My Top Registry Must-Haves

I can’t believe the last 30 week have flown by in the blink of an eye and baby girl will be here in two months!! One of the things that I had been putting off until the last minute was registering for baby items… since this is baby #2 for us, we do have some baby items from Nolan that we can definitely reuse that I loved; however, there are some things that we can’t use again (either because they were very well-loved by my first kiddo or they are expired and need to be replaced).

For baby girl, I’m using BuyBuyBaby, Target and Amazon for our registering needs, and we actually started all of the registries online, since it was very simple to begin. And with the exception of Amazon, both retailers recommended that I also come in-store to add more items and see what was available locally. So off we went yesterday to go shopping!

Nolan says he can still fit in this awesome stroller!

(1) Infant Car Seat – You kind of need one to take baby home so of course this is #1 on my list! All car seats go through the same safety testing and must meet minimum standards before being sold so when you are looking at which one to purchase, just remember that all will keep your little one safe. The difference is going to come from the bells and whistles each company uses and the different features they have. I’ve listed a few of my favorites below based on price point… P.S. don’t forget to get a second base for any other cars that baby will be traveling in frequently!

UNDER $100

UNDER $200

UNDER $400

UPPAbaby® MESA Infant Car Seat $299-$349
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Infant Car Seat $299
nuna PIPA™ Flame Retardant Free Car Seat $299
Bugaboo Turtle by Nuna® Infant Car Seat $349

(2) Stroller / Travel System – Before deciding which to buy or add to your registry, I would definitely think about how much use you intend for your stroller. Do you live in a city and will be walking baby everywhere? Or only occasionally around the grocery store? Do you want to be able to use for an extended period (i.e. not just infancy and toddler-hood). Definitely research height and weight limits and the larger they are, the longer you will be able to utilize for your child. Another consideration is getting a travel system or mix-match. Most brands will have a travel system (i.e. car seat and stroller combo) option and it will cost a little less than purchasing both items separately. My advice is to review both items to make sure that you really want the items included.

Graco® Modes™ Click Connect™ Stroller $165-$199 / Graco Modes Travel System $270
Evenflo® Pivot™ Modular Travel System $280
Chicco® Bravo™ LE Stroller $249 / Chicco® Bravo® Trio Travel System $380
BRITAX B-Lively™ Stroller $229 / BRITAX B Agile & B Safe 35 Travel System $400
Maxi-Cosi® Zelia Modular Single Stroller $249 / Maxi-Cosi® Zelia 5-in-1 Modular Travel System $399
UPPAbaby® CRUZ Stroller $549 / UPPAbaby® Cruz Infant Baby Stroller & MESA Car Seat Bundle $849-$899
nuna TAVO™ Stroller $399 / nuna TAVO™ Stroller & PIPA™ Lite LX Car Seat Travel System $799

(3) Bassinet / Baby Lounger – Because you will definitely need somewhere comfy to set baby down. I loved having somewhere structured that wasn’t their crib to let my little one rest and play so these are pretty awesome.

(4) Playard – Another great option for sleep and play surfaces. Great for travel! You can go super simple or get one with changing table and bassinet options.

(5) Baby Carrier – Perfect for moms who want to hold baby but need their hands free for everything else! I used a soft structured wrap when Nolan was little, but switched to a sturdier one when he got bigger. He LOVED being worn and it was nice sometimes not to have to bring the stroller everywhere.

(6) Baby bath and supplies – I’m a firm believer that you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg in this area. While there are a bunch of fancy baths that tell you the temperature and whatnot, you absolutely do not need to splurge (unless you really want to). This is what is currently on my registry:

(7) Feeding Supplies – Even if you plan to 100% breastfeed, it’s always good to have some of these items on-hand. You never know when you may need them.

(8) Nursing Supplies – I’m hesitant to recommend too much, as some of the things I thought I would FOR SURE need last time around (like breast pads), I did not at all. So I would say take advantage of those hospital amenities and stock up. Then decide after if it’s something you need to invest in.

Boppy® Bare Naked® Pillow $30 (Don’t forget to get a cover!)
Milk Snob® Multi-Use Cover $35
Haakaa® Silicone Breast Pump $13

(9) Diaper Bag – DEFINITELY NEED! Right now, I’m loving the backpack style of bag, but I did have a messenger with Nolan and no complaints! Here are a few of my favorites: