Now that our daughter is one, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at our baby registry with a critical eye. There’s a lot we still use and love, but also some items we’d change if we had to do it all over again. Here’s what we think are baby registry must haves plus what to skip!
This is honest parent to parent post. If you have questions about anything just ask! More than happy to give you my honest feedback as well as a look into what we’ve done over the past year.
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How to Make a Baby Registry
First things first, you need to make a baby registry! We used Babylist for ours, which was great for a few reasons:
- You can add items from many stores
- It keeps track of addresses for thank you cards
- They have suggestions for what to add and offer a completion discount
We also had an Amazon Baby Registry even though we didn’t really give the URL out. The main reason was to get the completion discount at the end to use on everything baby we needed (15% off!).
Other sites offer welcome gifts and more, so sign up for as many as you want, especially if there’s a discount you can use at the end.
Ryan and I went through our registry together in my newest Youtube Video! We go a bit more in depth with why and why not we liked something. Watch the video now!
Baby Registry Must Haves
On to what to add to your baby registry! I broke this down into five major categories for ease. These are the items that we loved and would absolutely register for again if we had to do it all over:
Sleep
On the fence: Babyletto Crib. It’s cute and will grow with her, but I think you could find a more affordable convertible crib that does the same thing.
Eating
Travel
TIP: List your higher priced items as group gifts!
Hygiene
- Washcloths
- Elephant Shower Head
- Frida Baby Tub
- Knee Pad for Bath
- Skiphop Changing Mat
- Diaper Pail
- Finger Nail Trimmer
- Water Wipes
- Humidifier
Entertainment
On the Fence: Bjorn Bouncer. We loved it, but I still think you can get a more affordable option since they grow out of it within a year. Just look for one with a washable cover!
Related: Our Favorite Board Books!
What NOT TO Put on Baby Registry
Here are a few items that we’d leave off our baby registry if we had to make it all over again. This is of course only my opinion. If it worked for you and your family, woohoo!
- Cloth swaddles– get the velcro ones!
- Monitor— we haven’t loved this version. A mounted one is best, because they will grow and grab it
- Dishwasher basket– nipples stained red from pasta sauce and I had to replace all of them!
- Baby Bjorn Carrier– never felt right, but could be user error
- Baby Towels– you can use a towel you have
- Regular page books– get board books!
If you have any questions at all, please leave a comment below and I’ll be happy to fill you in on everything we did and used! Congrats on your journey to becoming a parent– you’re going to be amazing!
xo
Rachel