Disclosure: I will receive the products below in exchange for sharing this information.
Lindsay Pinchuk, Bump Club and Beyond Founder and CEO, has put together a list of baby registry must haves.
NURSERY AND DIAPERING
Diapers and Wipes
As a new mom you will go through more diapers than anything! It’s imperative to add them to your registry! Make sure you put different sizes on your list so that you have them when baby is ready to move up into the new size. New Huggies Little Snugglers are incredible – softer and more absorbent with a wetness indicator we couldn’t live without as new parents. They’re great for your newborn’s delicate skin. Huggies Natural Care Wipes are my wipes of choice – they have a simple formula and are fragrance free with Triple Clean* Layers that are tough on messes yet gentle on baby’s hands, face and bottom.
Activity Gym/Play Mat
If there is one toy every new mom needs, it’s this one. I am using the same play mat I used with my first daughter. For the first six months it was the only toy we used. This is essential as baby needs a safe place for tummy time and stimulation through play even early on. I love a play mat with a lot of colors, the ability to swap out different toys, and one that comes with a little tummy time pillow. Some of my favorites include:
- Skip Hop Activity Gym
- Kushies Shangrlia Activity Mat
- Tiny Love Gymini Lights and Music Super Deluxe
Bouncer/Baby Swing/Lounger
You need to have a place to lay the baby other than your arms when you come home from the hospital. You’ll have to go to the bathroom at some point, right?! My recommendation is to start with one baby swing, and as you see the need you can purchase more. Remember, babies only use these items for about 6 months. Some of my favorites include:
- 4moms MamaRoo
- BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance
- Fisher Price Cradle N’ Swing.
Bassinet or Portable Crib
Most often when baby comes home they will sleep with you in your room for a few weeks to a few months or more – it all depends on what works best for you! Since baby will need a place to sleep while in your room, we have a couple of favorites. The Halo Bassinets allows baby to sleep close to you, but safely in its own space. It’s a lifesaver for those middle of the night feedings, as the front bar comes down and you can simply pull baby right into bed with you. We also love the 4moms Breeze, which is incredibly easy to set up and take down, making it perfect for a small space, or even travel.
Bath Tub
The tub you choose is dependent upon where you are bathing baby. I love a tub that is easy to clean, store and grows with your baby. My two favorites that I used with both of my kids include:
- The Boon Naked: The Boon Naked is amazing, especially for city living. You can recline it, expand it, drain it and collapse it…making for simple storage.
- Stokke Flexibath: This is amazing in that it totally collapses flat. You can even pack it in a suitcase. It’s suitable from birth to four years and even has an infant insert to make bathing baby super easy.
Swaddle Blanket
Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets: I would be lost without these as they are basically used for everything. Not only are we swaddling in them, but we use them for coverage in the swing, car seat, or just to lay on the floor. They double as a nursing cover among a million other uses.
Diaper Pail
Arm and Hammer Diaper Pail by Munchkin: This diaper pail is #1 in odor control. It won’t break the bank – we have two, one on each floor of our home – for easy disposal of our diapers.
NURSING AND FEEDING
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin and Disposable Breastpads
These were the two breastfeeding products I used most when I was nursing. The Lanolin has helped tremendously with some of the initial pain and the breast pads kept me dry day and night. I found Lansinoh’s Lanolin to work better for sore, cracked nipples, than the prescription product my IBCLC prescribed for me with baby #1.
Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bra
I am a pumper and would be lost without this product. The hands-free pumping bra allows me to catch up on emails, texts or social media while I am pumping, no matter what time of day.
Bravado, the Essential Nursing Tank
I wore the Bravado tanks in the hospital and basically the first few weeks at home. I found these more comfortable than any other tank/nursing bra while at the same time they were incredibly supportive.
Bottles
I both bottle and breastfed both of my daughters. While we’ve tried out many of the brands, the Mixie Bottle is my favorite for on the go when I am using formula. I pre-pack the bottles with the formula inside the closed capsule at the bottom of the bottle. When I am ready to feed, I push the bottom button, and shake up the formula mixing it into the bottle. There is no need for fumbling with the powder or water when I’m on the go anymore. My advice for buying bottles is to get a few different ones and see which one baby likes. Often it is baby who chooses the bottle, not the mom.
High Chair
While you won’t be using a high chair until you start feeding your baby around 5-6 months, it is a great item to register for. A good high chair is easy to clean, store, and is not a complete eyesore in your kitchen. It’s also imperative to find one with a removable tray which you can easily wash or throw in the dishwasher. An added bonus is if the chair grows with your child—which many do! Some of our favorite high chairs include:
- Stokke’s Tripp Trapp
- Nuna’s Zaaz
- phil&Ted’s Poppy
- If you’re looking for a simple, no frills high chair, IKEA’s Antilop is a good option – just make sure to get the one with the tray!
