Erin's Baby Checklist
You wouldn't believe how often I get asked for recommendations on what to register for or what I think people need. Is that really necessary? What did you use and love? What is overrated? Items to splurge on? People assume since I've had 3 kids and have spent some time as an Amazon Reviewer that I've tried a lot of stuff...and honestly, they're not wrong! I finally decided to compile it all into one easy to navigate list instead of typing it out all of the time. Some of these things are bare bones items, while others things are items that might be worth splurging on.
Where to register?
Babylist is an awesome place to register and I always recommend it to pregnant moms.
You can register for anything from any website or store, making sure people buy you exactly what you want. I love it because there are some items you may want to register for that you just can't find at Target or Babies R Us. It eliminates the kind of confusion you get from grandma when you tell her you want cloth diapers and she buys you gerber flats.
You can even register for things like home cooked meals and babysitting. It's got a beautiful interface that sorts things into categories (like I will be on this page). People viewing your registry can even sort your items by price. |
Diapering
DIAPERS - Newborns get changed easily 12x a day. Breastfed babies get changed even more (think 15-20). They literally poop every time they eat, so if you're feeding 8-10 times a day...you get the point. If you're planning to use cloth diapers, I suggest a solid stash of 30+ for a newborn. As they get older they go through far less diapers. A 1-2 year old might only go through 5 a day. Of all of the disposables we've tried, Luvs are our favorites. The best combination of quality and affordability.
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Diaper Wipes - I prefer huggies personally. I feel like the wipes have a bit more integrity and clean better. I used to use cloth wipes, but had some issues with mold because I wet them before hand. If I ever go back to cloth, I think I'll store them dry and then use a squirt bottle to wet them one at a time.
Diaper Cream - Diaper rashes happen. Some babies get them more than others. Coconut oil is great for milder rashes and for preventative. Creams like A&D and Desitin are best for persistent rashes. If you've got a rash that is really bad and feel like you need to bring out the big guns, Pinkxav is what you want to buy.
Diaper Sprayer - If you're planning to use cloth, don't skimp. Buy a sprayer.
Wet Bags - Though wet bags, also known as wet-dry bags are typically a cloth diaper specific item, I really think that every parent needs a few of these. They're fabric bags lined with a waterproof material. Some have two pockets, one for wet and one for dry. It’s great for transporting poopy diapers, blowout clothes, swim clothes, or anything else that might be wet / smelly. They even function perfectly for transporting shampoo, lotion, etc in case they leak / spill.
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Bathing
Place for Bathing - This can be a baby bath tub, a large bowl, or in the sink. If you're planning to co-bathe, all your little one needs is you!
Bamboo Baby Towel - Bamboo is like 100x softer than your normal towel and is very gentle on baby's skin. I suggest splurging on this. Bamboo Washcloths- Another product that I think is worth the the extra money. The washcloths are full size so they're great for the whole family and they're so soft you'll never want to go back. |
Soap and Shampoo - I like to use bedtime body washes and soaps with moisturizing. For Shampoo, pick something that is gentle and tear free.
If baby gets Cradle Cap, Vaseline is a great treatment. Layer it on the area before bed and leave it on overnight. It'll loosen the flakes that can then be combed out in the morning. Dandruff shampoos like Selsun Blue and Head and Shoulder's can help keep it from coming back. Just make sure to keep it out of their eyes.
From the Otteroo website "Otteroo makes your baby’s transition from mommy’s tummy to bath to pool fun and easy. Our floatie, which can be used as early as 8 weeks old, works with water’s buoyancy to support early motor development in your baby while encouraging exploration....It is a great way to start building your baby’s lifelong love of the water."
The Original Tummy Tub "The Original tummy tub® is a unique womb-shaped and sized bath that eases baby’s transition from a familiar, safe place to an unknown world."
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Feeding
Nursing Pillow - When I was nursing Dax, I always had issues with my Boppy sliding down and hated lugging it around away from home. With Willow I didn't bother using it. I just wrapped up in a blanket and used some of the extra fabric to prop up her head to the right height. Until you're comfortable, you may still want to get a nursing pillow, especially since they can also be used to support baby during Tummy Time.
