The Most Awesome Baby Registry List
Hey friends!
I know, it's been a while...! Like, a long while! Just long enough to create a human being. That's right, Boddington is now a BIG BROTHER! And he is doing so well...
Doesn't it just melt your heart?
Since my baby is now 6 weeks old, I'm obviously an expert on everything baby, right? Wrong! But I did promise some friends who are with child (with "children" for some of them!) that I would share my registry recommendations with them. So I won't dilly dally and I'll get right to it! Here's the list!
**The list below includes affiliate links.
Nursery
Noise Machine
Everyone is looking for the perfect noise machine. I really like this one because it plays all kinds of noises, has a nightlight, and a really cool projector that I think our baby girl will like when she is a little older. The only issue is that the night light doesn't turn off, so there is always a dim light on, but I'm guessing your baby won't mind!
Munchkin Nursery Projector and Sound System, White
Video/Audio Monitor
This video monitor is really great. I did a lot of research on all of the different monitors (specifically the Summer Infant ones) and they are all pretty similar. The main difference with this one in particular versus similar models, is that it shows the temperature in the room, which I thought was something we might want (although, sometimes I feel like it's not quite right!) and also that it is on wifi. There are pros and cons about it being on wifi. The pro is that you can login to the monitor from your cellphone or tablet from another location. So if you are out and about or at work, you can always look in on your little babe! The con is that there is the slim possibility that your network could be hacked and some creeper could look in on your house. This totally freaks me out and almost kept me from buying this one, but I just figure since I'm not a Kardashian, nobody really cares about my non-celebrity baby, right?
Summer Infant Baby Zoom Wi-Fi Video Monitor and Internet Viewing System, Link Wi-Fi Series
Changing pad
This changing pad works just fine. Why pay more for a more fancy one?
Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad
Changing pad liners
Okay, these changing pad liners might be one of the best things that we bought, seriously! The thing that no one tells you is that the pretty cover you bought for your changing pad that matches your nursery is basically useless and will likely get ruined from having to wash it 70 times a day. This is not only because when you change diapers, poop gets everywhere (TMI?), but also because if your little munchkin is like mine, she'll pee every single time you change her! I can't even imagine the mess if she were a boy! These changing covers allow you to just toss them in the washer and go on about your business. We bought too packs (one for our changing pad upstairs and one for downstairs) and it was the perfect amount! We just stack them up on top of each other, and every time one is dirty, we throw it in the laundry room. It makes life so much easier, and that is really all you care about in life when you have a baby, am I right?
Bamboo Changing Pad Liners
Breastfeeding and Pumping
All the breastfeeding and pumping items are all pretty self explanatory, so I won't go into any descriptions here.
Medela Breastmilk Storage Solution
Medela Pump and Save Breast Milk Bags
Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner - Bare Naked
Boppy Pillow Protector
Feeding
Bottles
If your little one is blessed with tummy issues like mine (like mother like daughter!) you will want to have these gas-reducing bottles from Dr. Browns. They are kind of a hassle to clean, as all the reviews say, but it is totally worth it when you hear your baby screaming from bad gas!
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottles 5-Pack Set
Bibs and burp cloths
Even though I dislike the Aden and Anais swaddles (read about it below in My List of Not Awesome Products), the bibs and burpy bibs are awesome if your child is suffering from acid reflux like ours. Are you getting the hint that the first 6 weeks haven't been easy? These bibs are so soft! I put them around her before she eats and then we don't have to change her outfit every time she spits up! Winning!
Aden + Anais Snap Bibs Aden + Anais Burpy Bib Set
High Chair
The boon high chair is one of the only high chairs that is somewhat decent looking, while also being a breeze to clean, according to the reviews. Obviously our little one is too small to use this yet, but I will update on my own experience when we get there.
Boon Flair High Chair
Drying rack
I was a little hesitant to unwrap the Boon Drying Rack when I got it as a shower gift. Why would I need a whole other drying rack for bottles or breastpump items if I already have a normal drying rack in my kitchen? Well, if you were like me, trying to get my milk supply up and pumping every five minutes (it seemed!), then you might benefit from having another rack somewhere else in your house. I had this in the bathroom next to the nursery so I could easily wash the breastpump accessories, which were then easily accessible next time I pumped. The other thing is that if you have it in your kitchen, your bottles and breastpump items don't get all wet again when you are drying your actual pots and pans!
