Pregnancy Baby

First time baby registry

21 min read
First time baby registry

Are you a first time parent looking for where to begin with your baby registry? We have rounded up our favorite baby and parent products and essentials for you to add to your registry!

Baby registry essentials: 

Gowns are sooo easy to deal with in the middle of the night, especially with frequent diaper changes! I love these Hanna Anderson gowns and these soft organic gowns. I also love these little Monica & Andy rompers because they are east to put on and change diapers in. These little knotted hats are great for babies of all sizes – the knot is adjustable to baby’s head (works for preemies, too!)

TIP: I recommend getting 2-3 of newborn size and 2-3 of 0-3 months size.

I recommend getting 4-5 newborn size + 4-5 of 0-3 months size. KicKee makes the softest footed PJs in so many cute prints! Stick with zippered onesies in the beginning, they’re the EASIEST (you can thank me later). If you want to avoid a zipper, I have recently tried these Magnetic Me footed pajamas and LOVE them!

TIP: I would recommend getting 4-5 of each size for up to 9 months (it’s nice to have some clothes on hand that your baby can grow into!)

swaddles:

When Roey was born, I started using the Ollie swaddle and fell in love with it, however, it’s currently sold out as of July 2021. Babies love to be swaddled tightly and this swaddle makes it so easy!

The Happiest Baby swaddle is a great alternative for the Ollie.

Woombie grow with me convertible swaddle is also a favorite because it can be worn swaddled and unswaddled (0-9 months). 

Another great option is the Dreamland Baby weighted swaddle. This weighted swaddle is temperature regulated and has micro-pellets that makes your baby feel secure, similar to the womb. This one can be used for 0-6 months and turns into a sleep sack when baby is ready! RenĂŠe used this with her daughter and loved it! Use code BUMBLE15 for discount!

Sleep sacs:

As far as sleep sacs, my favorite is the Woolino sleep sac and swaddle blanket.  Made of merino wool, can be used for all seasons, and grows with baby (this one sleep sac can be used from 2 months – 2 years old). Use code BUMBLEBABY10 for discount.

**Have you seen my super swaddle method e-guide? I use this method with all of my sleep clients and newborns love it!

BIBS pacifier has a soft center, latex nipple and is the ONLY pacifier that will stay in your baby’s mouth. It’s almost impossible for the littles ones to latch onto the standard green pacis – they don’t form to baby’s mouth and will drive you nuts!

I highly recommend these bottles (I use them all the time in consultations).  I also really like these bottles for newborns too!

TIP: Get 2 of the same bottle until you know your baby will accept that bottle. Make sure you are getting slow flow nipples for newborns.

I use this Dr. Brown’s bottle brush for cleaning and this basket for dishwasher cleaning. For quick cleaning, I loved and used the Medela Quick Clean steam bags as well as the wipes (great for cleaning when you don’t have access to a sink).

The formula pitcher is a magical item that will save you a TON of time. You can prep 24 hours worth of formula, refrigerate, and pour when ready. See my formula post and IG Reel for more info and more of my favorite formula essentials.

 

 

If you’re planning on breastfeeding, you must get a Haakaa!

What is it? A haakaa is a silicone breast pump that suctions to your breast. It does not “suckle” like regular breast pumps, rather it just suctions to and stays on your boob.

So…what’s the point?

The Haakaa collects your letdown (dripping of milk) on your opposite breast. So you can use this milk for supplementing or storing without having to do ANY work!

**Read my blog post, “why you should use a Haakaa and how to use it properly.”

Milkbarn organic burp cloths are SOO soft and durable. I had about 10 in rotation with Finn (still have them!) because he spit up so much. They can also double as a lovey when the time comes.  We love these Copper Pearl burp cloths as well since they’re super absorbent and large!

If you’re looking for a budget friendly option, these standard diaper cloths are great (they just stain easily).

White noise is an essential piece to the sleep puzzle in babies. It’s a must!! The HATCH sound machine is what I use for all 3 of my kids. It’s connected to an app on your phone (where you can adjust the settings), has an ok-to-wake light that transitions into toddlerhood, and presets that you can save to make things easy! It gets LOUD to drown out outside noise, pets and siblings.

The Lectrofan is also a great sound machine. Similar in price to the Hatch, but minus the app capabilities. It’s a little less “electronic” than the HATCH, but still gets loud.

