My Registry Must - Haves
I did SO much research on baby things my whole pregnancy, and now that Aluna is here...I have a better idea on what things were actually necessary. I’m also a sucker for a great deal, so I did a lot of browsing and buying from local resale sites like Offer Up & Facebook Marketplace. There are tons of families that only use their items for a few weeks/months, so people are always looking to get rid of things. I’ll make a note of the things that I was able to find on there, I highly recommend getting things used for things you may not have been gifted.
Strollers/Carseat System:
UPPAbaby VISTA : If you end up getting an Uppababy Car seat, this system is so great because it comes with a bassinet so you can just use that for baby’s first few weeks before going into their crib. Great system if you want to have more kids, too! You can purchase add ons for two children to ride in it! It’s a bit pricey, but really high quality for long walks! *Found several on Facebook Marketplace & OfferUp...I’d recommend getting the car seat brand new(for safety!), but the stroller and bassinet we got on OfferUp and it’s in perfect condition!*
Doona: This is pretty much the best thing ever. It’s a car seat and a stroller in one! Great for traveling. We have flown a lot, and we used this Padded Travel Case If you’re flying a lot/traveling, this is a must if you can make the investment. Only downfall is that they can only fit in it for about 12 months or until they reach a certain height/weight.
Carriers: So I went crazy on carriers because I love baby wearing, but there are a few different kinds, so you’ll have to find what works for you. You can check out different blogs on the different kinds. Babywearing not only keeps your baby close to you, but it helps you get tons of things done around the house! I have used all the ones listed below.
Lalabu Soothe Shirt: This was A LIFE SAVER for me for the first 10 weeks with Aluna. I wore mine every single day at home, and I even worked out with her in this! Great investment, but you’ll only use it for 1-3 months, so keep that in mind. *Found several on Facebook Marketplace!* (Use Code: Betina20 for 20% off)
Lalabu Kerier: This is my favorite one I have so far. It’s beautiful, and it’s the perfect combination of a structured carrier and wrap, without the bulkiness of a structured carrier. I have this in two colors because I’ve been so obsessed. My only hesitation is that you can’t use do an “adventure position”(where baby faces out) in this one, but you can wear baby on your back or a hug position! (Use Code: Betina20 for 20% off)
Wildbird Sling Carrier: This is a sling carrier, and their patterns are all soooo beautiful. I like the way Aluna was positioned on me when I use this one. It almost feels like I just have her on one hip, so I have more room on the other side to do things. *Found a TON on Facebook Marketplace & OfferUp! My only hesitation with this is how the previous person took care of the material*
If you don’t care about the style of the carrier and care more about saving your back, the ErgoBaby 360 is the best out there. Our nanny uses the Ergo all day long with Aluna. You’ll need the infant insert when they’re little *Found several on Facebook Marketplace & Offer Up!*
Baby K’Tan : has the look of a wrap, but WAY easier to use. I liked this one when Aluna was super small. You can also use this one in the “adventure position” so they can face out. Only complaint is as she got heavier, I didn’t think there was a ton of support.
Swings/Bouncer/Lounger: These are great for when you’re trying to set baby down and keep them occupied for a little bit, and for SUPERVISED naps. We ended up with two different ones because one was a gift, and the other I found cheap on OfferUp. We kept both, putting one in separate rooms.
Fisher Price Snugapuppy Swing: Aluna loved this up to 5ish months. It has a basic side to side setting with different music. She loves the mirror on the top and the spinning toys! Only complaint is how big of a footprint it is. *Found a TON on Facebook Marketplace & OfferUp!
Mamroo 4Moms Swing: This has a small footprint, and we used this A LOT in the first 3 months of her life. Nic used it all the time. It’s pricey, but worth it. You can definitely get a lot of use out of it. *Found a TON on Facebook Marketplace & OfferUp!
Baby Bjorn Bouncer: Another highly used item in her first few months, and we still use it when we just need to set her down for a second. It was perfect for “the witching hours” at night to give her a bounce to sleep. It’s also great for us to use when giving her a bath. We just set the towel in and put her right in right after! We bought the travel bag and bring it with us when we fly or drive out of town! *Found a TON on Facebook Marketplace & OfferUp!
Dock a Tot: We used this on our couch and the bed in her first 12 weeks, now it’s being stored away, but I definitely feel like it was worth it! You can definitely find cheaper versions of similar items, but if you find it used or was gifted one, the Dock a Tot is great quality. I also have heard great things about the SnuggleMe Organic, for a more minimalist vibe. *Found a TON on Facebook Marketplace & OfferUp!
First Aid/Day to Day Items: Here are all the things you may not realize you need, but I have found to be really helpful.
