How The F&*$ To Make A Baby Registry
Making a baby registry has been one of the most stressful things about my pregnancy. And I don’t want any of you to feel the stress that I felt, so I created this registry blog post to help you identify what you ACTUALLY want and need.
I looked at quite a few bloggers’ registries, read the mommy blogs, had a list suggested to me from Amazon, Babylist, Buy Buy Baby and even had three books earmarked at their “must have” registry items - It was crazy overwhelming!
Before we even started I knew I wanted to keep the registry minimalistic, affordable and as eco-conscience as I could for baby Rio. Another obstacle that we had was our very small one bedroom apartment, which complicated things as far as space.
I laid out this blog post as a templated registry broken down by zone. That helped us visualize things so much better when making our registry.
Bedroom/Nursery:
Bassinet or Crib - After losing sleep over this decision for what seemed like weeks, I decided that I wanted to skip the bassinet step and go for a mini crib. With a small apartment, we couldn’t get a full sized crib to fit and I didn’t want to waste the money getting a bassinet only to have her grow out of it in 3 months (right before we moved into a bigger home). The mini crib seemed like it skipped that in between step and was small enough to keep in our room. This similar option to a bassinet would last us quite a bit longer and get us to the next step in her life! But, if we had the room and home situation, this is the bassinet I was considering.
Crib Mattress - This fits the mini crib.
Changing table - This changing table can go on top of any surface and it is an easy clean off.
Diaper Genie - Reviews were great on this one!
Crib Sheets - There are so many but this fits a mini crib and comes with 3 instead of the usual 2 sheets.
Sound Machine - A nightlight for late night feedings and sound all in one.
Laundry Bag - I wanted a separate bag for Rio’s poopy clothes but with space limited we got a hanging one for the back of our room door.
Stuffies - We have always called her “bun” for some reason and so we got her these safe and soft toys that kept the bunny theme.
Humidifier - You can add essential oils to this for extra comfort!
Bath:
Sink Tub - We are lucky enough to have a huge sink so we got this HIGHLY rated tub.
Grooming - I loved the natural and minimal look of this set.
Bath Toy - My mom saw this and said, quote, she has to have this - period!
Towel / Robe - Simple and cuuuute!
Shower Essentials - I trust Honest Company. I can’t explain it more than that! And I got this set so I could try out all the products before getting the full size.
Travel & Gear:
Let me start by saying picking a car seat and stroller is EXTREMELY personal and can differ based on your needs, what you think your needs are, and if you plan on having more kids; and this is why I broke down in tears multiple times in the store trying to decide haha! I asked the people in the store, I looked up reviews, I asked my friends on Instagram, I stalked moms everywhere and these are the two I’m deciding between:
Car seat - UppaBaby Mesa
Stroller - UppaBaby Cruz
Car seat - Nuna Lite
Stroller - Nuna Mixx
Baby Carrier - This one is heavy duty and will hopefully last us a long time!
Baby Wrap option - *honestly I’m still on the fence if I want the carrier or wrap option.
Diaper Bag - I just can’t do it. At least not yet, so I opted for a Never Full and will get dividers in here so its as similar to a diaper bag as possible but still maintains my cool girl look.
Closet:
Muslin Swaddles - I have had this item saved in my MUST have for months.
Onesies - All my friends said to get easy onesies that you can just toss in the wash.
Hats - Not about the giant bow so I went for these cotton turbans.
Socks - I loved the non traditional look of these that will keep her chunky legs warm.
Hand Protector Mittens - Until she can get a manicure, these will do.
Small Hanging Rack - In our small space we didn’t have room for a full closet so this was my solution.
Nursing & Feeding:
Nursing pillow - This was HIGHLY suggested.
Breast pump - Did you know that most insurances cover the cost of a pump?! We got this one.
Bottles - I am going into this whole thing trying to do both breastfeeding and bottle feeding and everyone said that these were the best for minimizing nipple confusion.
Bottle Cleaning - You gotta get this guy, but I wanted to keep on brand so I got white.
Burp Cloths - People suggested to have a million of these since they would have many purposes.
Big pack of Burp Cloths - Big pack of simple white
Pacifiers - I love that these are eco friendly and also so cute!
Teether & Pacifier Holder - I like that this is wood and not plastic
Play:
Swing - I keep going back and forth on if I want to spend the money but a ton of mommies LOVEEE this swing.
Rocker - My other option that is so beautiful and perfect for easy mobility.
Lounger - This one came recommended for all new moms but it is priceyyyy.
Lounger Option 2 - This is the more affordable option that my one friend said is just as good and her baby preferred it more.
Health & Safety:
NoseFrieda - Everyoneeeeeee said to get this, so we got the set that came with other amazing things in it.
Camera & Sock - This is a pricey buy but the peace of mind that comes with it comes 100% recommended.
First Aid Kit - All in one kit.
Books for Parents:
Moms On Call - I just ordered this book after hearing it got rave reviews.
Babywise - Holy Grail baby book #1.
I hope that this can be a resource for you if you are an expecting momma, planning to become a mom or even helping someone put their registry together! There are MANY MANY MANY other things that people will tell you that you will need but like I said, this is what I felt was manageable and realistic for us. Let me know if you thought there was anything I missed or that you loved!
Here is a link to my registry if you want to see how it looks online: BabyList Registry for Rio Smith.
