A baby registry cheat sheet

Creating your first registry can be a very daunting task.  There are SO many products out there and so much advice about what you’ll need.  The truth is that baby’s are quite simple and don’t need all the crazy toys and gadgets to be safe, comfortable and happy.  I have a 1 1/2 year old, so just went through the baby phase, and want to give you a little cheat sheet when it comes to creating your registry.  I’ve compiled a list of what I think are the must have basics for your baby registry, including links to the brands we used and loved.  If something is not on the list, it is because I don’t think it is necessary.

Crib, mattress and sheets- Try to find a non toxic crib and mattress and organic sheets.  This is where your baby will spend half its life!  You don’t want it breathing in toxic fire retardants and water proofing.  Also, eventually your baby will be able to pull up to stand in his crib and will inevitably chew on the crib so you want to make sure it is finished with non toxic wood sealant or paint.    http://amzn.to/XbS2Ul,  http://amzn.to/12c93BK,  http://amzn.to/13mhw55, http://amzn.to/13ZOKTi

Glider or rocking chair with ottoman-  We chose a rocker with a stationary ottoman.  I am very happy with it.  It was from a store in Culver City, CA called La Bella Cosa http://labellacosa.com/.

Changing table- We also got our custom changing table from La Bella Cosa in Culver City, CA.

Sound machine- Baby’s are used to having a loud white noise inside the womb.  When they are first born the white noise from a sound machine can help comfort them as well as prevent them from hearing sudden noised that might wake them up.  We have a standard sound machine that we use for when we travel.  At home we use an air purifier which cleans the air while creating white noise for baby.  http://amzn.to/15jK51l, http://amzn.to/15jK9y4

Baby monitor- As soon as your baby starts sleeping in its own room you will want a monitor.  I prefer having a video monitor so that I can see what he is doing and assess whether I need to go in or not.  http://amzn.to/Y1lUOM

Pacifiers- Our son loves his wubba nubs!  They are super cute and they help the baby to find it easily in the crib at night. Also, the animal part is easier for baby to grab and get the paci back in his mouth when they don’t quite have the dexterity to pick up a tiny paci.  http://amzn.to/XjYg2X

Pacifier clips- Your baby will constantly spit out the paci and this prevents it from being on the floor all the time and you from bending down to pick it up every two seconds.  http://amzn.to/15RAik6

Bottle warmer- For warming up breast milk from the fridge.

Bottles- To give mama a break from breast-feeding and/or for feeding on the go.  http://amzn.to/15RAzDA

Bottle brush- I liked this one, although I mostly used the small tool which was perfect for all parts of the bottle.  http://amzn.to/12crsOP

Diapers- At the time we didn’t feel ready for cloth diapers (although I’m considering it with my next baby), but for my son we used Bambo Nature diapers which are 80% biodegradable.  We love them and he literally has never had diaper rash. (NOTE: In our experience they run a little big. My 8 lb baby was small for the size 1.  So order some premature size and size 1 for your newborn)  http://amzn.to/ZCsEFV  OR http://www.bambo-nature.com/diapers.html

Wipes- I love these wipes.  They are organic cotton and smell great.  Again, my son has never had diaper rash using the Bambo Nature diapers and these wipes together.  http://amzn.to/140Y7lY

Nipple cream- I can’t say enough good things about this brand of products.  As you’ll see, we use a lot of it.  It is all organic and non toxic, so perfect for baby.  http://amzn.to/YB2Yqf

Diaper rash cream- So, before I said that Miles never had diaper rash.  That was using Bambo Nature diapers and Natracare wipes.  I have had to use other brands in a pinch and he got a rash almost immediately.  This healed it within a day.  It also is great for other minor skin conditions.  http://amzn.to/XkDCzC

Baby soap- Again, this brand uses the best ingredients.  The only thing you have to be careful with is to not get it in baby’s eyes.  It is not a no tears formula because the no tears formulas usually use harmful chemicals.  http://www.diapers.com/p/earth-mama-angel-baby-angel-baby-shampoo-and-body-wash-160-ml-53-oz-24658

Thermometer- A necessity in case baby gets sick.

