Dana Gutkowski
Latest posts by Dana Gutkowski (see all)
- How can I be a good aunt? - May 19, 2021
- Aunt Quotes - March 19, 2021
- End Your Silence. Support Black Lives Matter - June 29, 2020
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So full confession. I’m not a Mom and I’ve never had to make a baby registry for myself. However, I am an Aunt to 4 beautiful nieces and nephews and I HAVE made and managed my sister’s a baby registry and helped others with items they should put on theirs.
When I first found out my sister was pregnant I made it my mission to get her prepared for motherhood. My sister had a pretty normal pregnancy, but she suffered from pregnancy brain and needed some help with making sure she made a complete baby registry.
That’s all I needed to hear. I wanted my future niece or nephew to have everything they could possibly need and then some! I’ll admit, I went a little overboard, but my sister let me! Ha!
But hindsight is always 20/20, right? I put things on my sister’s registry that were cute and/or funny. For example, I found a product called Butt Paste and although it came highly recommended, I mainly put it on there to see if anyone would actually buy it.
Additionally, there were things on her baby registry that she never used because she wouldn’t up not needing them. A bottle warmer? It’s really not necessary. It’s more of a luxury item, but it took up too much space in her house so ultimately it was donated.
However, now I know better. For the purposes of this post, I’ll be detailing all the things that actually worked the best for my sister. So if she put me in charge all over again, this is what I’d most definitely put on her registry.
Where should you register?
Before there was internet, you went to wherever it was convenient for you to shop. However, nowadays it’s much easier to create and manage your baby registry online.
Back in 2005, 2009, 2011, and 2015 (the years my nieces and nephews were born), it was pretty common to have a baby registry through Babies R Us. Sadly, that’s not an option anymore, but thankfully Amazon has created a space for baby registries.
On their site, you can easily add items to your registry and keep track of what’s been fulfilled and what’s still needed. But there are a lot of other great things:
- You can add items from ANYWHERE with their Universal Registry Button. Use this to keep track of what you want from anywhere.
- You get a FREE welcome box! Though I didn’t receive one, customizes reported there being a sample Dreft, Aveeno, some A&D ointment, Seventh Generation diapers and wipes, an Avent bottle, an organic onesie, and a muslin swaddle. This may vary, but it sounds like an awesome gift! Plus it’s FREE!!
- Full 90 days to return policy for most items purchased.
- Group gifting capabilities!! This allows multiple people to chip in for a big gift!! Perfect!!
- If your guests have Prime, they can save 15% on eligible items!
Therefore, there’s no need to register at multiple sites! Get started with your registry today!
So what should you put on your baby registry?
1.) Baby Crib
Unfortunately, you’ll most likely have to assemble your own crib. I had the honor of assembling my godson’s crib. It wasn’t the easiest task that I’ve been asked to take on, but I got through it.
Several Moms that I know have gone with this style and design crib, the Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib. It converts to a toddler bed, which means you’ll get years of use out of it, especially if you’re planning on having more than one child.
Weight: 59.2 pounds
Dimensions: 58.5 x 33.2 x 6.8 inches
Mattress sold separately!
Important customer reviews to take note of: Some complained about the odor from the paint. The crib is certified to not have been manufactured with any toxic chemicals or paint. I did notice a smell on the cribs as well, but it went away.
The assembly process had mixed reviews. Some said it was easy and others struggled with it. I’m not the handiest person and I put together a crib 12 years ago. If I can do it, anyone can do it.
Check it out on Amazon:
Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib.
2.) Crib Mattress
Mattresses are sold separately from cribs. It’s like when you went to buy a bed frame, the mattress wasn’t included with that either. Thankfully crib mattresses aren’t nearly as expensive as adult mattresses.
When shopping for a mattress, you don’t want to go too cheap. Since they will be using this mattress for several years, from baby to toddler, you’ll want something that’ll last a little longer. Otherwise, the mattresses detent and lose form and you’ll be buying more than one mattress and nobody wants to do that!
Most mattresses fit a standard sized crib. They’ve come a long way with technology and the quality of baby mattresses. I’ve done some research and found that the Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress is a top seller for good reasons!
This mattress has a high breathability rating. One customer said they didn’t have AC and their baby still stayed cool! Not only that, it’s a safety issue to have maximum airflow!
Also, it comes with a cover to protect the mattress! Not all mattress companies do that and my sister had to buy hers separately. Definite bonus!!
It comes compressed in the box, so all you have to do is open and wait for it to expand on it’s own.
Weight: 7 pounds
Dimensions: 27.6 x 52 x 5 inches
Check it out on Amazon:
Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress
3.) Crib Sheets
I know, the crib takes a lot to put together. So what’s missing? Sheets! Your baby is going to want to have something that’s soft and breathable. These sheets from American Baby Company are reviewed as being exactly that! American Baby Company Heavenly Soft Chenille Fitted Crib Sheet
They come in 27 different colors and patterns!!
