Essential Baby Shower Registry Items

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February 15, 2019

By: Erin Strenio

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Gifts You'll Want to Add to Your Registry

When it came time to organize my baby registry, I emailed every friend I knew with kids and begged for their can’t-live-without-it-baby-gear recommendations. From car seats to swaddles (and swaddle hacks), here’s a roundup of top picks from savvy moms.

Car Seat

A car seat is one of those big-ticket items that’s great to put on the registry for your generous aunt or mother-in-law who wants to buy you something nice. The Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat is a favorite because it’s lightweight and easy to install, so you’ll feel confident knowing your baby is safe and secure in the backseat. It fits babies between four to 30 pounds so you can drive straight home from the hospital without any extra infant inserts, and the handle moves up and down quietly so you can keep your baby sleeping. Just be sure to check if the seat is compatible with your stroller, otherwise you’ll need a special adapter that fits with your stroller brand.

BUY IT: Amazon, $150

Stroller

Strollers can be heavy, bulky and a bit of a pain to fold up and schlep around. That said, the heavier ones can be more comfortable for your child, provide more storage room for you and handle the bumpiest sidewalks. For a heavy-duty stroller that ticks off all these boxes, check out the BOB Revolution. Or, if you’re looking for a more lightweight stroller – and you might realize you want both – the Baby Jogger City Mini is nimble, compact and easy to throw in and out of the car, which you’ll be doing a zillion times. And if you want a really lightweight one that can fold up to carry-on size and fit in airline overhead compartments, check out the BabyZen YOYO.

BUY IT: Amazon, $379

Baby Carrier

If you’re trying to run errands and/or need your baby to fall asleep while you get things done around the house, the Ergo Baby Carrier 360 carrier will be your best friend. You can easily wear your baby kangaroo-style and return to hands-free life. Babies can either face forwards or backwards and have been known to zonk out in either direction. It’s good for newborns to toddlers up to 45 pounds.

BUY IT: Amazon, $179

Skip Hop Changing Mat

You’ll want to be ready to jump into diaper-changing mode at any given moment, on any given surface, and this changing mat will give you that superpower. It folds up neatly with all of your diaper-changing necessities tucked into one place: diapers, wipes, an easy-to-wipe mat, a built-in pillow to keep your baby’s head comfy and a mesh pocket for keys, cell phone and any other on-the-go essentials.

BUY IT: Amazon, $30

Crib

Most babies don’t actually sleep in a crib until they’re three to six months old, but if you’re eager to get the nursery all set up before the baby arrives, it’s probably smart to register for a crib now. The Babyletto 3-in-1 Convertible Crib grows with your baby, converting between three different sizes. You can transition from an infant crib, to a toddler bed with a rail and then a daybed, so it should last you at least a few years. With its minimalist design and simple color palette (available in white, gray or dark wood), the Babyletto crib matches any nursery aesthetic.

BUY IT: Amazon, $379

Ubbi Diaper Pail

Whether you’re using cloth or disposable diapers, the Ubbi Diaper Pail will save your nursery from smelling like someone just pooped their pants (which they likely did). Made of steel, the Ubbi keeps odors trapped inside better than plastic does. The sleek oval shape tucks into tight corners of the room, but remains large enough to hold up to 55 (55!) newborn diapers.

BUY IT: Amazon, $80

Keekaroo Changer

Soft and cushy, the Keekaroo requires no extra pads, liners or changing table sheets. It’s made with polyurethane plastic, so it wipes clean, and you won’t have to worry about permanent stains or bacterial growth after your baby does a rocket poop.

BUY IT: Amazon, $110

Graco Pack ‘n Play

The Pack 'n Play is another tool you’ll want to have while traveling. Both a pop-up bed and play area, it folds up and collapses easily to fit into a storage bag. This model also has a removable bassinet on top so baby can catch a nap at home or away.

BUY IT: Amazon, $55

Swaddles

Of course swaddles are great for, well, swaddling, but you can also use them for so many other things. Burp cloths, an instant sun shade, playmat, a makeshift diaper - you name it. We like the soft, lightweight muslin swaddles from Aden and Anais.

BUY IT: Amazon, $45

Miracle Blanket Baby Swaddle

If you’re failing in the swaddling department – no judgement – this swaddle hack might save your life. Your baby will feel snug and cozy in the Miracle Blanket, which wraps around their small bodies a few times like a burrito to make them feel secure.

BUY IT: Amazon, $30

Halo Sleep Sack

Here’s another swaddle hack that might help everyone in the house sleep more. Developed by the same guy who wrote the popular book "Happiest Baby on the Block," Halo Sleep Sacks are dummy-proof swaddles. Like a snug little sleeping bag, they aren’t too tight or too loose, so baby feels cozy and secure. They also have a two-way zipper from the top and bottom so middle-of-the-night diaper-changing becomes a whole lot easier.

