Baby Registry Must Haves

I know, preparing for a new baby, especially if you’re a first time parent, can be quite intimidating. Well, it doesn’t have to be! What I tell all of my friends who are expecting is, KEEP IT SIMPLE! You really don’t need tons of things because the reality is, you may not even use it all, your baby may not like all of the fancy things, plus they grow FAST (unfortunately).

Here is a list of my must have essential items for babies! I share this list with all of my friends who have asked for help and figured it needed a permanent spot! All of these items can be found on Amazon, most at Buy Buy Baby, and some at Target - I also recommend registering at all three of these places! Why? Because sometimes they have different deals for the same product AND you get free gift bags that are often filled with samples and coupons (who doesn't love free stuff?!) AND they all offer a completion discount once you reach a certain date before your anticipated due date!

Feel free to comment with questions or even your own suggestions to add to the list!

Travel Gear

Travel System/Stroller+Carseat Combo

You will need a safe and reliable carseat and stroller, preferably ones that are compatible with one another to make shopping, daily walks, and traveling simple and seamless!

Here are some suggestions of Car Seat + Stroller Combos:

Uppababy Mesa + Uppababy Cruz/Vista

• The difference between the Uppababy Cruz and Vista strollers is that the Cruz is a single stroller and the Vista can be used as a single or double stroller and comes with a bassinet! The stroller and carseat are sold separately, but you can find great deals on Amazon, some that even sell them altogether!

LINK: Uppababy Cruz

LINK: Uppababy Vista

Maxi-Cosi Zelia Max 5in1 Modular Travel System

• What I like most about this travel system is that its more affordable for a still luxurious look, and the stroller seat can convert into a bassinet then back into the seat for when your baby is big enough! This can also be found on Amazon or BuyBuyBaby!

LINK: Maxi-Cosi Zelia 5in1 Modular Travel System

Chicco Fit2/Keyfit + Baby Jogger City Select

• Chicco is one of the top rated car seats for safety, and a great option! While Chicco does make their own travel systems, I personally have this combo and really like it! Chicco makes a standard infant car seat in different models (Keyfit) as well as a model that can be used for your baby’s first two years (Fit2). Chicco Car Seats are also compatible with the Baby Jogger City select stroller which can be used as a single or double stroller. The only downside to the Baby Jogger City Select is that it is on the heavier side, but its such great quality, and honestly, you get used to it!

LINK: Chicco Keyfit

LINK: Chicco Fit2

LINK: Baby Jogger City Select

Here’s a couple pictures of how I use our stroller!

Diaper Bag

I HIGHLY recommend having a backpack diaper bag! Life is so much easier when you can be hands free. New moms, you will quickly learn how to use one hand or other parts of your body to get the job done, but when you’re out and about, having both hands free makes life a million times easier! Backpacks stay in place and carry the same amount of weight on your shoulders instead of one shoulder doing all the work, it's better for YOUR body too! Occasionally I like to pull out my tote diaper bag, but my go-to is the backpack!

Petunia Picklebottom Boxy Backpack

• I’ve loved this diaper bag since before I even had kids, and knew it was what I wanted when my time came! I had this with my first and loved it! There is so much space inside AND it has a built in (removable) changing pad! You can use it as a backpack or with the shoulder strap. PPB Diaper bags are such great quality, you really can’t go wrong with any style! Can be found on Amazon, BuyBuyBaby, Pottery Barn Kids, and Nordstrom

LINK: Petunia Picklebottom Diaperbag

LAND Diaper Backpack

• These diaper backpacks have become quite popular over the last few years and here’s why: They're super affordable (mine only cost $24.99), amazing quality, and offers a great amount of space inside with lots of pockets and compartments! This is a great option for anyone, and there are hundreds of different styles! I just went with black to keep things simple!

LINK: LAND Diaper Backpack

Sleep

There are so many options when it comes to where baby sleeps! I never had a nursery for the boys, so they were always in my room! With Mason we had a crib from Day 1 and Zion slept in a bassinet until he was 8 months old, then we transitioned him to a crib. Ideally, it is nice to have baby closeby and sleep next to you until they are able to sleep through the night, or until you are ready to transition them to their own room! Here are some options!

