Baby Shower Registry: The Must-Haves!

 
Since giving birth to Betty Jane, it seems that I'm always being asked by expecting mommies what they should include on their baby shower registry. I always tell them that they should register for items that they'll need immediately as well as things that they'll need 6 months down the line. In actuality, I found that you really don't need that much for a newborn. Yes, you can bypass the wipes warmer and the fancy gizmos. Seriously, they'll end up taking up space and you'll be sending them along to Good Will in no time.

Before I get to my list, here's another tip. I would not only register at a Babies R Us/Target, but also at a higher end store like Land of Nod or Pottery Barn Kids for a few special items. Close family members and friends might want to contribute a larger, "nicer" item for your little one's arrival.

Now... On the the coveted list. The envelope please...

• Aden and Anais muslin blankets. They come in packs of 4 and you really don't need more than that. They are wonderfully large and their uses are endless.
• A diaper changing pad with 2 covers.
• Diaper caddy. It's not necessary, but I found it useful just to keep everything in one place.
• Diaper Rash Paste
• Infant Tylenol
• Baby Bliss Gripe Water
• Mylicon
• Aquaphor
• Thermometer. We have the Exergen temporal thermometer that we love.
• Infant Hygiene Kit. This should include nail clippers, nail files, a brush and a nasal aspirator.
• Baby Wash. I loooooove California Baby and Burt's Bees!
• Wash cloths and hooded towels.
• Baby Bath Tub
• Bath Thermometer
• Boon Frog Pod. For when your little one graduates to the big tubby.
• Lansinoh for the nursing mommies.
• My Brest Friend or The Boppy (with 2 covers). I preferred The Boppy over My Brest Friend. It's really a personal preference. Even if you are bottle feeding, it's good to have one of these on hand.
• Bottle System. We used Dr. Brown's in the beginning and then switched to the Evenflo glass bottles. Dr. Brown's worked great for gas problems.
• Bottle Warmer
• Burp Cloths
• Bibs
• Breast pump and storage bags if mommy plans on pumping.
• Pacifiers if you plan on using them.
• Baby Carrier. I had the original Baby Bjorn, which I loved, but I would get one with lower back support.
• Mobile
• Crib Sheets
• Crib
• Glider/Recliner. Definitely take the time to find a comfy one. You might me spending a lot of time in it.
• Mattress
• Mattress Pad
• Video Monitor
• Car seat with an extra base if you have multiple cars.
• Snap and Go or your choice of travel system stroller.
• Diaper Bag
• Pack and Play
• Pack and Play sheet
• Onesies
• Kimono Tops. Seriously, I could not get my hands on enough kimono tops. They are so easy to put on.
• Infant Sleep Gowns
• Pants
• Socks
• Sun Hats
• Beanie Hats
• SwaddleMe Wraps (3-5)
• Sleep sacks for when they are older.
• Sleep Sheep or a white noise sound machine.
• A good night light or lantern so you don't have to turn on any lights for those middle of the night diaper changes.
• Humidifier
• Diaper Genie with a few packages of liners.
• High Chair. Get it now. You'll be using it before you know it.
• Bumpo
• "Cooking for Baby" cookbook, if you plan on making your child's baby food.
• Baby Wipes
• And last, but not least... DIAPERS!

Those are the necessities. It's up to you to add your little personal touches. You might have noticed that I didn't include any swings or bouncers to the list. My advice would be to either borrow these items from a friend or grab them off Craigslist. Why? Because your little one may not be a fan of the swing/bouncer and why waste the money. However, if you are dead set on getting one, then by all means, do so.

xxoo-