Baby registry sugggestions
I spent a lot of time during my pregnancy perusing “minimalist baby registry” lists, and found that most of them had a very different definition of what minimalist meant than I did. I am not interested in $1500 SNOOs and huge heavy baby gear!
So, here’s the list of things that I useful enough to be worth the space during the first year of each kid’s life. We didn’t end up making a registry because we got so many hand-me-downs from friends, but I liked Babylist’s setup. You can get almost all of this second hand.
Last updated: Feb 28, 2021
First week essentials
See my Baby bare minimums list for the stuff you need in the first few weeks.
Big ticket items
BabyBjörn Bouncer - We found this crucial for our sanity. Easy to move around, and you can bounce the baby with one foot while you do other things.
Crib - Get a full-sized one if you can. Both our kids outgrew the half-sized crib at about 3 months.
High chair - Honestly, the Antilop IKEA high chair is easy to clean and light, and cheap enough ($20!) that you can buy multiples for grandparent houses, etc. But if someone wants to buy you something fancy, everyone raves about the Stokke.
Stroller - For the first few months we used a Graco car seat clipped into a frame with wheels (great if you need to catch a cab in a pinch), then we migrated to an umbrella stroller. That worked really well for us, but a stroller is a pretty personal thing and worth getting some family member to splurge on for you, if that’s an option. Here’s a good list to peruse, and here’s another. Test a few out in a store if possible to see what you like, and what’s a good handle height for you.
Video monitor - We thought we didn’t need one, but we did. We got this one. If you're shopping around, be aware that internet-connected ones can get hacked (ugh).
Jumperoo - This is less important than the Björn bouncer, and it’s big, so measure first to see if you have space. It’s useful as a place you can stick the baby in a hurry and be sure they’re not going anywhere.
Cordless earphones - Airpods, etc. These were such a lifesaver for me; if you’re listening to headphones with cords, the baby immediately rips them off your head. Even if you don’t feel comfortable putting this on a registry, it’s worth splurging on a pair if you can.
Medium-to-small ticket items
Carrier - This is another thing that is very personal and worth going and trying on options in a store if possible. Also, if you have a partner, you and they may need different options. Personally, I used a wrap (first the more lightweight Boba, then the thicker Moby), and my husband used a Lilé. My youngest is 1.5 and I can still carry him in the Moby in a pinch.
Travel crib - We love the Graco Pack ‘n Play: folds up small, and is easy to set up and take down. Useful if you go on a trip, and also useful as a backup crib in a pinch.
A lightweight basinet - It’s nice to be able to lie the baby down in something easily movable. We used the Rock ‘N Play, which has since been discontinued, but the Fisher-Price Rock With Me looks like a similar option.
Bonds Wondersuit onesies - These are epically awesome. The cuffs fold over the hands and feet fold over for protection/warmth, the zipper is easy to manage, and they come in delightfully wild prints. (They also have more tasteful options if you’re into that sort of thing.) They have a lot of stretch, which means they last a long time; my not-insubstantial youngest could still fit into his 0-3mo Wondersuit at 5 months. Visit their website for many more print options and frequent sales.
Pacifiers - We used the Philips Avent Soothies because supposedly they don't cause nipple confusion. Our kids also liked the Wubanub animals.
2 crib sheets - You don’t need blankets or pillows; they’re not allowed in the crib for a long time.
Toys - Our kids loved Freddie the Firefly, stacking cups, and Sophie the giraffe. Word to the wise, don’t put Sophie in the bath! Also, I have a soft spot for the Jellycat stuffies.
Breastfeeding and pumping supplies - See my post for suggestions.
Portable changing pad - The Skip Hop one we have is amazing. Turns any regular tote or purse into a diaper bag.
Diaper pail - This is optional; for baby #1 we just used an over-the-cabinet bag holder and plastic grocery bags. But with #2 we were given the Ubbi Steel Odor Locking pail, and it does let us go a few more days between taking out the baby trash, which is nice. Plus it’s kinda cute!
Baby tub - Also optional, you can use the sink or any sort of trug before graduating to the full bathtub. But we used the Fisher-Price 4-in-1; the sling feature is nice when they’re very small, and the shape helps them sit up when they’re a bit bigger.
Zutano booties - The only things that stayed on my kids’ feet. There are other brands that may work just as well, but the one I tried had flimsy velcro that didn’t hold, so I went back to Zutano. Get a couple sizes (3M, 6M, 12M).
Cloth diapering - Deserves a post of its own, but I recommend Esembly as a place to start. (Full disclosure, I loved their stuff so much that I invested in the company!) If you’re in NYC, check out their sister company, Diaperkind; we used their diaper service for years and it was a great experience.
Banana brush - Great for teething, and we also used it to ease our eldest into toothbrushing when the time came.
Vava lamp - I’m not going to say this is essential, but I will say I developed a deep affection for it during late-night nursing sessions. It was like a quiet little pet (you pat it on the head to wake it up) that kept me company and provided just enough light. Now we use it in the bathroom to light the way for our son’s late-night excursions.
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