So, I’m not exactly an expert on baby registries, but I’ve done a ton of digging into what to put on one as a new mom. Let me tell you, it can feel like a whirlwind with everyone throwing in their two cents on what you absolutely need and what you can totally skip. Plus, have you seen the sheer number of options on those registry sites? It’s like a never-ending scroll!

Personally, I lean towards the more ‘granola’ side of things – you know, the whole non-toxic deal. That means steering clear of anything containing the stuff on this list. Thankfully, many brands are catching on to the harmful chemicals and ditching them from their products. But hey, it’s still important to double-check ingredient labels and make sure your household items and cleaners aren’t sneaking any of that bad stuff in.

So, while my choices are influenced by this mindset, feel free to go with whatever floats your boat. Seriously, if chemical exposure isn’t a biggie for you, then register for whatever makes you happy.

Now, onto the good stuff – here’s a breakdown of what I personally registered for as a new mom. Oh, and I made sure to focus on items you can easily snag from Amazon because let’s face it, everyone wants Prime’s free and fast shipping.

Baby Gear

• UPPAbaby® VISTA V2 Stroller. Strollers totally overwhelmed me. Ultimately, I decided on this one because if there are plans for more children in the near(er) future, you can add onto this stroller and make it a double of sorts. And even if we don’t end up having another in the near future, I’m confident this will be a solid stroller to have. With stroller decisions, know that there are a million options and the one you can afford and end up choosing is probably 110% fine.
• Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat. This carseat has STELLAR reviews. Not only is it pretty affordable but it lasts from 4 to 120 pounds (infant to toddler) with the necessary safety adjustments.
• Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier. For a more affordable version of practically the same thing, try the LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons Ergonomic 6-in-1 Baby Carrier.
• Moby Classic Baby Carrier Wrap. I’m literally registering for three wraps/carriers because you really have no idea what they’ll like, and as long as some of them are budget-friendly, there’s a good chance you may get at least one.
• Nalakai Ring Sling Baby Carrier.
• Frida Baby 4-in-1 Grow-with-Me Baby Bathtub. There aren’t many baby tubs on the market, but I found this one to be versatile and it will grow with the baby.
• HelloBaby Upgrade Monitor. A monitor for the baby’s room.
• Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine. I’ve heard from multiple sources that having a sound machine is a good idea. And the Hatch tops all the charts.
• WubbaNub Infant Pacifier. I’ve heard these are the bread and butter of pacifiers because your baby has something to grab onto – and can even sometimes put it back in their own mouth.
• Baby Car Mirror.
• Moonkie Silicone Bibs. These are obviously for down the line, but if you know you’ll need it, might as well register for it. Especially if it’s on the cheaper side.

Health

• Frida Baby Ultimate Baby Kit. I find this to be a must-have. It includes stuff for a sick baby, intestinal issues, nail clippers, and a brush for skin.
• Pure Enrichment MistAir Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. Be prepared for a sick baby. Just do it.
• Burt’s Bees Baby Dusting Powder.
• Burt’s Bees Baby 100% Natural Multipurpose Healing Ointment.
• Burt’s Bees Baby Nourishing Lotion.
• Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash.

Feeding + Pumping

• Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options Narrow Baby Bottles. While I would prefer not to have her drink out of plastic bottles, I know that I’ll have no control over what she likes and honestly, #whatbabylikesbabygets
• Philips AVENT Glass Natural Baby Bottle with Natural Response Nipple.
• TOMMEE TIPPEE Closer To Nature 3-In-1 Glass Bottle. Yes, I know I’m registering for a ton of bottles but ultimately, I don’t know what she’ll like and #whatbabylikesbabygets
• haakaa Manual Breast Pump.
• I also got an electric breast pump with a discount through our insurance – make sure you check your insurance for free/discounted pump options!! – this is the one I got
• Dr. Brown’s All-in-One Sterilizer and Dryer for Baby Bottles.
• By Heart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. While I don’t intend to supplement with formula, one of my friends told me to have formula on hand just in case, and I think it’s a great idea. I haven’t found an infant formula without seed oils being a significant source of ingredients, which is absolutely buck-wild to me. By Heart uses grass-fed whole milk and leaves out corn syrup, gluten, GMO, palm oil, soy, and other harmful ingredients – so I find it to be the best option in case there’s a need.
• Snuggle Me Feeding Support.

Sleeping

• Organic Cotton Unisex Swaddle Receiving Blanket. Of note, read this article about unsafe infant bedding and SIDS risks. I’m merely registering for a blanket so she has one for observed instances.
• Love to Dream Swaddle UP, Baby Sleep Sack.
• We thankfully got hand-me-downs for her bassinet and crib from my husband’s family, otherwise I would have registered for them! I don’t think there’s any shame in registering for expensive things. People with more financial resources can be extremely happy to contribute in that way.

Diapering

• Leather Diaper Bag. Diaper bags are really based on preference! I registered for this one because I think it’s pretty.
• The Honest Company Clean Conscious Diapers. Now, I’ve done pretty extensive research on diapering. Should we do disposable or cloth? I started by watching this YouTube video (I love Bridget Teyler’s channel) on cloth diapering and also read articles like this one about the pros and cons of both disposable and cloth diapering. I truly feel in my heart that cloth diapering is superior over disposable (due to cost over time, environmental sustainability, decreased sensitivity for baby, etc.. However, I also don’t know what my plan is (stay-at-home mom vs. going back to school vs. job), and with that comes a lot of anxiety about starting cloth diapering and not being able to follow through. With the initial cost of cloth diapering, I feel like I need to be sure about my decision. Therefore, I decided to go with disposable diapers (with the cleanest ingredients I could find), but I encourage you to do your own research on what’s best for you.
• The Honest Company Clean Conscious Wipes.
• Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail, No Special Bag Required. This seems like a must-have. To me, it’s equivalent to having a bathroom trash.
• Prefold Cloth Diapers. I’m putting these in the diaper section, but the true reason I’m registering for them is because I’ve heard they’re great to throw over your shoulder for spit up.

While this is not an exhaustive list by any means, nor does every parent need every single thing on this list, these are the things on my list. I encourage you to do your own research prior to birth and register for what feels right and necessary. Another great option is second-hand. Buying second-hand reduces waste and minimizes cost. Most things that I do not receive from my registry will turn into second-hand hunting – no shame!