Baby Registry Guide Detailed
Guide being key word. When it comes to babies, they are so unique that not every product will work for you and baby. But here is a guide to help start with what essentials to choose, some recommendations that have worked for me or friends and what products are optional. This list may seem overwhelming, but remember not everything is for right when the baby comes out. Some items like feeding food come 4-6 months in! Generally baby shower items are going to be things that will help you and baby for the first year - with emphasis on the first few months. I embedded some links for some examples and brands that I would recommend. Also a lot of the products you can find on more than one store or website. I also put reasons why I liked each product or why you need the baby item below in each category. You don’t have to put all the products on your baby registry. Especially some of the bigger ticket items as close family members may offer to get for you etc. However when you put things on your registry for whatever is not purchased most places offer some sort of a small discount.
Baby registry!
Must have Items *
Not necessary, but very convenient **
Not necessary, but nice to have ***
Bath tub in tub
Bath
tub (in sink vs. in tub, in tub cheap ) *
washcloths (aden& anais for bath, generic for everyday purposes) *
towels (hooded pottery barn, zoochini) *
spout cover ***
water pitcher **
shampoo & lotion (honest, mustela, live clean baby) *
bath mat **
Why?!
Tub: In sink is convenient if you need to save space until they are old enough to sit up in a tub (around 6 months). Some people feel it is easier too in terms of bending over and washing them. Sink is on your level. Babies grow fast so it doesn’t last long but can be convenient for the first couple of months. For ‘In tub’ the Boon one is nice that it easily stores away. Once you understand how to use it, pop it out and use the drain on it. You can use it like a mini tub or keep the drain open and keep water pouring. Up to you! I used the angel care - it is a nice affordable option. It’s not a space saver, but it works to keep them elevated. I fill up the tub to the level it tells you and you can just rinse them while they half sit. It a mesh seat so the water can run through.
Washcloth: For the bath, the Aden Anais washcloths are one of the best since they are so soft for babies delicate skin. Or any other muslin brands are great! Loulou lollipop is another cute brand with soft muslin cloths. You can also sometimes find other muslin alternatives at home sense. You will also need another set of generic washcloths for everyday use like spit up, cleaning their hands etc. Don’t splurge since these will get ruined.
Towel: By favourite towels are pottery barn for sure! They are so nice and BIG with thick material you can cocoon them in post bath - and they look adorable. Hooded towels are a must since they keep their heads nice and warm (they loose all their heat here). As much as the infant size ones are cute, I would just purchase more toddler sized ones. Newborn is good for the first 2 months, but the babies get so long and wiggly and it’s nice to have an extra big towel to really wrap them inside. Zoochini are another affordable option with cute designs and colour. They are bit shorter than PB , but they are really wide so you can wrap them and the toddler ones has pockets the kids can put their hands in.
Bath toys the squeeze ones are classic and easy & soft to play for babies. They won’t be using for the first couple of months so not a rush. Sago mini ones are great because you can open them up and clean the inside and the characters are so adorable. Only con is they are tedious to put back together. You will be surprised how much mold gets inside those toys even when you squeeze them out.
Spout cover - looks cute and prevents them from hitting their heads when they get a bit older. Not essential to get, but has benefit.
Water pitcher - makes it a lot easier to rinse your baby and has delicate silicon to touch baby’s skin
Shampoo: Mustela is a French brand. It smells amaaaaazing and is sensitive for babies skin. It also has a dry skin line for babies with minor eczema which I always use with my kids in the winter months. A more affordable skin sensitive line is Honest. Very lightly scented (no scent, apricot or lavender) and natural products. On a regular basis I use Honest products. Live clean is another affordable option and eco friendly design.
Bath Mat: You won’t need right away since you will have an infant tub. But it’s add some cuteness to the tub and when they can have a bath regularly the mat will prevent them from slipping. You can get a cute design one - but remember to clean often since mildew and scum can accumulate underneath. I like this one since you can easily hang dry to prevent this build up.
Bassinet
Nursery
sound maker (cloud B sheep, floor fan, white noise maker, portable, hatch baby, leapdog puppy) *
night light ***
mobile ***
crib sheets & bassinet sheets (Pottery barn, Restoration hardware baby, home sense) *
bumper OR no bumper (preference) ***
change pad & sheet or PUR **
Waterproof mattress protector/pad for crib x2 (can also use for playpen for extra padding because they are so stiff & hard) *
monitor & camera (Motorola - think if you want 2 eventually)*
bassinet (remember only used usually for 2-3 months) **
diaper pail + bags ***
Nursery
Sound maker! : Yes it is a must have! Whatever kind you choose, you need to have something in the room to make sleeping easier for you and the baby. So many different kinds. We have used a few, but honestly the one we liked the best and still use is a floor fan. Not fancy, but it does the job while circulating the air in your kids room. Can keep them cool in the summer or you can have them facing different direction when it’s colder out. If that is not for you a popular one is the Cloud B sheep. We used it when the kids were little. It makes heartbeat sound (mimic the womb), whale noises, ocean sounds & rain. My kids just started playing with it at some point and opening it up so it was mostly used in the beginning. My sister found this portable one which is also amazing. It’s small, compact, rechargeable and easily portable for your excursions. I used this for my third and loved it for naps and on the go. Something I haven’t used, but heard lots of positive reviews about is the hatch baby. It’s an all in one : night light (different colours), sound maker, toddler clock (when is time to get out of bed) all via bluetooth. A really modern nursery vibe and you can get paper covers with different design - otherwise it is all white. My second daughter liked the leap dog puppy for a while but again it becomes a toy for them which is not a bad thing either!
Nightlight: I personally found that all the cute nightlights I bought for the girls (i.e. pottery barn) they were too bright. I didn’t understand how they were supposed to fall asleep with it. My husband ending up finding these cheap dim blue nightlights from Lowe’s and they were such a good brightness. Not cute but functional. We used it for a long time until Brooklyn was 3 and started running out of her bed early morning - so we got her a Gro Clock. It had a nice dim blue night light as well so we used that instead and let’s them know when it’s time to wake up. But those pottery barn night lights did come into use for my second daughter since she started getting a little scared at night around 2 years old. I gave her the brighter, but cute nightlight and it seemed to help her fears. Again every kid is different.
Mobiles: decorative but not essential. However it was nice to play some music before bed or just keep them occupied during the day when they are little. I remember Brooklyn around 3 months loving lying in her crib and watching the mobile.
Crib sheets: always good to have at least two in case they spit up or dirty them. Home sense always has organic cute designs although options are limited sometimes. Pottery barn and restoration hardware have really nice good quality sheets with cute or simple designs on them and they often have sales. Loulou lollipop have sweet designs with muslin (extra soft) as another option. Bassinet sheets again always good to have two. Just basic colours are good. They only use the bassinet for 2-3 months and they will spit up quite a bit on them.
Bumper vs. no bumper. They are more of an aesthetic thing and also give cushion when baby rolls over and prevents them from sticking their hands and feet out. However, some people like to not get them to avoid any risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome- when babies can’t breathe and can’t move themselves out of harms way). There is also the option of mesh bumper to allow them to breathe, but not as comfortable. It is whatever YOU feel comfortable with.
Change pad: It’s good to have a designated spot to change your babe. Either with a change pad on a dresser, a designated change table or on the floor with your change pad. A typical change pad needs a sheet to cover and has a strap to keep your baby from falling off. Or there is always the option of a rubber like (not actually rubber material) which is easy to clean and doesn’t need any sheets. It’s pricey, but functional. I put this as not a must have since you don’t have to have that designated spot for changing. You can make any spot changing area with a regular fold up plastic change pad (like the ones that come with diaper bag). But again makes your life easier especially at the beginning when you are changing diapers all the time.
Waterproof crib mattress pad: to prevent your mattress from getting stained from any accidents. I would recommend getting two. As they get older they may have accidents or get sick etc. You can usually find them at baby stores or good price at Walmart. You can get with some padding for comfort or none. I also used these pads for the playpens since they are so hard on the bottom.
Monitor & camera: to keep an eye on your baby when they take a nap or go to bed- it is a necessary comfort. I find the Motorola ones great - they give a picture and sound of your baby. Show you the temperature of the room, large screen, night vision, zoom and other great features. And they have sets with 2 cameras if you are planning to have more than one (with split screen or changing screens). I would definitely recommend to get warranty on it since they are not baby proof (or mommy proof once by me). I had my second kid throw the monitor in the toilet :( There are other brands out there with screens or no screens you can check out! I would recommend not getting ones with WIFI because I have heard creepy stories about people hacking into the baby cameras and watching their babies.
Bassinet: Definitely useful to keep your baby by your bedside the first couple of months with all the night time feeds. You want to keep them close at the beginning. That being said, they are only good for the first 2-3 months. Both my girls were too long for them by the second month. And honestly as much as it is hard the first night - you don’t want your baby in your room for too long. They get to used to it, you don’t get your privacy, you have to keep tip toeing around your room…it is better to cut the cord earlier on. I always liked this bassinet since it has mesh on the sides (breathable), large size, swivels bag and forth over your bed, vibrates and other features. But it was a bit out of my price range for a short term product. Always great if you can borrow from a friend. I did not put this as must have since you can techinically put the crib in your bedroom if you can fit from day one and move it into their room when ready. But it is convenient to have for the first couple of months and the portability of it for naps etc.
Always good to have some storage for the kids. These bins are quite sturdy and easily collapsable with cute designs. You can also find some at home sense. I find a lot of the ones at home sense have flimsy sides so they don’t stay up right. So make sure they have strong sides so they are not collapsing. Diaper caddies are great too to have in the playpen or somewhere else on the main floor to store diapers, wipes etc to change baby downstairs instead of always upstairs.
Diaper pail: not essential, but convenient. Newborns go through so many diapers especially at the beginning so running to throw the diapers out all the time is not so practical. This diaper pail is a little on the higher end, but stylish if you want it to look good in your nursery. There are a lot of cheaper options like the diaper genie or munchkin (not as sturdy or quiet) that work fine. I didn’t even use one for my third since our broke and I didn’t care to get another one. I would just get scented diaper bags and throw them out when I got the chance.
Clothes
Swaddle Blankets
sleeping sacks!!! (aden & anais, snoo, love to dream) *
Swaddle blankets (aden&anais, loulou) **
sleepers (zippers vs buttons) *
hats (just at begginning or longer if over winter - kushies with side flaps or gap matching with sleepers) *
sunhats **
mitts *
layette (newborn basic onsies, pants) *
bibs (aden & anais, bandana ones from mini mioche ) *
newborn socks, booties, moccasins*
Clothes
Sleep sacks: Must have since using blankets for babies for the first year give them a risk for SIDS. Also at the beginning, babies liked to be swaddled. It is a bit of a skill to be able to swaddle them and both my girls really fought the swaddle (sneaking their arms out). They have some ‘cheat’ swaddles to quickly put them in a swaddled position like the SNOO. It looks like a straight jacket, but a lot of moms like how easy it is to use and also can take their arms out one by one to transition out of the swaddle. The Aden and anais sleep sacks are great for once they are done being swaddled. Muslin, very breathable and warm with a zipper that is hidden. I would recommend getting at least two for each size/season. You basically use them as blankets without having the risk of SIDS, and put them over their pjs. I also tried the love to dream with my third and it was great! It let’s them have their arms up by their face for comfort, but still prevents that startle reflex from waking them up at night. This one I linked has transitional option when they start rolling to take them out of the swaddle. Only con to this swaddle is they love it so much that I found it was a bit of a transition when taking their arms out - couple nights of mid night wake ups.
Swaddle blankets: Aden & anais and loulou ones can be multipurpose and they are super soft muslin and breathable. You can use them to swaddle your baby, use as nursing cover, use as light blanket, cover stroller when napping etc. Used mine all the time!