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Nipple Cream - If you're planning to breastfeed, expect your nipples to be sore, even chapped/cracked the first two weeks or so. A high quality cream will speed up healing while you get the hang of it. I HIGHLY recommend Motherlove Nipple Cream. It is way better than lanolin and is easy to apply, unlike lanolin that gets stuck in the tube.
Nursing Pads - These come in cloth and disposables. Having used both, I really strongly suggest the cloth ones. They're super comfy, extremely absorbent, and don't feel like your boobs are wearing a diaper. I can never even tell I am wearing them. During my heaviest leaking times, I only changed them maybe 4 times a day, once Willow was older, the same pair lasted me 24 hrs.
Milkies Milk Savers - When a baby nurses something called "Let Down" happens, which is when the milk starts coming out. Except it doesn't come out on just the one side, it comes out on both. A Milkies Milk Saver can be worn on the side not being fed from and the milk that comes out is collected and can then be stored for later use.
Breast Pump - DON'T REGISTER FOR THIS BEFORE TALKING TO YOUR DR. Your OB can write you a prescription for a breast pump and your insurance should cover it.
Breast Milk Storage - In the even that you need to pump, you'll need something to store your milk in. Bottles are easiest, but bags save space.
Breast Milk Storage - In the even that you need to pump, you'll need something to store your milk in. Bottles are easiest, but bags save space.
2-3 Bottles - Anymore than this and you may end up falling behind on washing them or become less concerned with losing them. Which doesn't sound like a bad thing until one goes missing and you find it stashed under the crib 3 months later. Barf. Babies wake up every 1 - 3 hours. That's a lot of middle of the night washing, so get something without a lot of parts.
Bottle Brush - Bottles get gross, that's inevitable, but a bottle brush will get them squeaky clean. |
Burpy Bibs - Burpy bibs wrap all the way around baby's shoulders and snap in the back for 360° coverage. I wouldn't personally use these for feeding solids, but they're just right for newborns who tend to get spit up EVERYWHERE.
Burp Cloths - For this I really love using the old fashion diaper flats. Preferably Bamboo because it is so soft and lightweight. If you can't find bamboo, prefolds are thick and absorbent as well. |
Drool Bibs - For drooling I recommend flannel backed bandana bibs. The flannel keeps moisture in, keeping clothing dryer longer than any other bib I have ever tried.. They're extremely absorbent and easily put ordinary bibs to shame. Oh, and your kid will look like a badass.
Feeding Bibs - For feeding, it doesn't get any better than silicone bibs. They can usually be rinsed clean or tossed in the dishwasher if they're really dirty. No worries about leaks. |
360 Cup - The 360 cup is probably the best cup on the market! It teaches babies how to use a regular cup while preventing almost all spills. They can drink from any side. They also have stainless steel version for the conscientious parent.
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High Chair - I love my freestanding High Chair because I can adjust the height to my table and it has 3 recline settings. but if you want something more portable or need to save space, check out ones that straps to the back of a chair. Look for one that has wipe clean fabric
Baby Silverware - While we do have some plastic forks and spoons at home, the kids prefer the miniature silverware. It makes them feel more grown up. We buy ours in the $1 section at Target.
Silicone Placemat - I love these because the rinse clean and can go in the dishwasher.
Plates & Bowls - While we mainly use our silicone placemats at the table, we also have these plates from Ikea that have survived years of abuse, including being left outside indefinitely and they still look basically new. And they're CHEAP!
We also use Nordic Ware food prep plates and bowls. These are very cheap (my favorite), come in a few fun colors, and hold up really well even left outside, used as a sandbox toy, and washed repeatedly in the dishwasher. |
Food Processor & Small Freezer-safe Containers- Have you considered making your own baby food? It's way cheaper and extremely easyA large food processor (8 cups), storage containers, and some fresh fruit & veggies are about all you need to get started.