Cribs

• You want to get a crib that can grow with your baby, unless you prefer to buy them a new bed once they outgrow their crib! Whatever you feel is best for your family is the way to go!

Pictured: IKEA SUNDVIK Crib ($139)

Crib Mattress

When looking for a mattress, you want great quality so that it lasts, and make sure that it is firm! A firm mattress is safer for infants to sleep on rather than really soft and plush ones!

Playard/Pack n’ Play

Using one of these instead of a crib right away is also a great option, especially if you travel often or if you’d like to keep it in another room, like the living room, for baby to rest in while you are in there! Your baby will use this for at least 1.5-2 years, maybe even longer! What’s great is most come with the bassinet insert with a changing pad or if you don’t plan on using it for your infant and just for the toddler stage, you can purchase one without the bassinet insert! There’s so many options - here are some that I personally have used, and what I plan to use in the future!

Graco PackNPlay

Ranges in price from $90-330 depending on the features that you desire!

LINK: Graco Pack N Play

Pack N Play Sheets

4moms Breeze Plus Playard

This is another great option, it has a more sleek look which I personally like and is easy to fold (definitely husband proof LOL) It comes with the changer, but you can also purchase the storage caddy separately if you want that as well!

LINK: 4moms Breeze Plus Playard

Storage Caddy

Bassinet Sheet

Lounger

Having a lounger is totally optional, but nice to have to lay baby in if you don’t want to lay them directly on the floor or in their bed. A lounger of any kind is great to take from room to room or when visiting family or traveling! Here are a couple I have looked into!

DockATot Deluxe+

This lounger comes in a variety of designs which is nice and also has several accessories to meet your needs! I personally just used it by itself, and that was just enough for us! It also comes in a bigger size for toddlers (DockATot Grand).

LINK: DockATot Deluxe+

SnuggleMe Organic

The SnuggleMe, I have heard, is a bit more snuggly than the DockATot and costs a bit less as well, but overall is just about the same in function! It comes in different solid colors as well.

LINK: SnuggleMe

Boppy Original Newborn Lounger

This lounger is the most affordable of the three options and is a great option for 0-3 or 4 months!

LINK: Boppy Original Newborn Lounger

Carriers

I have found it helpful to have options with baby carriers! Having a structured carrier as well as something softer, like a wrap carrier is great! I have found the structured carriers to be easier when the baby is a little bit older, just passed the newborn stage, and the wraps to be perfect for the newborn stage! They’re able to fit more snugly and be a bit more comfortable for newborns! I highly recommend going into the store to see different options and even try them on to decide which would be best for you!

Lillebaby Complete Original Carrier

Lillebaby has hundreds of designs of their carriers as well as different models, this is their original carrier and one that I have! It offers great support and can be used in 6 different positions! My go-to are front facing, on my back or the traditional way of facing me!

LINK: Lillebaby Complete Original Carrier

Wrap Carrier

There are many different brands, and whichever you choose will be great! I have used the Boba and Cuddlebug

LINK: Boba Wrap Baby Carrier

LINK: Cuddlebug Wrap Baby Carrier

Feeding

There is so much involved when it comes to feeding your baby! If you are able to breastfeed full time, POWER TO YA! That’s amazing and go for it! However, full time breastfeeding is not an option for every mother for various reasons, and I fall into that category! With bottle feeding, keep it simple, you do not need tons of bottles but also know that a bottle you choose, may not be the right bottle for your baby! I will share a few of my favorite bottles and bottle accessories below:

Bottles

I recommend getting a set of bottles instead of several individual bottles, unless you would like to but a few individual bottles to see what works best for you! I have found that these two bottles worked perfectly for my boys from newborn on, and I both breastfed and bottlefed them.

AVENT Natural Bottle

These are your tradition and pretty basic yet reliable baby bottle! I remember my mom using these for my younger sisters 20 years ago, and I use them for my own babies! I also like that if you prefer a glass bottle, they offer a glass bottle set as well as the plastic set!