Boon Winter Grass Countertop Drying Rack Boon Twig Grass and Lawn Drying Rack Accessory
Sleep
Bassinet
You're probably going to be saying, "you seriously bought all this stuff for sleep!?" And you would be right. I literally bought all of the below items for sleeping, because let's face it, that's the most important thing for your sanity, and you never know what your baby is going to like! I will break down each of the items I bought, but in the end, we found that she slept best in her crib, of all places, with the help of a few items below:
The HALO Bassinet is pretty awesome. It has a vibrating feature, a breastfeeding timer, a nightlight, and music/white noise. The problem we had was that it was just too big for her little body and even when she was swaddled, she still rolled all around in it. (That's where the The Doc A Tot came into play!
It's currently unavailable on Amazon, but it's one of my favorite baby items that helped save my sanity!). With all that said, I would say it is very heavy, so it's not something you should plan to move around your house and it does not have an incline, so you may want to invest in a Crib Wedge (this one fits in your crib and also perfectly in the HALO).
HALO Bassinet Swivel Sleeper Bassinet, Premiere Series
Another sleeping option
The Rock 'n Play Sleeper was something I was excited to have when we first brought our little girl home! It is perfect for putting beside your bed or around the house, since it is pretty portable. The few downfalls of this product are that 1.) it does not rock like the name says - I know right?! I was surprised too. It only vibrates. I guess if your child likes that, then you're good. But my child likes a rocking motion. And 2.) It is not technically SIDs approved, apparently. However, I find it hard to find anything that is completely "SIDs" approved, so who knows.
Fisher-Price My Little Lamb Platinum Edition Deluxe Newborn Rock 'n Play Sleeper with Vibration
Swaddles
I heard mixed reviews from my mommy friends about swaddling their little ones. Some said that their children loved to be swaddled and others said they hated it! The hard thing is that you won't actually know if your baby likes it until she makes her debut! Therefore, I suggest having just one pack of these Summer Infant Swaddleme Blankets on hand just in case. There are plenty of other swaddles that we have, but these seem to be the easiest to get your squirmy, overtired, screaming baby into quickly during a meltdown, and also prevent their little arms from escaping! It sounds so mean, but once they calm down, you'll realize it was all worth it.
Summer Infant 2 Count Swaddleme Blanket
Crib mattress
Okay, I'm all about loosening the purse strings for really expensive baby items that make a huge difference in your life, but when it comes to a mattress, this one does the trick! Again, why spend the money on some fancy mattress, especially if you are using my number one recommended item for sleep (The Doc A Tot - currently unavailable on Amazon).
Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams White Crib Mattress
SIDs prevention
SIDs is a REALLY scary possibility for parents everywhere. That's why the Snuza is so amazing! It clips to your baby's diaper or clothing and will alert you if your baby hasn't taken a breath in 15 seconds. I personally think it's better than the monitors that go underneath the mattress because if you forget to turn that off and lift your baby from the mattress, the alarm will sound, scaring the bajeezus out of you! Thus, I like the clip-on idea much better!
Snuza Hero SE baby movement monitor
Swing
If you buy one sleep item for your baby, THIS IS THE PRODUCT FOR YOU! This literally saved my sanity. If you have a fussy baby who does not go down to sleep easily, this swing is a must have! And no, the Mamaroo does not replace this item - read more below in My List of Not Awesome Products. The pediatrician recommended it, friends recommended it, and they were all right. Not to mention that if you read several articles about sleep training, like this one on What you need to know about sleeping through the night, it highly recommends you get a swing so that you are not rocking your baby to sleep each night, teaching them to expect that for years to come. Can you imagine rocking a 5 year old to sleep? I can't!
