Baby Registry Ultimate Guide - Everything you need to know to build th

Welcome to the second installment of our Baby Registry Ultimate Guide. In this week's post, we're providing you with a comprehensive list of items that you should include on your registry.

Part 2: Registry Essentials

Once you've decided when to start building your baby registry, the next critical step is understanding what to include in that registry. In this segment, we'll delve into the heart of the matter: creating a comprehensive checklist of registry essentials. This checklist will serve as your compass, guiding you through the labyrinth of baby products and ensuring that no vital items are overlooked. While many registries include their own checklist, you can also use our list as a guide and explore our recommendations.

Prioritizing Must-Haves

A common challenge for new parents is determining what's essential and what's optional. While each family's needs may vary, our checklist helps you identify must-have items that should top your registry. These are the products that will simplify your daily routine and enhance your baby's well-being.

Balancing Wants and Needs

A well-constructed registry acknowledges not only your baby's essential requirements but also your personal preferences. You may want to include items that resonate with your style, values, and family traditions. Our checklist is designed to help you strike a balance between what's necessary and what's desired.

By following our comprehensive checklist, you'll create a well-balanced and thorough registry that ensures you're well-prepared for the arrival of your little one. With the right items at your disposal, you can approach parenthood with confidence, knowing that your baby's needs are met, and you're ready to embark on this incredible journey together.

Understanding the Scope of Your Registry

A well-rounded baby registry is like a toolkit, equipping you with the essentials to navigate the journey of parenthood confidently. It covers a spectrum of categories, addressing every facet of your baby's needs, comfort, and care. We break down these categories to help you make informed decisions, including:

Nursery Basics: Your baby's nursery is a sanctuary where you'll spend countless hours together. From the crib and changing table to bedding, lighting, and decor, we'll guide you in selecting items that not only ensure safety but also create a serene and welcoming atmosphere. Don’t forget to check out Pinterest for inspo!

Crib: A safe and comfortable crib is the centerpiece of the nursery. Look for one that meets safety standards and can be converted into a toddler bed.
Mattress: A comfortable and supportive crib mattress is essential for your baby's sleep. Make sure it fits snugly in the crib. There are some really good inexpensive memory foam options out there. I spent $80 on a crib mattress that’s been going strong for over three years. It has a firmer side for newborns and a softer side for toddlers. With over 9,000 ratings at an average of 4.8, I’d say it’s a winner. Click HERE to check it out.
Changing Table or Dresser: A changing table or a dresser with a changing pad is essential for diaper changes and organizing baby clothes.
Changing Pad: A comfortable and easy-to-clean changing pad for quick and hygienic diaper changes.
Crib Bedding: This includes fitted crib sheets, a mattress protector, and a crib skirt. Ensure the bedding is snug-fitting and made from breathable materials. SIDS recommendations urge against crib bumpers, so please keep that in mind. I’d recommend getting at least two sets of sheets and mattress protectors, and putting both in the crib at once (mattress, protector, sheet, protector, sheet). This technique has been a life saver for those late night bedding changes due to spit up or a leaky diaper. You just pull one set off and don’t have to worry about finding and putting on a new set at 4am in the morning.
Mobile: A colorful and soothing crib mobile can entertain and soothe your baby.
Rocking Chair or Glider: A comfortable chair for feeding, soothing, and bonding with your baby.
Blackout Curtains or Blinds: These help create a dark and peaceful sleeping environment for your baby, which signals to them that it’s time to sleep. There is some debate on “letting your baby sleep in the light during the day”, but I’ve noticed that both of my babies sleep much better in pitch dark.
Nightlight: A soft nightlight can make nighttime feedings and diaper changes more convenient.
Baby Monitor: A video or audio baby monitor helps you keep an eye and ear on your baby while they sleep. Monitors that come with apps that track activity is going to be one of those things you never realized you needed but can’t live without. Many people like Nanit and Owlet. The Nanit has added benefits which include a nightlight and white noise, killing three birds with one stone.
Storage Solutions: Shelves, cubbies, or storage bins for organizing baby essentials like diapers, clothes, and toys.
Diaper Pail: A specialized trash bin designed for sealing in odors from dirty diapers. My personal favorite, Munchkin, but generations of parents have sworn by Diaper Genie as well.
Humidifier: Baby skin is very sensitive to dry air, so I recommend having a humidifier on at night. It’s also super helpful when baby gets sick with a cough and/or congestion.
Babyproofing Essentials: Safety gates, outlet covers, cabinet locks, corner protectors, and furniture anchors and straps to babyproof the nursery as your child grows. A note about outlets, if your house was built in the 2020s compliant to electrical code, your outlets are already baby proofed, they’re designed to not emit an electrical charge unless both sides are activated. My electrician laughed at me when I told him I wanted to cover the outlets. Just verify the type of outlets you have before making your decision. However, as parents we’re always worried, so if it makes you feel better, buy those covers! Here is the gate I’ve been using for years and love.
Nursery Decor: Wall art, decals, and decor items to personalize and beautify the nursery. Pinterest is a great place for inspiration.
Infant First Aid Kit: Basic items for handling minor injuries and illnesses.