LINK: Philips Avent Natural Glass Bottle Baby Gift Set

LINK: Philips Avent Natural Bpa Free Baby Bottle Newborn Starter Gift Set

BOON Nursh

I discovered these bottles when I was pregnant with Zion and thought that they were amazing! What I love most is that they have the silicone insert that collapses as baby drinks that prevents baby from sucking in air which can lead to gas, they also come in lots of fun colors! Another great thing about this bottle versus other bottles that have the vent systems is that it's all one piece instead of having multiple pieces. When the baby is hungry, it is so much easier to pop in the insert, pour in the milk than feed rather than having to fumble with different pieces or even having to wash multiple bottle pieces!

LINK: Boon Website

LINK: Boon NURSH Bundle Starter Set with Bottles and Drying Rack

LINK: Boon NURSH Bottle Set

Bottle Cleaning Accessories

Boon Cacti Bottle Cleaning Brush Set (4pieces)

There are many different bottle brushes, but these I have found to be the easiest to use and to keep clean! There is no metal or extra parts, so less risk of it growing mildew or mold after multiple uses like other brands. The container/holder is also very easy to clean which is another plus!

LINK: Boon Cacti Bottle Cleaning Brush Set (4pieces)

BOON Lawn/Grass Drying Rack

This is such a great drying rack because it’s not an eyesore and it is also very easy to clean! It comes in two sizes, the LAWN and GRASS, the Lawn is bigger than the Grass, and also comes in Green, Gray and White! Another thing I love is that you don’t have to use it solely for bottles, you can use it for your own dishes, water bottles, flatware, and more!

LINK: Boon LAWN Drying Rack

LINK: Boon GRASS Drying Rack

LINK: Boon TRIP Travel Drying Rack

Breastpump

Having a good reliable breast pump is essential for bottle feeding your breastfed baby! There are many different brands and models with varying features!

Tip: Check in with your insurance to see which breast pumps they offer for free!

Spectra s1/s2

The Spectra s1/s2 Breast Pumps are pretty much the same, the only difference is that the s1 (blue) has the option of using a rechargeable battery whereas the s2 (pink) can only be used when plugged into an outlet. This pump is quiet, has different suction settings, and has a nightlight for nighttime pump sessions!

LINK: Spectra s1

LINK: Spectra s2

Pumping Bra

Pumping and holding both bottles at the same time is not fun and quite difficult!! Having a pumping bra is the best invention for pumping mamas and a definite necessity!

Bravado Designs Clip and Pump Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory

This is an awesome accessory because you can clip it right onto your nursing bra or nursing camisole/tank without having to put on a completely separate pumping bra!

LINK: Bravado Designs Clip and Pump Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory

Bathtime

Here are a few of my favorite bathtime essentials!

Noodle & Boo

This line is a little on the pricier side, but I love that it is natural and hypoallergenic, it also smells AMAZING and lasts for months! I used the same bottle for 9 months before needing more!

You can find it at BuyBuyBaby, Nordstrom, Amazon, and Target only carries the Lavender Scent. You can purchase their products separately, in one of their multiple sets or the travel size set!

You can access the Noodle & Boo Website through my Referral link: https://noodleandboo.com/morgannikole

LINK: Noodle & Boo Newborn Gift Set

LINK: Noodle & Boo Starter Set

LINK: Noodle & Boo Essentials Care Kit

Towels

Cloud Island Hooded Bath Towel Set and Washcloth Set

What I like most about these towels are that they’re thin which makes it easier to clean and dry baby! Some towels leave lint or are so thick that it is hard to clean baby well and dry them well and quickly!

LINK: Cloud Island Hooded Towel

LINK: Cloud Island Washcloths

Bath Seat

Keep things as simple as possible! While babies having their own bathtub is nice, they also take up a lot of space, you have to clean them and the ones with the mesh inserts can get smelly even if you are diligent with air drying after each use! Having a simple seat for baby to lay on for bathtime is easy and takes up less space! Another plus is that you can use it in the bathtub, in the kitchen sink, on the kitchen counter and bring it with you if you travel!

Summer Clean Rinse Baby Bather

LINK: Summer Clean Rinse Baby Bather

Swaddles and Blankets

Zip Up Swaddle

Having a zip up swaddle makes swaddling your baby a lot easier and faster than doing it the traditional way! Most babies like to feel snuggled like they were inside, it helps them feel comfortable and for some it helps them sleep better!