Fisher-Price Moonlight Meadow Cradle 'n Swing
Bathing and Keeping Clean
Bath tubs
We actually registered for two bath tubs for our little girl. So far, I have only used the 4 Mom's infant tub, which I think is really awesome. It has a temperature gage that tells you if the water is too hot or too cold and a filter to filter out the dirty water. I also have the Euro Bath, which I am keeping on hand for when she is a bit older. Although the Euro Bath says it is good for infants, I would beg to differ, seeing as though it is huge, and you can barely keep a hold of that slippery small baby in the 4 Moms bath! They are both reasonably priced, so I didn't see the harm in having two! To be honest though, I have been using the bathroom sink with a towel in it for an easier and quicker bath time routine. I think she will be getting too big for that soon though!
4Moms Infant Tub, White or the Euro Bath.
Bath necessities and accessories
I am all about good looking baby items. 4 Moms really knows how to do that, and this spout cover is not any different.
4Moms Spout Cover, White
A plain and simple organizer to hold all the bath toys. Obviously we aren't there yet, but soon I know this will come in handy.
Toyganizer Bath Toy Organizer
I love Aveeno products for myself, so I have really liked them for my baby as well! This set has all you will need for the first few months!
Aveeno Baby Gift Set, Daily Care Essentials Basket, Baby and Mommy Gift Set
Cleansing cloths
As I mentioned, we are struggling with some major acid reflux, which makes for a lot of laundry and a lot of sponge baths. These Noodle & Boo Cleansing Cloths are PERFECT for cleaning up around her neck and hands for when she spits up. And even if you aren't dealing with acid reflux, they are great for a quick clean up before you can get their little umbilical cords wet in those first few weeks. Plus, if you are only doing bath time at night, it is great for hygiene care in the mornings! To top it off, I LOVE the smell of these, and I am a harsh critic when it comes to smells! :)
Noodle & Boo Ultimate Cleansing Cloths, 72-Count Resealable Pouch
Diapering
Diaper rash cream
I know everyone has recommended Butt Paste and Desitin, but the hospital uses vaseline, so it only made sense to keep using it! We just slap a lot of this Aquaphor on her little bum, and it seems to work great for prevention!
Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant
Diaper pail
I did a TON of research on all the diaper pails. The tried and true Diaper Genie just isn't cutting it in the reviews these days. Not just because it doesn't keep in the smell as good as the other brands, but also because it's hideous. Let's be honest, we are all on Pinterest trying to make our nursery good enough for Project Nursery, and you are certainly not going to get their with an ugly diaper pail! Am I right? Therefore, the Ubbi Diaper Pail is the new go-to. It keeps in the smell well and isn't a complete eye sore. Plus it comes in many different colors, so your nursery is on point!
Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail by Ubbi
Diapers
I have tried several different diaper brands now, and I can say that I am a full on Pampers supporter! They keep the leaks in and fit a lot better than other brands! You can see what brand of diapers I dislike below in the List of Not Awesome products.
Pampers Swaddlers Diapers Size N Super Pack 88 Count
Gear and Around the House
Play mat
I know I mentioned earlier that I like good looking baby toys. There are so many ugly toys and gear for babies! This is one of them lol. The Kick and Play Piano is kind of an eyesore in our living room, but our baby girl loves it! Even at 2 weeks old she was staring at the toys and kicking the piano. I like how the sounds can be turned pretty low so it's not super loud and annoying. And remember, even though this thing is kind of ugly, bright colors promote learning and growth for your little one!
Fisher-Price Kick and Play Piano
Lounger
The Boppy Lounger was given to us by a family member and I'd never even considered or heard of it. It is seriously awesome! It is such a great thing to have to lay your baby on - especially in those first few weeks- as you move throughout the house. Too bad Boddington has now taken this over and thinks it is his bed! The only downside to it is that it doesn't have a cover, so that is a huge downfall to the product - especially for babies with acid reflux!
Boppy Newborn Lounger, Elephant Love Gray
Activity gym
Obvee our baby girl isn't using this ExerSaucer yet, since she isn't able to hold her head up, but I am told this is a must have! I personally like the beach activity one because it seems more gender neutral. I hate when everything is blue or pink!
