I have compiled a list of my personal favorite baby items- the things that have been used for both my kids (and will use again for my third), been passed between my sisters, and the things that have been favorited and recommended by my close friends who are also moms of multiple kids. I know there are tons of baby registry lists out there. My aim for this list is not to tell you every single thing to get, but to highlight what has been most memorable and the most helpful.
1. Storkcraft Glider and Ottoman - Such a great price compared to many others out there. Perfect nursing chair for the nursery and we still use it to read bedtime stories to the kids.
2. Blackout Curtains - Blackout curtains and a sound machine were two of the key things we used to help our firstborn sleep well. These curtains worked great for the type of windows we had at the time.
3. Hatch Baby Rest - I love that this sound machine grows with your baby which is why I would say it is worth the price. For babies, you can adjust the sound from your phone and can use it as a lamp in the middle of the night (or choose whatever color you want). I currently use it for my toddlers by changing the color to show it is time to go to sleep or wake up.
4. Blackout Window Film - When we moved we had multiple small windows in each of my kids' rooms. Since we had blinds on the small windows, the film looked better than large drapes. I also love this film because the sun does not peek through at all and it is something that stays on the windows (until you are completely done with it, it is easy to remove).
5. Burt's Bees Baby Crib Sheet - Breathable soft cotton that is 100% organic. Make sure to buy multiple! My friend made a good point that the dark colored sheets cover up those various baby stains that are unavoidable even with washing.
6. Munchkin Waterproof Changing Pad Liners - These are great to put under baby for a diaper change so if things get messy, you aren't constantly changing the whole diaper pad cover every time.
7. Babyletto Lolly 3-in-1 Convertible Crib - We have used this crib for both babies and will use it for the third as well. It is GREENGUARD Gold Certified meaning it has gone through rigorous scientific testing for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs. This is something that I personally felt was worth the expensive price because a crib is a place where my babies are spending so much time. As they get older they start chewing or putting their mouths on the sides of the cribs. I wanted to make sure that we had a safe non-toxic place for them to sleep (and chew on).
8. Newton Crib Mattress - 100% breathable, reducing the risk of suffocation. It is 100% washable- no latex or glue or any harmful chemicals. It is GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means it is tested and certified for low chemical emissions.
9. Ubbi Diaper Pail - Great diaper pail that is thin, easy to open/close, and most importantly- keeps the smell in. We use regular trash bags in this so it is nice you don't have to pay extra for special bags. Also, you can lock it in case you have pets or curious older kids.
1. Magnetic Me Easy Close Baby Footie - If I could buy all my newborn pajamas with magnetic closures I would. These are on the more expensive side but would be the perfect thing to put on a registry or to gift to others because they are GOLD. It is so nice not to fiddle around with closing or snapping up pajamas in the middle of the night when changing your newborn. I can't believe they don't make more onesies like this!
2. Ollie Swaddle - We may have tried every swaddle on the market. Once we tried this one, it became my favorite. I love that the velcro is strong so baby stays snug and tight in the swaddle and I love how the bottom is loose and folds up in a knot so you can easily change the diaper without the loud sound of un-velcroing the swaddle.
3. Halo Sleepsack - These are great for when baby is done swaddling but not quite ready for a loose blanket. The sleepsack helps prevent crib climbing, keeps them warm and it is just nice to keep as part of bedtime routine. We used these until my son was 2 1/2 (as long as I could keep it on him). We even started to put it on him backwards so he wouldn't unzip it himself.
4. Zutano booties - These little booties stay on tiny feet and they are perfect to keep baby's feet warm in the winter .
5. Baby beanies - Love these beanies for the winter. They are thick, warm and fit a wide range of ages.
6. Baby pacifier clips (fabric) / Loulou Lollipop Pacifier clip - A must-have if you use pacifiers so you can keep the pacifiers clean and off the ground. I like the fabric ones because they are machine washable. But I also like the silicone ones that can be used as something for baby to chew on when he/she starts teething.
7. Aden Anais Swaddle Blankets - These blankets are soft, thin, and versatile. They are perfect for a traditional swaddle, stroller blanket, a cover for nursing, to place on the floor for tummy time, and so much more. We have gone through many of these blankets but love the quality of these specific ones.
8. Gerber baby socks - Keep those little feet warm with these socks that actually stay on their feet. I love to have a bunch of these because teeny tiny socks seem to magically disappear all the time.