Check it out on Amazon:
American Baby Company Heavenly Soft Chenille Fitted Crib Sheet
4.) Car Seat
Ah, the dreaded car seat. One thing that I’ve found to be the most annoying and freedom hindering is the need for car seats!
Don’t get me wrong, I’d never put any babies safety at risk. I’ll always use a car seat. However, as far as impromptu and last minute plans – the car seat always gets in the way.
The Evenflo Symphony Elite All-In-One Convertible Car Seat is my favorite because of its two latch system. This is the car seat that we should have gotten first! I actually purchased this one for myself so I could have the freedom of taking my nieces and nephews where ever I wanted. My sister got a different one, but eventually gave it away and got this one instead.
This car seat has a latch installment. Two clicks and you’re ready for the baby. I absolutely love it. And it grows with the baby so you have it for a long time!!
Check it out on Amazon:
Evenflo Symphony Elite All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
5.) Pack ‘n Play
Depending on the child, you could get around 3 to 4 years of use from the Graco Pack ‘N Play. Plus, what if they become a big brother or sister? You’ll then have it even longer because it’ll be used for the next baby in your life.
This is another item that we had duplicates of. One for my house and one for my sister’s house. We didn’t register for two, but we wound up buying an additional one. I had mine for 9 years before donating it to a family friend. If you keep yours clean and in good working order, you’ll be able to do the same once that day comes.
It’s roomie enough for the little one to not feel confined but also doesn’t take up much space to store. This pack ‘n play is easy to open up and breaks down in seconds. Also, it’ll fit nicely into a corner, closet, or under the bed when not in use.
Check it out on Amazon:
6.) High Chair
Some people opt for a high chair seat, but we went with the free-standing high chair because my sister didn’t have a seat to spare. Plus it’s study and light so she could easily move it around the kitchen with her. This is a similar style to the one that she purchased. The one that she had was a Babies R US exclusive.
Weight: 24.1 pounds
Dimensions: 32 x 23 x 42 inches
This high chair has been reported to be is sturdy, takes up a minimal amount of space, folds easily and stores in a very narrow space. That’s exactly what you want in a high chair!
Check it out on Amazon:
7.) Baby Stroller
Manufacturers have made HUGE advances in strollers since my nieces and nephews were born. Their stroller was big and bulky and although it kept them safe, it was a lot to lug around.
If I had to go shopping for a stroller again, I’d recommend this one: Baby Jogger City Select LUX.
My best friend bought a stroller similar to this was and I loved it! The steering on it was fantastic! It’s nearly effortless to push along to take the baby on a walk or run.
It also converts to a double stroller, so if there’s a sibling down the road at some point, there’s no need to buy an additional stroller. Genius!
You can also buy the Greco Carseat adapter so that it’ll clip in!
Dimensions: 30.31 x 21.7 x 10.24 in
Weight: 30.4 lbs
Check it out on Amazon:
Also see accessories:
Baby Jogger City Select Bassinet Kit
Evenflo Parallel Stroller Adapter
8.) Changing Table
Can’t forget the changing table! When it comes to changing tables, and baby furniture in general, it looks better if it’s matching. That’s why I selected the high rated, Delta Children Bentley Changing Table.
You’ll need a place to change the baby but to store diapers so that’s why you’ll need one with shelves! They have one with wheels on it, but that didn’t sound too safe to me.
It comes in white and chocolate, so make sure you choose the right color for you before checking out!
Dimensions: 35″ width x 20.75″ depth x 36.75″ height
Weight: 35.7 pounds
Check it out on Amazon:
Delta Children Bentley Changing Table.
Accessories Needed:
Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad
9.) Baby Monitor
Whether you just put the baby down for a nap or leave the baby with a Nanny for the day, you’re going to need a baby monitor.
Baby monitors are no longer just sound, there’s video too, but it’s hard to find one that people are completely satisfied with. Most reviews you’ll find that the battery doesn’t last long which stinks! That mens you have to be close to an outlet at all times for it to work.
However, I found that the Remote Video Baby Monitor with Camera by Sotion has the best customer satisfaction.
Its features include:
- Night vision
- 30 Foot Range
- Two-Way Audio
- Connects via Wifi
Check it out on Amazon:
Remote Video Baby Monitor with Camera
10.) Baby Bathtub
The Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub is the tub that my sister and cousin used when my nieces were born. They loved that it nested inside their kitchen sink so that they had easy access to water. Their babies were rest in the sling while they were very little, and eventually, they grew into the full-size tub.