Nail clippers-  Your baby’s nails will grow super fast and need to be clipped often to prevent them from scratching themselves.  http://amzn.to/13qSjGp

Baby hair brush- For after bath time.

Light blankets- These are beautiful and versatile.  Use them to swaddle, as a cover while breast-feeding or to drape over the stroller when baby sleeps. (TIP: I would only get the bamboo ones. They are SO much softer!!)  http://amzn.to/1412vBj

Velcro swaddles- We used these for swaddling because they are so much easier than doing a swaddle with a big blanket and they are harder for the baby to wiggle out of.  http://amzn.to/YB4A38

Socks- Always wanna make sure your baby’s feet are warm.  These socks were my absolute favorite!!  The quality is amazing, they are adorable and, best of all, they never fall off!!  http://www.giggle.com/clothes-accessories/accessories/Vintage-Boy-Socks/YWVB01,default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=giggle&q=socks OR http://www.giggle.com/clothes-accessories/accessories/Vintage-Girl-Socks/YWVG01,default,pd.html?start=6&cgid=giggle&q=socks

Jammies- These are so soft and yummy.  They aren’t good once your baby is crawling and walking cause they are too slippery, but for a newborn they are great.  http://amzn.to/1414zcy

Hats- Newborns don’t love breezes.  Keep their head covered when you go out.  http://amzn.to/ZKuCYx

Swing or bouncy seat- You def want a place to put baby besides their crib or your arms.  A swing or bouncy seat sometimes soothes a baby more than just a bassinet.

Teething rings/toys- Make sure to look for non toxic toys and teething rings. 

Carseat- For the obvious reasons.

Mirror for car- It is great to be able to see baby while you’re driving.  Then you know when they are sleeping or why they might be crying.  http://amzn.to/13nkTJ0

Stroller- We love our City Mini GT.  When Miles was a newborn, we used our friend’s Orbit which was really cool, but super heavy.  http://amzn.to/Z1qHSw AND http://amzn.to/15kbEaz

Clothes for ages newborn-6 months- Think comfy, warm, and easy to get off and on for multiple diaper changes a day.

Breast pump- A necessity for any mom who will be going back to work or wants a break now and then while someone else bottle feeds baby.  http://amzn.to/15SaQuW

Nursing bra- Necessary for nursing mamas.

Hands free pumping bra- A must have for moms who will be pumping!  http://amzn.to/ZCwVsQ

Baby carrier- I prefered the Baby Bjorn to the Ergo because baby can face forward once they are a little older.  http://amzn.to/Z1rl2t

Bibs- These are the best!  Cute and so absorbent!  http://www.diapers.com/p/aden-anais-muslin-feeding-bibs-set-of-3-jungle-jam-211281?site=CA&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_D&utm_term=AA-252&utm_campaign=GooglePLA&CAWELAID=1338666508&utm_content=pla&ca_sku=AA-252&ca_gpa=pla&ca_kw=%7Bkeyword%7D

Burp cloths- Again, so cute and super absorbent.  http://amzn.to/Y1FdaM

Diaper bag- Obvi.

Changing pad- For changing baby on the go.

Disposable bags for poopy diapers when you aren’t at home- We realized we needed these the first time that we stayed in a hotel room with my son when he was a few months old. We didn’t have a diaper pail in the room, so our room reeked of poop.  These are the perfect solution, and are biodegradable so you will not be adding plastic to the landfills.  http://amzn.to/VehOqO

Belly bandit- This helped me so much for the two weeks after the birth.  No one tells you, so I’ll tell you now:  For about the first week or two after you give birth, your belly will be a big, empty boob that hangs and sags and is uncomfortable.  This helps hold it all in.  http://amzn.to/YBP0GI

Yoga ball- Our baby loved to be bounced.  Sometimes that was the only thing that consoled him. This was key.  http://amzn.to/ZCxPpf