One of the most exciting parts of expecting a baby is getting everything ready for your new arrival! However, as any new parent knows, planning for a new baby = OVERWHELMING! You know you need diapers, wipes, and bottles, but what items should actually go on your baby registry?! Looking one step further, what items should you purchase on your own? We’ve got you covered with the Ultimate New Parent Hack! This easy-to-follow list will help you figure out what to put on your registry (and what to purchase separately). Plus, we are here to help should any questions arise!
1. Nursery Must Haves
Crib/Bassinet – a safe place to sleep is a must
Dresser – can also be used as a changing station
Crib Mattress
Fitted Crib Sheets (3-4)
Swaddles (3-4) – Pay attention to the sizing
Nightlight/Sound Machine
Receiving Blankets (3-4)
Sleep Sacks/Wearable Blankets- to be used after the swaddling stage
1a. Nursery Nice to Haves
Changing Table Pad
Baby Monitor
Rocker/Glider
Hamper
Nursery Decor
Blackout Curtains
2. Feeding Must Haves
Bottles (8-10)
Bottle Brush
Breast Pump– check with your health insurance to see if this is covered
Burp Cloths (8-10)
Nursing Pillow – with an additional cover
Bibs (3-4)
High Chair
2a. Feeding Nice to Haves
Bottle Drying Rack
Dishwasher Basket
Pacifiers
Baby Food Maker
Baby Plate, Bowl, Silverware
3. On-the-Go Must Haves
Travel System – Infant Car Seat, Extra Base(s), and Stroller
Baby Carrier – Soft-Structured and/or Wrap
Diaper Bag
Insulated Bottle Bag
3a. On-the-Go Nice to Haves
Car Seat/Stroller Muff – for a winter climate
Travel Lightweight Stroller
Playard
Nursing Cover
Convertible Car Seat – to be used after infant car seat
Stroller Organizer – make sure it’s compatible with your stroller
4. Bath and Potty Must Haves
Diapers
Diaper Cream
Wipes – stick with fragrance-free
Shampoo/Soap/Lotion – stick with fragrance-free initially
Infant Bath Seat/Tub
Wash Cloths & Hooded Towel (2-4)
4a. Bath and Potty Nice to Haves
Diaper Pail + Refills
Bath Kneeler
Bath Toys + Toy Holder
5. Health & Safety Must Haves
Saline Nose Spray + Nasal Aspirator
Health Care & Grooming Set
Cool Mist Humidifier
Outlet Covers
Rectal Thermometer – the ONLY accurate way to take baby’s temperature under 6 months.
Nail Clippers or Baby Scissors
5a. Health & Safety Nice to Haves
Laundry Detergent – Recommend starting with fragrance-free
Baby Proofing Gear – this will sneak up on you before you know!
Furniture/TV Straps
Baby Gates
Gas Drops & Fever/Pain Reducer – Discuss with Pediatrician before use
6. Entertainment Must Haves
Teethers/Lovies
Books
Play Mat
Learning & Activity Toys
Bouncer
6a. Entertainment Nice to Haves
Swing
Activity Table
Rattles
Picture Frames
Stuffed Animals – not for use in the crib
7. Newborn Clothing Must Haves
Onesies – We recommend side-snap for the early days. (6-10 ready for newborn stage)
Pajamas/Sleepers (5-7) – we recommend magnetic or zipper for newborn stage
Sweater or Jacket (1-2)
Rompers/Outifts (3-5)
Socks (6-8 pairs) or Booties
Hats (2)
No-scratch mittens – many of your pajamas may come with these ‘built in.’
Pants (3-5)
Shirts (3-5)
*All of this is dependent on your climate, season of your due-date, and how your baby is measuring. If s/he is measuring big, stick with items sized 0-3 months instead of ‘newborn.’
Every baby’s needs are unique and your lifestyle will guide your registry decisions. The list above is meant to help guide you through the process and we are always here to help answer any questions you may have. You will be getting advice from lots of well-meaning friends and family, but we are here to help provide unbiased recommendations that will be a good fit for your needs.
Items you will want to have at home before baby arrives (These may go on your registry, but some people choose to purchase independently)-
- Feeding Supplies – whether breastfeeding, pumping, or bottle feeding, you will want to have supplies lined up from Day 1
- A safe place to sleep – Baby needs a firm, flat surface. This can be a crib, bassinet, or playard.
- Diapers/Wipes/Ointment
- Burp Cloths
- Cleaning Supplies/Laundry Detergent
As far as items you can probably leave off of your registry, we think it’s ok to leave off the following-
- Baby shoes: you can get socks and booties and skip the shoes until baby starts walking.
- Crib bumpers: bumpers are not approved for safe sleep and should not be used.
- Cribs with a drop down side: Hand-me-down cribs may be convenient, but we recommend checking to ensure they are safe based on today’s standards.
- Bottle warmer: bottle warmers can be convenient, but they aren’t necessary.
- Dressy Clothes for Baby: babies don’t get out to many soirees, so if you don’t have an upcoming event in your baby’s first few months, just stick with the basics.
- Lots of Toys: If there’s a specific toy you really want, go ahead and add it to your registry, but don’t ask for a lot of toys as people will get you plenty anyway.
- Diapers/newborn clothes: while these are important to have (we included them on our checklist), keep in mind that you’ll likely get a lot of these items whether or not they’re on your baby registry and use your best judgment when asking for them.
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