All and all it was a great selection. Some users reported that their babies cut their toes on the tub after they transitioned to the bigger tub. This never happened in my family, accidents can happen at any time. Having that in mind, I would say that you should be aware of where your baby is putting his or her feet when bathing.
Check it out on Amazon:
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub
11.) Baby Toiletries
Babies make lots of messes! It’s not uncommon for them to need more than one bath in a day. They’ll need their own bath soap for sensitive skin, tiny hands, and feet, etc.
These are the items that my family used and sear by:
Safety 1st Deluxe 25-Piece Baby Healthcare and Grooming Kit
Johnson’s Sleepy Time Baby Gift Set.
It has a soothing smell and it’s was great for their sensitive skin.
Desitin Maximum Strength Baby Diaper Rash Cream.
It’s messy, but it works!!
Yes, they can use one of your towels, but it’s nice to have items that are just there’s to keep in your home. Trust me, the pictures alone worth it!
These sets come in different animals:
Lion
Chick
Frog
Owl
Bunny
Polar Bear
Giraffe
Duck
12.) Bath Toys
I love these Nuby Little Squirts Bath Toys. They’re adorable faces are what sold me. The fact that they squirt water made my nieces and nephews laugh and engage with toys while being scrubbed down.
However, you have to watch out for is to not keep water in them. They will get yucky on the inside.
Another top pick and favorite of my nieces and nephews were regular foam letters and numbers, like these the 51 Pieces Education Joyin Tal Bath Letters, Numbers, Sealife. They’re simple and fun, and there’s little to no maintenance involved.
Check it out on Amazon:
51 Pieces Education Joyin Tal Bath Letters, Numbers, Sealife
13.) Baby Bouncer
You’re going to want a place to put your baby down so that they safely sleep or just relax while you tend to things. When my niece was born, this is what we went with, the Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker.
It’s easy to move around which is convenient for Mom and it’s comfy for the baby so they’ll sit happily for a bit!
When my sister was pregnant with my first nephew, the Mamroo was hot on the market. I went out and bought it for her and I was so excited because it got such fantastic reviews. I have to say that I was a bit disappointed and that’s because the hype didn’t match the result. It was good…but not fantastic like I had expected.
It might be something that you want to add to your registry, but my recommendation is to go with a rocker and jumper. She got the most use out of those.
14.) Baby Jumper
In addition to this item, the bouncer, we also got a Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo for when the kids got bigger and needed more stimulation.
It’s a way for little babies to get a bit of exercise. Once they’re tall enough to touch the floor, they can bounce and entertain themselves!
Check it out on Amazon:
Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo
15.) Activity Mat
An activity mat is used for tummy time and exercise. The baby can lay on the mat for sensory play and motor skill development to help build their muscles and stimulate their little brains.
The Fisher-Price Rainforest Music & Lights Deluxe Gym is the one that we bought. It was easy to assemble, broke down in seconds, and lasted through 3 kids!
Check it out on Amazon:
Fisher-Price Rainforest Music & Lights Deluxe Gym
16.) Boppy Pillow
The boppy pillow is so simple, but so needed! While feeding the baby, this is a place for them to rest, hang out with you on the couch, and no be in your arms! It’s a. needed break and it’s keep them feeling secure because they nest within it.
Check it out on Amazon:
17.) Baby Bottles
With my niece, my sister originally went with Dr. Brown’s Bottles. They were good and she still used to them but had to also get Avent bottles because my niece was colicky. The Avent bottles are designed for this purpose and so she switched back and forth between them in an effort to combat my niece’s gas issues.
This really can’t be known until after the baby is born, and that’s why I recommend both. These two brands are solid and lasted for all 3 babies! Though she had to buy new nipples, the bottles themselves stood the test of time.
Additional items needed:
Dr. Brown’s Original Nipple, Level 1 (0m+), 6-Pack
Philips Avent Natural Nipple Newborn Flow – 4 Pack
Check it out on Amazon:
Dr. Brown’s Original Nipple, Level 1 (0m+), 6-Pack
Philips Avent Natural Nipple Newborn Flow – 4 Pack
18.) Breast Pump
If the Mom is planning on breastfeeding, I would recommend the #1 breast pump on the market: Medela Double Electric Breast Pump.
This is the breast pump that my sister used with all 3 kids. Though she is a work from home Mom, she still traveled with the kids and need a pump. It lasted a long time her and that’s why I recommend it.
It does make a lot of noise, but you’ll most likely have privacy while pumping anyway. Also, depending on how much you pump, you may have to replace values eventually.
Check it out on Amazon:
Medela Double Electric Breast Pump
Those are all the essential items that I would recommend for any baby registry. The rest is fillers like pacifiers, diapers, wipes, blankets, burping clothes, clothing, bibs, toys, etc. If I had to go and make my sister’s registry all over again, these are the items that I’d make sure to put on there!
