Introduction: Preparing for the arrival of a new baby is an exhilarating journey filled with excitement and anticipation. As you embark on this adventure, one of the most important tasks is creating your baby registry. To help you navigate this process with ease, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist of must-have items to ensure you're fully equipped for your baby's arrival. From nursery essentials to practical gear, let's dive into the essential items every new parent needs.
Disclosure: In the spirit of full transparency, please note that some of the links in this checklist are affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. Rest assured, I have carefully curated these recommendations based on my own experiences and research, and they are items that I genuinely believe will be helpful for new parents. The links provided are for items I had on my registry for our baby, or items similar to create our woodland themed nursery:
1. Nursery Essentials:
Crib or Bassinet: Provide a safe and comfortable sleeping space for your baby.
Crib: https://amzn.to/3PzvBbl
Bassinet: https://amzn.to/4ahxmSM. We had limited bedside room so we also looked into getting: https://amzn.to/3Pu1ana. It was more than we wanted to spend considering he would be moving to his crib eventually, so we got a travel bassinet: https://amzn.to/4cvEvk0 - this was also great when we left him with my mom.
Mattress and Waterproof Mattress Cover: Ensure a supportive and hygienic sleeping surface.
Waterproof Cover: https://amzn.to/4cvi8LQ
Changing Table or Dresser with Changing Pad: Create a dedicated area for diaper changes.
Table: https://amzn.to/4cm7Opj
Dresser:https://amzn.to/3IOi4cd
Changing Pad: https://amzn.to/3TLcfCM
Changing Pad Cover: https://amzn.to/49dlQ9H
Rocking Chair or Glider: A cozy spot for feeding, soothing, and bonding with your baby.
Play Mat https://amzn.to/43uXnvu - We have wood floors and this helped us feel safer when he was learning how to sit.
Swing/Bouncer
2. Feeding Supplies:
Bottles and Nipples: Stock up on a variety of sizes and flow rates to accommodate your baby's needs. If you plan on breast feeding, I learned that wide necked bottles are best!
Bottles: https://amzn.to/4arqMsC or https://amzn.to/498Pzk8.
Bottle Warmer: https://amzn.to/49Vpbvr
Bottle Brush: https://amzn.to/3vkCfLV
Breast Pump (if breastfeeding): Consider a manual or electric pump for expressing breast milk.
Medela https://amzn.to/4cGx4qz - I highly recommend the bottles and shields, I found that the collector cups didn't work as well.
Sanitizing Steam Bags: https://amzn.to/3IQsYyo - not necessary, but you'll thank me!
Nursing Pillow: Provide support and comfort during breastfeeding or bottle feeding sessions.
Boppy Pillow: https://amzn.to/4amQjDq - then you can pick out whatever color/theme cover you want to match your nursery.
Milk Storage Bags https://amzn.to/3vvlk9h
Burp Cloths and Bibs: Keep messes at bay during feeding times.
Baby Food Maker: https://amzn.to/43t7oJG - This has to be one of my favorite ways we have saved money.
Baby Food Storage Jars: https://amzn.to/3IRgw1k
3. Diapering Essentials:
Diapers: Stock up on newborn and size-up diapers to meet your baby's needs.
I use cloth diapers from Mama Koala:https://amzn.to/3x9p9Sg
Wipes: Choose gentle, hypoallergenic wipes for sensitive skin.
I've tried a bunch and these are my favorite two: https://amzn.to/4amQjDq or https://amzn.to/3TMDIDU
Diaper Rash Cream: Soothe and protect your baby's delicate skin from irritation.
Desitin: https://amzn.to/4a7ZeZQ - I haven't had to deal with a lot of diaper rash, possibly since we use cloth diapers.
Diaper Pail: Contain odors and keep your nursery smelling fresh.
Diaper Genie: https://amzn.to/43tZrnn - great for disposable diapers!
For Cloth Diapers:
Hamper Set: https://amzn.to/3Vvp1Xh - One for nursery and one for bathroom for poopy diapers.
Hamper Liners: https://amzn.to/3PwOj3v
Diaper Sprayer (for cloth diapers) https://amzn.to/43wEjNf
Spray Pal (for cloth diapers) https://amzn.to/3VvzK3P - if you do cloth diapers and don't have this GET IT! Serious game changer.