ON THE GO
Infant Car Seat
This is the one item of gear that is absolutely essential – especially if you are going to be leaving the hospital in a car. You can’t leave without it! Infant car seats have come a long way between by first and second baby: they are now lighter, easier to install and even easier to install correctly without a base, which is great for travel or city living. Some of our current favorites include:
- Chicco Keyfit30
- Cybex Aton Q
- The all-new Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35
- The UppaBaby Mesa and the Nuna Pipa
Most of these seats have the European belt path and all have an easy install systems.
Diaper Bag
It’s best to get a separate bag for leaving the house with baby. It’s imperative that there is enough space and pockets for the essentials, but that it is also easy to clean. Some of our favorites include:
- The redesigned Skip Hop Duo
- LeSportsac Ryan Bag
- Twelve Little Courage Backpack
Carrier
I didn’t carry my first daughter that much, but have found that using a carrier with #2 is imperative. It keeps her close and my hands are free to play with my toddler. I’d recommend to anyone going to the store to try out the carriers to find what is best for you. My favorites right now include:
- The soft carriers like Boba Baby Wrap or Baby K’Tan.
- A more traditional carrier like the Ergobaby, Beco Gemini or Lillebaby Complete, all of which can be used from birth with a proper insert and positioning.
Stroller
This is the hardest piece of baby gear to recommend, as a stroller is not a one-size fits all purchase. There are many good options. I would recommend visiting a local baby retailer so they can best fit you for a stroller that fits your lifestyle. Here are some of our favorites:
Travel Systems:
- Orbit G3 Stroller System
- Peg Perego Book Pop Up
- Britax Affinity
Modular Stroller:
- Bugaboo Donkey
- UPPABaby VISTA
- Baby Jogger City Select
Jogging Stroller:
- BOB Revolution
Double Side by Side:
- Bumbleride Indie Twin
- Mountain Buggy Duet
- Baby Jogger City Mini GT
Light-Weight or Travel Stroller:
- Baby Zen Yo Yo
- Quinny Yezz
- Baby Jogger City Mini
- UPPABaby G-Luxe
For more information on Lindsay and to find additional resources for building your registry, visit BumpClubAndBeyond.com. Additionally, visit Huggies.com/samplehug to get a sample to try the unbeatable skin care of Huggies Little Snugglers and Natural Care Wipes.
Is there something you really want that you could never put on your registry? Maybe a post-baby getaway, dream nursery or a year supply of diapers? Submit your wish at Huggies.com/registerwish and if you’re selected as a winner, Huggies will do everything they can to make your wish come true.
trixx says
Bibs… lots of bibs are a must!
Candace says
a pacifier
Stephanie O'Day says
Cozy blanket!!
deb Jensen says
Swing
Maggie B. says
Muslin blankets… I love them!
sarah c says
aden and anais swaddle!
claire says
pacifier
Lisa L says
A pacifier was a must-have for my babies!
Sabrina says
a rock n play!
brooke t says
clothes… and A+A blanket
Tina says
she has a teddy bear that she loves
Cierra Mattison says
car seat!
sara haaf says
A folding changing pad with a spot for a travel wipes pouch and some diapers.
Darlene Sullins says
A snot sucker became a must-have pretty quick for me, lol!
Ally says
fisher price baby hammock, rock n play?
Whitney L says
A good carrier saved me so many times!
Cassandra Eastman says
Aden+Anais swaddles, they are so soft and make great swaddles or summer blankets!
Teresa Thompson says
A boppy is great.
Deborah D says
Bottle
Mendy Dinsmore says
Of course, cute hair bows and fluffy tutu’s. 🙂
Ryan Origon says
A carrier!!!
Iliana R says
My must have item are definitely bibs!
Lacey Burd says
A boppy is my Must Have!
dana says
Definetly a high chair!
Amber Faith says
One thing that I would put on my baby registry is a swing!
Mona M says
A baby wrap to carry him in.
ET Pruitt says
Baby gowns
monica v. says
his blanket to swaddle him.
Amy W. says
Her blankie!
Jessica Fortner says
Got to have bottles/sippies and snacks!
Danielle Jones says
Our must have item even for toddlers is Burts Bees baby bees diaper ointment. It works quickly and doesn’t burn. This makes it great to even use on small children when they have lose bowel movements.
Colleen Maurina says
A boppy for nursing!
Andrea Henry says
a great bag of course to carry it in
Sonia says
Changing mats, we have them all over the house. One in the baby’s room, one in our room, one in the living room and a box of disposables.
Sarah says
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste for diaper rash cream and velcro swaddlers were two of my must-haves!