These items form the core of your nursery basics. You can personalize the nursery with additional decorations and furniture items, but these are the essentials that will create a safe, comfortable, and functional space for your baby.

Feeding Essentials: Whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed, you'll need various feeding supplies. From nursing essentials to bottles, formula, breast pumps, and high chairs, our checklist covers all the bases.

Breastfeeding Essentials:

Breast Pump: Manual or electric, depending on your preference and needs. Check with your insurance company before adding this to your registry, as many insurances will cover the cost of a standard breast pump or a portion of the cost of the Elvie wireless hands free pump. Many OBGYN offices partner with providers who will work with your insurance to provide you with a free or discounted pump, or you can find a company that does that online. I used Acelleron the second time around because they had a much larger selection than the 4 options my OBGYN office provided and their website is very easy to use. I strongly recommend looking into wireless pumps as they give you the opportunity to pump while going about your day, washing dishes, tidying up, playing with baby, etc. Also, keep in mind that more than likely, you’ll receive a free manual pump at the hospital after you give birth, but it doesn’t hurt to have two! Finally, if you opt for a standard electric pump, I recommend a hands free pumping bra, so you can at least text, read, or scroll through social media while you’re pumping.
Nursing Bras: Comfortable bras with easy access for breastfeeding (they unclip at the top). I purchased my favorites at Motherhood Maternity/Pea in the Pod, but Amazon has some decent inexpensive options as well. Side note, there are some great retailers out there for nursing clothing, my favorite brand with my second was Latched Mama, they use super soft materials, have lots of options to choose from, and the customer service is excellent.
Nursing Pads: Disposable or washable pads to absorb leaks.
Nipple Cream: To soothe and protect sore nipples. Earth Mama is a highly recommended brand.
Breastfeeding Pillow: Provides support and comfort during nursing sessions.
Breast Milk Storage Bags or Containers: For storing expressed breast milk.
Bottles and Nipples: Even if you're primarily breastfeeding, having a few bottles on hand can be helpful for pumped milk or supplementing.
Breast Milk Collector: This is a product I didn’t know existed but daydreamed about when I was breastfeeding my first, and a product I absolutely loved when I was breastfeeding my second. When you’re breastfeeding with one breast, the other breast “leaks”, so you rely on your breast pads to catch that excess milk, otherwise your bra and shirt will get soaked. Alternatively, I present to you, the Haakaa. This genius product collects that excess milk so you can store it and feed it to baby later! You’ll catch anywhere from 1 to 4 ounces per feed! Add two to your registry to avoid washing it four to twelve times a day!
Bottle Warmer: Optional, if you plan to feed your baby pumped milk or formula from a bottle. Alternatively, you can warm bottles from the refrigerator in a container with warm water, or not warm them up at all, but some babies do prefer warm milk.
Sterilizer: For sterilizing bottles, nipples, and breast pump parts. Alternatively, use the sterilize function on your dishwasher or throw everything in a large pot of boiling water. With my first, I had a device that served as both a bottle warmer and sterilizer. With my second, I opted to do things the old fashioned way.
Nursing Cover or Shawl: Provides privacy during breastfeeding in public.

Bottle and Formula Feeding Essentials:

Bottles and Nipples: Select bottles with slow-flow nipples suitable for newborns. Dr. Brown’s is always at the top of the recommendation lists. Some babies never stop using the size 0 or 1 nipples, others move on to the bigger sizes. I never used anything more than a size 1 for either of my babies, but a lot of bottle gift sets come with the larger sizes so you’ll have them if you need them. Get a few different bottle options as some babies can be picky and they’re not all created equally. Watch a few videos from lactation consultants for recommendations and make sure you read the reviews. Both of my babies loved Dr. Brown’s after a few feedings (they were both exclusively breastfed so it took a little while to get them to accept the bottle).
Bottle Brush: For thorough cleaning of bottles and nipples. This is much easier and more sanitary than using a sponge.
Bottle Warmer (Optional): Helps warm formula to a comfortable temperature. You can also just use room temperature bottled or filtered water, most babies don’t mind the temperature.
Formula Dispenser (Optional): Convenient for preparing formula on the go. The Baby Brezza comes highly recommended and has been described as a must have.
Sterilizer (Optional): For keeping bottles and feeding accessories clean and germ-free. You can also use the sterilize function on your dishwasher or bathe the bottles and accessories in a pot of boiling water.
Formula: Choose a formula recommended by your pediatrician. You probably won’t be adding formula to your registry but this is just a reminder to have this on hand when baby arrives! Many brands offer free samples, online and at Pregnancy Expos. Make sure to do your research to find the formula that best fits your and your baby’s needs. I used Bobbie and Earth’s Best Organic.