Sleepers: you can get the snap buttons or zippers. Snap buttons have the advantage of them not being as exposed when changing them - but honestly they are a pain in the ass! Zippers are so easy and they usually have the cover for them. And if you can get the sleepers with the built in mitts even better! Gap has a lot of nice sleepers like this. You can also get double zipper sleepers so you don’t undress them completely. I found some at Carters and some cute Australian brands carry them.
Hats: newborns need hats for the first couple of week (indoor/out) since they loose so much heat through their heads at the beginning. Thin newborn hats are great. Kushies brand has cute ones with side flaps and velcro to stay on. Or Gap has cute ones with knots at the end to match with sleepers. Mini mioche also carries basic beanies for newborns. If you have a winter baby invest in some warmer hats for outside use.
Sunhats: only for summer babes or close to summer babies. You want to keep the baby’s sensitive skin out of the sun as much as you can.
Mitts: babies tend to stratch their faces a lot when they are little with their sharp nails so it is good for them to wear especially when sleeping or in car seat. You can get sleepers and onesies with built in mitts. When you do get mitts - the ones that are a bit longer or have some strap on them are good for keeping them on!
Layette: what the hell is a layette?!? It is just a fancy term for essential newborn clothes. Onsies, sleepers, socks etc. Always good to get basic onesies for everyday use - especially ones with built in mitts. Don’t go too crazy on newborn sizes though because they outgrow them really fast. 0-3 months is better (but again don’t go too too crazy). With clothes, people are going to get you what they think is cute. Baby clothing shopping is so much fun especially for girls. So don’t register too many things. Just some basics the you like or more functional pieces. Baby stores have good return policies so you can always go exchange for something else if you don’t like what people got you - there will be some of those gifts.
Bibs: ones from Aden are super soft and good for everyday use when they are drooling, spit up, bottle/breastfeed. You can also get cute bandana bibs (stylish drool bibs) at home sense or mini mioche for when going out and about!
Socks: Will they stay on? Definitely not. But they still need them as you find their little feet get cold quick. You need newborn socks for when they are not wearing sleepers (why aren’t they just in sleepers all the time?). Note they will kick them off quite often so always carry extra on you. Booties are also great for fall, winter babes (i.e. Stonz) - just again try to get ones that look like they will stay on (longer with straps). Even though baby shoes are cute, honestly don’t waste your money on them! Maybe just one pair of baby moccasins. They are very in and cute for babies - they surprisingly stay on better than most shoes.
Bouncer Baby Bjorn
Play
bouncer (mamaroo, swing, bouncer) - baby bjorn mesh, fisher price snuggabunny **
Activity gym (tummy time mat that suits your style) - PB, skip hop **
jolly jumper **
exersaucer ***
bumbo***
sofie!! (teething toy) ***
cold teething toys ***
einstein baby take along tunes ***
como tomo teether ***
oball ***
Blocks ***
Munch Mitt ***
Pacifier holder ***
Play
Bouncer: Mamaroo is an all in one baby seat to keep them entertained, take a nap or soothe them. It is a combo of a swing, bouncer, vibration, music etc. It is a bit on the higher price end, but I have heard lots of good reviews about it although I haven’t tried it personally. Another option is the baby swing. Some babies love it! But I have also heard some babies don’t. The swing also takes up quite a bit of space. Things to think about it! The only swing I have seen that is super sleek and compact is the Nuna Leaf swing. Bouncers overall seemed to be liked although I have heard of some babies taking a bit of time to get used to. But it can really be a life saver to keep them occupied or get them to nap if you need to get something done. The bunny fisher price one is nice, good price, comfy, gender neutral and has vibration and songs on it. We used this one with our girls quite a bit especially if I needed to get something done quick. However if you can budget for it the baby bjorn it’s one of my favourites. It’s so simple! Doesn’t have the bells and whistles other ones have. But it is a super space saver and very travel friendly. If you are just going for a visit, sleepover, cottage time - this bouncer is so easy to bring along since it collapses and is lightweight. This mesh fabric so very breathable especially with spring/summer babies and it easily comes off to throw in the wash (if they poop through their diaper and with this incline position it happens more often than you think). You have to rock it yourself or when your baby moves it will start to bounce a bit. The girls both really liked this one! Super convenient. We used the bunny one on our main floor and this bjorn one for travel, day visits or on other floors of our house. I would definitely recommend at least getting one of these swings, bouncers, combo. Babies tend to love it eventually and it really can give you some hands free time to get things around the house done. But also remember they do outgrow or get bored of these bouncers quite fast usually by the 4th month mark.
Activity gym: Again this is not essential, but I think a really nice way for your baby to have a dedicated spot to practice their tummy time gain head/neck strength and practice rolling over etc, while having things to keep them entertained. Hanging toys, pieces that crinkle, mirrors, music etc! This usually lasts about until they start crawling. Once they are on the move, the activity gym has worn out most of it’s usefulness. But still good for a solid 6 months. There is no best one. I think it is just more what suits your style. I used mine mostly on the main floor and sometimes in their bedroom.
Jolly jumper: Not essential, but trust me when I say every baby loves it. Okay maybe not every baby, but I have not yet encountered someone you had a baby who hated the jolly jumper. You can start using it as early as 3 months (if they have good head support) and can be used until they start walking. If you can borrow from someone great! The only challenge I find with it sometimes if that it doesn’t fit every doorway which can limit where you put it, but I have seen some stands you can buy them with. It helps them practice standing on their legs, jumping, turning and body strength. And they just love it ! Obviously up to a point - you can’t overuse it! It is adorable to see them jump in it too and their big smiles that accompany it!
Exersaucer: Not essential and would only suggest if you had the space. We never bought one personally, but my mom purchased one for her house when they came to visit from a second hand store (Once upon a child) and the girls both enjoyed it. I took it from my moms for the third just when he could use it and it was a perfect spot to stick him in when I needed to get something done. It keeps them busy while they practice somewhat standing/sitting and play with the toys and spin around. There of course is a limit for how long they stay in it for as with most baby products. Again lots of cute styles just depends on your personal preference. Can start using around 4 months and last until they start walking or become more mobile.