ExerSaucer Day at the Beach Activity Saucer
Floor seat
I have heard that the Bumbo Seat is a huge must have. I like this color because it is gender neutral. Again, I am not in love with everything being gender specific- plus, won't it save you a ton if you have another kid of the opposite gender!?
Ingenuity Baby Base 2-in-1 Booster Seat
Play yard
I love this Pack 'N Play because it comes with a changing table and a removable seat. I also like the color of it, since these can come in seriously hideous colors and patterns.
Graco Pack 'N Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Removable Seat, Glacier
On the go
Stroller
This stroller has been such a great purchase! The Baby Jogger City Select is so smooth and easy to collapse and put in the car. The other thing that you have the option for a second seat or car seat attachment - great for you ladies with twins or two little ones! It definitely seems to grow with the family and I like the fact that it has a ton of accessories you can buy to go with it. I also like the look of this stroller. Amazon has deals a lot for a free second seat and other discounts so make sure to check it regularly!
Baby Jogger 2016 City Select Single Stroller
Stroller accessories
I realized pretty quickly that you need a console for your stroller for your cellphone, drinks, bottles, etc. This is a must have.
Baby Jogger Parent Console, Universal, Black
We haven't used this belly bar yet, since we are still using the car seat adapter, but I know it will come in handy sooner or later.
Baby Jogger Adjustable Belly Bar
Again, this tray won't get much use for a little while, but it's another must have accessory that we got to go with the stroller.
Baby Jogger City Select Single Child Tray, Black
No one wants their beautiful new stroller to get ruined when they travel! This carry bag is a must have if you are going on a trip via airplane with your little one, which we will be soon!
Baby Jogger Single Carry Bag
Infant car seat
I researched and researched car seats and this one was my favorite. Not only because it is one of the lightest ones on the market (this is so important! I can't tell you how many times I haven't been able to find a cart in the parking lot close to my car, so I have had to carry her in the car seat all the way into the store and sometimes around the store! If it was any heavier, I don't think I could do it!), but also because it's generally good looking. Does that matter to anyone else? Because it certainly matters to me! I don't want some big ugly car seat in my car, maybe that's just me ;) But this one comes in all kinds of colors in case you think black is boring. This carseat is also super easy to clean. Again, so important!
Maxi-Cosi Mico AP Infant Car Seat
Second car seat
The Pria 70 is the car seat I plan to get for the next phase in my little one's life. It has great reviews and again, it isn't a complete eye sore. It is also somewhat light and is easy to clean. It was also designed to fit better in your car, allowing more room for your passengers to stretch out in the front seats. It fits children rear-facing starting at 9 pounds and keeps them cozy up to 40 pounds. When they're ready to ride forward-facing, turn this car seat around to safely fit children up to 70 pounds. Both stages benefit from the safer side impact protection provided by Air Protect technology which protects your child where it’s needed most, around the head.
2015 Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 Convertible Car Seat
Carrier
Because our first baby was Boddington (obvee!), we still go for walks almost every day. So this Ergobaby 360 Carrier is one of the best things we own and we use it daily! I am so glad we got the infant insert. Even at 6 weeks, she still fits nicely in it. We picked the 360 because it will grow with your child until he or she is 33 lbs! It comes in handy when you are shopping and you need the whole cart for groceries or large items. And maybe most importantly, if your baby is collicky or inconsolable (like mine sometimes is!) the only way to calm them is to put them in this and wear them around the house. We were also gifted the Solly Baby Wrap, and I have to say I still like this way better!
Ergobaby Bundle - 2 Items: Black/Camel 4 Position 360 Carrier with Natural Infant Insert
Car seat cover
I put this car seat cover on my registry last minute and it came just before baby girl was born. We had it on the car seat when we left the hospital and it has been SO helpful! Since we are still in the "no vaccinations" period and I NEED to get out of the house and do things, it's nice to keep her covered so people don't go touching her sweet little face while we are out and about! I haven't used it as a nursing cover, but it can be used for that as well. It is so nice that you can peek in at her through the button holes, instead of having to lift the whole cover. I also really like the pattern, and the minky lining on the inside comes in all different colors! The only downside to this product is that when we are walking with the stroller, the back side of the cover does fly up in the wind. I wish it had some kind of clips or weights on it to keep it down - probably something I could DIY though!