Other Feeding Essentials:

Burp Cloths: Essential for cleaning up after feedings.
Bibs: For catching messes and avoiding an extra change of outfit. Bibs with pockets are even better - I used the OXO Tot for my son for two years and then it was passed on to my daughter, great quality!
High Chair: Once your baby starts solids, a high chair becomes essential for feeding.
Baby Spoons and Bowls: Specially designed for introducing solid foods. I like the ones with the suction bottoms, because babies like to flip their plates and bowls over and occasionally throw them on the floor. The suction helps minimize the mess!
Baby Food Maker: Optional but convenient for preparing homemade baby food.

Remember to consult with your pediatrician on feeding choices, and always follow recommended guidelines for safe feeding practices. Whether you choose to breastfeed, formula-feed, or a combination of both, having the right essentials can make feeding time a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby.

Clothing and Apparel: When preparing for a new baby, having the right clothing and apparel essentials is crucial for keeping your little one comfortable and well-dressed. Here's a list of clothing and apparel essentials for a newborn:

Onesies or Bodysuits: Essential for everyday wear, these one-piece garments make diaper changes quick and easy.
Sleepers or Pajamas: Comfortable sleepwear designed for nighttime or naptime. The most convenient are Sleep N Plays, as they cover every body part with just one article of clothing. I strongly recommend the ones with zippers instead of buttons or clasps as they’re quicker to close.
Swaddle Blankets: Soft, breathable blankets for swaddling your baby to promote better sleep. Both of my babies slept amazingly with The Ollie Swaddle. There are a lot of options out there but I recommend ones with velcro as they’re more likely to be nice and tight and less likely to come undone.
Socks and Booties: Keep your baby's feet warm, especially in cooler weather.
Hats: Protect your baby's head from the sun or keep them warm in cooler temperatures.
Mittens: Prevent your baby from scratching their face with soft mittens.
Bibs: Essential for catching drool and preventing milk or food from staining your baby's clothes.
Kimono-Style Shirts: These wrap-around shirts are great for newborns, making dressing easier. They also prevent irritation of the belly button from too much pressure being put on the umbilical cord.
Bodysuit Extenders: Useful for extending the life of onesies as your baby grows.
Going-Out Outfits: A few cute outfits for special occasions or when you're heading out with your baby.
Sleep Sacks: Safe alternatives to blankets for keeping your baby warm while sleeping.
Jacket or Sweater: Depending on the weather, a jacket or sweater can provide an extra layer of warmth.
Baby Gowns: Easy-access gowns for quick diaper changes during the night.
Baby Shoes: While not essential for newborns, soft-soled shoes can be cute and functional as your baby starts to explore.
Onesies with Fold-Over Mittens: Onesies with built-in mittens are convenient for keeping your baby's hands covered for warmth and to prevent them from scratching themselves.
Seasonal Clothing: Depending on the time of year, consider seasonal items such as swimsuits, sun hats, or snowsuits.

Remember to choose clothing made from soft, breathable materials and opt for items with easy-access closures for hassle-free dressing and diaper changes. Additionally, keep in mind that babies grow quickly, so having a variety of sizes on hand is beneficial.

Diapering Necessities: Newborns go through 8-10 diapers a day! And you’ll be buying those diapers for 2 years if you’re lucky, 3 on average, or 4 for some. So, it should come as no surprise that diapers and diapering supplies are a baby's constant companions. We'll help you navigate the world of diapers, wipes, diaper bags, changing mats, and other diapering essentials (including diaper cakes!).