I love this travel sound machine for when you’re on the go too! (while I love the Marpac Dohm for myself, it doesn’t get loud enough for babies!)

**Have you seen my 0-4 Months Successful Sleep recorded webinar and e-guide?

If you need help with sleep, you can book a text or video chat consult with Kate, she’s a certified sleep consultant and can help you get sleep!!

TIP: don’t spend a ton on a bassinet. Babies grow out of them quickly! Spend your money on a quality mattress that your child will use for 3+ years.

I’ve used this Newton Mattress for all 3 kids. The Newton is the first 100% breathable and washable mattress that uses all eco-friendly and non-toxic ingredients – use this link and discount code NB50 for $50 off. Read more about why I love this mattress in my blog post, “favorite sleep products for 0-6 months.”

I love this portable bassinet by Dream on Me. It has safe, mesh, breathable sides and the legs fold up right into a travel bag. Great for grandparents’ house (this is what is at my parents’ house for Roey!) Have you seen our items to leave at grandparents or second caregiver’s house?

I used a hand-me-down bassinet from Pottery Barn for all of my kids. These bassinet fitted sheets are a standard size and fit most bassinets. I HIGHLY recommend getting a waterproof mattress pad to protect your mattress from spit ups and blow outs.

If you are looking for a crib, I bought this DaVinci convertible crib for Roey and I LOVE it. I use these sheets with the crib.

TIP: **It is OK to put your baby in their crib right away if you don’t want to invest in a bassinet.

DO NOT PUT YOUR BABY IN A DOCATOT IN A BASSINET IF YOU ARE NOT SUPERVISING THEM AND YOU ARE AWAKE. Docatot even advises on their website and on the item that it is not intended for sleep. See my “how to safely use baby containers” blog post to learn more.

An infant only car-seat is recommended.  However, you CAN use some convertible carseats for infants, but please read the manual or book a car seat consult with RenĂŠe (she is a national certified car seat technician and can help you virtually or in-person if you live in Chicago.)

Choosing an infant car seat can be tricky! I used the Nuna Pipa (regular, not LITE) for all 3 of my kids. It’s super lightweight and easy to use. I love that you can use it without the base for traveling/grandparents cars (PSA – THE NUNA PIPA LITE MUST ALWAYS BE USED WITH A BASE).

TIP: If you’re looking for a budget friendly option, all car seats must go through the exact same safety testing. A more expensive carseat does not go through additional testing. In other words, more expensive car seats are not safer.

Budget friendly:

Baby trend infant car seat is a great option!

Cosco convertible car seat can actually be used for infants over 5lbs. This is the travel car seat that I use for Bee and Roey and also use it in our spare car. Read more here on my travel tips, but the Cosco Scenera Next Convertible car seat:

  • Fits 3 across in the back seat of most vehicles
  • Rear-facing 5-40 pounds (19” to 40”)
  • Forward-facing 22-40 pounds (29” to 43”)
  • Side Impact Protection
  • 5-point harness with easy front adjustment

Check out RenĂŠe’s favorite car seats for all ages blog post for more help!

Need help installing your car seat? If you need help with installing your car seat or have any questions and want to make sure your car seat is installed correctly, RenĂŠe is a national certified car seat technician and can help you in-person or through video chat! Click here to book a consult with RenĂŠe today!

Woolino has amazing, all seasons blankets, swaddles, and sleep sacs that extend into toddlerhood. The fabric is SO soft, wears well, and the wool helps to control temperature for all seasons. Click here and use code BUMBLEBABY10 for discount.

I also love the Monica and Andy Always blanket. It’s super breathable and soft, also customizable!

You’ll use the large blanket for everything! Floor and tummy time, over baby’s lap in the car seat in the winter and so much more.

Infant friendly single strollers with bassinet adapters that we love are:

Our favorite strollers for infant multiples:

Our favorite stroller for older babies starting at 3 months + (doesn’t have bassinet option):

    • Zoe Tour stroller 
      • has a car seat adapter, it’s light weight, and has a leather grip. Easy to steer and travel with too!
      • I have the Zoe Trip and the Twin+ and I love them both! So easy to steer, lightweight but sturdy. The Zoe Trip folds up to be able to fit in the overhead bin of the plane and also has a handle to pull behind you like luggage! You can even flip it open with one hand. Use code BUMBLEBABYZOE for $20 off of $200+. 

