Are you planning a baby shower or putting together your registry? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Babies need lots of love and care, but they don’t need everything immediately.
When I was pregnant, I spent a lot of time researching products and asking family members for advice on what I’d actually need, which brands were the best, and where to find them. I ended up creating a list of my favourite products, and whenever a friend got pregnant, I’d send it to her. They always told me how much easier it made their lives, so now, I’m sharing that same list with you!
I hope it helps you prepare without feeling overwhelmed.
Please keep in mind that this list is just a suggestion. You don’t have to follow it to the letter—these are simply products that worked well for me and my baby. Every parent’s experience is different, so feel free to adjust it to fit your needs.
1. Nursery Must-Haves
- Crib or Bassinet: A safe place for your baby to sleep is essential. A bassinet beside your bed can be practical for the first few months. My criteria for choosing a bassinet were simple: it needed to provide a safe sleep surface, be stable, and easy to adjust. Of course, I also considered aesthetics and any cool features like sound options or storage space. My favourite choice is the Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Bassinet. As for the crib, you can choose depending on the aesthetics of the nursery and always prioritize a safe sleep surface.
- Where to Buy: Babylist
- Crib Mattress: Opt for breathable, firm, and waterproof. I went for the Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress. Don't forget bedding, but keep it simple—just a fitted sheet will do.
- Where to Buy: Amazon
- Nursery Chair & Ottoman: Comfort is key for those late-night feedings or when your baby needs soothing. Trust me, having a comfortable chair makes all the difference! My main criteria were that the chair needed to either rock or glide, and I also wanted a place to rest my feet—an ottoman was a must for me. My favourite is the Lennox Furniture Glider Rocker Combo.
- Where to Buy: Amazon
- Changing Table With Storage: Make sure you have enough space for diapers, clothes, and tiny essentials like baby hats, socks, and towels. My favourite is the Sprout 3-Drawer Changer Dresser because it has three spacious drawers, a removable changing tray, and a handy side cubby to keep all your diaper-changing essentials within arm’s reach.
- Where to Buy: Wayfair
2. Feeding Essentials
- Breast Pump or Bottles: A reliable electric pump like Medela or Spectra can make things much easier if you're breastfeeding. Make sure to select a flange that’s 4-6mm larger than your nipple when it's at rest, as this will give your nipple enough room to expand comfortably while pumping. If you’re bottle-feeding, having enough bottles on hand is helpful to avoid constant washing.
- Where to Buy: Spectra Baby USA Medela
- Breast Milk Storage Containers: A must-have for storing pumped milk.
- Nursing Pillow: For extra support during feedings. I chose for My Bestfriend Professional Pillow because it’s adjustable, lightweight and easy to clean.
- Where to Buy: Amazon
- Bibs & Burp Cloths: Get at least 8-10. You’ll be wiping up a lot of spills!
- Where to Buy: Amazon
3. On-the-Go Gear
- Infant Car Seat: You’ll use this a lot, especially if you’re giving birth at the hospital - you’ll need it to bring your baby home safely. Opt for a lightweight one that’s easy to detach and carry.
- Diaper Bag: Make sure it’s spacious and easy to organize. There are some great options on Amazon. I also like the Kipling bags—they’re roomy, durable, and high-quality.
- Where to Buy: Kipling
- Pack and Play: Handy if you’re often on the go or visiting family.
4. Clothing Basics
- Onesies and bodysuits: Babies live in these for the first few months. Stick to 12-15, and don’t worry about fancy clothes—comfort is key.
- Footed Pajamas: You’ll need about 8-10. Gap and Carters are my favourites.
- Swaddles & Blankets: Get 3-4 swaddling blankets. Some babies love to be wrapped up like a burrito. These also double as great nursing covers or stroller blankets.
- Where to Buy: Aden + Anais Little Unicorn
5. Bathtime Fun
- Baby Bathtub: A 3-in-1 tub with a newborn insert will last you for the first few months, so you won’t need to buy a new one when your baby grows.
- Where to Buy: 4moms
- Baby Towels & Washcloths: You’ll need 4-6 towels and 6-8 washcloths. I use them for everything from bath time to wiping up milk spills.
- Where to Buy: Amazon
6. Diapering Essentials
- Diapers (Newborn Size): Huggies or Pampers, whichever you prefer. You’ll need a lot of these!
- Wipes: Sensitive skin is best—your baby’s skin will thank you.
- Where to Buy: Huggies
- Diaper Rash Cream: I’ve always trusted the Organic Diaper Balm by Earth Mama since my little one has sensitive skin, but Desitin is also great.
- Where to Buy: Amazon
Pro Tip: Don’t stress about having everything before the baby arrives. Essentials like a car seat, crib, and feeding supplies are the top priorities, while items like toys, a high chair, or a Jumperoo can wait until your baby is a few months old.
And keep in mind that building your baby registry doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Focus on the must-haves, and remember that your baby won’t need all the extras right away. You’ll also get plenty of clothes as gifts, so don’t overstock on those. Most importantly, enjoy the process—it’s all part of the adventure!
Coco
Please note: I am not affiliated with these brands and do not receive any commission or compensation for sharing links to these products. I recommend them purely based on my personal experience and belief that they may be helpful to you.