4. Clothing and Linens:
Onesies, Sleepers, and Outfits: Invest in a variety of sizes and styles for different occasions.
Accessories: Hats, Socks, No Scratch Mittens
Swaddles and Sleep Sacks: Provide comfort and security during sleep.
Swaddle: https://amzn.to/3vuQei4 - I recommend getting a least one swaddle that velcros if you're not a pro swaddler.
Sleep Sack: https://amzn.to/49ZI3cG - You can find cheaper alternatives, but if you have a newborn during winter, this is a GREAT way to keep your baby warm at night.
Soft Blankets and Swaddle Wraps: Keep your baby cozy and warm.
Bedding: Lambs and Ivy shop on Amazon has a ton of really cute themed bedding you can choose from: https://amzn.to/4anhMVB
Fitted Sheets: https://amzn.to/492gjD7
5. Bathing and Grooming Supplies:
Baby Bathtub: Ensure a safe and comfortable bathing experience.
https://amzn.to/3vnMQpj - I liked this because it fits over kitchen sink so you don't have to lean over the bathtub. The only gripe I have about it, is when they get big enough to use the chair insert, it covers the drain plug so you can't start draining the soapy water until they are out of the tub; I like to rinse the soap off as it is draining.
Gentle Baby Wash and Shampoo: Keep your baby's skin clean and moisturized.
Hooded Towels: Wrap your baby in warmth after bath time.
Nail Clippers and Baby Brush: Maintain your baby's hygiene with gentle grooming tools.
Grooming Kit: https://amzn.to/3PtWH3S.
Nail Filer: https://amzn.to/4angr11
6. Safety Gear:
Infant Car Seat: Install a rear-facing car seat for safe transportation.
Britax One4Life: https://amzn.to/3VwRSdW - this is what we got. It doesn't go in and out, so you have to take your baby out every time, but it's super safe, and grows with your baby so you don't have to buy another one when they grow out of it.
Baby Monitor: Keep an eye (and ear) on your baby while they sleep or play.
There are some pretty fancy monitors out there, but you if you just need something basic for a good price, I recommend this one: https://amzn.to/3VwRSdW
Outlet Covers, Cabinet Locks, and Safety Gates: Baby-proof your home to prevent accidents.
We have yet to do this!
7. Health and Wellness Supplies:
Thermometer: Monitor your baby's temperature for signs of illness.
Our safety kit came with a thermometer, but we also bought an infrared one similar to this: https://amzn.to/3PxDYnW
Nasal Aspirator and Saline Drops: Clear your baby's nasal passages for easier breathing.
Infant Tylenol or Ibuprofen (with doctor's approval): Have pain and fever relief on hand for emergencies.
Genexa: https://amzn.to/4aIEiZl - I heard this might be better because there is no dye (Red40).
8. Travel Essentials
Diaper Bag
Baby Carrier: https://amzn.to/43z0DG7 - I highly recommend getting a carrier that has a hip rest. I use the hip without the rest of the carrier frequently and it is the handiest thing! I get a lot of comments from other moms!
Stroller
Jogging Stroller
9. Other Needs
Pacifiers: https://amzn.to/3IQEZnk - I was told if you're going to use pacifiers, it's suggested to use orthodonic ones to avoid jaw deformations or issues down the road. I liked these ones because they glow in the dark which makes them easy to find at night.
Pacifier Clips
Collection Cups https://amzn.to/4cuCZP0 - If you're breast feeding and you find you're leaking at night, I found these were super helpful and comfortable. I always would wear them while nursing because I often found I would start leaking out the side he wasn't feeding from.
Nursing Pads https://amzn.to/3PxqEQq
Nursing Tops https://amzn.to/4999dNd
Nursing & Pumping Bra https://amzn.to/3TXWUyZ
Nipple cream https://amzn.to/43uDpRs
Conclusion: As you prepare for the arrival of your little one, use this checklist as a guide to ensure you have all the essential items to welcome your baby into a loving and nurturing environment. By covering the basics with these must-have items, you'll feel confident and prepared as you embark on the incredible journey of parenthood. Congratulations, and best wishes for a smooth transition into this new chapter of your life!
Here was our registry you can see as an example:
Commentaires