Premium Carseat Canopy Cover and Nursing Cover
Car mirror
There's a lot of different baby car mirrors out there, but this one has the best reviews! When we got the car seat checked out by the local police department, they said they don't recommend the mirrors because they are dangerous. I guess I probably should listen to that, but it's so nice to be able to see our little one while I am driving - whenever I talk to her, I can see her smile and that makes me so happy!
Cozy Greens® Baby Car Mirror
Cart cover
Apparently by your second child, you could care less about a cart cover, but since I am still in the FTM phase, I'm going to say a cart cover is important - not just for cleanliness, but also because it cannot be comfortable riding in a cart without some kind of padding on it! This cover has great reviews and it wraps up easily into a little pouch so you can easily store it in your diaper bag. It also has little pockets so you can put your phone and other items.
Lumiere Shopping Cart Cover for Baby
Noise machine for on the go
This on the go noise machine was SUCH a great purchase! It has come in handy in so many ways! First of all, I put it in my diaper bag for when we went to the hospital, and we were able to hang it from her bassinet on the night she was born to make her feel right at home in the womb! Once we got home from the hospital, we carried this thing all around the house wherever baby was napping. It has several different sounds, but of course the white noise is what we use it most for. The only downside to this product is that it doesn't have an on/off switch so if you leave it in your diaper bag, you could be hearing white noise from your bag at any moment!
mybaby HoMedics SoundSpa On-The-Go
Mom gear
Diaper bag
I debated as to whether or not I should spend a lot of money on a diaper bag or not, but now that I have this bag, I am so glad I bought it! It is an adorable bag and is HUGE! I know it will be so perfect once my LO gets older and I have to carry all kinds of things around with me. It comes with a changing pad and a shoulder strap, but the handles are big enough to carry around my shoulder, which I really like. I am more of a purse girl than a bag girl, so I like being able to carry it like a purse. I also like how many pockets it has! Perfect for all the little things you have to stuff in there as a mom! Lastly, the fabric is perfect for easily wiping up messes if any spills happen. I LOVE this bag!
Marc By Marc Jacobs Core Pretty Elizababy Shoulder Bag,Black,One Size
Maternity items
I don't have a lot of things on my list for pregnancy, but this was my fav thing I owned, especially in the first trimester. It was great to be able to wear my jeans or shorts open and then just throw this Bellaband over it to keep them from falling down - and everyone was none the wiser! You can also use it post pregnancy as you are transitioning to your new post-baby body (which is always a joy! lol).
Ingrid & Isabel Women's Maternity Everyday Bellaband
My water didn't actually break at home, but I had this Waterproof Sheet Protector on my bed under my sheets just in case! Can you imagine having to clean that up before you rushed to the hospital to have your baby!?! Or, having your water break and ruining your expensive mattress! I didn't want to take that chance. Now that she is here, I figure it will be perfect for her room when she is potty training and beyond.
Comfort Shield 34 x 54 Inch Premium Waterproof Sheet Protector
Baby health and safety
Thermometer
Our pediatrician uses this thermometer, so I figure they have to be on to something. The days of rectal thermometers are long gone, thank goodness!
Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer
Gripe water
We all hope to have an "easy" baby. Does that even exist? If so, I'd love to hear about it. Actually, no. Please don't tell me so I don't get jealous! Anyway, this Gripe Water is good to have on hand for when they are going through their fussy period. I haven't really figured out if it works or not, but you'll try anything when your baby is inconsolably crying, won't you? It certainly can't hurt!
Little Remedies Tummys Gripe Water, 4 Fluid Ounce
Gas drops
I wish I would have had these gas drops at home just in case from day one. I had to have a friend pick some up for me on her way over to our house and I felt bad making her buy it. Our little one had terrible gas for a while. Sometimes I felt like the gas drops worked, and other times I wasn't so sure. Either way, I'd try anything to help relieve my screaming baby of painful gas!