Clothing & Swaddles
Baby Booties - Willow lived in these until she was about a year. Her feet used to get really, really cold so she even wore them in the summer. My favorite brands are Luvable Friends "Scooties" and Zutano. They two brands are nearly identical. Scooties have velcro, a much better fit than the Zutano, and are dirt cheap. Zutano has snaps, tons of awesome colors, and are a smidge softer but at double or triple the price.
5+ Sleepers in each size - for babies not born in summer, get a mix of flannel and cotton for layering with swaddles.
5+ bodysuits in sizes 0-3+ - Newborn bodysuits only go up to 8lbs, so I recommend only getting 2 or 3. Baby socks with elastic - This is crucial. If they don't have elastic at the top they will not stay on and they will get lost. They're not worth the money without the elastic. |
Pants - A few pairs of pants in each size.
Baby Mittens - I don't know what it is about babies trying to claw off their face, but most of them do it. They're kind of a danger to themselves so make sure you pack these to take these to the hospital. They’re also nice to keep baby’s hands warm.
WOOMBIE! - A swaddle that's actually has happy baby magic sewn in each fiber. There's no confusing velcro and it's basically inescapable. Made of a slightly stretchy material, it allows them to feel womb-like snugness while still being able to wiggle. They can move their arms wherever is comfortable instead of having them pinned at their side. It unzips in either direction meaning babies can stay swaddled during diaper changes. Willow would be crying, I'd zip her up and she'd immediately be calm.
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2 Sleepsacks or Wearable Blankets - I suggest getting one that is heavyweight, like fleece or minky, and one that is a light cotton. The heavyweight ones are great for cold nights (or rooms cooled with AC), and the lightweight one is ideal for layering.
"Going Out" Outfits - Maybe you'll want to dress up your baby every day, more likely they'll hang out in a bodysuit or PJs at home. Though after two boys, I dressed up my daughter almost every day for the first year.
Nursery
Crib & Mattress - Or just someone where for baby to sleep. Cradle, bassinet, and pack and plays are just a few other options.
3-4 Crib sheets - Babies don't usually go through a lot of sheets, but I like to look at it as 1 for the crib, 1 for the wash, and 1-2 extra in there's an accident before laundry day. I personally love Jersey Sheets. |
Teething Rail Guard - If your baby is anything like my first, when he/she starts getting teeth the crib rails may become the perfect thing to gnaw on. I suggest getting a some kind of cover for the rails. Since bumper pads are frowned upon now, I just used those around the tops.
You can also learned how to make a very cheap and very easy no-sew DIY crib rail cover at Hey Let's Make Stuff. |
Portable Crib - You may want to buy a Pack in Play if your baby will be spending a lot of time away from home or if you're going to be going on vacation. They are perfect for sleepovers with Grandma without her needing to buy a bulky crib.
Crib Bedding - You can buy complete sets at places like Babies R Us and Target or you can buy pieces separately for more customization.
Crib Mobile - A mobile provides stimulation for newborns and give them something to look at as they learn to fall asleep on their own. If you're wanting to splurge, buy one that makes sounds and projects pictures onto the ceiling. Looking to save money? Make your own out of colored paper.
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Dresser - You'll need somewhere to keep all those cute clothes :) Pick something with large, quiet drawers for middle of the night changes. Looking to save money? Find a used dresser and refinish it. Paint it a bright color for extra interest in the nursery.
Changing Table & Pad - The boys' changing table had cubbies and drawers and the extra storage was amazing. I kept diapers/cream in the cubbies and fresh sheets, blankets, and changing pad covers in the drawers. Looking to save money? Just buy the changing pad or use your bed!
3-4 Minky Changing Pad Covers - I love the minky because it is so soft against baby's skin and it doesn't stain. Three to four is a pretty safe number. Newborns tend to piddle in places they shouldn't, like during diaper changes, so I like to keep a few extras. Waterproof pad - This is a thin pad you can lay over the changing pad cover in case of explosive blowout and you want to keep the mess contained. |
Soft blanket - At least one soft blanket to lay your little one on, keep baby warm if you're outside etc.
