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Thanks to Philips Avent for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are mine.
After three babies in five years, I feel like I know a little bit more than I once did about what a baby truly needs for the first year. When Philips Avent asked if I wanted to share my registry essentials + some of my favorite Mamalogues, I was SO excited to say YES!
I remember being pregnant for the first time 6(!) years ago and being so absolutely overwhelmed looking at all the resources online and in-stores about what to put on a baby registry. We ended up having a ton of ‘baby stuff’ and with every child, we’ve downsized the amount of baby gear needed because babies don’t need that much stuff. The key is getting items with multiple uses and truly deciding between needs and wants. With that in mind, here’s my list of baby registry essentials + some of my favorite mamalogues between myself and Emmy. <3
My Favorite Advice Ever
The ONLY piece of advice you need as a new mom is to TRUST YOURSELF. There are a million ways to be a mom but YOU are the perfect mom for YOUR BABY so trust yourself in your decisions. You will pick up on baby’s cues, needs, and you two will develop a special bond – mamalogues – like no one else.
Feeding Essentials
Avent Bottles Whether you’re nursing and pumping or formula-feeding, bottles should be part of everyone’s registry. I love Avent Natural bottles because they have an ultra soft and flexible nipple that looks and feels like mom making it easy to transition from breast to bottle and back.
Avent Freeflow Pacifiers Just in case – Avent Freeflow Pacifiers are my favorite :). I never offer our newborns pacifiers but it never hurts to have a pack on-hand in case you have a binkie baby. These are the best because they work from newborn-18 months!
Nursing Pillow I love this one – perfect for pregnancy, then nursing, then just for sleeping with.
Milk Catcher In the early days of nursing, it’s great to have a milk catcher to catch the excess leakage from the side you’re not nursing on. An easy way to build a breastmilk stash!
Drying Rack Nice to have to dry all the bottles, nipples, and pump pieces. This is my fave!
Pump & Pump Supplies If you’re nursing, a pump and all the accessories is a must. Insurance generally covers this, so be sure to check! This is my favorite pump.
Sleep Essentials
Easy Swaddles You don’t need 83 blankets for baby, but I always love having EASY swaddles, meaning swaddles that get baby nice and tightly bundled without having to think or try to wrap them 3 times before you get it right. I love these and these.
Easy Sleepers Again, you want something EASY here. For me, it’s easiest to use zippered sleepers in the beginning versus snaps. Footed sleepers are my best friend in the first few months of baby’s life.
Video Monitor Some would argue that a video monitor isn’t essential, but I personally love having one to see what baby is doing in her crib without having to open the door. Many of these are super inexpensive now and work through your smartphone – this is the one we have and LOVE.
Sound Machine Hands down, a must. You will use it for years. Get one that plugs in so you aren’t spending millions on batteries. This is our favorite.
Sheets Get at least 2 crib sheets. If you only have one, Murphy’s Law says that your baby will spit-up or poop on the one you do have, AND it will happen in the middle of the night. Trust me.
Crib & Mattress This is a given. Just needs to be something safe and sturdy, you don’t need anything super fancy.
Pack & Play Great if you travel or plan to have baby in your room for a few weeks/months. We still have one from when Quinn was a baby 6 years ago; they no longer sell it but this looks very similar.
Baby Essentials
Diapers ALWAYS register for diapers. Try a few different brands to see what baby likes.
Wipes Another thing to always register for! You WILL need them, you WILL use them.
Diaper Cream Always good to have on-hand for sensitive new tushies.
Bodywash I always get something safe for baby’s new, tender skin.
Towels A few hooded towels are great for baths from newborn-elementary school. I love hooded towels because they cover cold, wet heads.
Thermometer Unfortunately, a must have. Get a good one as you’ll have it for years to come!
Toys & Gear Essentials
Play Mat Great as a spot for the baby to hang out and kick and play :). This one is so cute!
Bumbo/Seat I love our Bumbo, some people swear by this seat that accomodates chunkier thighs.
High Chair Go minimal on this! I am obsessed with this one – it breaks down to fit in a closet and is SO easy to clean and has a great price.
Rock & Play The only piece of ‘extra gear’ I think you need. This was always an amazing place for my babies to relax and even catch a nap in.
Stroller Get a good one! Another piece we’ve had for 6 years. Pro tip: if you plan on having another child within 3 years following the birth of your first, get a stroller that can convert to a double. Many of my friends have and love this one.
Pumpkin Seat Truth is, you can put a baby in a convertible car seat from 5lbs up. But a convertible seat simply means it’s static in the car but can be positioned differently for different ages. A pumpkin seat is removable so you don’t have to take an infant out of her seat every time you are getting in and out of the car. WORTH IT xs 110%!
Baby Carrier Especially essential if you have other children! I love babywearing because it fosters a sense of closeness and allows me to actually get stuff done! Many of my favorite moments from Emmy’s first year involve her napping in a carrier on my chest. I’ll never forget her precious little sleeping eyes facing me from her carrier. This is a favorite and this is a great on-the-go option.
