When I consider what my must-have baby registry items are, I realize the items I think are absolute musts have changed with each child. With my first I really had no clue what I was doing. Thankfully I had my sister who was already a mother of three to help me out with my gift registry. My house was stocked full of gear after two baby showers because I didn’t realize that must-haves can really vary by preferences of each baby (and myself) so I registered for almost everything.
While we have used many of these things for multiple babies, some items stood out for each child.
My must-have baby items with Lucian:
Mobile and Crib Toys. When he was really little, Lucian was mesmerized by his brightly colored mobile with beautiful music. It was just the thing to keep him entertained while I showered next door. Later it was a lighted turtle that attached to the side of his crib and offered him lullabies and the sound of waves before going to sleep. Perfect for our nightly routine, it allowed us to bring a little piece of home with us whenever we traveled.
Bibs and Burp Cloths. Lots of ’em. That sweet baby had a special talent with projectile spit up. He would cover himself (and others if you weren’t careful) several times a feeding if you weren’t prepared. I stocked up on bibs and old school cloth diapers to always be ready.
Swaddlers. Lucian loved to be tightly swaddled. He started sleep through the night early on and became a great sleeper overall. He loved the security. Six years ago it was tough to find large receiving blankets so swaddlers were a must.
My must-have baby items with Warren:
Activity Mat. Warren loved to be entertained by the lights and hanging toys found on his activity mat. This is something that all my of babies really enjoyed and made tummy time more fun!
Stroller. When my second came along I already had a 17 month old so a double stroller was a must, especially if I was out my myself. With any stroller make sure you test it out first for maneuverability While our double did the job and looked good, turning around a corner was much like driving a bus (or those blasted “car” style grocery carts). Not fun when trying to get through a crowd or small store.
Jumperoo. At some point with any child you’ll want a place for them that offers entertainment and keeps them contained. This might be an activity center or even a play yard. Warren however was my baby that was always on the go. A jumperoo allowed me some peace of mind while he bounced away his extra energy.
My must-have baby items with Wesley:
Fun Bodysuits. Wesley was the first baby I was able to stay home with and I found how much I liked having clothing he could be comfortable and move around in. During the summer months he practically lived in fun onesies. They are easy to take on and off and pants or shorts were always optional. I went for darker colors that hid stains.
Muslin Swaddle Blankets. These weren’t popular with my first two but were a must for my third. I fell in love with the size and the softness that came with multiple washings. They were especially nice during the summer when anything heavier could be too hot and they also doubled as a cover on my car seat and stroller to keep the sun out.
Teethers. Such a simple thing but Wes cut his first tooth at 4 months and was constantly suffering from sore gums. Several styles of teethers were fabulous to have on hand and offered him some relief.
This list of course doesn’t cover all the items we have loved over the years but here are some other must haves for our baby registry:
- Car Seat
- Nursing Pillow
- High Chair (must be functional and easy to clean)
- Monitor
- Changing Table (not a must for everyone but definitely for me)
- Baby Blankets of various thickness
- Breast Pump
- Pacifiers
- Bottles
- Clothing (of course)
While some of these items are small, they can really become so important. I can’t imagine not having a pacifier to help soothe my babies. The NUK Advanced AirShieldTM Orthodontic Pacifier designed for ages 6-18 months would have worked well for us had they continued.
Some cool features:
- Allows for 3x the air circulation of regular pacifiers which helps to reduce skin irritation
- Promotes natural development of jaw and teeth
- Button pacifier with discrete puller offers two ways in which to hold the pacifier
- Natural shape mimics mom’s nipple which was originally introduced by NUK over 50 years ago
- Made of silicone and is BPA free and dishwasher safe
Join in the Conversation!
Please share with us!
What is / was on your baby registry? What is one thing you couldn’t imagine living without as a new mom or think you simply must have?
Twenty of you who leave a comment will receive a NUK Advanced AirShieldTM Orthodontic Pacifier (2 pack)
Giveaway ends April 25, 2013 at 11:59 pm CST. Winners will be selected at random. Open to 18+ residents in the 48 contiguous states.
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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of NUK. The opinions and text are all mine.
Elisabeth says
Lots of baby wipes!
Crissa Robertson says
Pamper Swaddlers…they had the wetness indicator line on them….very helpful for a first time parent.
Swing…sometimes this was the only way I could get a shower in.
Comotomo bottles…these are THE BEST bottles!!!
Miranda Welle says
I have a few.
Swaddle Designs Swaddles
Robeez shoes (first 6 months) then Pedipeds
Stokke Tripp Trapp
Fisher Price Rock n Play
holly says
i’m sure baby #2 will have different preferences but with our daughter the one must have was definitely a swing, she slept best when she was swinging 🙂
Bekah Kuczenski says
I am pregnant with my second baby so I don’t need as much this time around. But, one item I really want is a new breast pump!
Kristi Cartwright says
Cloth diapers, nursing supplies, swaddle blankets, breast pump, …just to name a few!
Vickie Couturier says
cloth diapers an wipes
Alaine says
I have bottles, crib sheets, toys, pack & play, activity gym, etc…. on my baby registry!
