Perhaps the first thing that overwhelmed me during pregnancy was creating a registry list. Take for instance tubs. There are seriously SO MANY OPTIONS for a TUB!!! Not to mention hypoallergenic, tear-free, dye-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, plant based, pthalate/sulfate/paraben free, with coconut oil (cuz e’rthang needs coconut oil, am I right?) baby washes that will make your kid smell sooooooo good. BUT since you’re so busy researching every aspect of childbirth, there’s minimal time or brain energy left to scour the net for what to register for. I ended up reaching out to friends and reading through blog posts to see what items were especially useful.
So, if you are contemplating what items you need to register for (or what to buy a preggo friend), I decided to pay it forward and share my favorite hands-down must-have registry items to HOPEFULLY help you with this mildly stressful bit. Granted, since Shiloh is only just 4 months, there are quite a few things we haven’t tried out yet. I’ll share another list as she gets older! Also, some things (bottles, pacifiers, etc) are so baby-specific so I didn’t include either of those.
I used BabyList.com and loved it because you can add items from pretty much any store! Plus they share some recommendations that I found very helpful. Feel free to reach out with any questions! Or share your favorite items in the comments to help out another reader.
Ride
Picking out a stroller & car seat was perhaps the most overwhelming of all. There are some strollers that were so beautiful, but I could not wrap my head around spending so much money on a stroller. I heard positive feedback on the Baby Jogger City Mini and decided to check it out. I’m so glad I did!
Okay so technically it is NOT a jogging stroller, but yes I totally have gone jogging with it since I stick to paved paths. I fell in love with the design (love the caramel color accents against the charcoal). But what really sealed the deal was how easy it is to fold up, maneuver, and the small amount of space it takes in the trunk. The car seat has a ton of safety features that adds peace-of-mind to this stylish and practical combo. I added this stroller organizer which fits all my go-to items, including my large water bottle.
solly wrap (& similar) // shorts 
ring sling // jeans // similar t-shirt
Let’s talk baby wearing for a sec. I LOVE baby wearing. It’s so therapeutic for mama and baby. I have a Solly Wrap and a ring sling and love them both. While I still use them both, the Solly wrap was especially nice while Shiloh was super tiny since the design held her close to me, could shield her from lights and noise a bit, and discouraged uninvited baby-touching. However, now I probably use the ring sling more. I love the look of this sling, Shiloh gets to look around a bit more, and it takes LITERALLY 15 seconds to put on (the Solly wrap is a tad more complicated).
Sleep
There are some amazing bassinets that were just a bit (way) pricier than we wanted to spend. This one was perfect. It has a light-blocking hood, can rock or stay stationary, the sides are a breathable mesh, and it collapses easy enough to transport. Plus it looks nice. Overall, we are very happy with this one.
I can’t say enough good about this Snuggle Me Organic infant lounger. While the Dock-A-Tot is all the rage, I love how this hugs Shiloh when she lays in it. The design helps so much with the startle reflex. I swear she had some of her best sleep in this! My only gripe is they don’t make one big enough for me.
For pack-n-plays, we went with this one. Besides the adjustable mattress height, it also has a bassinet and changing table with it. We’ve used a bunch of times for traveling, thanks to the easy set-up. Plus you can’t beat the price-point!
We love this baby monitor, and even travel with it. The camera picks up great detail even from a distance and at night.
Another must-have sleep solution we always use (+ travel with!) is this white noise machine/night-light. After doing a ton of research, I learned that static noise and red/orange lights are most conducive to restful sleep so we only use those options. However, it has a variety of lights and white-noise options if that’s your thang. It’s all controllable from your phone and the dimmable light is perfect for those late night diaper changes and feeding sessions.
As far as swaddles go, we have some beautiful linen ones (I LOOOOVE LINEN) but also found this Swaddle Up to be a dream! The design allowed Shiloh her to sleep in her preferred arms-up position, she could reach her hands to suck on them if she wanted (self-soothing!!), and helped with her over-the-top-dramatic startle reflex. Pro tip: keep a camera handy for the most memorable unswaddling pics ever!!!
We try to practice safe sleeping so currently no blankets in the crib, but we still get tons of use out of this dreamy blanket. It is seriously the BEST BLANKET EVER! The fabric and weight of the blanket is just perfection, and the pattern is beautiful. Every baby (and adult IMO) needs this blanket in their life.
