The Basics of a Great Baby Registry

You know what’s really confusing? Baby products. There are So. Many. Options. I’m someone who really likes to research before I buy anything, so I’ve spent a lot of time looking into baby products. Now that I’ve been through the newborn thing with two kids, I feel like I can speak to what you really need on your baby registry (because there is a lot that you don’t).

The Unexpected Essentials

Nasal saline- did you know that it’s very common for newborns to be congested? It doesn’t necessarily mean that your newborn is sick (although with other cold symptoms, severe congestion, or if you’re concerned, check with your baby’s Pediatrician). Newborns are “obligate nasal breathers”, meaning that they only breathe through their noses!  This leads to dry nasal passages, and a drop or two of nasal saline a few times a day can help.  It also pairs perfectly with my next favorite.

Boogie picker- I’m not talking about a syringe (although you should get one of those, too), or one of those things that you use your mouth to suck out the boogies (I can’t physically bring myself to use that thing). This handy little tool is great for hard boogers.  I still use it for my 2 year old.  Use nasal saline first to make things even easier.

Talli Tracker- This gadget was amazing for the newborn phase!  I used it to track sleep, feedings, pumping sessions, and diaper changes.  You can track through the device, your phone, or with your Amazon Alexa. It is extra helpful when I leave my daughter at home with a caregiver. Grandparents can track everything with the push of a button!  Use the code REST2ME at checkout for $10 off.

Wet/dry bags- Another newborn essential that I still use for my 2 year old!  Great if you’re pumping, just throw dirty pump parts in the “wet” part, keep clean parts in the dry part.  I also use for dirty clothes and wet swim clothes.  Throw a few diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes in there and keep one in your car for emergencies!

Nail scissors-  I will never ever go back to nail clippers!  These things are amazing.  I have never accidentally clipped my kid’s skin when using these.

SlumberPod- You need this blackout solution for travel! Both of my kids use it for vacations and trips to grandparent’s homes.  It fits over a pack n play or a toddler travel cot.  Use the code THEREST$20 for $20 off.

Milk collectors- I hated the original Haakaa (I know, most people love it), but these collectors are a different story. They just sit in your bra and collect let-down that would otherwise be wasted.

In Case of Emergency Stickers- I put these on both of my kid’s carseats.

The Others:

Feeding:

Pump- honestly I have tried 3 different pumps and they all have their pro/cons.  If I had to pick, one, it would be this wearable one. It’s just so convenient. I don’t find any difference in output between this one and my standard pump.  It is an Amazon knock-off, so I question how long it will hold up, and as far as I can tell, you can’t buy replacement parts. 

If you’re looking for a standard pump, this one wins for me. It’s portable, small, and you don’t have to figure out your flange size.

Bottles- The bottle that both of my kids liked is linked, but honestly, it’s a crap shoot! Don’t invest in a bunch of bottles at first. Who knows what your baby will actually like! I was able to get a few bottles as my free gift for creating a baby registry. Once I figured out what my kids liked, I purchased more from there.

Nipple cream- I preferred this to the lanolin-based one that I got from the hospital

Hot/cold soothers- I had a lot of issues with clogged ducts and mastitis the entire time that I nursed my son.  If I had a clogged duct, I would pop these in the microwave before feeding.

Nursing cover- This one gets the job done!  I love that it doubles as a shopping cart cover and high-chair cover.

Muslin blankets-  Both of my kids had reflux, and typical burp cloths just don’t cut it. An old towel is also great for big-spitters!

Sterilizer bags- sterilize your pump parts, pacifiers and bottles in 3 minutes.  Unlike a typical sterilizer, these bags take up almost zero space.  

Boppy- not only is a Boppy great for nursing and bottle-feeding, it can also be used your baby’s entire first year.  I sat on it for extra support postpartum, for tummy time, and for propping upright after feeding.

Highchair- A favorite among feeding specialists because it supports proper body mechanics. My son uses it as a toddler chair, so I just bought a second one on Marketplace for my youngest!

Bath:

Tubby Todd wash- I only like to use unscented wash and lotion on infants.  I love the clean ingredients in this one. It is pricier than most drugstore baby washes, but it’s very concentrated.

Tubby Todd All Over Ointment- My favorite for dry skin and eczema patches.  Also great for mama’s hands!