Muslin Swaddle - These have tons of uses beyond swaddling, like keeping baby's skin sheltered from the sun without them getting too hot, for draping over car seats and bouncers, a light blanket for snuggling, burp cloths, etc. Buy these INSTEAD of receiving blankets. They're much bigger and the material is softer and more breathable.
Muslin Swaddle - These have tons of uses beyond swaddling, like keeping baby's skin sheltered from the sun without them getting too hot, for draping over car seats and bouncers, a light blanket for snuggling, burp cloths, etc. Buy these INSTEAD of receiving blankets. They're much bigger and the material is softer and more breathable.
Night lamp - Trust me when I say you don't want to turn on the bedroom light every time you check on your baby. Oh, and invest in an LED bulb because it'll probably be turned on for the next 5 years.
Fan - Running a fan is thought to reduce the risk of SIDS. Not to mention, it'll circulate air, keep baby cool, and is a great source of white noise. It'll help block out any sound when you trip over a toy left on the floor in the middle of the night.
Fan - Running a fan is thought to reduce the risk of SIDS. Not to mention, it'll circulate air, keep baby cool, and is a great source of white noise. It'll help block out any sound when you trip over a toy left on the floor in the middle of the night.
***SPLURGE ITEM***
Comfy Chair - Get a chair you love to sit in - one you could sit in for hours, because you will. Buy a chair that you would pick out for your living room. One that supports your back, let's you put your feet up, maybe even one that rocks or swivels. There will be nights when you're baby just wants to be held instead of sleep. Or when it's 3am, your baby is up for the 5th time, and you can't keep your eyes open. Get a chair that you don't worry your baby will roll out of your lap if you doze off. If you're breastfeeding, have a chair you feel comfortable in can really be the difference in being successful. I know it did for me. I was able to put my legs up in my chair and curl up in a way that breastfeeding didn't strain my body, and I could relax while Willow nursed. It was worth every penny.
Health & Safety
Baby Scale - If you're breastfeeding you may wonder how much your baby eats during a feed or have concerns about weight gain. You get a baby scale for $30-50. A budget friendly option would be to go to your local breastfeeding center for a weigh and feed. Your pediatrician may offer free weigh and feeds as well. Want to splurge? Check out Hatch Changing Pad with built in scale. It even comes with an app that monitors wet/dirty diapers, offers weight gain analysis, and you can use it to see how much your baby ate during a feed.
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Rectal Thermometer - Rectal Thermometers are very accurate which is important for newborns (get some vaseline to go with it).
Nose Frida- Say Goodbye to bulb syringes that don't work well and can harbor mold. The Nose Frida may seem a little gross since you're literally sucking boogers out of your baby's nose, but there's a filter. And trust me, when you're baby is feeling miserable, you'll do ANYTHING to make them feel better.
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Finger Nail Clippers - Pretty obvious.
Baby Tylenol - No Motrin for 6 months, so stick with Tylenol. Make sure your Dr. gives you a print out for proper dosing.
Coconut Oil - It's good for everything. Diaper rash, lotion, wipe solution, etc.
Baby Lotion - Babies can get very dry skin, especially if over bathed. Some babies even peel all over their body in the month or so after birth. Daily lotion will keep skin healthy.
Baby Tylenol - No Motrin for 6 months, so stick with Tylenol. Make sure your Dr. gives you a print out for proper dosing.
Coconut Oil - It's good for everything. Diaper rash, lotion, wipe solution, etc.
Baby Lotion - Babies can get very dry skin, especially if over bathed. Some babies even peel all over their body in the month or so after birth. Daily lotion will keep skin healthy.
Baby Monitor - I highly suggest a video monitor, especially as your baby gets older. Not necessarily to see if they're okay, but because older babies and toddlers are pretty much always up to weird stuff in their rooms. My oldest used to balance all of his toys on the edge of his crib and gently tap them over and over until they fell and hit the floor.
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***SPLURGE ITEM***
Owlet
Play
Toys - At about 3-4 months, babies start to take an interest in toys. They also start wanting to chew on EVERYTHING. Get a mix of teething toys, rattles, crinkly things, and little mirrors.