**Click here to read more about why I love these Zoe strollers!

**Click here to see our favorite stroller accessories must haves!

SollyBaby is the BEST cloth carrier! I used it for all 3 kids. I preferred cloth carriers when babies are newborn over carriers that have more structure (Ergobaby etc.) because the cloth is custom fit to the size of your baby and MOLDS to them. Loved mine! Comes in SO many cute and trendy colors and the fabric is ultra soft.

If the cloth carrier is not something you’re interested in, you can get this structured Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Newborn Carrier for starting at the infant stage (7-25 lbs.).

I love this Ergobaby carrier when you want more structure and the baby is a little larger (7-45 pounds)!

I had these Zutano booties for all 3 of my kids and they’re the only sock/ bootie that actually stayed on their little feet! They also come in fleece if your baby is born during colder months!

TIP: I recommend NOT registering for baby mittens or infant socks because they will never stay on!

Finn literally never fit in newborn diapers because he was so big! So make sure to have some size one diapers as well – don’t over do it on the newborn size, they grow fast!

I used cloth diapers for Finn and Bee for the first 6 months, and then switched over to disposable.

TIP: For the first  2 weeks of baby’s life, I recommend NOT using cloth diapers to eliminate any extra stressors like doing laundry while you’re recovering. You could add a laundering service along with the cloth diapers to your registry so you’re not stressed if using cloth diapers is important to you!

Make sure you get the purple Desitin or TriplePaste diaper cream!

YOU NEED THIS DIAPER CREAM SPREADER. It seems silly, but one diaper change where there is diaper cream all over you, baby, the diaper, and baby’s outfit will have you convinced. Waterwipes are so gentle on newborn skin.

**Have you seen my 48 hour diaper rash remedy post?

For keeping medicine out of the reach of children, this lock box is CRUCIAL! We keep two in our house – one for kids medicine and one for adult medicine.

If you’re open to medication for your baby, infant Tylenol can be used in babies under 6 months. I am pro-medication (but YOU decide if it’s right for your family). Tylenol can be given according to instructions linked here. Make sure to call your doctor for the most accurate dose based on your baby’s weight.

Sometimes it can be more than the bottle states (and this can make all the difference!). Tylenol can be given every 4-6 hours as needed in 24 hours, not to exceed 5 doses in 24 hours.

**Read more about how to manage fever control in babies and kids in my blog post here.

Aquaphor is good for eczema, diaper rashes, and dry spots.

Rectal temperatures are the most accurate temperature because they are a core temperature. Rectal temperatures will read 0.5-1 degree higher than other temperatures. This is normal and expected.

**What should you put in your baby’s medicine kit? See our medicine kit essentials post here.

Non-wifi monitors:

  • I prefer a non-wifi monitor because access to a monitor while I was out of the house/at work gave me a TON of anxiety. I ended up using this Infant Optics monitor and still use it with my kids. There’s an option to add an additional monitor as needed (up to 4). The only thing that’s not great about it is the battery, but Infant Optics will replace it for you. Plus it’s budget friendly!
  • Another great budget friendly option is this VTech non-wifi monitor!

Wifi monitor:

  • If you’re looking for a wifi monitor, the Nanit is a very popular choice.! It’s a splurge, but if it helps you sleep at night then it may be worth it.
  • Choosing whether to use a wifi or non-wifi monitor is all dependent on your personality as a parent!

 

This is the high chair I used with all 3 of my kids and it’s perfect for travel too!

This high chair is a splurge, but people like it because it looks nice in a kitchen, has a slim profile and grows with your child to turn into a regular chair that they can sit on at the dinner table! (Renee has this one)

This OXO high chair is another favorite for a more traditional look (Lauren has this one)

If you’re looking for a budget friendly option, this one is is great and is a space saver!

I like this Angelcare baby tub because you can insert it right into the tub itself. It transcends until baby can sit up comfortably in the tub. Very easy to use in the bath with other siblings.

**Have you seen my blog post on bath essentials and cradle crap remedy?

Infant soap, shampoo, lotion, washcloths & scrubber

For soap, this cleansing gel and lotion is my favorite. These washcloths are SO soft and gentle.