There are so many kinds, but I have found the zip up ones to be the best! The velcro swaddles can be loud and sometimes ride up and can cover baby’s mouth which made me feel uncomfortable! Here are some of my favorite swaddles:

The first is the SwaddleMe Newborn Pod which is perfect for newborns! I loved them for both my boys because they fit snugly and they zip from top to bottom and bottom to top (all three swaddles do). The second is the Happiest Baby Sleepea swaddle. This swaddle is great because there is a strap inside that keeps baby’s arms in place at their sides and then it zips up the front! It also comes in small, medium and large, so baby can use from newborn until they outgrow the large! The last is the Love To Dream Swaddle! Very similar to the first, but doesn't fit as snug, so baby can move his or her legs around a bit and even put their hands up if they like sleeping with their hands up versus down at their sides.

LINK: SwaddleMe Pod

LINK: Happiest Baby Sleepea

LINK: Love To Dream Swaddle

Swaddle Blanket

While having a zip up swaddle is ideal, having a big, thin and soft swaddle blanket is also a staple! With these blankets, you’re able to swaddle your baby really tight, but you can also use it as a lightweight blanket for spring and summer or for at home! My favorite blanket is the Copper Pearl Swaddle Blanket, they have an array of solid colors and patterns for boys and girls! They also have matching bows and beanies for each design which is perfect for newborn photos!

LINK: Copper Pearl Swaddle Blanket

Muslin Swaddle Set

The amazing thing about Muslin swaddles is that they can be used for several purposes! Yes of course they can be used to swaddle, but they can also be used as a burp cloth, nursing cover, lightweight blanket for summer, changing pad, and more! They’re great! Getting a set of 3 or 4 is perfect and limits how many burp cloths you need which means less baby stuff!

LINK: Amazing Baby Cotton Muslin Swaddle Blankets

LINK: Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets

Diapers & Wipes

There are so many great diaper brands out now! I’ve found Pampers Swaddlers to be the best for the newborn stage then switching to another brand once baby is a bit older - of course if Pampers Swaddlers work for you and you love them, stick with them! You are going to use diapers more than any other baby item, so it is important to have a good quality diaper for your baby!

Once my babies outgrow the newborn stage I like to switch to Hello Bello Diapers and Target Up&Up brand diapers!

I love Hello Bello diapers because they are all natural and chemical free which is great, especially if your baby has sensitive skin. Hello Bello also offers diaper bundles and you can schedule your diaper deliveries for whenever you'd like them to be delivered. The bundles come with enough diapers and wipes for the month AND you can add any other of their products to your bundle usually for a discounted price! It is a great option and takes one thing off of your monthly store runs.

Click here to get $15 off of your FIRST Diaper Bundle!

Target’s Up & Up diapers are also a great option, one of the most affordable and great quality diapers that I have seen on the market! They also have great baby wipes, I usually go for the sensitive line, but they also have several scents!

Zion sporting his favorite diapers!

LINK: Pampers Swaddlers

LINK: Hello Bello Diapers

LINK: Hello Bello Diaper Bundle

LINK: Target Up & Up Diapers

LINK: Target Up & Up Sensitive Wipes

Baby Basics Care Kit

Baby has hygiene needs besides a bath too! This is a great kit that includes a nasal aspirator, nail clippers and file, gas relief tubes and a silicone cradle cap brush! Everything you need in one place.

LINK: FridaBaby Baby Basics Care Kit

Tummy Time Mat

Having a mat specifically for tummy time is great for babies as they should start having a few minutes of tummy time a day from the very beginning! There are so many fancy mats, but you just need something simple with bold and contrasting colors! This one is great because it has different patterns in contrasting colors as well as toys that hang from the bars above when the baby is laying on their back which will be great when your baby is learning to reach and grab!

LINK: Sassy Tummy Time Reversible Activity Gym

Baby Doppler

If you are anything like me, knowing what you baby is up to while you are pregnant brings you some peace of mind! Around 15-18 weeks you should be able to feel you baby moving around in there, but there is something about hearing their precious heartbeat that brings an extra sense of joy to you! I have used this doppler in only one of my pregnancies and will keep it forever! I loved being able to hear the baby's heartbeat whenever I wanted and it is fun for older siblings too if this isn’t your first baby! Click my referral link below to go over to the website!

LINK: Baby Doppler