What do you really need on your baby registry?
What do you really need once baby arrives? Does that baby registry seem daunting? I get it, I’ve been there. I asked other parents what they considered the essential must haves (besides the obvious like and of course I included some of my own. There are many, many “baby things” out there, but you can actually keep it pretty simple.
Diapering
We’ll start with the obvious. Along with diapers and wipes I suggest something to change your little one on. Babies are quite fond of catching their parents off guard, if you know what I mean. You can use a dresser if you already have one and just add a changing pad on top. These changing pad liners are helpful when you’ve had a blow out. And trust me, you will have many blow outs.
Sleep Sacks
Babies have been curled up in the close quarters of the womb for months. And that’s the way they like it! Swaddling can be helpful in recreating the only environment they’ve known. I love muslin blankets, but mastering the baby burrito roll can be daunting to a lot of parents. There are however plenty of alternatives that make it easy.
- Simple Joys by Carter's Cotton Swaddle Blankets (sleep sack)
Sound Machines
We’ve all been told we need to be quiet because the baby’s sleeping. When the truth is babies have never known silence. Think about it, they’ve spent months right next to working organs. They hear the lungs filling, heart beating, stomach digesting food, and muffled sounds from outside the womb. It’s no wonder they sleep best with some noise.
-MyBaby SoundSpa Portable White Noise Machine
Clothing
Zip up sleepers and not snap sleepers. Period! End of story! But really, do not buy the sleepers with snaps and you will save yourself some sanity (which is a precious commodity when you have a newborn). My kiddos have all lived in sleepers their first month of life, day and night. It’s just easier that way.
-Gerber Baby Sleep ‘N Play Footies
-Simple Joys by Carters Cotton Footed Sleep and Play
Baby Wearing
Another way to “recreate the womb” is baby wearing. I have loved doing this with all my babies! Not only is it comforting to baby it helps to keep your hands free. That can be especially helpful if you already have other kiddos.
Feeding
If you’re planning to breastfeed check with your insurance and ask if they will provide a pump. There are so many on the market, but if you can get one for free it’s great! A haakaa is great to catch let down and I suggest them to every breastfeeding mom! I thought about listing bottle brands, but I’m not even going to go there. There are SO many different brands and every baby is different with their own preferences. My only advice there is you always want a bottle that says it is “slow flow”.
This little blender has been worth every penny! We’ve had it for nearly 6 years now and it’s still going strong. I’ve used it for purees for each of my babies and then for smoothies and others things once they were a little older. It is a must have in my book!
Random Round Up:
-Black Out Curtains
-Muslin swaddle blankets because you can use them for just about anything
Is there something you would add to the list? Let me know in the comments!