Katie Klein says
My bouncer was a definite necessity!
Tara Liebing says
A nice baby swing is a must.
Cassandra Huber says
A pack and play of sorts.
Cindy says
Car seat.
Belinda Matthews says
Bottles
Kerry G. says
My moby wrap
Irene says
A sippy cup for certain
Madonna says
a playpen, I was a mom home alone all day and I couldn’t have gotten anything done if I had to worry constantly about what my daughter was in when I had to answer the door or cook dinner.
Shanda Enriquez says
My must have is lots and lots of nipple cream!
Stephanie Phelps says
My must have is lots of burp cloths and swaddlers blankets!
Jessica Snow says
I would have to say clothing, as little ones go threw so many.
Thanks for the giveaway! =)
jeannine s says
A baby carrier/wrap. I loved my wrap for carrying my youngest
Angie says
an extensive layette!
Jenny Q. says
I always pack extra sets of clothes.
shirley says
A very good car seat is a must.
Robin Abrams says
The baby swing is my must have
Ashley C says
Something to wear your baby in is my biggest must have!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Sarah Hall says
A really good car seat for baby. Safety comes first.
Kat says
An infant swing is a must have baby item.
Karen Beckett says
I would say a good stroller.
Gina H. says
Baby swing.
laurie nykaza says
Spit up clothes because he has reflux and thats all he does on my clothes.
Veronica M says
Car seat and baby carrier are a must.
Carol says
Must have a good car seat.
Kim says
def the ERGO carrier
Melissa M says
The swing!
costana hornbaker says
a new baby swing
Austin Baroudi says
A sippy cup or bottle of course!
Kari W says
A swing
June S. says
A diaper bag for carrying everything in it-
April Farley says
A graduate crib that goes from new born to toddler.
LaTanya says
Onesies
Heather Hayes Panjon says
Baby Must Have For Me Is Baby Powder.
Kimberly says
Our must-have item is a Boppy.
Lisa E says
A swing for sure
erin dear says
I had to have a baby wipe warmer so the wipes where always comfy on babies bottom.
Marilyn Nawara says
A diaper bag is one of the most important things to have besides Car Seat.
Seyma Shabbir says
butt creme is a must!
Nancy says
A swing is a baby must have for our family!
Jessica says
A safe spot for baby is sleep is essential.
Stacey b says
A nice, lightweight stroller.
Paula Caudill says
Extra outfit and pacifiers.
jessica says
I must have a swing and a bassenett
Rebecca Orr says
Aden + Anais swaddling blankets. We used them to swaddle, as blankets, burp cloths, changing spot when away from home, car seat cover and stroller cover, and as towels when we were visiting family.
Patricia says
Onesies for sure.
Beanybopp says
I would say a swing and a very good car seat
sandra says
safe car seat
Jennifer Tilson says
I was so glad to have a bassinet with wheels.
Vicki Wurgler says
a big diaper bag and a swing
Jennifer Rote says
The swing is a must have item.
Em Mahr says
A swing – it instantly soothes my little one and puts him to sleep
Leela says
A boppy.
Kristen says
A nursing pillow.
Vicky D says
Got to have that binky at nap time!!
Shawna O says
Baby sunscreen is my must-have!
shelly peterson says
A baby swing was one of the must haves.
alaine says
A stroller:)
Jessica Beard says
I love the rock and play sleeper.
Tina W says
I always give something practical (onesies, burp cloths), something silly (cute toy) and something for later (diaper coupons, a certificate for a free night babysitting or a delivered home-cooked meal).
Tara L says
Butt paste is a must just in case you never know.
nannypanpan says
I love saline nose drops
Michele P says
I am torn between burp cloths and bibs, those are 2 things that I need to have in the diaper bag at all times!
Patricia Wojnar Crowley says
She loves her baby doll!
Julie L says
A video monitor was a must for us!
Alona Y says
Right now our must-have item seems to be our babys lovey!
Angela W says
Car seat is a must.
Samantha Plotkin says
Swaddle blankets are a must for little ones!
Emily Adams says
I also love Aquaphor for diaper rash.
Maralea says
A large diaper bag is one thing I could never do without!
Lisa Williams says
I must have a crib and play pen,I would get long term use out of these two items,as well as a car seat.
Melissa George says
A must have item would be baby bag to carry baby items in it.
amanda whitley says
my must have is a car seat. i would be stuck home without one!
James Robert says
I found our one item was a bassinet and a swing
Sonya Morris says
A Baby K’tan carrier for those early months!
Cynthia R says
Other than diapers and wipes I need a diaper bag and stroller.
Vickie Couturier says
blankets and sleepers
Haley Mock says
Swaddlers!
JLin says
stroller
melissa stone (@momma1g2b) says
A diaper bag!