*Purchase Tubby Todd through my above affiliate links for 10% off

Aquaphor- Another favorite for dry skin.  I layer this over All Over Ointment when my sons’s eczema really flares

Blooming mat- I went from using this to bathe my son in the kitchen sink, to sitting my son on it in the tub once he outgrew the sink.  Unfortunately I’ve found that it only works well in smaller kitchen sinks. If the blooming mat won’t work in your sink, this infant tub gets the job done.

Diapering

Desitin- My favorite for diaper rashes.  40% zinc is what you want for bad rashes.

All-Purpose Ointment- I prefer this over A&D ointment.  The ingredients are so clean!  Use on your newborn as a barrier to poop and pee sticking to your baby’s skin and causing a diaper rash.  It’s also great for a fresh circumcision.

Skip Hop pad- no need for a changing pad cover.  Just wipe clean!

Changing pad for in your car. I keep this stocked with diapers and wipes for on-the-go diaper changes. Every parent will need to change a full-on blow-out out of the trunk of their car at some point (no? just me?).

Health:

Thermometer- You’ll want to get a rectal temperature anytime you suspect your baby may be running a fever.  

Suction- I know I’m in the minority, but I don’t love the Nose Frida.  The concept just grosses be out.  Call me old fashioned, but I’m fine with a bulb suction.  The kind you get from the hospital can be difficult to know if it’s clean, but this one

Humidifier- My family has been through so many humidifiers.  I either didn’t feel like they could be cleaned thoroughly, or they would break on me a few months in.  This one has lasted me awhile, and it’s easier than most to clean.

Play:

Activity mat- this is the one we have, you don’t need anything fancy for tummy time!

Black and white book-  Newborns can’t see colors but they love the contrast between 2 colors.  Both of my kids loved to look at this one.

Wrap- I love baby wearing.  This is convenient for wearing your baby without needing to actually do a complicated wrap.

Travel:

Pack n Play- I really don’t ‘think you need anything special here. Some come with a bassinet attachment, which is not necessary, and most that come with the playard are not actually safe for sleep. I’ve never had issues with set up or break down when traveling.

Travel white noise machine-  I use this for car naps and when traveling.  It charges with a USB and holds a charge for the night, if needed.  Also great if the power goes out!

Travel stroller- This stroller is amazing.  Folds compact and you can fit it in an overhead airplane compartment!  I have the single stroller and this tandem attachment for when I’m out with both kids.

Nuna carseat and Nuna Tavo stroller- the best combo.  I did a lot of research on this one.  This infant seat is one of the safest and lightest out there.  I love that you can just clip it on the stroller without needing an extra adapter or needing to remove the seat.  The seat also turns into a bassinet without needing to buy a bassinet attachment!  

Carrier- You can use this one for your newborn up through toddler.  Many naps have been taken in this!

Lily Jade diaper bag- This one is a great investment.  I love all of the pockets and how comfortable it is to carry.

Backseat camera- I can’t believe that I just discovered this one. It’s way easier to see your kid in the backseat with this compared to a mirror. 

Sleep:

Blackout EZ- what I use to black out my kid’s bedroom windows. They velcro to your window frame, so you can roll them up each morning or take the whole panel out.

White noise machine- the white noise produced by this is from a tiny fan inside.  No artificial-sounding white noise!

Mattress- Technically this mattress isn’t proven to be any safer than other firm baby mattresses, but it gives me a peace of mind. As long as you buy a firm crib mattress that meets CPSC standards, you’re good!

A safe sleep space- Safe is the key here. If you plan to use a bassinet, pick one that has breathable mesh sides, such is this one. A play yard like this will also work. You can also use a crib from day one, if you want. If you are getting a hand-me-down crib, just make sure that it meets CPSC standards.

Swaddles- this one was my favorite for both of my kids, they couldn’t escape easily!  I also like Halo swaddles, but I did find it was easier for my kids to wiggle out of them.

Sleep sacks/wearable blankets- transition from a swaddle to these once your baby is showing signs of rolling. These are my favorite, they are so soft and they come in a variety of weights.

Sleepers:  Goumi Kids sleepers are my favorite.  They’re so soft, have foot cuffs, and a double zipper for easy night changes.  A budget-friendly option is Old Navy.  They are well-made and have a double zipper.

My Newborn Guide- My #1 suggestion for sleep!  Start to form healthy sleep habits from the beginning!

Okay expecting and new parents, was this guide everything you needed? I truly believe that you [mostly] only need the basics for a baby, but whew, it’s still a lot of stuff.

Disclaimer: I participate in the Amazon Associate program and other affiliate programs. This means I earn a commission for qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.