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You are expecting and the reality that a baby will soon be coming into your house is finally starting to take shape. This means you are going to need a lot of stuff. Trust me, little humans may be teeny tiny, but somehow there is an endless amount of supplies that they will need. The fun part, if you’re reading this you likely plan to set up a baby registry, so you will have help getting all the essentials. But, you definitely want to be strategic when it comes to setting up a registry so you can be sure to get products that you will actually use. Disclaimer, the process can be fun (I definitely enjoyed it a lot), but also can turn stressful quick, if you don’t do your research beforehand.
What is a baby registry? A baby registry is a list that you make for family and friends of items that you they want and need for your new baby. Many times people set up a baby registry before a baby shower, but not always.
Where to register for a baby? There are really so many options here’s a few of the popular ones:
- Amazon
- A shameless plug! Not only does Amazon have TONS of options, but they also sell Linen & Leah sheets. These innovative sheets are designed to fit securely to your playard mattress making them the safest Pack and Play sheets on the market
- Buybuy Baby
- A note about BuyBuy Baby, it is owned by the same company as Bed Bath and Beyond, so you can also choose to register there instead. Also, keep in mind you can use those 20% off coupons at both locations. (You can not use expired coupons at BuyBuy Baby)
- Target
- Babylist
- Pottery Barn Kids
- Crate and Barrel Kids
- Walmart
When to register? This decision really comes down to personal preference. Many mom-blogs recommend sometime around 20 weeks or half way through your pregnancy. My only recommendation would be to research before you actually plan to put together any time of baby list. You want to make sure each product you select is the best fit for your baby and your family. Especially those big-ticket items like car seats and strollers
Click here for a printable baby registry checklist and list of baby registry must haves.
What to put on your baby registry? Let’s break it into categories of essential baby registry items. I am breaking down this list by essential products to buy not specific products or brands.
Nursery:
- Crib
- Crib sheets
- Bassinet
- Bassinet Sheets
- Glider
- Dresser
- Changing table/ changing pad
- Mattress
- Baby monitor
- Night light
- Humidifier
- White noise machine
- Blankets for swaddling and other outings (DO NOT USE LOOSE BLANKETS WHILE BABY IS SLEEPING)
Feeding:
- Bottles
- Burp Cloths
- Bibs
- Bottle Brush
- Bottle drying rack
- Bowls, Plates Utensils for when baby starts solids
- Formula if you intend on using it
- High Chair
- Sippy Cups
- Pacifers
- If Breastfeeding:
- Breast Pump
- Milk Storage containers or bags
- Bra for pumping
- Ointment/creams
- Nursing Pillow
Diapers/ First Aid Care
- Diapers
- Diaper Cream
- Diaper cream brush
- Vaseline
- Baby Wipes
- Diaper Bag
- Diaper Pail and bags if applicable
- Hand sanitizer
- Rectal thermometer
- Baby Tylenol
- Nasal Aspirator
- Nail Clipper
- First Aid Kit
Travel
- Stroller
- Infant Car Seat and base or convertible car seat
- Baby carrier
- Portable playard
- Sheets for playard
Playtime
- Bouncer
- Jumper
- Swing
- Tummy-time Mat
- Teething toys
- Rattles
- Lovey type toys
Bath time
- Infant Bath
- Wash Cloths
- Baby soap and shampoo
- Baby towels
- Baby lotion
- Bath toys
- Faucet cover
Now, you might be asking what are the best baby registry items or the must haves for a baby registry. I did a prior blog on that that you can find HERE. But, I will says that is definitely is all a matter of personal opinion. But, let me share with you a few of my personal favorites so far.
- Stroller: Uppababy Vista
- Car Seat: Uppababy Mesa
- Bouncer: Bjorn
- Playard Sheets: Linen & Leah
- Bottles: Comotomo
- Nightlight: Hatch Baby nightlight
- Jumper: Fisherprice Jumperoo
- Diaper bag: LilyJade
- Teething toy: Sophie the Giraffe
Linen & Leah is an innovative playard sheet company that is devoted to safe sleep. Linen and Leah offers the safest Pack & Play sheets on the market. Our sheets attach securely to your playard mattress using an adjustable Velcro strap. Linen and Leah sheets are breathable and made from 100% organic cotton. Our sheets come in four colors that are suitable for any décor.
Linen and Leah’s founder Jen O’Malley created these sheets on her own. Jen is a mother of two with years of childcare experience.
“I came up with the idea for Linen & Leah out of necessity. I operated a childcare facility where I was constantly walking around during naptime tucking in the corners of the Pack and Play sheets that the babies were sleeping on because I was worried about their safety,” said O’Malley. “The final straw came when the Department of Human Services came for a licensing renewal visit and told me I could not longer us the Pack and Play sheets I had purchased at Target or Babies ‘R Us because of safety risks. The officials told me the new sheets I bought the night before were too loose fitting and posed numerous safety concerns. At that moment, I knew I had to do something different. “
The goal of this company is for you to feel confident each and every time you put your little one down to sleep. Linen & Leah prides itself on selling the best Pack and Play sheets on the market. If you want to learn more about the product please visit: LinenandLeah.com. A portion of each purchase is donated to the SIDS Foundation.