Bumbo: It’s definitely not necessary, but again nice to have to place baby once their learning to sit as a change of scenery where they can explore without just lying down. You can get a tray (although it is annoying to take on and off) for them to play with toys or eat snacks when they start eating. It’s a bit pricey so I would try to borrow one or invest in for first baby.
Sofie: is a classic teething toy that has been around forever! If you haven’t heard about Sofie yet you will! It has this rubber feel to it, but all natural organic made in France and babies seem to like it. I had the big classic one, but they have smaller ones with handles which I found I used more. I attached it to a pacifier holder and used it as a teething toy on the go and it would never fall on the floor.
Cold teething toy: They have lots of teething toys you can put in the fridge that provides some relief for teething. Another trick is to take a small washcloth, run it under water, squees out all the excess, roll it up and put it in the freezer in a ziplock. My girls loved that and it would slowly defrost as they chewed on them. Remember to put a bib!
Einstein baby: it flashes lights and plays cute classical music. All my kids really liked it and kept them quiet in the car sometimes when they were freaking out!
Como tomo: Same brand with the bottles I LOVE. Silicone material that is soft for baby gums and has this finger like projections that fit nicely in the babies mouth to get those back teeth. Easy to clean.
Oball: Simple baby ball, but really easy for the babies to grip and keep them entertained with a rattling noise. One of the first toys Brooklyn really got into and giggled with her daddy.
B. blocks: such simple blocks, but they are nice and soft for babies to put in their mouth, cute design and they can start learning how to stack etc. Easy to clean!
Munch Mitt: Baby’s love putting their hands in their mouth especially when they start teething. This munch mitt goes on their hand, straps on and has the teething end on it so they are chewing on the mitt and not their hand. Easy to travel with until they figure out how to take it off. My second liked it, but not so much my third.
Pacifier Holder: you can use for pacifiers or toys on the go so they won’t fall and get dirty.
UPPA baby Stroller
Travel
stroller (UPPAbaby, city select jogger , city select mini, BOB revolution) *
umbrella stroller (BabyZen YOYO, Maclaren, Joovy, gb Pockit, Summer Infant 3D Lite) ***
adapter for car seat (if needed)
bassinet piece **
stroller cup holder/pouch (universal or match to stroller) ***
stroller rain or bug cover **
stroller fan (diono ) **
car seat (peg perego, maxi cosi - lightweight) *
baby neck pillow insert ***
car seat protector (to protect seat of the car) ***
car seat cover (winter baby) **
diaper bag (juju bee, happ brand, petunia pickle, faux leather options: freshly picked, matt & nat, honest ) *
cooler bottle bag (juju bee) **
travel change mat**
mommy clip ***
play pen (baby bjorn, 4moms, graco - you don’t need attachments) *
playpen sheet x1-2 **
mirror car **
shades for backseat ***
travel bottle warmer (slow but useful) or thermos (hot water to warm baby bottle) ***
hiking carrier (phil &ted) ***
dock a tot ***
Stroller: Some questions you will want to consider when purchasing a stroller. What do you want to use it for.?! Casual walks in your neighborhood? Walking on some light terrain and parks? Going for jogs and intense walks? Shopping and going in and out of plazas? A little bit of everything..? Another piece that I find essential if you plan on going on a lot of neighborhood walks for the first few months (that also depends on when baby is born) is the bassinet piece. The regular seat that a stroller comes with can only be used 6 months + (I started 5 months since both my kids had good head control). Otherwise you are using the car seat inserted into the stroller and that is fine. But if you plan on being out and about a lot, that scrunched up car seat positioning is not ideal for baby for long periods of time or so frequently. So much more comfy for them to sleep in the bassinet. A lot of the larger strollers either come with one or have option to purchase it.
Another point you want to consider is what car seat you are going to get. Most of the larger strollers have a compatible car seat usually the same brand that goes directly into the stroller. Or you can buy an adapter piece to use with other car seats. I did the adapter thing, but honestly is sometimes got a bit annoying when you always had to pack it or when I forgot it. So ideal if you can get same brand for car seat & stroller, but not essential just more convenient.
Now back to the strollers. There are so many out there and the look of it is definitely something that is partially important since you will be using it quite often. However functionality for you and your baby are most important! UPPAbaby stroller is the Mercedes of the stroller world. Fancy, luxurious, higher end price range & overall good quality. The most popular and durable one is the Vista. There are about $1250, but with this price includes a bassinet piece, rain cover, bug covers. The Vista is good for a bit of everything and can hold up to 3 kids! (by purchasing an additional seat and the piggy back board older child can stand on). There are different models of UPPAbaby that are smaller and designed for specific functions like the Cruz. Browse what is right for you! City Select jogger is a more affordable, versatile stroller that is good for a bit of everything. You can buy additional seating and bassinet attachment. Select mini version is also a good option if you want something not as bulky, but still very durable. However only good for one child which is great if you only plan on having one or plan on spacing out the timing for more than one child. If you plan on doing a lot of running and jogging with your babe, the BOB Revolution is the best jogging stroller out there. All the bells and whistles when it comes to running with your babe and it is definitely very durable! If you are looking for some functional strollers that add more style and luxury there are some other brands you can look at such as Bugaboo, The Egg, Quinny, Stokke and Nuna. These will easily be over $1000.
Umbrella Strollers: Not something you have to worry about right away. Somewhat of a luxury item, but also very useful. Not necessary and I wouldn’t recommend getting an umbrella stroller over a regular stroller. More as an addition maybe further down the line. These are ultra lightweight strollers. Good for running errands, shopping with kids, travelling with kids etc. As your kids get a bit older and more mobile, it’s nice to have these lightweight, compact options when kids get tired or can’t walk for that long- without having to bring your bulky stroller. The YOYO is pricey, but it is super light weight, easy to fold, very compact with a handle & bag to carry, some storage under the seat & on the back, has several fabrics to choose from and allows to add another child on the back with this cool seat/standing board that folds away and can easily be taken off & on. The only con about this one is it’s a bit awkward to walk with the board attached with your 2nd child because it’s long. But as long as you walk to the side of the stroller, it’s fine. Plus you won’t be using the board all the time. Maclaren is a very lightweight one as well as stylish -shows in the name. Definately more affordable, but still pricier. Joovy is another nice lightweight stroller with very simple design and colors. Gb Pockit is an American umbrella stroller, but it is THE travel stroller in that it is so light and compact to use when travelling with kids. Summer infant has good umbrella stroller options that are price friendly, but still very functional.
