The Perfect Baby Registry

The first time I walked into Babies ‘R Us, the very first time, was when I was pregnant with Graham and was creating my first baby registry.  I was COMPLETELY overwhelmed by that fact that there was an entire super store dedicated to these little humans, and I had no idea what we needed.

“We’ll take it all!”, was pretty much the theme of the day.

We added fancy bedding, bassinets, bouncers, swings, travel swings, vibrating chairs, play mats, play seats, exersaucers, jump-a-roos, high chairs, portable high chairs, toys, clothes, bottles, bibs – you name it – to our registry.  And because we have such dear friends, we ended up with most of these baby items.  Some of which we used, some of which after two babies is still largely untouched and awaiting baby #3 in our attic.   Don’t ask me why…

Unfortunately, I ended up giving most of my “practical” baby items away, the things I really loved and used with my babies.  I thought my new-mom friends should reap the benefits of having these items as I did.  I’m glad they got used.  The down side, is that I now actually have to go back out and re-acquire some of these items.  Eh, it’s all good.

Curious as to what I think are the baby must-haves?  The Perfect Baby Registry items?  The things I’ll be scoring local consignment stores for?

 

Perfect Baby Registry Must-Haves include:

1. Swaddles – and lots of them.  If you’re  a first time parent, get a variety so that you can figure out what kind you prefer.  Popular brands include: Halo Sleepsack, Swaddle Me/Kiddopotamus, the Miracle Blanket, and Woombie (pictured).
2. Footie Pajamas – Get a few with long sleeves, a few with short and you’ll be good to go.  Did you know they have magnetic ones now?  Infants can practically dress themselves these days.  Check out the Magnificent Baby collection for magnetic closure (pictured).   I also love the mbaby clothing line from Munchkin. They have a double layer on the front to keep back-sleepers extra warm.
3. An assortment of pacifiers.  Just in case.  You never know if you’re going to have a paci-baby or not.  It’s always good to have a few options when faced with a fussy infant in those first few days.
4. Bottles and formula.  I know, I know.   You plan to breastfeed.  Cool.  There may come a day, however, when you just need to give that baby a bottle.  My motto when it comes to the newborn stage?  Always be prepared for desperate moments.  Have a few small bottles with slow-flow nipples and a wee-bit of formula on hand.  Just. In. Case.  (Munchkins Latch bottles are pictured.)
5. Bottle drying rack.  Use it for bottles, pumping supplies, pacifiers, or shot glasses.  You decide.  (The Boon Grass drying rack is pictured.)
6. Diapers and Wipes.  ‘Nuff said. Throw in a Diaper Genie for good measure. It’s the best pail for odor containment.
7. Skip on the cute bedding set.  Get thee a breathable bumper, a few crib sheets and some sheet savers.  Sheet savers tie to the crib rail and are positioned under baby’s bum (or mouth) to stop fluids from staining sheets.  It’s easier to change a sheet saver than a crib sheet.  Trust me.
8. Changing pad and cover.  
9. Infant Car Seat (can’t leave the hospital without one) and a Car Seat Piddle Pad.  Your infant will have a blow out.  If you have my luck, it’ll be in the car seat.  Make clean up easier on everyone by having a pad in there so you don’t have to disassemble the whole car seat.  That can be a challenge for anyone, but especially so for a sleep deprived parent.
10. Snap ‘n Go Stroller – it’s the easiest to manage and the lightest option.  Both good for a recovering new mom.
11. Mirror for the car – you’re going to want to see baby’s face when they are rear facing, so go ahead and register for one of these!  (Brica’s Magical Firefly Musical Mirror is pictured.)
12. Soother/noise machine.  My babies both loved white noise as infants.  This is a MUST if you ask me! (Homemedics Lullaby SoundSpa is pictured.)
13. Travel bassinet and bassinet sheets.  So much smaller than a pack ‘n play and way easier to cart around between rooms and on the road than one as well.   Perfect for infants!  (Brica’s Travel Bassinet is pictured.)
14. Nursing cover and nursing pads.  You’re gonna need both.  In my opinion, you cannot beat Lasinoh’s disposable nursing pads.  Consult other moms on this one and most will agree!
15. Baby carrier – so many types, so many opinions.  Pick one that works for you.  It might be prudent to borrow a few friends and trying them out before making this purchase.
16. Travel Swing – skip all of the other stuff (big swings, bouncers, vibrating chairs) and just get a travel swing.  It’ll take up less space in your room and… it’s portable!
17. Baby monitor – decide if you need video or not, then check out reviews.  I’ve never had a baby monitor last more than 6-9 months before breaking, so good luck with that! 😉 (Boppy’s Travel Swing is pictured)

What’d I miss? What are your Perfect Baby Registry Items?  What could you skip on that I included?

I’m sharing this post as part of the Ultimate Guide to Baby’s First Year, a series that started yesterday and runs through May 20th.  I along with 30 other family bloggers are sharing everything that you need, want, and never thought you’d need to know about babies!  Plus, we’re giving away some serious bundles of baby and parent goodies.

For the rundown of who’s writing about what and when, visit: http://lemonlimeadventures.com/youre-invited-celebrate-babys-first-year/

To check out what we’re pinning, visit:
Follow Dayna :: Lemon Lime Adventures’s board Everything Baby on Pinterest.

And most importantly, don’t miss our giveaway (including many of my featured Perfect Registry Items):

a Rafflecopter giveaway