for larger sizes of diapers. I had 3 unopened boxes of size 1 diapers left by the time my baby grew out of them, but not enough size 2, 3, and 4 diapers!
6. White Noise Machine
White noise machines make a world of difference for your baby’s quality of sleep. I started out just using a fan for white noise, but I don’t think it was loud enough to be effective. I loved the Letsfit white noise machine because it offers the most value for your money compared to some of the more expensive ones out there. It has 14 sound options and includes a soft light that isn’t too stimulating when you are up with the baby in the middle of the night.
7. Multiple nursing pillows
If you plan to breast feed, I highly recommend putting multiple nursing pillows on your registry. When you are feeding on demand, you want access to your nursing pillow quickly in whatever room you might be in at the time. Having multiple pillows can allow you to keep one in all the placed you spend most of your time. I kept one in the nursery, one in my bedroom, and one in the living room!
Read my review on the Boppy nursing pillow and the My Brest Friend nursing pillow!
8. Baby play pen
Some babies start crawling as early as 6 months. Just in case you don’t have your home baby proofed by then, having a play pen will be a life saver!
9. Mombella Mushroom Teether
I bought this teether toy when my baby got to the stage where we wants to put EVERYTHING in his mouth. He absolutely loves it. The mushroom teether great because he can easily grip onto it without it falling out of his hand.
10. Bottle warmer
Bottle warmers seem controversial and I’ve heard a lot of moms say to skip this on your registry. For me, it was an absolute must have! When you have a crying hungry baby, seconds feel like forever! When my husband was on baby duty and had to warm up some pumped milk, a bottle warmer made the job quick and easy.
11. Baby monitor with a camera
I was a nervous new mom and liked to have my baby in my sight at all times. For all the baby’s naps and sleep, I had the baby with me downstairs until I was ready to go to bed. This meant that my husband and I had to do everything quietly in order not to wake up the baby. We would eat dinner in silence.
Once I set up the camera monitor, I could finally have my baby nap in his bassinet upstairs. This monitor totally gave us our freedom back! It was so reassuring that we could do our own thing while the baby slept without worrying about disturbing him, and be able to keep an eye on him at all times.
12. More baby books
I had about five baby books on my registry, but I wish I would have put more. If story time is part of your naptime and bedtime routine, you’ll be surprised how quickly you will have read the same book 50 times! Your baby might not care, but your sanity will. I recommend having around 20 books that you can rotate through to keep things fresh.
13. Baby memory book
The idea that I needed a baby memory book just did not cross my mind when I was pregnant. After I had my baby, I realized how fast he was going to grow up and I wanted to document every single moment.
It’s a good idea to get a memory book before you have the baby because there are sections about your pregnancy and birth and it is easier to write those things down when they are still fresh in your memory.
14. Versatile baby carrier
Baby wearing is popular for a reason! It allows you to walk around freely, it soothes the baby, and it promotes bonding. I loved my Ergobaby Carrier Omni 360 because it comfortably and ergonomically fits to your body, and offers a variety of carrying positions for when your baby grows!
15. Baby gym and playmat
Thankfully someone gifted me this Kick ‘n Play Piano Gym, even though I didn’t think to include it on my registry. I seriously love this thing! There is a mat for my baby to lay on for tummy time. The light up piano plays songs to distract him and keep him on his tummy for longer. I have all the songs memorized and actually enjoy them!
It also has hanging toys for your baby to bat at and eventually learn to grasp. When you baby is older and can sit up, the piano can be repositioned for them to sit and play.
Conclusion
This was a list of the items I truly loved, even if I didn’t think I would need them when I made my registry. I hope you found some inspiration from this list!
Let me know in the comments what your must have baby items are!