Adapter: discussed in the regular stroller section
Bassinet: discussed in the regular stroller section.
Stroller cup holder/pouch: Some strollers come with same cup holder or storage option. Some strollers have add ons for it. Although they work well and make it easy for you to choose, they may be pricey. You can always get universal ones like Diono brand etc. Always good to have a spot for secured coffee, water bottles, kids bottles, and smaller storage like keys/cell phone etc.
Rain/bug cover: strollers generally come with them or you can also purchase affordable universal ones. Not always planned, but good for protection from mosquitoes or unexpected rain fall.
Stroller fan: a portable fan safe to use around babies and very convenient on those hot summer days where it can get warm fast inside the stroller or car seat.
Car seat: The factors you should consider for a car seat is convenience, safety, weight and style. It is convenient to get a car seat that goes directly into whatever stroller you decide on. Generally the car seats found in proper baby stores are considered safe and gone through the necessary test requirements. There are some brands that are especially known for their safety being veteran brands like Peg Perego. I found this one easy to use, options for different styles and feels safe when your child is in it. Weight is also something you want to consider since you will be lugging this car seat around in and out the car, stroller etc. For that, Maxi cosi is the best. Super light weight (at least what can be for a car seat as it still needs to be safe). Remember this car seat will only be used for the first year when they will outgrow it and have to switch to a convertible car seat. I haven’t used the Maxi cosi infant, but I have carried it and it is very lightweight and easy to use. I do have the Maxi convertible seat which I find to be super stylish, but not as easy to use as the peg Perego in terms of buckling them in.
Baby neck pillow: You are only going to be using this for first couple of months just until your baby has enough head support or outgrows the inserts. But they are really useful. I refused to get them for my first baby - thought I would just use fold up swaddle blankets or whatever. That ended up being more complicated since they blankets ended up always falling out or unravelling so the neck pillows are worth it. Puts so much less strain on their tiny heads. Brand doesn’t really matter just pick a color you like. The ones that come with 2 ( different sizing) are good since they will quickly outgrow the newborn size.
Car seat protector: Is to protect your car from indents and discolouration from having car seats in them all the time which will happen. My car is not fancy enough so I did not care enough to get one. But if you do have a nicer car might be worth it - however not sure how well they work.
Car seat cover: Definitely worth it especially if you have a baby in or close to the winter months. It’s just a custom shaped blanket to cover your baby in the car seat and keep them warm. Really convenient so you don’t have to put such a heavy jacket on them in winter months if you are just going in and out of the car with them. They can easily get overheated in jackets and it is actually safer and recommended to have your child without a jacket in the car since the seat belt works better. Remember you will be using this car seat for the first year so even if a spring baby, at some point it will be winter and they will be in the same seat. However they will be longer and depending on your baby, they may not like being constricted with their legs & feet.
Diaper Bag: Yes you will need one! This diaper bag will go with you everywhere - so invest in a good one and one that you will like the look of it. I still use it. Something functional, but also nice looking since you will be taking it with you on a regular basis. Diaper bags are quite personal. You have to decide what are the musts about the bag and also what kind of style you want. I will go through some popular and functional bags that look good. I had some cheap one at the beginning and it wasn’t bad. But I just got tired of it and how boring it looked and how it could be way more functional. So I got the juju bee First Lady for my first mother’s day. Absolutely loved it and didn’t mind taking it out with me all the time. It is easy to wash (throw in washing machine), insulated bottle pockets x2, can use as backpack style (which I really wanted) or over the shoulder, lots of pockets for storage, matching change pad, crumb drains etc. Literally the most functional bag and it looks really cute - they have several styles to choose from. For me I wanted super functional, easy to clean and looks fashionable. Happy brand is the new ‘in’ diaper bag that lots of moms are using - several celebs have been spotting using. Super lightweight, backpack style (but comes with crossbody strap), lots of pockets! They weren’t around when I first started having babies, but this would have definitely been a contender. And it is super cute with its knitted design and nice simple colors like black, dusty rose or taupe. There are other more purse styles as well. One thing I did not like is that it doesn’t come with a change pad?! That’s the whole point of a diaper bag and these bags aren’t cheap. Petunia Pickle is another option that has been around for a while! Again they have backpack styles, shoulder strap or purse styles. The reasons I was deterred against them was I wished they had more pockets for storage and when I was looking they only had a lot of brightly coloured ones with patterns on it. I am more of a basic style. But now it looks like they do have more simple options without so many patterns. Also very ‘in’ are the faux leather styles - looks like it’s your purse or nicer backpack. You wouldn’t think it was a diaper bag. Honest, Matt & Nat and Freshly Picked all have nice diaper bags that have this look while being functional and easy to wipe clean. All about your personal taste! My sister has the butterscotch Freshly Picked. The only complaint about it was that the zipper broke a couple of times, but she able to get it replaced.
Cooler bag: You can technically use any cooler bag. It’s just nice to get one that compliments or matches your diaper bag. As well have a size made for bottles and you can even squeeze a few snacks for yourself!
Travel change mat: Again not necessary, but nice to have if you plan on going out and about with baby alot. This one has a nice roomy mat to bring along with you and pockets to put wipes (comes with container), diaper etc. Also a nice handle to bring along. It’s perfect for quick or unexpected trips and especially if you don’t want to bring whole diaper bag with you or to a change area. This one is stylish too and looks good if men want to use ;)
Mommy clip: Just a massive clip you can hang your shopping bags, diaper bag etc when you are out and about with the baby without having to shove everything under the seat. Very convenient for any shopping trips and bonus you don’t have to carry any bags. Just remember not to overload the back of the stroller since at some point it may tip over.
