Making your baby registry is exciting and overwhelming. Building mine nearly two and a half years ago felt like a part-time job; I scrolled through endless lists of must-have items, read dozens of reviews, and weighed how each item would fit into our new life.
Fast forward to today: Some gifts were absolute lifesavers, while others barely made it out of the packaging. Looking back, I wish I had known what would truly be helpful versus what would end up gathering dust.
Here are my baby registry hits, issues, and what I’d do differently now looking back:
Baby Registry Hits
Crib, car seat, stroller: These big ticket items are essential and belong on a registry.
Bouncer: My daughter practically lived in her bouncer. As a newborn, it became a go-to spot for her while I folded laundry, unloaded the dishwasher, or just when my arms needed a break. It was a lifesaver, offering both her a comfy place to relax and me the freedom to get things done. We used the BABYBJÖRN Bouncer; the seat is machine washable and it is easy to travel with.
Portable Sound Machine: Life in the womb is anything but quiet, and babies need sound to sleep well. We registered for the Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine, which we still use, but a portable sound machine was clutch for the car, stroller, or travel. We love the FridaBaby 2-in-1 Portable Sound Machine + Nightlight. It has a range of different sounds and is used even now on trips with our 2.5-year-old.
Baby Registry Misses
Pacifiers: I stocked up on every brand, style, and shape imaginable. I even opened and sanitized every single one before my daughter was born, confident she’d love them. Spoiler alert: she didn’t. She outright rejected the binkie, leaving me with a drawer full of perfectly useless pacifiers. While I don’t think this item should be completely removed from a registry, you certainly do not need to go overboard. Wait for the baby to arrive to learn their pacifier preferences before stocking up.
Muslin Swaddles: When your newborn is screaming, the last thing you want to be trying to fold them into an origami-style swaddle. Velco and zip swaddles were lifesavers; I even had my relatives bring them to the hospital. Our favorite, The Nested Bean, has a lightly weighted design that mimics your touch, helping soothe your baby. Bonus: they’re made right in Hudson, which makes supporting a local business feel even better!
Mobile: While aesthetically pleasing, mobiles are a major strangulation hazard. Skip them and opt for a light projector instead. The Skip Hop Moonlight Melodies Elephant Nightlight Soother displays stars on the ceiling, making it a sweet addition to your baby’s nursery.
What I’d Do Differently
Meal Train: I wish I had requested sustenance from my family and friends. I could have used a frozen lasagna over a wipe warmer in the early days. If you register on Babylist, you can add favors to your registry like a home-cooked meal, house cleaning, dog walking, and babysitting.
Support Group Gift Card: Matrescence is the physical, emotional, hormonal, and social transition of becoming a mother. It is one, if not the, biggest change you will ever go through. It takes a village to raise a child and to support a mother. The Supported Mom Initiative of Central Mass runs several groups to help you in your phase of motherhood. Or The Herd, LLC Add the “Gift a Village” link to your baby registry.