Diapers: Whether you're using disposable or cloth diapers, make sure you have an ample supply. Dreamy Diaper Creations can make Diaper Cake centerpieces so you have plenty of diapers to come home with! Make sure you have at least sizes 1 and 2 on your registry! Both of my babies were born over 8 lbs, so they never fit into the NB diapers and I needed 1s right away. I’m not saying don’t get NB diapers, but be prepared to transition to 1s and then 2s fairly quickly as little babies grow quickly.
Wipes: Gentle, unscented baby wipes are essential for cleaning your baby's bottom during diaper changes. Get flip-top and refill packs, this package has both. I use the ones with the flip-tops in the bathroom and for the diaper bag, and the refills in the wipes dispenser.
Wipe Dispenser: Keep it on your changing table for easy access to store wipes and keep them moist. There are options that also warm the wipes but require a little more maintenance.
Diaper Rash Cream: A barrier cream to prevent and soothe diaper rash. Look for one with zinc oxide as the main ingredient. There are a ton to choose from and what works depends on the rash and the baby’s skin. I swore by Boudreaux's Butt Paste for my son, it was the ONLY thing that worked on him. It did not work on my daughter, and I found the most success with Desitin for her severe rashes. For the milder rashes and everyday use, Earth Mama is a very good organic option.
Changing Pad: A waterproof changing pad provides a comfortable and hygienic surface for diaper changes. I also use a cover with mine that I can throw in the wash if things get messy, and it matches the nursery and bed sheets for aesthetics! Pro-tip, for newborns, I also lay receiving blankets on top of the cover because messes are so common, sometimes I’d go through 3 per day, and receiving blankets are easier to purchase in large quantities.
Diaper Bag: A spacious and well-organized diaper bag to carry all your diapering essentials when out and about. They come in super stylish and super practical styles, whatever you’re into.
Diaper Pail: A specialized trash bin designed for sealing in odors from dirty diapers. They’re really good at keeping the smells at bay and parents highly recommend it.
Diaper Pail Liners: Disposable or washable liners that fit inside the diaper pail to make emptying and cleaning easier.
Diaper Caddy: A portable organizer to hold diapers, wipes, creams, and other diapering essentials for quick access. The Pack-N-Play I used in my living room came with a caddy and it was a true game changer. No more running up and down the stairs to and from the nursery 12 times a day for diaper changes.
Portable Changing Pad: A compact and foldable changing pad for on-the-go diaper changes when you're away from home.
Disposable Diaper Sacks: Convenient bags for disposing of dirty diapers when you're away from home. Arm and Hammer makes scented ones.
Baby Washcloths or Towels: Soft and absorbent cloths for cleaning your baby during diaper changes.
Hand Sanitizer: For maintaining hand hygiene before and after diaper changes, especially when water and soap are not readily available.
Diaper Rash Ointment Applicator: Optional but helpful for applying diaper rash cream to your baby's bottom without getting it on your hands.

Having these diapering necessities readily available can help streamline the diaper-changing process and ensure your baby stays clean, comfortable, and rash-free.

Toys & Books: Babies learn through play, so you’ll want to include toys that will stimulate your little one's development and keep him or her entertained and engaged.

Cuddly Friends: Plush toys and stuffed animals are perfect for cuddling, comforting, and imaginative play. A lovey is an object, like a stuffed animal or blanket, that babies and toddlers form special attachments to and use for comfort. Loveys are especially comforting amid times of stress, like during travel, an illness, or a parent's absence—and for babies and toddlers with cautious, sensitive temperaments. They can even help children make the emotional transition from dependence to independence.
Educational Toys: Make learning fun with educational toys designed to promote cognitive development, sensory exploration, and fine motor skills. From shape sorters and stacking toys to activity centers and musical instruments, these toys provide endless opportunities for discovery and growth.
Interactive Playthings: Engage your baby's senses and curiosity with interactive toys. Colorful rattles, teething toys, light-up toys, sensory balls, and other interactive playthings encourage exploration, stimulate the senses, and promote hand-eye coordination.
Outdoor Toys: Outdoor toys promote active play. From ride-on toys and playhouses to sandboxes and water tables, outdoor toys provide hours of fun and encourage physical activity, imagination, and social interaction.
Classic Favorites: Traditional toys that never go out of style include wooden blocks, shape sorters, pull-along toys and stacking rings, these classic favorites inspire creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative play. Fidget poppers are also really popular right now, these simple toys keep my toddler entertained for 10 minutes at a time.
Books: Last but not least, books are a crucial tool for baby development and bonding. A lot of parents read books to their babies and children as part of the wind down for bed time routine. Choose books for various ages to fill your shelves, from one word pages with lots of visually stimulating pictures, to folk tales with important lessons.

Stay Tuned for Part 3: Researching Products, where we’ll walk you through how to make the most informed decision on which brands and products are best for your growing family.

Did we miss any crucial must-have baby products? Are there any particular products you think are better than the rest that we should link in our blog? Please let us know by commenting below or emailing info@dreamydiapercreations.com. We’d love your feedback!