Playpen: A must item for your baby. If you can borrow one that’s great too! When they are newborn, I used my playpen on the main floor as a spot to change baby (left a diaper caddy in there with wipes etc.) and put baby down for naps. You can get ones with bassinet/changing pad attachments and it is nice to have that extra spot padded spot for them - but it is not necessary and you can only use for a couple months before they are too big or you don’t feel comfortable leaving them there as they start to roll over. When they start sitting on their own and playing with toys (6 months +) the playpen becomes a good spot to put them in and keep them contained while they play with their toys, roll around and sit safely by lowering the pad all the way to the bottom. The playpen is also great as a travel crib. If you go to the cottage, stay at your parents for the day, go on a trip etc., you can fold it up and bring along with you for naps, overnight stays and playing spot. Graco is a good, affordable brand that gives you all you need for a playpen with many different styles. But if it’s in your budget, it is nice to invest in one of the higher end brands since the Graco can be a little finicky when folding up. There is the 4moms and babybjorn which are light and easy to set up and fold up while looking a little more sleek.
Playpen sheets: I would get at least 2 since babies spit up quite often and it’s convenient to have an extra one. I would also get an extra crib mattress pad for the playpen since you can use to add padding for naps and sleeping overnight. It is a little big, but you can fold it under the matt and it adds some cushion since the pads are so hard & stiff.
Mirror in the car: not necessary, but gives you a piece of mind when you are driving the little one around - what are they doing?! Also some mirror double as a tablet spot so when they are a bit older you can put something for them to watch when they are freaking out in the car.
Shades for backseat: Sometimes the sun can really get in the babies face when they are trying to take a snooze.
Travel bottle warmer: It is convenient to have a warmer even in your car for bottles. They are slow, but you can plan it so the bottle is ready for when you reach your destination. I can’t count the many times I have gone to Starbucks or Tim’s to get a cup of boiling hot water to warm up a bottle while it’s spilling out while driving. Diono is one brand. Another option is to have a thermos to bring hot water with you to warm up your bottle. You may already have a good one at home.
Baby sling: These are not necessary, but kind of are if you end up with a fussy baby who is struggling with their naps. With Brooklyn, my baby wrap saved me the first couple months. She was so fussy and we had a few hiccups with breastfeeding so she wouldn’t settle and I couldn't get anything done around the house since she wanted me to hold her all the time.My husband came home with the K’tan wrap and it was amazing. This wrap is already set up so it’s easy to use. It mimics the womb for the baby since they are in a curled up position and can hear your heartbeat while having the comfort of your smell. I would use this thing all the time with Brooklyn around the house so I could multi-task. I would even sometimes take her for walks with this wrap when she went through her hating the stroller phase for a month. The Solly and Moby are also some other popular brands that are really cute and functional. However you have to set up the wrap for yourself so it may take a few times to figure it out - but I have heard great things about them.
Carrier: I would definately recommend! Especially when they are a few months old and the baby sling starts weighing heavy on you. They are great for walks, hiking - just being out and about and another option over the stroller. They can see better and observe the world around them while being in the comfort of their mama or daddy (turned in or out). I also took it with me for long walks or activities as an option when the kiddos got sick of the stroller. Ergo is a really nice brand that have cute diverse colour and is really easy on your back when wearing. The 360 allows the baby to sit facing either way on your front or piggy back when older. Baby bjorn also is a really popular brand that has been around for a while.
Hiking carrier: Definitely not necessary - but if you are an avid hiker or like going on long family walks these are really great to have and a little more heavy duty than the regular carrier. We have a Phil & Ted one that has a built in backpack to store anything and your child can sit really comfortably back pack style.
Dock a tot: Relatively newer baby item, but I totally see value in it. I did not use for my first 2 kids since it wasn’t really a thing back then. I looked up getting one for baby # 3 and shocked at the price! Close to $200 for this thing. I think it would definately be worth it if it’s for your first baby and you’re planning for multiple kids. Or you could just borrow from a friend. It is basically a little bed so you can put baby down on the couch, floor or when visiting someone’s house. Easy to bring anywhere and keeps baby a little contained so they don’t roll out. But I can’t imagine it lasting longer than a couple months due to the size and once baby really learns how to roll, they will get out of it.
Outdoor mat: so nice to have when you are out and about with baby. Easy to pack and wash! You can bring on walks, picnics, parks, camping etc. Safe place for baby to hang outside or crawl on.
Feeding
BOON Highchair
pump hands free nursing bra **
bottles (dr, brown, comotomo - dont get too many since baby may have preferences!) *
bottle warmer **
sippy cup *
soft spoons *
drying rack ***
bibs (plastic - baby bjorn) *
nursing tank tops! **
nursing pads **
nursing pillow
Breast pump: Not a must have since depends on if you are planning to breastfeed or not. However if you are breastfeeding (you can wait to see how it goes and then purchase if breastfeeding is going well) you will need it. Otherwise you can’t leave your baby for more than an hour at the beginning since you are the only feeding source. Pumping in general is not something a mom looks forward to. It takes up time, usually you have to be plugged in or using a battery, you have to hold it (unless you get hands free nursing bra), and you have to be hunched over - awkward positioning. And all this time and effort to get a small 4 oz bottle. It’s a pain the ass, but breastfeeding has so many benefits for both mom and baby that it is worth it. Pumps on the market now that I have heard of are Medela, Ameda and Willow (newest) and I feel there are a lot more options now then there were when I was starting to have kids. Medela is an open system pump so that is what deterred me from it since it requires more cleaning because you don’t have separation from air & milk. However, it is known to have a stronger pump and suction. The other option is Ameda which is a closed system and what I got for my babies. A lot easier to clean and you don’t have to worry about any mould build up. Downside is it does not have as much power and I found that after a few years the strength of it has decreased. The new and shiny breast pump that is out now is the Willow. I wish they had this when I started breastfeeding. It is a hands free, plug free, quiet pump that you can use almost anywhere. It sits in your bra and collects milk while you are living your life. You don’t need to put your life on pause. You can control and monitor how much milk your collecting on an app on your phone. Of course such high tech pumping comes with a hefty price tag as well as pricey milk bags. But if breastfeeding is working for you and baby, you plan on breastfeeding for a while or with other children - I would say that’s worth the investment. Some work places will cover some or most of the cost for a breast pump so definitely look into this! I breastfed all my kids for about a year and an easier pumping experience would have been a plus. Not in my case, but especially if you are a working mom it would make pumping easier and not so daunting - and maybe encourage you to keep breastfeeding/expressing while back at work.