Newborns, Infants & Children Gas Relief Simethicone
Nasal aspirator
I know the hospital gives you one of those bulbs to suck out your baby's boogers, but their little nose holes are so small it seems so big! This NoseFrida is all the rage right now and seems worth it to have around the house for their very tiny noses.
NoseFrida The Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator
Fingernail trimmer
Cutting baby's fingernails is SO hard! You get so scared that you are going to cut off their little fingers! This Zo-li Nail Trimmer is great to have on hand so your baby's face doesn't get all scratched up!
Zo-li Buzz B Baby Nail Trimmer with green Replacement Pads
Humidifier
I haven't had a chance to use this humidifier yet (thankfully!), but apparently it is really great for when your little one gets sick! It is also not bad looking. It is a bit bigger than I thought it was going to be, but it has great reviews and a lot of people recommend this one.
Crane Drop Shape Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Toys, teething, and pacifiers
The items in this category are pretty self explanatory, so I will let them speak for themselves!
Baby Banana Bendable Training Toothbrush, Infant
Vulli Sophie la Girafe
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
Pacifiers
Baby girl likes these pacifiers the most. The WubbaNub Infant Pacifier
is also created with Soothie Pacifiers, which I know are all the rage and are super cute. The Oatmeal Bunny is my favorite because it is so soft! I am sure it depends on what your individual baby prefers though. Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier, Pink/Purple and Blue, 0-3 Months, 4 count
My List of Not Awesome Products:
So here's my list of products you can live without and I'll tell you why!
First up is the Mamaroo. I was pretty stoked to get this from a neighbor of mine. I couldn't believe we actually had it, given the fact that it was so pricey! It turns out it's not that awesome. The truth is, if you have a fussy baby who needs to be rocked or swayed, you need a swing (see above in my sleep section)! This thing goes way too slow to soothe a very fussy and crying baby. Yes, in the first few weeks, I put baby girl in there, but that was back when she couldn't really give a damn where she slept or was put down. Once we hit the one month mark, this thing just did not cut it. Please do not believe Pinterest posts that say this replaces a number of items, like a swing. Nothing could replace a swing! :)
4Moms Mamaroo
This Cloud B Sound Sheep is super cute and I was glad to get it because I don't think you can ever have too much white noise in your house with a new baby! They love it, so why not have it in every place they are? Turns out that this sheep can only be set on a 30 or 45 minute timer. It does have a ton of great sounds including white noise, ocean waves, and a shushing sound that imitates the womb, but what good does it do when it shuts off after 45 minutes? Kind of lame. But I guess if your baby doesn't wake up when it turns off, then it doesn't really matter. I do think the sheep is super cute, and I do still use it at every nap!
Cloud b Sound Machine Soother, Sleep Sheep, Eight Sounds
I wanted these swaddle blankets so badly, and was surprised when we got them from our shower, since they are so expensive! (Thanks friends and family!) The nice thing that everyone loves about them is that they are super soft and breathable. I will give them that. If you are looking to use them as a light blanket for your baby to put in the stroller or car seat, then by all means. However, as an actual swaddle blanket, it doesn't quite cut it. Even my pediatrician made a comment about the poor size and shape of them. Swaddle blankets need to be a perfect square in order to really make a good swaddle. That's why the ones from the hospital are so great! I recommend stealing - I mean, borrowing - as many of those as you possibly can! They do the trick just fine, and they are free!
aden + anais silky soft swaddle 3 pack, moonlight
Okay, so let me just say this and hope for no backlash. Has anyone else used these Honest Company diapers with bad results? Oh my goodness, they are terrible! They don't hold in blowouts, and she always leaked both #1 and #2. We love Pampers, as I mentioned above, so why would I pay more for these? They may have cute designs, but at the end of the day, all we want is to hold shit in, literally. ;)
The Honest Company Diapers (Newborn, Balloon Print) 40 Count
So that is the end of my list (for now!). I am sure as the weeks and months go by, I will discover a whole slew of other items that are both awesome and not so awesome. What did you think was the best item you got for your newborn? Feel free to send me any suggestions to add to the list!
xoxo
Lindsay, Boddington, and Baby Girl