Lounging
OK I got a few chuckles when I registered for this pillow but seriously, I am so so glad we got it. As a newborn they spend so much time on their back. Next to being held or worn, this is the best option to prevent a flat head.
I can’t tell you how important it is to have several lounging options. There are so many times I need to set Shiloh down just for a sec (shower, cleaning, eating, dressing…you get it) so having a few things throughout our home to set her down has been really great. I love this Boppy lounger since all you need is one finger (which is more challenging to come by than you’d think) to move this around with you.
We also LOVE the 4moms swing. It is truly everything it’s cracked up to be! Shiloh didn’t like it until she was almost 2 months old…probably because ONE- I didn’t realize there is a newborn insert option so she was like a pebble in a hammock; and TWO- one day I realized IT RECLINES. And just like that everything changed. This chic chills in this swing like she’s getting paid to do it. Nifty parent hack – we put her in it just before nap/bed time to get her nice and drowsy. It’s like outsourcing rocking your baby to sleep.
Feed
One thing I did not expect to get so much use out of is this carseat/nursing cover. I’ve used it as a carseat cover to extend those on-the-go naps, but perhaps the moment I truly appreciated the value of this was mid-summer when Shiloh was about 2 months old. I brought her with me on a jog and she woke up from a nap waaaaay earlier than she was supposed to, screaming as if her world was ending because, indeed, it was…unless she got to nurse IMMEDIATLY. I whipped out this cover and right on the side of a busy road gave this girl the meal of her dreams.
It’s a breathable fabric in a baby-approved B+W pattern. Plus, since it covers you like a poncho, there’s no feeling awkward about your back being open when you’re wearing a non-nursing-friendly top. As far as nursing covers go, I also feel like this muslin one is perfect for nursing in public when you’re wearing a nursing-friendly top.
Speaking of nursing, if you’re planning on pumping I have been very happy with this breast pump. I love that I can be getting things done while I pump since it’s totally hands free. Just stick the cups in your bra and you can customize the speed and suction. Best part is it’s free through most insurances!
For highchairs I am thrilled with the one we picked out. The slim design is very minimalist chic, and comes in a good option of colors (we went with the grey/white combo). It wipes clean and folds up to store out of the way. It also has adjustments we can make so Shiloh can use it as she grows. Some highchairs are so large and bulky, that is just not the look I wanted, since this will be a fixture in our kitchen for a while!
Super Important Miscellaneous Stuff
When it came to diaper bags, I knew I wanted a backpack one that looked chic yet not overly feminine (so Matt could use it too) and not too “diaper bag-y. I REALLY love the one we went with. The size is perfect – it’s not too huge but fits everything we need. There are tons of pockets everywhere, including 3 insulated bottle holders. It doesn’t come with a changing pad but that wasn’t a deal breaker since I fell in love with this ADORABLE CHEETAH one (bonus* microfiber side is very easy to spot clean or toss in the wash no problemo).
While we’re talking diapering, out of all the diapers we tried, I keep going back to Honest diapers. (& we have tried sooo many different options). The elastic waist band keeps them comfy for her but also helps prevent blowouts. Plus they’re not loaded down with tons of fragrances/dyes/etc. And I LOVE the patters, they are the cutest!
A lot of people think a wipes warmer is an unnecessary luxury, but think of it as being more for you than the baby. I’m not afraid Shiloh will wake up during the middle of the night diaper changes since the wipes are so soothingly warm. And a sleeping baby is always a #win.
The last thing I think is really worth mentioning is this baby bathtub. It was so easy to bathe Shiloh in it as an infant when we were both equally terrified of bath time. As she has grown, I’ve taken advantage of the seat adjustment. I love that it’s just a tiny tub to fill up, but if you are a sink bather kind of gal, check out this bathing option (also great to travel with!)
Other Honorable Mentions
wubbanub // teething necklace // teething mitt // shopping cart+high chair cover // drying grass // drying twig // bottle brush // diaper pail // nosefrida baby einstein gym // piano gym
Well there you have it friends! Hope you found this helpful, and don’t forget to comment on your must have baby items!!
xx, rae
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UAE Dirham