Hands free nursing bra: If you do purchase one of the more affordable pumps - the hands free nursing bra is an inexpensive way to make your life easier by allowing you to not have to hold the pumps while you are doing the deed.
Bottles: Dr.Brown has been around for a while and one of the best known bottles especially for colic babies. Como Tomo has such a basic design, but really great for mom’s who are breastfeeding their kid since they resembles and feel like a breast. With Brooklyn, I had to go through several bottles before we found Como Tomo and it saved me (Dr.Brown, Ameda, Tommee Tippee). They are pricey, but worth it if it works for your baby. And since they are very simple, they are also easy to clean. Either way don’t put too many bottles (2 of one brand) on your registry since you don’t know what you and your baby will end up liking.
Bottle warmer: You can get a bottle warmer that matches your bottle brand you choose. Dr.Brown has its own. Or you can use any generic brand as long as you can fit the bottles inside. I just used the Tommee Tippee one for my Como Tomo bottles and it worked fine. You can heat up on the stove but it is annoying and will wear out your pans!
Sippy cups: You usually don’t use them right away. But around 4 months you can start giving your baby water or milk in the sippy cups. Ones with handles are great so baby can start learning coordination and how to drink on their own.
Soft spoons: Whatever is your style. I attached these wooden soft spoons which I think are super cute. But you can use any brand as long as soft at the tip for babies delicate mouth since they don’t have teeth for a while. You can start giving your baby solids anytime between 4-6 months.
Bowls: Any soft bowls that are made of safe material for babies are great. I like boon they have a lot of pratical bowls and plates with basic styles. Avanchy also has cute bowls to match the wooden looking spoons. Any baby bowls or plates work! Ones with suction on the bottom or edges that help the bowl from being knocked over are practical too so your baby won’t knock it over if you put it down (but I don’t guarantee that it will always prevent spills!).
Drying rack: Nice to have a separate drying rack for all your baby bottles to let them air out and prevent mold build up. This boon grass style one is popular and it also has a narrow version if you want to save space. But any drying rack will work. This one is just cute too!
Bottle brushes or set: Obviously to properly clean your bottles and nice to have a separate one you use just for the bottles to be safe for baby. You can use a specific bottle brush that matches the brand of bottle you have like Dr.Brown. Or you can use any generic bottle brush - they work for most bottles like the one I attached Munchkin. I also recommend the tiny brushes to really get in the crack and crevices of the bottles (and can also be used to clean your pump). As well as later down the line when you start buying straw bottles and sippy cups. That’s why I loved this set I linked that my busing ended up finding at West Coast Kids. It’s such a simple design, but so nice to actually have a spot to put the bottle brush instead of just leaving it anywhere to drip. It would drive me crazy and one of those products that I saw and said ‘why did I not come up with this myself’
High chair: I would really recommend to get a proper high chair or borrow one for your baby when they start eating. It is so much easier to have a designated spot for your baby to eat and promotes good eating habits early on. Also babies will learn to love the high chair and also like sitting while they play with toys, have a cracker and watch you putter around. I would recommend to get a high chair that is easy to clean, easy to move around (wheels on the bottom) and has some comfort for your child. Look is not that important, more practicality. But there are some high chairs out there that have both look and function. I love this boon one. It is so easy to wipe down and easy to use. You can roll it around the house and move it higher or lower. You can order different padding and tray colours (or if you just want to update it later on). You can remove the tray easily to clean and even throw in the dishwasher. Also it looks really cool and modern. And the padding adds comfort to your babies’ seat. The only negative I would say is how heavy and wide the base is. But overall it doesn’t really affect your daily usage of it. Another really popular one in the baby world that is very Scandinavian style is the Stokke. It is pricey, but if that is your style it is also very functional and easy to clean. If you are on a budget the Ikea one is also great and is also travel friendly. There are some high chairs that are more like attachments onto regular chairs or attach to a table. Those are great for travel or for when your baby gets a little older and better at sitting on chairs and you want to save some space in your home.
Bibs: For feeding, you don’t want to use your nice fancy bibs since it will get messy. Plastic ones or ones with a catch are great to reduce messes and are easy to clean. Baby bjorn one is amazing and I still use now for when the girls are eating soup. Or softer plastic ones you can rinse under the sink are great too!
Pacifier: Good to have at least one or 2 pacifiers for when your baby gets fussy and needs some comfort without the boob. However I wouldn’t buy too many since some babies will develop preference for one or another. Some babies don’t like them. Both my girls never really took to soothers. This one I attached is great since it will pop in if it falls out of babies’ mouth so it won’t get dirty. Also get to get one or two pacifier holders so you don’t keep loosing them (you can attach to babies bib or clothing etc). This one I attached doubles as a teether which is great. Any will work. You can also use for some toys and tethers by attaching holder to a toy so they don’t keep loosing it. I have heard soothers can become an issue later on with dependency so it can become a slippery slope later on.
Nursing tank top: Not necessarily feeding, but indirectly is. These tanks are so comfortable especially for night time when you have to do those night feedings. Comfortable to wear and will support your breasts and breast pads. You can even wear during the day or under your shirts so you don’t have to wear nursing bras all the time. I got some from Target which are really affordable or you can find some from Thyme Maternity and other maternity online lines like H&M / Old Navy.