If you’re looking for clean and chemical free products, Beautycounter baby balm is the way to go. I use this for clearing up baby and toddler eczema too! If you’re looking for clean and the best smell ever – then Mustela is for you! It’s literally what a baby should smell like.

I love this scrubber and this flake fixer for cradle cap. **See my cradle cap remedy post here.

TIP: You don’t NEED infant towels, your towels will work just fine! Throw them in the dryer for a few minutes before baby gets out.

**Check out our bath essentials blog post here.

You can add a little activity mat once they are a few months old, like this adorable Love Every Activity Mat. Great for floor time, tummy time, and entertainment. Remove all padding and pillows, baby doesn’t need them.  If you want a less pricey option, this Fisher Price one is great too. My kids loved the key board that baby can kick with their feet!

For when baby is older, this activity center is my favorite! The floating piece can be removed once baby is a little taller, but the balance is fun for baby, as well as the foot keyboard. With this activity center, you can interchange the toys on the top to your liking or switch them out when baby gets bored. Baby should be awake and supervised when in this item. Follow guidelines for ages.

**I used this wooden activity center after Roey turned one, and it has provided endless entertainment!

I prefer this Fisher Price bouncer because it has a vibration option and because there are NO INSERTS! So many bouncers come with pillow like inserts that put baby as risk for bending their neck and blocking off their airway. Less is more! Baby should be awake and supervised when in this item. Follow guidelines for ages.

The Bjorn bouncer is trendy but $$. I love that there are no inserts in this bouncer, either. Baby should be awake and supervised when in this item. Follow guidelines for ages.

**Checkout my blog post on “how to use safely use baby containers.”

A container is any object that baby can be placed in and needs 100% adult supervision (and this adult needs to be AWAKE!) Why? Because babies don’t have the muscle strength to correct poor position, especially of their airway. This can lead to accidental suffocation/asphyxiation. Read more about how to safely use baby containers in our blog post here (including our favorite containers). One of my favorite baby containers when used correctly is the Dock a tot.

**Click here to see more of our favorite baby containers as baby grows!

This mat is great because you can make it any shape that fits your living space, and spills, spit up, and diaper contents can be easily cleaned and sanitized. I love to place Roey’s Monica + Andy Always blanket on top (all 3 of my kids have one!) because the size is perfect!

I usually recommend using these bags for dirty diapers. But, if you have your heart set on a pail, my pick is the Ubbi. Lauren also swears by these charcoal bags to help with any lingering smells (place 2 inside the pail).

If you don’t already have one, I love this cool mist humidifier. It also has a diffuser, nightlight and auto-stop feature.

The scariest thing ever to do as a new parents IS CUT NAILS! AHH!! These FridaBaby clippers have an anti-slip and skin guard to ensure success.

Babies get boogies and runny noses often. I prefer the bulb syringe myself, but a lot of parents also love the NoseFrida one-way snot sucker!

Click here to watch our reel on how to use this snot sucker with saline spray.

**Checkout our Illness tips for babies and toddlers Instagram Guide for more info!

It’s never too early to start baby-proofing your home. Remember to cover up outlets with either outlet shields or outlet covers. We also recommend using an interior and exterior cabinet lock on any cabinet where cleaning or dangerous supplies are kept (especially under kitchen and bathroom sinks.) Furniture straps are also a great idea as baby starts to pull up on things around your house!

**For more information on what exactly you need to baby-proof each room of your house, see our home safety + baby proofing tips e-guide before your baby arrives to prepare for when your baby is on the move!

See our blog post, “top 5 must have safety items for under one” and our Safety Tips on our Instagram guides for more info!

There are so many nursery chair options: rocking, glider or stationary. You don’t have to go over budget to find a style you love.

If you want to splurge, this power recliner and swivel chair is amazing and isn’t as expensive as others in this same category of power recliners!

You may also want a changing pad for the top of a dresser or changing table. Renee used the Keekaroo and swears by it because you can wipe it clean and bring it anywhere you want around the house! Here is a budget friendly version of the Keekaroo.

These are my favorite toy storage bins. I also like this storage cube with these baskets. How cute is this storage basket too?!

All of my kids loved this rattle and this dimple toy. This busy book has had SOOO much use in our house for all 3 kids and is always in my diaper bag. For hardcover books some of my favorites are first 100 words, ten tiny babies, see, touch, feel, and Look, Look!