A baby aspirator: her snotty nose will thank you! Our PICU friend gave us one, and I thank her all the time! There are a ton of people who recommend the Frida Baby Snot Sucker, but I tried it and it freaked me out lol
Windi Gas & Colic Reliever: Constipated or Fussy because of belly pain? This is a weird Swedish thing you stick up the baby’s butt, but it is a GAME CHANGER.
Itz Been Pocket Nanny: I love this thing. Time is one less thing you have to keep up with when you have this. “When did I feed her last?” “how long has she been sleeping?” Never an issue. A lot of people like to use a phone app to do the same thing, but this has been a super easy thing to glance at between my husband, our nanny, and me!
Bum Brush: Diaper cream is messy and this makes it so much easier to apply so you don’t have to get it on your hands
Electric Nail File: Way less scary and easier to use than clippers. Doesn’t hurt the baby!
Baby Cameras/Monitors: We have three. Yes, three. You don’t need three, we just happen to be gifted three different ones and decided to keep all of them. It is nice having one that ISN’T connected to wifi or your phone so you can just carry it around, but we also love having one that IS so that we can check in on her when we are away.
Infant Optics DXR: Top rated and easy to use, no WiFi needed! I got this stand to attach it to her crib. We use this one when we travel since WiFi isn’t required!
Nanit Pro Smart This one is nice because it goes over the crib, and it actually keeps track of her movement and tells you how long the baby has been asleep or how long it takes them to fall asleep, etc.
Owlet Camera & Sock : I loved using the sock for her first 12 weeks of life because it gave me peace of mind, we don’t use it anymore, but we occasionally will throw it on her when she is sick.
Sleeping:
Bassinet: If you get the UPPAbaby Stroller System, you can just get the UPPAbaby Stand for the bassinet, but we were gifted the Baby Bjorn Mesh Bassinet, and we loved it. *Found a TON on Facebook Marketplace & OfferUp!
Mesh Crib Bumper: Ok so, the AAP doesn’t recommend crib bumpers, but our pediatrician does… I’m glad we have one because Aluna scoots around a ton in her crib, and I know she would definitely get her hands/arms stuck in her crib.
Velcro Swaddle: Swaddle muslin blankets are just way too hard...velcro...way easier :) There are tons of different swaddles out there, we used the SwaddleUp brand...but you’ll find that there are a lot moms getting rid of bundles of swaddles on OfferUp & Facebook Marketplace for really cheap if you want to try a few different ones out
Baby Shusher: So your mouth doesn’t get tired and dry from “shushing” lol. We used this way more than I thought we would!
Hatch Sound Machine: any sound machine works, but this is a fancier one that has bluetooth to your phone and you can program it for when they are older!
Car/On the Go:
Inglesina Fast Chair Attaches onto any sturdy table and folds up easy!
Wet/Dry Bags: to put dirty diapers, clothes, etc while on the go
Nursery/Bath:
Garbage Cans: Dekor (we use this with these reusable liners for our cloth diapers), but I recommend the Ubbi Pail for the best smell proofing! *If you’re debating on one of these instead of a regular garbage can, TRUST ME…DO IT. You’ll love that they have a locking feature once your baby starts to explore.
Ubbi Wipes Dispenser : this one is weighted, it’s really nice when you’re trying to hold a squirming baby with one hand and trying to get wipes with another
Peanut Changing Pad: Way easier to clean - you just wipe and go! Such a game changer. *Found a TON on Facebook Marketplace & OfferUp!
If you decide to get a Mobile, I recommend putting it over the Changing Pad instead of the crib. It keeps baby occupied while changing, and I’ve also read that if you put it over the crib, the baby associates the crib with playtime vs sleepy time ;)
Baby bathtub : we used this one and hung a clip on the bathtub to store when we weren’t using it, but I know a ton of people that just bathe baby in the sink with a towel or this Lotus Flower Bath
Cetaphil shampoo/baby wash & lotion - recommended by our Pediatrician and smells great. She said to stay away from the lavender scented stuff (bad for their hormones)
Knee pad for you for bath time
This thing is random and not necessary, but fun and cute :)
Kitchen:
Tripp Trapp High Chair Grows with baby!
The High Chair Catchy Aluna drops a lot of her food, and this helps with the waste and also saves your floors!
Comotomo Bottles: less parts and Aluna likes them...we tried a ton of bottles and this was her favorite
Tomme Tippee Bottle Warmer: This one fits the Comotomo bottles great! It’s also super easy and self explanatory, plus it has options for milk bags. I had the Dr. Browns bottle warmer, and it was so annoying because you always had to reference the book in order to know how long you needed to warm :(
FYI bottle warmer isn’t absolutely necessary either, you can totally just boil some water and then put your bottle in the water or run the bottle under hot water. I personally enjoy having this particular warmer because you can set it and leave it
Boon Drying Rack with these Accessories
Wearable Bib Smock Now that she is eating solids, we use this more than the silicone bib because food gets EVERYWHERE
Dr. Browns Bottle & Toy Sterilizer - this has a big footprint, but we use it! If you have a dishwasher with a sanitizing option, you definitely don’t need this…
Dishwasher Basket - you can use this in your dish washer for small pump and bottle parts
Bumpkins Bowl & Spoon - love the spoon it comes with - Aluna can actually grip it! Bowl suctions to high chair. They have matching plates you can get that also suction!