BUY IT: Amazon, $24

White Noise Machine

A white noise machine helps simulate womb-like sounds to make your baby feel more relaxed. We like the Sleep Sheep because it’s a convenient size for travel, has two sleep-timer options including 23 and 45 minutes with auto shut-off and gets extra points for being so cute.

BUY IT: Amazon, $28

Boppy Nursing Pillow

If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll spend A LOT of time doing it, especially in the early days, so you’ll want a nursing pillow that’s super comfy. A favorite of many moms, the Boppy, is a doughnut-shaped pillow that provides extra relief for your arms and back so you can rest your baby in a more ergonomic position while breastfeeding. It’s a good idea to get a couple extra covers for when the rest are in the laundry.

BUY IT: Amazon, $40

Baby Nail Clipper

How do baby nails get so darn sharp?! For being such small, soft creatures, somehow their nails get snaggly real fast, which is why you’ll want a reliable nail clipper like this one from Safety 1st. It has a built-in light so you can better see those tiny nails.

BUY IT: Amazon, $5

Bottles

Even if you’re breastfeeding you’ll want to introduce your baby to bottles at some point - especially if you’re dropping them off at daycare or with a nanny. Many parents rave about Comotomo bottles because they’re the most boob-reminiscent. They’re designed to closely mimic breastfeeding and reduce nipple confusion.

BUY IT: Amazon, $24

OXO Bottle Drying Rack

With so many baby bottle parts (like lids, nipples, brushes), and not to mention breast pump parts if you’re breastfeeding, you’ll want a drying rack you can easily prop up on your kitchen countertop. The OXO rack fits at least eight disassembled bottles and the little cup on the side is nice for drying other accessories including baby spoons, medicine dropper, etc.

BUY IT: Amazon, $20

Fridababy Snotsucker

This probably won’t be the most exciting item on your registry but you’ll be happy you have it when you see your baby’s snot-covered nose. Babies produce a lot of snot (it’s a fact), and the Fridababy will suck it right up, swiftly and cleanly.

BUY IT: Amazon, $16

Digital Thermometer

Babies have a way of getting sick a lot, especially if they’re hanging out at daycare, so you’ll want a quick-read thermometer to easily check their temp if those cheeks are looking rosy. The ANKOVO thermometer gives you a quick reading (in one second!) and you can use it on either their forehead or ears.

BUY IT: Amazon, $20

Breast Milk Storage Organizer

If you’re breastfeeding the First Years Breastflow Milk Storage Organizer is super handy. It’s like a filing cabinet for your breast milk. Conveniently store extra milk in the freezer by date so you can use up the older stuff first - just load the rack from the back so it’s a “first in, first out” set-up.

BUY IT: Amazon, $16

Happiest Baby On The Block book

If you register for one book, many parents agree that this is the one to get. Author Harvey Karp developed the five S’s desgined to soothe babies by mimicking womb-like conditions: swaddle, hold them on their side/stomach, shush (white noise), swing and suck (give them something to suck on). Many parents say it’s a total lifesaver, ending in more sleep (the sixth “S”) for everyone.

BUY IT: Amazon, $9

OXO Baby Food Blocks

Fruit and veggie purees, Cheerios and even breastmilk fit perfectly in these glass blocks, which you can toss in your bag to take on the go. Thanks to the air-tight seals and durable glass, you won’t have to worry about spillage. They stack easily in the fridge or freezer and since, they’re BPA-free, you can pop them in the microwave.

BUY IT: Amazon, $20

Pacifiers

People have ranging opinions on pacifiers - when to use them, if at all - but if you’re in the pro-pacifier camp, MAM brand is preferred by many babies because it’s designed to be as boob-like as possible to avoid nipple confusion. They come in a variety of cute designs, including glow-in-the-dark options for easy binky-finding in the middle of the night.

BUY IT: Amazon, $10

Baby Bathtub

Bathtime can be a fun family tradition and a time to wind down before bedtime together. The First Years Toddler Tub is a lightweight tub that comes with a sling attachment for newborns.

BUY IT: Amazon, $18

Baby Monitor

Do you need an audio monitor or a video monitor? Some people like to see why their baby is crying and find the video feature really helpful. But if you’re fine with just the audio, one of the best-rated monitors is the Philips Avent SCD570/10 Dect Baby Monitor. It includes a temperature sensor (to see if baby’s room is getting too warm or cold), built-in lullabies, a night light and it has a crazy range - over 1,000 feet! The monitor even has a walkie talkie function so you can “shhh” your baby from afar.

BUY IT: Amazon, $76