By There are so many things that you have to start thinking about when you’re about to become a mom. One of the most daunting things can be setting up your baby registry. How do you decide what you need on you baby registry, especially if this is your first child?
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This is a list of things I used for my first born and even a few more things that I plan on using for my second that I didn’t have the first time around.
So what do you ACTUALLY need when expecting a baby? Well, the reality is, babies really don’t need a lot. As long as they’re fed, clean, warm, have a safe place to sleep, and loved they are happy. But of course it’s still fun to look at all the cute baby things!
The first thing you need to do is pick where you want to set up your registry. I highly recommend registering at Amazon, as they are the biggest retailer and most people already have an account with them. Plus, you get 10% off your registry items if there is anything left that you still need (15% off for Prime members)! Even if this isn’t your first child, set up that registry and save some money! Other good places to register are Walmart, Target, and Buy Buy Baby. I would just make sure you’re not registering at too many places to keep it as simple as possible for you and your family and friends.
If you are looking for more things to check off your to-do list, check out my Third Trimester To Do List here!
What You Really Need On Your Registry
Clothing
Personally, I never registered for baby clothes because people tend to buy clothes regardless if you registered for them or not. It’s so easy to cave in and buy those really cute tiny outfits when you see them walking through the store and before you know it, you have so many clothes and your baby will grow out of them before they get they chance to wear them! But if you insist on registering for clothes, then here’s what you should put on there.
Onsies
Sleepers
Socks
Feeding
Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, there’s some basic essentials you’ll need.
Bottles: register for a couple different kinds. All babies are different and what might have worked great for one baby, yours may not like so much. Also try not to open them all at once, so if you find some your baby does like you can return the others
Bottle warmer
Bibs
Burp clothes
Bottle brush and drying rack
Breastfeeding
Did you know that you can get a free breastpump through your insurance? You are eligible to get a new pump for each pregnancy, so you can bet I got a second pump when I found out I was pregnant the second time around! The first one I got was the Spectra, which I absolutely loved. It’s a favorite among most breastfeeding moms. The second time around I wanted something a little more mobile and hands free, since I was going to have a toddler to take care of as well as a newborn this time around. So I ended up going with the Elvie Stride. I got both of my pumps through Aeroflow, where all I had to do was put in my insurance info and then they let me know what I qualified for! It was so easy.
Other breastfeeding supplies you will need are:
Nursing pads (reusable or disposable)
Manual pump (I recommend the Hakkaa!)
Nipple cream
Nursing pillow
Breastmilk storage bags
Nursery
Bassinet: You will need to have your baby close to you for the first few months. A bedside bassinet is the best way to go!
Crib
Crib mattress
Crib Sheets
Swaddles
Sound Machine
Humidifier
Dresser
Changing Pad
Rocking chair/Glider
Extras
There were a couple things that helped me keep my baby in a safe spot while I got some stuff done around the house.
Swing
Stroller
Bouncer (for when they’re a few months older)
And I can’t stress this enough, a BABY CARRIER. Sometimes your little one just does not want to be without their momma, and in this case baby wearing saved me! My baby was happy and I was still able to use two hands to get stuff done.
You’ll also need either an infant carseat or a convertible carseat. Convertible car seats are great because they grow with your child and you don’t need to keep buying new car seats!
These are all things I found helpful, but talk to people you know too and see what they found they needed!