Yummy Mitt - Lots of babies love to chew on their hands. Yummy Mitt is basically a wearable teething glove. Willow chewed her fingers till they were pruney and sore. While we never bought a teething mitt because by the time I heard about them, that phas was about over for her, but if I ever have another, it's a must have. |
Play Mat- Around the same time, babies will be ready for a play mat. Babies love the dangling toys to bat their hands at and chew on. It will even keep them entertained long enough for you to get some cleaning done or eat a warm meal, while strengthening muscles and hand eye coordination.
Activity Center - Around 4-6 months, depending on the child, an activity center (jumparoo, exersaucer, walker) will be your child's new favorite source of entertainment, besides you of course. These are things they will play with until they're walking around a year. |
Swing - I don't know what we would have done without our baby swing. All 3 of my kids lived in their swings until they outgrew them (8, 9, and 14 months respectively). Dax probably should have been out of it a few months earlier, but he was obsessed with it. I don't think Willow hardly slept in her crib till 6 months. You have to do what you have to do. When picking out a swing, select one that plugs in (no batteries ) with a 25+ lbs weight limit. Make sure it has music you can tolerate and swings fast enough for those thrill seeking newborns.
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Travel
Car seat -
Read your owner's manual to see how to properly strap in your baby (proper chest clip placement, shoulder strap height and tightness, etc) and find a local certified technician who can show you how to install your car seat properly.
Read your owner's manual to see how to properly strap in your baby (proper chest clip placement, shoulder strap height and tightness, etc) and find a local certified technician who can show you how to install your car seat properly.
My favorite car seat brands are Graco, Evenflo, and Britax, but there are a lot of great brands out there. Check out these two great websites for tons of great car seat information on proper installation and car seat styles.
HealthyChildren.Org and Car Seats For The Littles. |
When looking at convertible car seats, pick one with a really comfy cover and one with straps that can be adjusted with a lever. Having to take uninstall car seats and rethread straps to adjust height is not only annoying, but necessary with a lot of newer car seats. Remember to never buy a car seat used because you don't know if it's been in an accident or cared for properly.
Stroller - I suggest picking one with large, off-roading tires and one SWIVELING wheel in the front. These are often called "Joggers." They are ideal for making sharp turns and are a bit more streamlined. Go to a big store like Babies R Us, take the strollers off the shelves and try them out. Look for one you can maneuver easily through the aisles. Pick on you feel comfortable controlling.
Look for one with a large basket for hauling all of your stuff and make sure opening to that basket is accessible. Make sure it has a section for drinks, phone, etc. It's important to be able to reach everything without having to stop moving. If you think you may have two babies close together, consider getting a double stroller off the bat. You can use the extra seat for more storage, extra diaper bag, blankets, etc. |
Large Diaper Bag - You're going to have way more stuff than you think you will. I don't even think it would be crazy to have a couple that are always stocked. Just make sure to switch out diapers and extra clothes as they grow. We recently cleaned out our car and found spare clothes for the boys 3 sizes too small. INVEST in a nice diaper bag that you love for your main bag because you'll be using it for at least 3-4 years.
Small Diaper Bag For Car - Simply because either you'll forget to bring it and your baby will have an explosive poopy diaper in Giant Eagle, or just so you have some extra stuff in the car. It doesn't need to be a diaper bag, it can be a car organizer, box, or tote.
Small Diaper Bag For Car - Simply because either you'll forget to bring it and your baby will have an explosive poopy diaper in Giant Eagle, or just so you have some extra stuff in the car. It doesn't need to be a diaper bag, it can be a car organizer, box, or tote.
Baby Carrier(s) - I personally prefer a stretch wrap for newborns and more of a structured carrier for older babies. I have a Moby-style carrier that I loved for wearing Willow at home when she was small, but unless I put it on at home, I rarely used it in public because it would drag on the ground while I was trying to put it on.
Note: Pet hair, lint, and spit up will be extremely noticeable on black carriers. |
I have a hipseat carrier that I am obsessed with. I don't think I've ever seen anyone else with one, but it is amazingly comfortable. For structured carriers, the most popular brands are Lillebaby, Tula, and Ergo.