Preparing for Baby | the Registry

This is now the third time I have revisited this post. With the arrival of my third baby, I always like to do some reflecting. Many of the items I’ve linked have held up really well over the past 6 years of parenting. I hope you find my suggestions helpful as you navigate your own registry. I strive for a minimalist parenting style though I didn't realize this when I initially set up my registry. I was so excited, I asked for it all. Friends, what I've realized after three babies is you don't really need things. You, mama, are the thing you babies need. So take care of YOU and the rest will follow.

Top 10 things I'm glad I registered for...

1. Play time is simply the best. I still love this Play Blanket and recommend Dwell Studio for their textiles. This pattern is great because of the contrasts and animals. Lots to look at and talk about. An activity gym is also great for play and if I had to buy one all over again, I’d get this one.

2. Our first night in the hospital, I remember searching Pinterest for "how to swaddle your baby" in the wee hours of the morning. These Swaddle Blankets  are soft and light weight. I also found these Swaddle Me helpful. After having our second, we decided not to swaddle our babies anymore (thoughts on that in another post). I didn't use them with my second baby, but they were briefly helpful in those early newborn days with my third. We opted for sleep sacks instead!

3. Girl... So. much. poop. This Diaper Pail does a pretty great job masking odors. And Simple Green for those inevitable stains.

4. We purchased two of these: Diaper Changing Kit. One for mama and one for papa!

5. These are just essentials and we had great luck with these: Changing Pad, Crib Mattress, Mattress Pad For easy middle of the night blow out clean up, I recommend 2-3 waterproof covers and sets of sheets. This mattress lasted through 2 and half years with my first baby, and donated it when she was done with it since it was still in great condition. When we found out we were pregnant with our second, we gladly purchased a new one of this same mattress. 

6. These Burp Cloths (3) were a staple in my wardrobe for at least 6 months after River was born. Kellen and Miles don't spit up so not much use the second and third time around, but still good to have on hand for clean up.  I also love these because they double as burp clothes and bibs when baby gets older!

7. If I could go back in time, I'd wear my baby even more than I did. Love the Solly Baby Wearing Wrap and Wild Bird Sling.

8. This Table Chair gets the most use out everything we purchased! Riv used it until she was 3. I feel like we forgot about it entirely with Kellen and Miles, but then again, we moved to a different home. I guess you need a good spot for it like a breakfast counter.

9. I was skeptical, but oh my goodness.. you need this Sound Machine. It also has a very nice night light and music settings.

10. More essentials! Safety Kit and Nose Frida are musts. And all 3 babies loved this pacifier.

Top 10 Things I didn't know I needed and other discoveries post baby...

1. Again... So. much. poop. Try Simple Green and Changing Pad liner for easy clean up. Buy 2 changing pad covers.

2. The Snuggle Me has been my most used purchase with baby #3. Highly recommend.

3. I struggled with finding the right bathtub for River and sadly never quite figured it out. But with Kellen, I found this bath tub and it has been perfect for tubby time.

4. Honestly, nursing and pumping need more attention. Am I right mamas? This Hakka has been a game changer. I have two! These are my favorite bottles.

5. Again, nursing caught me totally off guard. I was initially desperate for extra roomy and extra soft Bras, and Nursing Pads (oh a soft ice packs/ warm therapy) for when my milk came in! Also, I tried reusable nursing pads with baby number 3 and it turned out to be really gross. I don’t recommend.

6. Ladies... Nipple Butter, Bottom Spray, and Tucks. You're welcome. Buy yourself some nice big undies too haha (I love aerie). I’ll share some maternity and postpartum essentials in another post.

7. A nursing pillow - I bought a knockoff which worked for my first, but I splurged for a Boppy for baby number 2. I ended up not using it cause it was so bulky! I went back to my knockoff. My hubby preferred the Breast Friend. If I were to buy another, I’d get Snuggle Me Organic’s Nursing Pillow. Looks like a great marriage of both my knockoff and boppy.

8. Long Sleeve zip sleeper pjs. These zip in both directions for easy changes! For my second baby, I chose not to use mittens. I felt this way because I was thinking that my sweet baby had access to his hands all during my pregnancy and I didn't want to take that from him. So instead, I got real good at cutting his nails. 

9. Set up a diffuser, get those essential oils goin, and sneak away from time to time for a bath. You cannot pour from an empty cup. And when someone offers help say, "yes, please!" I love lavender, geranium, and gentle baby essential oils.

10. Here are my favorite types of baby toys: Teether, Rattle, Clutching toy, Books about babies. 

Top 10 Things I registered for, but wish I hadn't...

1. Britax Stroller/carseat - Look for something with a narrow wheel span, light weight, and easy to access/roomie storage. If you want more babies, find one that can expand with your family! My oldest loves the ride along boogie board. I don’t own it, but I’ve been checking out the Mockingbird. I’ve heard good things!

2. Baby Bath Towels - Our babes outgrew them so fast, we ended up just using regular towels and wash cloths. 

3. Aveno and Johnson & Johnson Products - I found these products dried out baby’s skin and contain harmful toxins.

4. Puj Tub - This was just no good for us. I wish I had asked for something like this instead.

5. Sophie The Giraffe - Cute, but none of my babies were that into it.

6. Crane Humidifier - Definitely get humidifier, or better yet an oil diffuser!  This one broke after 4 uses. 

7. Newborn Sizes weren’t useful for long, because my babies were so big - Instead, I’d buy more Size 1 diapers, 0-3 and 3-6 month clothing. 

8. BabyBjorn Carrier - Ergo Carrier is much better in terms of comfort and ease.

9. Books. I registered for tons of books, but I realize now many people will happily gift them to you without asking. Though I am working on another post of my favorites.

10. Back Seat Mirror - it was like a fun house mirror! No thanks.

Top Ten Baby Items that are handy for a short period of time... buy used or see if you can borrow from a friend!

1. Lotus Travel Crib - easy to use, light weight (buy the sheet that goes with it). We have actually used this a lot.

2. BabyBjorn Bouncer Seat - Great until our baby could sit up. We’ve used ours for all three babes.

3. Swing - we borrowed one of these (only used it for first 2 months).

4. Jumper-roo - I still kinda wish we had one of these, but borrow if you can.

5. Joovy Walker  - We liked having this, but I know it was against doctor's recommendations. Be sure not to use around stairs! When she was little, we only used it with a pillow under Riv's feet and only for 10 minutes at a time. 

6. Hangers

7. Monitor  - if you plan on more than one babe, splurge for two cameras.

8. An extra car seat base for family.

9. Pacifiers - always good to have on hand just in case. I linked the one we use above!

10. Bottle Cleaner and Rack

We love our essential oils and Young Living's Kidscents and Seedlings line. If you'd like to join my oily family, follow this link to get started! 

E