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin) says
Boppy, Aden & Ansis swaddlers, play mat, onesies, cloth diapers, teethers,, and baby brezza.
Kristin says
Cloth diapers, car seat, and a rocking chair!
Christina Jackson says
I am just going by the advice of friends as our little guy isnt set to arrive until the end of May 🙂
* 4Moms Breeze
* Car Seat – Britax
Wehaf says
More receiving blankets than you think you’ll need!
Natalie Finch says
Halo Sleep Sack swaddler
Lots of milk storage containers (not bags)
Lanolin Breast cream
Onsies
Sleepers
Sophie the Giraffe Teether
Diaper Bag
Carseat
Lyn says
Umbrella type stroller that is light, easy to fold up, etc. A full size stroller is great for times when you are going to be out for the day, but when traveling and quick trips to a store, I found the umbrella stroller the easiest to manage!
Joanne Gregory says
I never had a registry. But diapers were always a need!
stephanie hodges says
I had a registry, but no one bothered to get anything off of it or even have a babyshower. So all things hubby and I got ourselves.
Stocked up on various types of diapers, so we could find the best kind we liked. We found we like the swaddlers. Got a musical jumparoo, baby spoons that changes color with temp. Pooh and friends (theme) car seat, stroller, bedding and play pen. Also got Nuk pacifiers and bottles.
shae johnson says
Wipes, Diapers, swaddling blankets, onesies, nipple shields, Diaper rash creme, pacifiers, bottles, baby swing, baby boppy.
Molly Bussler says
Diapers and wipes
Andrea says
Lots of diapers, natural diaper cream, baby wash, stroller, car seat, and clothes!
JRFrugalMom says
I had crib mattress on my wish list/registry
Debra Hall says
lots of diapers and wipes
Cynthia R says
diapers wipes, first aid kit, diaper bag, toys, bottles, bottle cleaners, playpen, changing pad, sheets, blankets, all must haves!
ColleenMarie82 says
burp cloths and a baby bouncer were/are my must have items.
Emily says
My must haves are diapers. (second child) As well as a video monitor, more nursery items, storage and tables.
Heather says
Clothes and blankets!
Vivian says
For my 2nd baby all I really needed was clothes and diapers but of course the one item I did not have…that I love now …is the arms reach cosleeper! Aden and Anais muslin swaddling blankets, nursing pillow and nursing pads are also essential.
kelly says
I need a rock n play.
Amanda Alvarado says
I couldn’t live without a swing!
Bo says
I heard that a Bobby pillow is indispensable!
ChadP says
Diapers!! Lots and lots of diapers!
Christy Anderson says
I’m trying to get pregnant and would need everything! Clothes, sheets, bottles, toys, diapers, and so many other things I probably don’t know I need!
Melanie Montgomery says
The diaper genie
JLin says
stroller, diaper and baby carrier.
Juliya says
The moby wrap!
June Lisle says
My sister in-law is the pregnant one and she doesn’t have a registry yet. But I am trying to get her covered. One item I want to put on her list is a swing.
Megan B says
Swaddlers! I have tried several and my absolute favorite have been TrueWomb. My 2nd daughter was pulling 12-hour nights at 10 weeks old and has never looked back (and is now 2 yrs, 4 months!). I attribute it all to the TrueWomb swaddles and weaning swaddles!
Ellie W says
A baby swing for sure. It saved my sanity more than once.
Heather M says
Swing is a must have!
Sarah cooper says
Sling for baby wearing
Carolyn says
I haven’t registered yet and I find all the options overwhelming! I’m definitely going to make a note of all the suggestions here.
Ashley C says
I love Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Stacey B says
EVERYTHING! I have 2 boys and now have a girl on the way. I need pretty much everything except bottles!
Maria B. says
diapers and wipes
Charlotte says
I have to have a boppy!
nannypanpan says
my must have item is a boppy. i had diapers, sterilizer, and bottles on list
Angie B. says
diapers are always on my baby registries. And a baby swing fun for baby and gives mom a break sometimes
Carrie says
A boppy, a baby carrier, a car seat, a stroller, a swing, swaddle blankets, and of course diapers just to name a few
Vanessa says
Diapers were always on my registry and they are my go-to for baby shower gifts! momlovesdeals at gmail dot com
Jessica Libby says
lots and lots of diapers
Theresa J says
My boppy was a must have on my registry
Katie B says
A car seat and diapers!
Brittany S. says
Breast pump and accessories!
laurie nykaza says
diapers and blankets
Nicole Larsen says
A stroller, baby monitor, and bath stuff
Cassandra Eastman says
Basic things, things I wish I had on my registry are the Woombie swaddle, a Video baby monitor, and an Ergo!
Tiffany Schmidt says
Aden & Anais swaddles, Boppy, bumgenius diapers, Seventh Gen wipes!
Laura Fast says
I agree with most of your list… but we also have heavily relied on soother-clips, and I can’t imagine Not having my Video-baby-monitor. I know.. I know… they didn’t have in the past, and everyone survived but.. I have an anxiety disorder.. and this Really helped me at all hours of the day and night.