Registries create a way for people to make a wish list of gift items that friends and families may want to give you at a party commonly used for events such as weddings or baby showers. From the beginning, I have decided not to do a baby shower before the baby comes. I did get a lot of eyebrows raising and “are you crazy” looks every time I told people that because baby showers are a big thing in the US. I personally don’t feel comfortable celebrating my belly or doing any celebrations at all until after the baby comes out safe and healthy. Sooooo, yes! The baby shower tradition isn’t completely out of the picture but I do want to have it once baby’s out when friends and family can come and meet the baby. Still, being a first time mom, I had no idea what I was getting into and had no idea what I actually needed for the baby. I wouldn’t consider myself a minimalist but I love the concept and I try my best to be when it comes to stuff at home because clutter makes me cuh-razy! So I decided to narrow down the BASIC things that I needed using a registry checklist. Of all the sites out there, I decided to use Amazon mainly because I’m already an Amazon Prime Member and I find their registry straightforward and easy to use.
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So here are the things I have on my personal registry list. 🙂
Shop Amazon – Create an Amazon Baby Registry
FURNITURE
√ Crib
I chose the IKEA Gonatt mainly for its design and color. Since we decided to keep the baby’s gender a surprise up until the delivery date, I wanted to keep the baby area neutral which I would have chosen to do anyway. The storage drawers at the bottom of the crib are a plus as well.
I opted for a waterproof crib mattress for obvious reasons. And I chose this specific brand mainly because I have been using Serta brand mattresses and I have always loved how comfy and durable they are.
√ WATERPROOF Crib Protector & Cover
Again I opted to add this to my list for obvious waterproofing reasons. I’m already anticipating a lot of stuff getting soiled in the next few months or years and its always best to be as ready as you can be.
√ Changing Table.
I don’t suggest any particular one. I found a slightly used changing table that came with drawers. I used OfferUp to find what I needed at a price that didn’t break the bank because these things are expensive and judging by the number of second-hand changing tables that are being sold out there, it didn’t seem wise for me to get a brand new one when I can get a slightly used one for at least half off.
I chose the Summer Infant Safe Surround Changing Pad because I love how easy it is to clean with just a quick wipe down and the fabric is machine washable as well. It fits in my changing table with its sturdy surround frame and anti-slip rubber feet to keep baby safe on those wiggly days.
√ Waterproof Changing Pad Liners
I wanted to add another layer of protection to my changing pad for those little spills and overflows which I overly anticipate to happen. Of course you’ll also need
√ Changing Pad Cover
√ Mattress Cover
BABY GEAR
√ Stroller
So far, I love what I’ve read and heard about this French brand BabyZen YOYO+ Strollers being the very first stroller accepted as cabin luggage and how lightweight and travel friendly they are. I bought mine at Little Moo Organics after hours of searching for the cheapest price in the US market. I thought about waiting til I go to Europe this year to purchase this stroller which would’ve saved me atleast $200. But when I found this website, I think they had the BEST deal out there and the shipping and tax were free! I can’t wait to try this stroller on my first flight/holiday with the baby!
The add on seat pack for toddlers onwards can be bought at Strolleria with free shipping and no tax as well!
√ Baby Carrier/ Wrap
There could never be enough emphasis on the benefits of giving newborns with lots of skin to skin contact and for this reason, I decided to give the BABYBJORN Baby Carrier
√ Scuddles 3 In 1 Travel Infant Bed Baby Diaper Bag & Baby Changing Pad Portable Systems
I love how this converts into a travel crib, diaper bag, and portable baby changing station all in one which I think is perfect for travel loving and on the go parents.
√ Car Seat
There’s so many types and brands of car seats to choose from but after hours and hours of comparing which one would work best, we decided to go with the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
CLOTH DIAPERING
I’ve given a lot of thought and research about cloth diapering and decided to give it a try. I’m hoping to save me some diaper money and to help the environment as well. I think that would be a win-win if I end up succeeding so we’ll see in a few months! I’ll keep you posted with another blog on cloth diapering once I’ve given it a try. Some things I’ve decided to buy based on Amazon reviews and cloth diaper recommendations from other bloggers are these…
√ Adjustable Baby Cloth Diapers
√ Cloth Diaper Charcoal Bamboo Reusable Inserts
√ Unscented Diaper Liners
√ Cloth Diaper Pail Liners
DIAPERS
I think this would be the one thing any new parent would be thankful to have as a gift. And even though I am going to give cloth diapering a try, it wouldn’t hurt to have a box of √ Newborn-size Disposable Diapers
FEEDING
In an ideal situation, I would opt to breastfeed my baby as long as I could. But with the limited maternity time in the US (6-8 weeks in most states and at most 4-5 months in California) would make this quite impossible. And for any other situation that may arise, it is always best to have some √ Baby Bottles
APPAREL AND BATHING/ SKIN CARE
√ Caps, socks and mittens for newborns
√ Receiving blankets
√ Undershirts or “onesies” with a snap at the crotch
√ Coverall or blanket sleeper
√ Washcloths
√ Baby bath tub. I opted for the Blooming Bath Lotus
I am not an expert obviously as I have yet to try all these things that I have on my list and I have a loooong way to go to learn and experience what it really means to have a baby in a few weeks. But one thing I do know is that babies don’t really need that much in the first few weeks or months. Sometimes we could get so easily overwhelmed with the multiple products out in the market which is supposed to “make our lives easier” but in reality only produces more clutter in the home and adds on to unnecessary spending which causes a burden to our finances. There were a lot of things on my initial list and eventually ended up deleting more than half of those things as well. I guess in the end, it’s a matter of asking yourself if the baby really needs it or not.
Gone Traveling 