Confession time: creating a nursery for my first little one felt like prepping for the design decathlon. Faced with aisles of adorable (and often confusing) baby gear, I knew I needed a game plan. Enter my amazing social media mom tribe, countless hours of research, and a Pinterest board that resembled a digital explosion of tiny furniture and swaddles. After sifting through all the “must-haves” and “essentials,” I finally honed in on 10 key items that everyone (and by everyone, I mean seasoned moms and trusty online resources) seemed to agree on. Consider this your cheat sheet to navigating the wonderful, and sometimes overwhelming, world of creating a baby registry must-haves for a first-time mom.
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Top 10 Must-Haves for Your First-Time Mom Registry:
1. Snoo Bassinet: Sleep. The very word sends shivers down the spine of many a new parent. My friend Bre, a veteran mom of two, swore by the Snoo bassinet when it came to her second child. “It’s like magic,” she’d rave. “With my first, I felt like I was constantly rocking her all night. The Snoo just… works.” This is definitely a splurge item. But the promise of those precious first few months filled with more sleep made it a top contender for my baby registry must-haves.
2. Nuna Demi Grow Stroller: Okay, let’s face it, strollers are an investment. We wanted one that would grow with our family since we’re hoping for another little one down the line. The Nuna Demi Grow gets rave reviews for its sleek design, smooth ride, and convertibility. It can seamlessly transform from a single stroller to a double stroller, perfect for future adventures with our growing brood.
3. Doona Stroller: Skip the stress of switching between car seat and stroller. Doona transforms from car seat to stroller in seconds. Letting you whisk your sleeping baby from car to sidewalk without a hitch. This innovative design is perfect for busy parents on the go, offering both convenience and safety for your little one.
4. Slumberpod: Traveling with a newborn can feel daunting. But for frequent flyers like Everyday Pursuits blogger Jessica, the Slumberpod is a game changer. This portable blackout tent creates a dark, cozy sleep environment for your little one, no matter where you are. Perfect for hotel stays, family visits, or even just creating a calming nap nook at home. The Slumberpod is a must-have for any registry, especially for those with wanderlust.
5. Nanit Pro Baby Monitor: Gone are the days of tiptoeing into the nursery every five minutes. The Nanit Pro baby monitor does it all – crystal clear video, temperature monitoring, and even the ability to track your baby’s breathing movements. This high-tech monitor provides peace of mind while still allowing you to catch some much-needed rest.
6. Babybjörn Bouncer: My friend Shelby [@shelby.root], a first-time mom herself, couldn’t sing enough praises about the Babybjörn bouncer. This classic baby essential is a lifesaver for those moments when you need to put the baby down for a few minutes. The gentle bouncing motion soothes fussy babies, and it can also be used as a feeding station or a safe spot for playtime.
7. Bamboo Zip Footie from Harper Jade: Softness matters, especially when it comes to your newborn’s delicate skin. The Bamboo zip footie from Harper Jade is a baby shower gift staple for a reason. Made from the dreamiest bamboo fabric, it’s both cozy and breathable, perfect for keeping your little one comfortable all night long. Bonus points: the adorable designs make these zip footies a surefire hit for any new parent.
8. Elvie Breast Pump: If you’re planning on breastfeeding, a good pump is a must-have. After extensive research (and gifting a friend a pump a couple of years ago – she raved about it!), I landed on the Elvie. This hands-free, wearable pump allows you to pump on the go, whether you’re working, cooking, or simply catching up on some TV. The freedom and efficiency make it a top choice for many breastfeeding moms.
9. Baby Bottles: Even the most dedicated breastfeeding moms might find themselves needing a bottle at some point. My friend suggested I add a couple of options to the registry since the variety of bottles can be overwhelming (trust me, she’s right!). I went with a selection that caters to different needs: ComoTomo for its wide neck design that mimics breastfeeding, Dr. Brown’s for its anti-colic venting system, and Nanobebe for its self-warming feature (perfect for those middle-of-the-night feedings!).
10. Baby Carrier: Babywearing is a fantastic way to keep your little one close while getting things done. I’ve been eyeing the Artipoppe for years, having heard rave reviews about its stylish design and comfortable fit. The Sollywrap is another popular option, known for its soft, stretchy fabric and ease of use. I also was gifted the Najell, which I am so excited to try out. Of course Ultimately, the best carrier for you will depend on your personal preferences and carrying style.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget the essentials! Stock up on diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, baby wash, and lotion. These everyday items are the workhorses of your baby care routine.
Building Your Dream Registry:
This list is just a starting point, of course! When creating your baby registry must-haves for a first-time mom, consider your lifestyle, budget, and any specific needs you might have. Don’t be afraid to ask experienced parents for their recommendations, and don’t hesitate to include a variety of price points to accommodate different budgets among your guests.
Beyond the Registry:
While a well-stocked registry can be a huge help, remember that the most important things you can offer your baby are love, attention, and a safe and nurturing environment. The rest is just icing on the cake (or, should we say, frosting on the onesie?).
Congratulations on your upcoming arrival! This exciting journey of parenthood is about to begin, and with a little planning and preparation, you’ll be ready to embrace all the joy (and maybe a few sleepless nights) that come with it.
P.S. Looking for a complete list of all the products mentioned in this post? I’ve created a handy Google Doc with all the details and links.
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Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend and the best HYPE girl. In 2016, I went to Thailand and met my husband. Literally, in Koh Phagan, I not only fell in love with this wonderful man, but with all things TRAVEL! February 2020, I started telling my story! I am so HAPPY you are here! LET’S GO ON ADVENTURE!
