In August 2023, my life completely changed when I became a mom. If you're reading this post, then maybe your life is about to change too!
There is so much to learn when you become a mom. On top of all the new things you need to figure out (sleep, breastfeeding or formula feeding, diaper changes, etc.) you don't even know what supplies you're actually going to use in this crazy time.
When I was pregnant, I really didn't know what items would be needed and what items were unnecessary. I've compiled a list for you of my actual Baby Registry Essentials so that you don't need to guess (now that my son is 14 months old, I have a pretty good idea!). This is a compilation of my most-used baby items that I feel truly helped make my life easier. All of these products are things I bought with my own money and these are the items I'd put on my registry if I could go back in time and do it all over again! This also makes a great guide if you're hunting for good gift ideas for a baby shower; combine a couple of these items and you're set.
*BTW, if you make a purchase through the link in this post, I may earn small commission from Amazon. Thanks in advance if you'd like to support me in this way.
#1 - Sound Machine
I tried several sound machines. One broke, one was crackly-sounding, and for awhile I resorted to a white noise app on my phone. None of those options compared to the Yogasleep Dohm Originial White Noise Machine. The the Dohm Classic model features a fan-based natural white noise sound which gives the soothing ambient sounds of rushing air, without the disturbance of actual moving air.
#2 - Electric Nail Trimmer
I didn't realize how sharp baby's nails were or how fast they grew until I had my son! I was way too nervous to use nail trimmers because I was scared of cutting a finger off (am I dramatic?). I have used and loved this Royal Angels Baby Nail Trimmer since the first week my baby was born and he's 14 months old now. It's very easy to use and has a little light on it so you can do a quick trim even if your little one is sleeping. We use this all the time.
#3 - Diaper Cream and a Diaper Cream Brush
I'm putting these two items together because they really go hand-in-hand. Now, you may find you don't need diaper cream for your baby all the time, but it's one of those things: when you need it, you need it NOW. I'd recommend Desitin Diaper Rash Cream; it's a zinc oxide cream and it works insanely fast. I'd put a little bit on when a rash started and it would always clear up quickly. A tube lasted an entire year for us, because a little bit goes a long way.
Putting on diaper cream is something you can totally do by hand, but I prefer to use a brush because it's more hygienic and easier to spread. The one we use is the Bumco BabyBum Diaper Cream Brush. It's great because it comes in a 2-pack: one full size brush, and a smaller one for putting in your diaper bag. A friend gifted us this early on in my son's life and we literally couldn't live without it!
#4 - Diaper Pail
Notice there is a lot of talk about diapers? Well that's because you go through a lot in the first few months of your baby's life. The older they get, the more stinky the diapers become, so that's why I'd highly recommend the UBBI Diaper Pail. I got mine in this beautiful sage green color! This diaper pail is my favorite because unlike some other brands, you don't need special inserts or specific bags to place inside; I just use regular kitchen garbage bags. It really does trap in the scent, and it has a lock function on the top too so as your baby grows, they can't open up the top and pull anything out of the pail! Worth every penny.
#5 - Nasal Aspirator ("Snot Sucker")
If you haven't had your baby yet, you might find this one really gross! I did too, until I became a mom and lost all my dignity (lol). The FridaBaby Nasal Aspirator has been used so many times in our household that I can't even begin to fathom just how many times! When your baby gets sick (unfortunately, it's inevitable) and they're all stuffed up, the "snot sucker" is exactly what you need to clear their nasal passages. Your baby can't blow their nose yet, and this is a quick and easy way to get everything out! Plus this one comes with extra filters, so it's even more hygienic.
#6 - Bibs
I feel like we went through 10 bibs per day for months. Maybe it wasn't quite that many, but it sure felt like it! I had purchased this 12-pack of Egmao Bibs for Boys and Girls and I'm so happy I did. My son doesn't need them as much anymore, but he wore them all-day every-day for about 6 months. I got the "Brown" set, but they have several really cute color combinations to choose from. My favorite part about these bibs is that they have two adjustable snaps on the back so it'll fit a wide range of babies and they won't outgrow them as quickly.
#7 - Pacifiers
Not everyone is a fan of using pacifiers for their baby, and some babies won't take one! Even if you aren't sure where you stand yet, you may still want to add these to your registry for those really hard early days. We used (and still use) MAM Pacifiers for our son. We were gifted other brands and tried those, but he would always spit them out. The MAM ones were the only pacifiers that felt like they had the right shape & fit for our baby. The night pacifiers are the best because they glow in the dark which can really come in handy when their pacifier falls out when they're sleeping!
#8 - Nursing Pillow
I breastfed so I can only speak to necessities for that. If you're planning to breastfeed, or you're purchasing for someone who will be breastfeeding, you need a Boppy Nursing Pillow. They're a bit pricey, but compared to the cushion & feel of other brands, they really are a lot better. I used this day and night for many months, and when I wasn't nursing, my husband would use it when he was cuddling our son!
#9 - Onesies
Your baby will grow quickly, so you don't necessarily want a ton of newborn clothing. However, you will need some. Here are some great options that will cover the bases.
#10 - Burp Cloths
Lastly, you truly couldn't survive the first months (many months) of the newborn stage without using burp cloths. You go through so many because when your baby swallows, air bubbles can get trapped in their stomach and cause a lot of discomfort for your little one. It's advisable to always have a burp cloth on hand or strung over your shoulder to avoid as many spit-ups on your clothing as possible. I love these beautiful Yoofoss Sage Green 10-pack Burp Cloths. They're a perfect size and will easily fit in your diaper bag.
An Honest List of Baby Registry Essentials
Well, these 10 items sum up my most important and most-used baby items. Of course there are other things you'll need (stroller, car seat, baby gates), but those aren't really items most people put on their baby registry (for the most part). These items are all relatively affordable and make excellent gifts if you're attending a baby shower. Pair up a few items to complete the perfect baby shower gift! Thanks for reading, and be sure to leave a comment with what else you'd add to the list.
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