Silicone Bib: Washable and cute
Nursing/Feeding:
Haaka: Awesome for catching the milk on the other boob when baby is nursing. Check out these Haaka Tips for when your baby is a little more mobile…the hair tie tip is such a game changer
Willow Pump By far the most convenient thing EVER, especially when I started to leave more often and go back to work. Willow now has two options: Willow 360 & Willow Go. 360 is spill proof if you are moving around the house or even doing yoga, but it’s definitely bulkier than the brand new Willow Go. The only downfall with the Willow Go is can’t be as mobile, but you can still do a ton of stuff around the house or pump in the car. No awkward holding pump parts to your bra, just slip it in and go. It’s super expensive. I don’t think I would have thought to buy one, but I was gifted it by a friend that works there. Now that I know how convenient it is, i SWEAR BY IT. (Use Code: Betina for 20% off the Willow 360 - Worth it!)
*If you don’t want to spend $350-500 on a portable pump, but want a little more convenience… use these Silcone Cups from Legendairy Milk ...and if you want to be cordless, buy the Spectra S9 Portable Pump
Boppy Pillow for Nursing: I have had two, one in different rooms, since Aluna was born. I like mine, but i’m not in love with it because I felt like it moved around a lot, but it got the job done. I recently bought My Brest Friend, and I Love how supportive it is because it has back support along with a clip so it stays in place, but truthfully, the covers are not very attractive!
Natural Nipple Butter: Some people swear by the Lanolin(it’s too sticky for me), but I prefer the natural stuff, it's’ a little smoother
LaVie Lacation Massager helps with clogs! ….I also use my Hyperice Hypervolt massager lol
Postpartum Needs:
Frida Ice Pads I took a bunch home from the hospital, but definitely ordered more!
Thick Maxi Pads
A bunch of nursing bras - just get a set of cheap ones from amazon that you like for the first few weeks/months until your body adjusts. I also loved Lively brand if you want something a little fancier!
BIG Water bottle WITH A STRAW - you’ll definitely need this while nursing and way easier to handle with one hand
Favorite Toys:
Playmats: Skip Hop’s Cloud Activity Play Gym is great and easy to pack away. Baby can use this for tummy time and playing right away. It’s won several awards and is super cute!
We also have the Lovevery Play Gym. All of her Lovevery toys are my favorite!!!!! The Play Kit Subscriptions are so worth it. Every time they come, Nic and I talk about great they are. They always come with a guide with your child’s developmental milestones and how you can use the toys along their journey.
Skip Hop Table: Aluna loves this! They can start using this once they an hold their head up on their own around 4 + months. It’s great because it really keeps them entertained for 15-20 minutes at a time!
Crinkle books - FYI - Lovevery’s Playkits come with some! ;)
High contrast books - the fold out high contrast books are great because you can stand it up so they can look at a bunch of the pics while they are in tummy time
Grapple - game changer for the high chair, table, stroller, so you don't have to play the “pick up game” all the time
Travel Stuff:
Slumber Pod: MUST HAVE for travel if you need to roomshare. COMPLETELY blacks out the baby’s travel crib. If you ever see it in stock, buy it. It sells out quickly all the time.
Lotus Travel Crib Has an option to turn it into a bassinet if you travel a lot before the baby is 6 months! Great backpack option, too. The Baby Bjorn travel crib is a great play yard option, too! But doesn't have a bassinet.
Boon Travel Bathtub We have used this so much when we travel! It’s inflatable
Get some stasher bags if you’re as passionate about being eco- friendly as I am.
Random:
Busy Baby Silicone Mat - love this now that she’s able to sit up and play on her own and I bring it when we are out and about or traveling. Similar concept to the Grapple!
BANS Ear Muffs If you go to sporting events or concerts, definitely a must!
Some sort of milestone blanket or blocks if you’re into that!
Baby hangers :)
All of your favorite books
THINGS I THOUGHT I NEEDED BUT DON’T USE
-Wipe Warmer
-I put a few Wubbanub pacifiers on ours, but Aluna’s not really into pacifiers - but I know a ton of moms that swear by them!
THINGS YOU DON’T NEED TO ADD TO YOUR REGISTRY BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL BUY THEM FOR YOU ANYWAY
-Blankets
-Baby Clothes
-Pacifiers/Teethers
If there is anything you want specifically, then put them on there!! I put a ton of books that I wanted plus random cute toys. Don’t forget to add diapers, too :)