Most parents have the basic baby registry items figured out – a crib, a car seat, a diaper bag and a few pacifiers. Are all of those items necessary? Absolutely! But what are the not-so-obvious items that nobody tells you about? What are the things you don’t know you need until all of a sudden, you need them right now? As a mom of an almost six-month-old, I have identified many of the “gotchas,” and hope this list helps you build an awesome registry!
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1. NailFrida SnipperClipper
Clipping those tiny fingernails for the first time is a heart-racing activity. You feel like with the wrong angle or amount of pressure, you might just cut part of a finger off. *In walks the SnipperClipper.* The SnipperClipper cuts from side-to-side like scissors rather than the “chomp” you’re used to from your standard set. It also has a safety view window so you can see exactly what you’re cutting. I can promise you it’s worth the extra $5 to go with the NailFrida!
Pro tip: Put this in your hospital bag! The nurses at the hospital won’t cut your little one’s fingernails, and sometimes they come out quite long and sharp.
2. Haaka Silicone Breast Pump
To put it simply… you put the Haaka on one boob while baby nurses from the other. All of that milk that would typically be wasted in a nursing pad is now saved in this convenient little device! (This is liquid gold we are speaking of.) It was a perfect way for me to start my freezer stash before going back to work with almost no extra effort.
The Haaka is a real life milk saver! If you’re planning to breastfeed, don’t even continue reading this post. Just go register for this gem.
Pro tip: Don’t worry about the Haaka taking too much milk. I was originally very fearful of my little guy not getting enough because I “pumped” too much into the Haaka, but after using it, realized it wasn’t an issue. In fact, it might have helped my supply.
3. oogiebear Nose and Ear Cleaner
Would you like someone to try to reach into your nose? Exactly. It’s no surprise that your baby doesn’t either. Make it as quick and painless as possible with the oogiebear. It’s a super simple design, but there’s nothing else that fetches those stubborn boogies quite like it.
I’ll be honest… I didn’t even know it doubled for an ear cleaner until writing this post. Now I look forward to trying it!
Pro tip: Get the two-pack. Keep one in the diaper bag for on-the-go use and one at home by the changing table for convenience.
4. NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator
Since we are already on the topic of snot, I would be remiss to not mention the NoseFrida. If you’re not sure what a nasal aspirator is, it translates pretty directly to snot sucker. You put your mouth on one end, your baby’s nose on the other end, and you suck it like straw. (Don’t worry… there’s a filter.) When those first sniffles come around (or even the post-birth congestion), you’ll be thankful for this seemingly disgusting device. Scroll half way down this page to watch a video on how it works. If it’s snot on your registry, you’re making a mistake.
Pro tip: Put saline in baby’s nose before snot sucking. It loosens the mucus. I really like the saline spray, because it’s hard to get drops to go up into baby’s nose. Extra filters are also great because…. obvious reasons. Saline and filter links below!
5. Waterproof Changing Pad Liners
You’ve probably already registered for a changing pad and cover, but did you think about liners? You’ll find out really quickly that poo travels faster than you expect, and it doesn’t take long for all three of your changing pad covers to be dirty in the hamper. These washable liners act as a barrier to keep the cover clean for as long as possible. When one of these liners gets messy, just toss it in the washer and quickly grab another one. Easy-peasy.
Pro tip: These liners are super helpful, but still get at least two changing pad covers to switch between. Those diapers can get pretty explosive.
6. Dekor Plus Diaper Pail
When I was babysitting my niece prior to having my own baby, I distinctly remember the moment I had to shove her exploding dirty diaper into the small hole of a Diaper Genie. It was nasty. I knew I needed to look for an alternative for my registry. That’s when I found the Dekor Plus. The Dekor Plus is SO easy. Open the lid with your foot, drop the diaper, and it makes it’s way into the “flap” without any gross maneuvering with your hands.
I’ll be honest and say that some odor does escape when the flap is opened when the diaper drops in. I think the Diaper Genie does a better job of keeping the smell in. That said, I’ll can handle a little smell over a poopy hand any day.
Pro tip: There are multiple sizes out there, but I recommend the “Plus”. I have the Plus, and I don’t find it to be any too big.
Pro tip #2: You can buy the Dekor brand name refills, or you can buy the babyfeel brand refills for cheaper. I’ve used both and they’re both solid options. If you like a fresh, powdery smell, go with babyfeel. (Links to both are found below.)
7. Baby Medicines and Ointments
It’s highly unlikely (seemingly impossible) that you’ll escape the infant stage without any sickness or ailments. When the time comes that you need these things, you need them now. (Not after bundling a sick baby up for a car ride and hauling them around the store as they cry.) Add these essentials to your registry. You won’t regret it.
Pro tip: Diaper-rashed hineys hurt when you touch them. Skip the standard diaper cream, and go straight for the spray. It allows you to avoid touching the sensitive area (and keeps your fingers clean, as an added bonus!)
8. Swaddles
I didn’t understand the beauty of a swaddle until I used one on my little guy. It can make a BIG difference in their sleep – especially during those brutal first weeks. Turn your baby into a little burrito, and leave them feeling snug and secure like they’ve been for the past 9 months. (And more scientifically, cut back on that Moro reflex.)
We used the SwaddleMe brand because we got some affordable used ones, and they worked! That said, there are SO many options. I’ve posted a few of the more popular ones below. I recommend reading reviews, and then choosing what you feel most comfortable with. It will be hard to go wrong here.
Pro tip: I was super worried about pinning down my little guys arms – especially because he likes having his hands up by his face. It really bothered me the first couple of nights, but when I saw how much better he slept, I realized he must be comfortable. Don’t overthink it.
9. A Convertible Car Seat
You probably registered for the infant car seat that just clips into the base in your car. That’s the perfect seat for your infant! But once you have a 5-month-old who weighs 20 pounds like my little guy, you’re poor back and neck will be ready to move on to the next step. There are expenses, like this one, that add up quickly – especially if you need a seat for both mom and dad’s car. These future-thinking items are great for your registry.
Pro tip: If you’re going to be transitioning to a seat that stays in the car in wintertime, the car seat poncho shown below is the perfect way to keep the little one warm and still get a snug, safe fit in the car seat.
While you can never be fully prepared for that first baby, I hope this registry list helps you feel just a little more secure. And don’t worry… if you forget something, Amazon delivery is just a day away!
What other unique items am I leaving out? Leave your comments below!