Welcome to your Registry Starter!

Diapering Basics 

Our baby's sensitive skin motivated us to quickly revamp our diapering station.  Reusable wipes and clean water from a squirt bottle allowed us to clean up without stinging.  We chose a specific color for the wipes to avoid confusion with burp or wash cloths and unceremoniously rinsed them in the toilet on the way to the washer. 

We also found that a generous layer of petroleum jelly with every diaper change helped restore and maintain the skin barrier and also avoid painful scraping with wiping.  A big key: using tubes instead of jars also minimized any cross-contamination and infected rashes, and these tubes doubled in the diaper bag.

Tying off disposable diapers individually in bags and taking out the nursery trash frequently was better than any fancy diaper pail system.

The best changing table setup involved a changing pad and waterproof changing liners instead of covers.  So much easier to keep clean, unstained, and in stock - and these also doubled in the diaper bag for changing pads.

Bathing and Baby Care Essentials 

Just a few notes: most newborns get baths in the sink until they are bigger - this is a great back saver for parents, too!  I loved our bath sling and little muslin wash cloths.

Stock your toiletry kit with a bland soap and soft wash cloths (choose a different color from the wipes!). I recommend a little cradle cap brush to comb through baby's hair at bath time.  Add a teether, saline spray, and nail clippers to your registry, too!

All babies need vitamin D supplements, but it is added to formula, so only breastfed babies need these easy daily drops - just add to a bottle of pumped milk or put it right on your nipple or finger for your baby!  Only some babies need iron supplements, but if this turns out to be you (see your pediatrician!), I love this particular iron supplement - it's easy on the tummy and doesn't seem to taste bad.  Watch out, though, because most iron supplements stain clothing.

Go ahead and child proof your home before your baby comes or during your maternity leave. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and babies tend to surprise us with their new skills, so earlier childproofing is better.

Feeding Essentials

There are mountains of conversations to be had about feeding and breastfeeding, so I will cut through the noise and say that these are the tools that really set you up for success.

I also wish someone had told me how many hours I would spend in the nursery glider - I'm so glad it was a comfortable spot for me and for all my babies!  Also, toddler fingers and toes prefer the glider over a rocker. Your future mom self will be thankful not to worry about all these babes underfoot.

Nursery Needs 

Your nursery is a haven for you and for your baby - a calming place to rest.  Setting up a great sleep environment is not a sleep crutch.  Blackout shades and white noise help your baby understand and expect to sleep well.

Newborn gowns also promote easier midnight diaper changes with minimal jostling.

On the Go with Baby 

The city mini GT was our favorite stroller by far - can lie flat for newborns, fits through doorframes, and folds with one hand (for real!).  Fits in most cars and handles a variety of terrain. We even got the double version when we had our second baby.

Car sunshades were such a blessing to help our baby be more comfortable in the car and avoid extra UV exposure.

The best car seat is the one that fits your baby, is installed properly, and is used correctly every single time.  Luckily, all carseats in the US must meet the same safety standards, so you don't need to spend more for safety.  We did opt for an infant seat that could be removed easily to take inside or pass between either of our cars.  When our baby got heavier we chose a convertible seat that would grow through rear and forward facing (and saved the infant seat for our next baby!).

Recovery Essentials 

When you get home with your little one, you will also want to be prepped with your recovery needs.  I recommend putting witchhazel pads in the freezer and stashing a basket by the toilet with: an upside down "peri" bottle, stretch underwear, and pain relief spray.  You'll also want to have some regular stool softeners in rotation!  Also see the feeding section for my breast care recommendations.