**Checkout my diaper bag essentials blog post!

Parent registry essentials:

The design of this bag allows you to carry as a backpack or cross-body. This option is so nice – especially for traveling! Having baby in a carrier, you can strap the backpack straps on easily without feeling off center. Place the bag cross-body for a quick transition in and out of the car, restaurants, etc. THE POCKETS. Literally designed for a new mom. The larger pockets on the exterior hold your water bottle and/or baby’s bottle/sippy. The exterior zipper is perfect for your car keys! Interior 6 different pockets for organizing and easy access.

 

And how cute is this smaller version of the backpack.

If you’re looking for a budget friendly diaper bag option, this is my recommendation because it comes in a variety of colors, is waterproof and has a lot of room for all of your stuff!

This is my favorite changing pad for on-the-go.

**What should you pack in your diaper bag? Read my diaper bag essentials blog post here!

You’ll be trapped under a baby for a bit (especially if you had a c-section!) I love this Swig water bottle with these silicone reusable straws.

If you are a coffee lover, you will want an insulated mug. Without an insulated mug, you’ll never drink hot coffee again (haha! This Swig coffee mug is my fav!)

If you decide to breastfeed/chestfeed, you will live in nursing bras and tanks. This seamless, dual nursing and pumping Larkin tank is my favorite (I also love the Larken X bra)! No seams, so soft! Use code BUMBLEBABY10 for discount!

For dual nursing and pumping bras, I love this beautiful Dairy Fairy bra in the Ayla style. Use code BUMBLE for discount!

For pillows, I preferred regular pillows when nursing, but many love this Boppy and BreastFriend pillow, especially if you had a c-section. Boppy can be used thought baby’s life for tummy time, sitting up + more! (If you’re having a c-section, read our blog post here).

If you’re like “WHAAAT is a HAAAAKAAAA??” learn more about this godsend item for breastfeeding/chestfeeding, head to my Haakaa highlight on IG for more info and read my blog post about it here.

**Breastfeeding pumps are typically covered by insurance. If you have the option, I would recommend the Spectra pump. If chestfeeding or breastfeeding you will want to grab some of these bags to store the milk.

I love this nursing pillow because it’s entirely customizable to your body as well as your baby’s changing needs as they grow. You can adjust the firmness and it’s designed to ease strain on your neck and shoulders.

I LIVED in this Barefoot Dreams robe (currently wearing as I type) for the hospital, postpartum, and pregnancy! It’s actually unisex and my husband would steal mine, so now we have two!

Love these pompom slippers for the hospital, postpartum, and more! How cute are they? SIZE UP!

**For more personal care items needed for postpartum, check out our blog post on  postpartum essentials for mom and postpartum essentials for baby.

**Also check out our hospital bag essentials post too so you know what you need to pack!

Postpartum support

Registering for postpartum support is a great way to make sure you get the support you deserve (for both parents!

Did you know that we offer a service for postpartum support through video chat consults? It consists of 4 weekly video chat check-ins:

  • perfect for new parents
  • talk about what to expect in this period, how you are feeling and adjusting
  • discuss perinatal anxiety, PPD/A

Deema also offers text and video chat consults and can help you navigate through the postpartum period including your mental health!

Virtual newborn and labor classes to prepare:

Use code BUMBLEBABY for discount on all mommy labor nurse virtual classes!

Have more questions? Schedule a text or video chat consult with Kate, Lauren or Natalie (NICU RNs) and Deema (our maternal health specialist) and they can help answer any questions that you have!

Other helpful blog posts:

 

**This post is educational and not meant to take the place of your provider. Bumblebaby makes a small commission on some of the items listed above

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Kate Arquilla By Kate Arquilla
Kate Arquilla
Kate Arquilla

Kate is the mama of 3 kids under five years + uses this and her experience as a NICU nurse to bring parents realistic advice. Kate created a team of four supportive and empowering mothers to help run Bumble Baby! Together we blend our expertise and offer services on topics ranging from infant feeding to maternal mental health. Welcome to our cozy corner of the internet!

Posts by Kate Arquilla

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First time baby registry

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My journey to formula
First time baby registry

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5 ways Meez Meals helped me through the postpartum period