Expecting a baby is a very exciting time, but it comes with a lot of careful planning. Many parents, especially brand new parents-to-be, end up feeling stressed because there is a lot to consider before the baby (or babies) arrive. Setting up a baby registry will help your friends and family know what you need for your upcoming bundle of joy, but it helps to know what you should and shouldn’t include in it.
Table of Contents
Furniture and Gear
Baby furniture and gear can end up being costly if you buy everything brand new. It can be helpful to include the bigger and more expensive items on your registry to help reduce those costs. Some nursery essentials you don’t want to forget are the bassinet and crib, crib mattress, changing table, dresser, and a rocking chair.
Baby gear you’ll want to include is a car seat, high chair, stroller, bouncer, playpen, and a baby swing. It can be very helpful to spend time researching these bigger items to find the ones with the best reviews. You also want to make sure they include the features you want them to have since your baby will be using these items often.
Baby Leggings, Other Clothing, and Linens
Baby clothes are almost impossible to resist buying because of how cute and tiny everything is. Your registry should include plenty of clothing items including baby leggings, bodysuits, pajamas, sweaters, rompers, socks, hats, no-scratch mittens, and jackets. When you add clothing to the registry, you should be mindful of sizes and seasons. If you’re having a summer baby, you may not want to add a snowsuit or winter coat in newborn sizes. Babies grow quickly, so it can be helpful to add a variety of sizes so they have some clothing to grow into.
Babies do not need a lot of items when it comes to linens to practice safe sleeping practices, but they will need a few fitted sheets and a waterproof mattress protector. You also want to include several receiving blankets and hooded towels.
First Aid Items
Everyone should have a first aid kit handy, one kept out of reach and with a locked lid. A first aid kit for a baby should include infant acetaminophen, a baby thermometer, band-aids, petroleum jelly, a medicine dropper, cotton balls, blunt scissors, a nasal aspirator, hand sanitizer, gas drops, and alcohol wipes.
You can add a first aid kit designed for a baby to your registry, or you can add the individual items you need to make your own. One important thing to remember is to replace the items you use and get rid of expired medications and switch to new ones when needed.
Diaper Essentials
Diapers are one thing you can never have enough of. Newborns go through approximately 10 diapers a day, so around 70 diapers each week. Most newborns grow out of the newborn size after reaching nine to 10 pounds, so be sure to include several sizes on the registry.
If you’re using cloth diapers, you want to make sure you have enough on hand. A normal stash of diapers for the newborn stage is approximately 36 diapers while a bigger stash is between 40 and 50.
Aside from diapers, other diapering essentials to add are baby wipes, diaper cream, a diaper bag, and a diaper pail.
Items For Baby Proofing
Baby-proofing items are a must-have for any baby registry. It may be a little bit before a baby reaches their exploration stage, but it’s never too early to start planning. Items you shouldn’t live without are outlet covers, furniture mounts, toilet seat and cabinet locks, tub thermometers, corner and edge bumpers, and cordless window coverings.
It’s also essential to have working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your home with fresh batteries. Pay attention to high-risk areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors and try to eliminate as many risks as possible.
Before the baby comes, work on having a checklist to make sure you have everything you need.