Having children is one of lifeâs greatest blessings, but with a precious little bundle comes many needs! Hindsight truly is 20-20 with what you need and donât need for your little ones. As you make your baby registry choices, these helpful hints will help you acquire the things you truly need and leave behind the ones you donât!
Must Haves:
Baby MonitorÂ
Back in the day, this wasnât a thing, but thanks to technology parents can breathe a sigh of relief and keep a constant eye on their new addition. While baby sleeps you can take a rest, load the dishwasher or possibly get in a movie with your partner. Take away stress and worry with a constant eye on your priceless possession!
ClothingÂ
The familiar saying âlook how much youâve grown!â comes straight from reality! Those little onesies and other outfits are so adorable that youâll want one of everything. Just be sure to space out the sizing so your baby grows into them and not out of them before they get a chance to wear them!
Car Seat
Most hospitals will not allow a newborn to leave without this must have item. The reasons are obvious which are safety and it being the law to have your baby securely buckled in when in a vehicle. Some car seats can even âgrowâ with your child so check out the multitude of options when choosing yours!
Baby Swing
Though you should never leave a baby unattended in a swing, it is a lifesaver when you need two hands. Your little one can see you while the swinging motion comforts. In the meantime, you can get a load of clothes folded, dinner cooked, or simply have a cup of freehanded coffee and a few minutes to relax!
Diaper Bag
Moms know how much a purse or a backpack is needed. Well, think of this as your babyâs baggage. Be ready to go at a momentâs notice by having a diaper bag fully stocked with diapers, wipes, an extra outfit or two and any other necessities. Organization can make all the difference when a new baby enters your life and a diaper bag ready and waiting is key!
Stroller
Another obvious need is a stroller. You canât exhaust yourself by carrying your child everywhere. Â Again, with this item there are many options. There are even car seats that turn into strollers so you donât have to go through the struggle of waking a sleeping child to move them from one to the other. Youâll also have a place to hang your bags and attach entertaining stroller toys!
Burp Cloths
Moving onto smaller items that will make a big impact, burp cloths are a must! Forget the fancy, nonabsorbent kind.Those are a waste of money as babyâs sudden surprises will simply roll right off and on to you. Instead, try cloth diapers! These will last forever, are obviously made to absorb and you can toss them in the washing machine over and over again!
Receiving Blankets
Puffy blankets are alluring but often babies will be too warm under the bulk. Itâs not safe to have fluffy bedding in the crib as young babies can work their way underneath and not have enough air. Instead, add the lighter-weight blankets to your list. These are great for snuggling, nursing, and many babies love to latch on for security. As time goes on youâll find many uses for these little necessities such as creating a clean space for diaper changing!
Can Skips:
Bassinet
Being near your newborn for the first few weeks provides peace of mind with easier transitions when having to get up every two hours. If youâre looking for somewhere to save, you can consider skipping the way-too-temporary bassinet and accomplish the same with a regular-size crib in your bedroom or guestroom. As baby grows, transitioning to yet another bed and surroundings is process you can skip. A bassinet will be outgrown quickly where a crib can last a few years. Plus, bassinets are normally frail and could become unsafe in a hurry.
Playpen
In real-life experiences, a playpen scored a big zero out of five children for this mom! Itâs almost like a confined fence. Babies want to be near those they love. Sitting all alone in a secluded playpen creates the feel of isolation and a whole lot of tears which turns into much more of a hindrance than a help!
Diaper Pail
Who really wants to add a feature to a precious nursery that is filled with germs and odor? Go ahead and dispose of those diapers rather than collecting them in an ugly diaper pail! Youâll be glad you opted out of this one!
Baby Keurig
Yep, this is a thing! Its purpose is to automatically mix and warm your babyâs bottle and costs about $200! Seriously? Do you really need a machine rather than a simple scoop and shake to make a bottle of baby formula? Thatâs just it, you donât!
Baby Shoes
As adorable as they may be, your baby will disagree and never keep shoes on. For now, shoes are a waste of money so save your cash until the day comes when you hear the pitter-patter of little feet! Instead, choose cute booties and sock options with cuffs that not only stay on but will be much more comfortable for tiny feet.
Changing Table
Forget the pricey, space-consuming table and choose a simple, waterproof changing pad! Youâll be able to change baby anywhere which saves time and money, both of which you need now more than ever!Â
These lists could go on and on yet nothing but time will tell what your personal preferences are. These suggestions are from real-life moms whose hope is to help you with your journey in these precious, exhausting, rewarding years filled with more love than you ever imagined!