Baby Registry Help!

I am 25 weeks pregnant and friends have started planning  a baby shower for me and asking me about my baby registry.  I started creating one but it was such an overwhelming task - this is my first baby and I don't have anything!  I have the big stuff on there - car seat, stroller, crib, etc. but then I started making a list and it seemed so long.  I was hoping you could help me out by sharing great lifesaving items you used with your baby.  Especially any surprises like,"I didn't know this would be so helpful!" items too! Thanks!! :)

I have probably tried every baby product out there. I LOVE helping with baby registries; I just helped my sister-in-law with hers.

If you'd like A LOT of help, message me with where you're registered and your registry info and I'll take a look at it and send you a list of things I recommend. If you're not looking for that much help, I'm happy to just list things I could and could not live without.

Edited to add: Here's my list of things to put on a registry:

If you are planning on breastfeeding, a breastpump (I recommend Medela).

Nursing pads (even if you're not breastfeeding, you'll leak for a little while)

Bottles (I personally like Born Free)

I only use the 5-ounce bottles. I've had no need for 9-ouncers because my son is breast-fed and doesn't eat more than 4 ounces of milk/feeding

Extra nipples

Bottle brush

Baby Bjorn carrier (or whatever brand/type of carrier you like)

LOTS of bibs, burp cloths and receiving blankets

Plain white onesies in various sizes

I like the "kimono-style" tops that snap at the side AND the regular snap-at-the-crotch onesies

Halo sleep sacks (two of each size; one to wash, one to wear)

Extra fitted crib sheets

Extra changing table cover (if you're using a changing table)

Bottle drying rack (I use mine to store all the baby stuff)

Soothie pacifiers (even if you're not planning on using them, it's a good idea to have some on hand. Our hospital gave us some and we love them but our son won't use them anymore)

Boppy and extra slipcover

We used ours so much! Not only for feedings but for help sitting up, tummy time support and for sleeping in as a newborn (always supervised, of course!)

A swing

Play gym

Changing table organizer

Space-saving high chair (one that sits on a chair)

Boon feeding spoon

We just bought this and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It's a spoon that you dump baby food in and you squeeze it to get the food to come out on the spoon itself. Great for taking places.

Car seat cover for the winter (or year-round if you live in a cold climate)

Diaper bag

Baby care kid (nail clippers, comb, brush, nail file, bulb aspirator, etc.)

Large hooded towels

Things I DO NOT recommend getting:

Diaper stacker

Wipes warmer

Microwave sterilizer

Sleep positioner (unless the doctor recommends it)

That's all I can think of now and it's time for me to leave work. I'll add more when I think of it :)

LOVE this!

OK.  I swear by her:

-Bouncie that vibrates, Jumperoo that she stays in forever, bassinet (i have a pretty one from kolocraft that's gender neutral and not too $$, glider-  i have one from babys r us that came w/ the ottoman and wasn't too $$ but very comfy; DREFT detergent, BINKIES!!!! her hamper, and her cute little aquarium that she loves to watch before falling asleep.

oh-  and a felt/thick sheet protector, nasal syringe and a Humidifier.  this is the exciting part!!!!

Baby Sling... not a bjorn or similar carrier but a sling.  It was invaluable with my girls (colic and reflux) and was one of the few ways either of us could get anything done! 

Neutral colored items, especially since it's your first so you can pack them away when your lil one outgrows them for future use.... or if you don't plan any other children later, it's a huge help for other friends/family. 

Baby crib music thingy that is remote activated.  We got one with my 2nd child and it was great!  I can remember so many nights when my oldest was up just starting to fuss and going in to wind the mobile (even with no lights on) would wake her 100% up and then it would be an hour+ of sitting, rocking, and screaming until she settled back down.  Most of those weren't hungry or wet diaper times and it was rough!  With that lil remote though....it was such a great help!

Couldn't agree more on the vibrating bouncy chair...and the medela pump.  

Socks!  You can never have too many of those because the smaller they are, the easier you lose one, unless you get one of those small mesh bags for the washer!

Hook & loop tape.  My kids all had this amazing talent of kicking and sending socks flying!  The soft velcro hook&loop was a lifesaver and held the socks in place.  Just made a lil tab on the sock to snug them up a little... was afraid elastic would pinch.  Also came in handy if we lost a snap on a onesie or kimono.

For me, changing table was over-rated.  My oldest took a near tumble (strapped with the buckle even) because she was a real wiggle worm... We had a few extra changing pads and just kept one in our room, the den and also in her room so wherever we were I had a little diaper station right there.

A bigger sport type nursing bra then your current size.  Had to send my poor hubby running out for one with our first.

Good luck!!

We skipped the Dreft for our second. With all the fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergents out there now, we just use Cheer Free and Clear with Downy Free and Clear fabric softner. They're less expensive then Dreft. If your baby has SUPER sensitive skin, though, go with Dreft.

The vibrating bouncer was a lifesaver with our first child.

A non-breakable mirror. We have one that's made by Sassy that can tie onto the crib or stand upright. Both of our kids LOVE that thing as babies.

"and a felt/thick sheet protector"

Waterproof mattress pad? We definitely need two of them!

I wouldn't put too many clothing items on your registry. People will buy clothes no matter what because that's what people like to get.  That being said, I agree with the socks idea. You can never have too many because they get lost at home and while out and about.

I'll throw in another rec for the vibrating bouncer seat - it helped preserve our sanity, along with Baby Einstein videos.

And while people will be getting you toys left and right, most of which will be hit and miss in terms of how much your baby will like it, my two boys loved one particular toy, and three other babies I gave it to could not do without it:  Baby Tad.  Lulled them to blissful quiet sleep every night for about 2 years.

Good luck!

Original Post by santonacci:

 

And while people will be getting you toys left and right, most of which will be hit and miss in terms of how much your baby will like it, my two boys loved one particular toy, and three other babies I gave it to could not do without it:  Baby Tad.  Lulled them to blissful quiet sleep every night for about 2 years.

 I have been looking for Baby Tad!!  My girlfriend has it for her daughter and she loves it!!!

I have a Baby Tad. Vanessa, check your messages :)

Thanks so much!  I am ready to jump back into the registry!