Nursing pads: Especially at the beginning you will be leaking milk when you are not expecting it. You can also use to wipe your breast post feeding session. You can get reusable ones, but I just liked using the disposable ones (easier when you are out and about).
Nursing pillow: Honestly I breastfed all my kids for the first year and I really didn’t use the nursing pillow. It is nice at the beginning when your milk first comes in and your engorged and sore to have it as an option. Gives more back support etc. But I also just used the lying on back position a lot and just used regular pillows for arm support. Maternity pillows can also double as nursing pillow. If you do want to get one especially for those early days of breastfeeding, this one I linked is a good price and soft - moms seem to love it.
Health
Cool mist Humidifier
Thermometer (digital ear) *
infant advil or Tylenol **
grooming kit- soft brush, nail clippers etc **
cool mist humidifier !! (for when sick) **
Snot sucker **
cold balm (substance) **
Sunblock (substance, thinkbaby) **
Thermometer: I would definitely recommend getting a thermometer if you don’t already have one. Babies will get sick at some point and having the ability to check their temperature is important. If you are on a budget you can get any run of the mill thermometer or baby thermometer that reads from the armpit or mouth. But I would really recommend investing in a digital ear thermometer. It’s more accurate, it takes 1-2 sec to get a reading (important when your baby is fussing) and hygienic (you get disposable covers). You can use the thermometer for everybody. I have a Braun one and it is great!
Infant Advil/Tylenol: Gives you a piece of mind in case your baby ever spikes a fever in the middle of the night. Better to have on hand then have to run out last minute to Shoppers. I personally found advil to work better with fever and pain.
Grooming kit: They have lots of baby grooming kits that include items like a soft brush and nail clippers for their tiny fingers and little thermometer. If not a whole grooming kit - just the soft hair brush and nail clipper are enough.
Cool mist humidifier: When the little kiddos get sick, they really struggle with the stuffed nose. They are so small and get clogged up so easily especially during the night. The cool mist humidifier really helps. I think the cool one is better than the warm one, since it can also help with any chest congestion (illnesses like croup).
Snot sucker: Obviously babies cannot blow their own nose yet so this snotsucker is a way to get the boogers out of their nose and it’s effective. Your baby will probably hate it when you do it. But worth it after when they can breathe a little better.
Cold balm: This is very useful especially if you have a winter baby. It is a natural balm that protects their faces from cold temperatures and winds. However these products have oils that can irritate sensitive skin. Honestly I found Vaseline to work the best. That shit is gold! It is literally an extra layer of skin to protect their face or skin. My second babe has eczema and I found Vaseline to also help with prevent break outs and reactions. In the winter I always have multiple vaseline tubs for the kids going outside.
Sunblock: Very useful if you have a summer baby. They have many natural sunblock brands on the market like Substance, Honest, ThinkBaby etc.
Other
Honest baby wipes
diapers (pampers swaddlers, honest)
diaper wipes (honest company- the best!!)
baby detergent
baby friendly dish soap & cleaning spray
Diapers: Which diaper to get ?! Cloth or disposable? They make it a lot easier these days to do the cloth route. Services that will pick up, clean and deliver cloth diapers. They are eco-friendly, very sensitive for baby’s bottom and cheaper in the long run. However I chose the disposable route. They are many choices. I think a lot of it is personal preference and experience. I really loved the pampers swaddlers at the beginning and then when they get older the Pampers Dry. Or once they start sleeping through the night, I liked to have overnight diapers separate from day time diapers. If you want a more natural disposable diaper there is always Honest and they have super cute patterns on them. I did use these for a bit, but found after a while I got a lot of leaks especially overnight. Also seventh generation although I have not personally tried.
TIP: for boys it’s better to upsize the diapers a bit since they need more room for their male parts to not rub against diaper. Also when putting on diapers, boys need to have more coverage in the front and girls need more coverage in the back so you can adjust the placement before you place the straps.
Diaper Wipes: I have tried several different brand of wipes and by far my favourite are Honest. They are thick, not too wet and all natural. They are on the pricier end $7.99, but for me it’s worth it and I find I don’t have to use as many to get the job done. It’s a part of mom life to always have wipes on you! Even when the kids are older. Convenient cleaning up tools. I would recommend to have multiple wipes everywhere readily available. Wipes in the car, wipes in the diaper bag, wipes on the main floor, the second floor, your purse…Trust me it will be worth it. As they get older you won’t need as many wipes available, but still good to always have in your purse and at home. You can get smaller travel packs or get a reusable wipe case to fill up. A lot of it is personal preference too. You’re using them on their sensitive regions, I feel investing in natural products is better and more sensitive for their skin. Hello Bello is very similar in consistency as Honest, natural brand and more affordable. Seventh generation are also a decent natural brand. However I find them too moist. Water wipes are another popular option, but they are just water and babies bottom is still smelly I find post wiping.
Diaper cream: On a daily basis to keep some moisture and prevent chaffing I find just very small amount of substance or mini organics to be great! Substance has travel sizes (which I get multiple and put one in every changing area and diaper bag) or a large one. Only con with the travel sizes, they are tricky to open at first until you get used to it - not the issue with the large size. However when the rashes get bad or the bumb really red - the best stuff is penaten the creamy original style. That thick consistency is good for when a rash appears and I find oily products just make it worse. There is a reason why it’s been around for forever. Cornstarch and hydrocortisone also good if a very bad rash.
Bottom spray: I feel like even when you wipe a babies bomb after a poop it still smells a bit. I like using a spray or cleanser to give it a final clean after a big number 2.
Baby Detergent: Regular detergents generally have pretty harsh chemicals. If you already use natural detergents they are probably good too just double check the label. Otherwise to be on the safe side get a baby detergent like ivory or honest etc, for babies delicate new skin.
Baby friendly cleaning products: Any natural dish soap is great or you can use baby specific one. I usually use seventh generation, dapple or method. Good to use for their sippy cups, plates and bottles after a few months (sterilization is recommended for the first few months). Cleaning spray for their toys and surfaces they use (i.e.high chair). Again you can just purchase a natural spray. I like method or seventh generation.