9. Copper Pearl bandanas - My babies drooled so much when their teeth came in, I felt like I was always changing their clothes if they weren't wearing a bib. I love this brand because the bandana bibs are so soft, have great thick material, and have the cutest prints.
10. Baby girl headbands - These bows are adorable and very soft for your precious baby to wear.
1. Milk Snob Cover - These covers are so soft, have the cutest prints, and can be used for car seat covers, nursing covers, or a blanket for your baby.
2. Portable Diaper Caddy - I loved having this in the back of my car, especially in those early days. I kept some diapers, wipes, an extra pair of clothes, a couple of car toys, a change of shirt for myself, and a changing pad in it. It was like having a diaper bag but it always stayed in the car so in case I ran out of something in my diaper bag, needed extras, or completely forgot the diaper bag, I knew I always had backup in the car.
3. Hushh Portable White Noise Machine - On the go sound machine, perfect for car rides, when you are out and about, or in case of a power outage (we've had that happen before!)
4. Baby Car Mirror - I could not drive without being able to see my babies! This mirror is shatterproof and stays on tightly so you can easily see your little one while driving.
5. Leather Diaper Bag - Apparently this is a dupe for a popular diaper bag but I didn't know that when I bought it. I just loved the look of it. But more importantly, I love all the different pockets and organization compartments. It fits a lot and has held up very well.
6. Portable Changing Pad - Must have in the car or in the diaper bag because you never know when you will need to change your baby...but it will be quite often (and blowouts do usually seem to happen in the car).
7. UPPAbaby Vista Stroller - This makes a great gift that family members or friends can pitch in together to purchase. Yes, the price is quite high. BUT we have loved this thing and truly do see a difference when pushing other strollers. It rides so smoothly through multiple terrains, it is super easy to fold up and I love that it stands when folded. Also one of the biggest pros is the ability to convert to a double stroller and the ease of different configurations. Now with another child coming, we also have the little skateboard attachment to the back so the oldest can stand and ride on that while the other two are sitting in the seats. When I just had my son, I absolutely loved taking it to the grocery store and using the bottom compartment for groceries because it is so big and spacious. It is a great quality stroller and obviously doesn't hurt that it is very stylish as well!
8. UPPAbaby Mesa Car Seat - Car seat that easily clicks into the stroller.
9. UPPAbaby Mesa Base - Need to have along with car seat.
1. BabyBjörn Bouncer - I was hesitant at first to purchase this for my first baby because it is expensive for a simple bouncer that you have to manually bounce. BUT, let me tell you, it is worth it. Both kids loved this so much and when I don't currently have a newborn, my sister is using it with her babies. We even tried various bouncers or just ANYTHING to set them down for a minute and this was by far the most loved by my babies. As they get stronger and learn the movements, their kicks will make the bouncer move. It is super easy to travel with because it folds up flat and is very light. Also, you can easily remove the fabric to wash and you can adjust the position of the seat.
2. Inflatable Water Tummy Time Mat - My kids were never fans of tummy time, but when I got this out, all tears went away. They were so amused by the floating ocean animals and loved to push them around and try to grab them.
3. Skip Hop Activity Center - Definitely another item that gets passed between my sisters. All the kiddos have loved this once they reach the appropriate age.
4. Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo - Perfect for when your kiddo starts moving, gets squirmy and you need some time to get a meal ready or use the bathroom! It is so cute to see them learn how to bounce and move their little body.
5. Bright Stars 5-in-1 Activity Gym - I have posted about this before and I think it is underrated! I got this as a gift for my first baby and absolutely loved how it grew with us. Most baby mats you use for a few months and then you are done. This one you can use for tummy time and then as they learn to sit up you can make a ball pit which any child will absolutely love. When I had my second child, I loved seeing both my kids enjoy this little ball pit far past the age of just learning to sit up.
6. Baby K'tan Wrap Carrier - I love the ease of this wrap. There isn't any extra fabric or belts or straps. It is very easy to learn how to put on and it is soft and cozy making it perfect to snuggle your tiny newborn.
7. Ergo Baby Omni 360 Baby Carrier - This carrier is great for when baby is a little bit older and you want something more structured. It is perfect for long periods of holding baby and especially for when baby prefers to face outwards. It provides good support all around.
8. Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Carrier - This may be the one thing I have not tried yet but I have bought it for my third because of the great things I have heard. It almost is an in-between of a wrap and the Ergobaby 360. I like that it is a bit more soft and cozy but still provides structured support. I'm looking forward to trying this with baby number three.
1. Skip Hop Bath Rinse Cup - I love this cup to rinse baby's hair and keep water out of their eyes.
2. Shea Moisture Baby Wash - Our favorite body wash I have used for our newborns and still use for my toddlers. It smells so good and is free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
3. Munchkin Bath Letters and Numbers - Once baby starts exploring and is ready for some bath entertainment, these letters and numbers make the perfect bath time toy. I love that they grow with your child- they'll start off trying to pick them up, then biting them, and then before you know your child will be telling you the names of each letter.
4. Kneeling pad - Not something I originally thought of but when I did get one with my baby, I really appreciated having some comfort leaning over the tub.
5. Pupiki Baby Wash Cloths - These washcloths are so soft and perfect for gently washing your newborn. They have stayed soft after many washes.
6. Bamboo Baby Bath Towels - Soft bamboo fiber bath towels perfect for wrapping up baby after a bath.
7. Electric Baby Nail File - One of the biggest fears of a new mom- trimming their baby's nails! Ahh I hated it. Then my husband found an electric nail file and it changed our world. Ok...maybe a bit dramatic but it sure made things 10x easier and less worrisome. It is easy to do when baby is sleeping and once they become wiggly, you don't have to worry about cutting their little fingers as you might with traditional nail clippers.
8. Baby Bum Brush - It seems silly at first when you see this and you may wonder "really? just use your hands!" But it is a simple tool you don't realize how much you love until you have it. It makes applying rash cream so much easier and less messy. I personally liked it because the thick rash creams are not the easiest to wash off. By using this brush I didn't have to worry if my hands were clean when applying it on my kids' bottoms and I didn't have to get my own hands messy by touching the cream. Again, I know it sounds unnecessary but I was always glad I had this on hand.
9.NoseFrida Snotsucker - I think this should be marked down as a must-have. There's only so much to do when baby gets congested and this may be the most helpful. Clearing out their boogies also helps prevent ear infections so when our babies were sick we made sure to stay on top of the snot sucking. Even if they don't like it, know you aren't hurting them and only ultimately helping them to feel better!
10. Oogie Bear - Another one of those things you don't realize how much you need until you have it. Newborn noses are so tiny and it is tempting to want to stick your finger in and pick a boogie but obviously, that can transfer germs/bacteria/unwanted dirtiness into your baby's nose, and probably more obvious is that your finger may be too big! In comes the Oogie tool. Simple tool but truly used this so much and really grateful for it.
Feeding
1. My Brest Friend Pillow - Most people I know go between this pillow and the Boppy pillow. Both are great but when I spent many hours in the NICU with my newborn son, I preferred the Brest Friend pillow because it provides a bit more support.
2. Harmony Manual Breast Pump - An on-the-go pump is such a great thing to have on you whether you are pumping a lot or just for those times when you are out and need to quickly and easily release some pressure if you know what I mean. I loved keeping mine in the diaper bag or car caddy for emergency use.
3. Comotomo Baby Bottles - I know bottles are tricky and every baby is different with what they prefer so you may have to try multiple ones (which we definitely did!) We loved the Comotomo bottles that are designed to mimic breastfeeding. They are made with dual anti-colic vents, safe and soft silicone, and are also wide which makes them easy to clean.
4. BIBS Pacifiers - BIBS pacifiers are made with high-quality materials and were always a favorite in our household as well as my other mama friends.
5. Medela Sterilizing Bags - I used these in the NICU after feeding my son and I loved how quick and simple they were to use so I made sure to use them when we brought him home as well. All you need to do is put a little water in the bag, throw your pump parts or bottle parts in the bag, and put it in the microwave for a minute or two.
6. OXO Bottle Drying Rack - I personally prefer to have all my baby stuff separate from other dishes so this drying rack is perfect for all baby items.
7. 5 pack Nursing Bras - These nursing bras are soft and comfy and great for everyday wear or for sleeping bras.
8. Silicone Baby Bibs - The silicone bibs are a must have for when baby starts solids! Things get messy quickly and these are very easy to wipe clean.