What I Actually Used From My Baby Registry - My Newborn Essentials!
Today’s video is one that has been highly requested by you guys - I’m talking all about the items that I actually used from my baby registry! As a first time mother, I really had no idea what to expect and what items I would actually need when raising a newborn. Now that my daughter is 14 weeks old and officially no longer a newborn, I have a good grip on what I really used in the newborn phase, and some things I think you can pass on. Some of these items I cannot live without, and some are a really great bonus, that would just make your life easier. We have been LOVING the Nuna Sena Aire Travel Crib, the Doona Carseat Stroller, and the Baby Bjorn Bouncer. This list is from my baby registry and my experience, and as I know every baby is different and may use or need different items, I created this list on things I recommend and I think apply to most babies! I hope you enjoy this video, and the easy to shop format of this blog!
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Nursery Essentials
The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib and the Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Power Recliner and Swivel Glider Chair were the two big furniture pieces that were a must have for us in the nusery! I love that the crib mattress can lower as the baby gets older, and the natural wood color. A bonus about this crib is that it also converts into a toddler bed, so you can get maximum use from it over the years! I love with the Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Power Recliner and Swivel Glider Chair because it can swivel and rock back and forth. What is also unique about this chair is the high back, which makes it comfortable for both my husband and I to sit in. I love the Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad because of the simplicity of design and the non absorbent material for easy cleanup! I think blackout curtains are a need for daytime naps, I love the Pottery Barn Evelyn Linen Blackout Curtains. Something that has made my life easier is the Infant Optics Digital Video Baby Monitor DXR-8 Pro. Its super simple, no fuss, easy set up and doesn’t connect to wifi or your phone. This makes it worry free of any interruptions and the wireless monitor I can take with me around the house all day. The camera doesn’t come with a mount, we got this Aobelieve Flexible Mount for Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro from amazon and its perfect around the crib.
Diapers & Wipes: What Worked Best For Us
Let’s talk diapers—because when I say we tested our way through all the big names, I mean it! We found that Pampers consistently worked the best for our baby. They fit snugly, were soft on sensitive skin, and (most importantly) did the best job catching those newborn blowouts. Kirkland (Costco’s brand) came in as a strong runner-up—great quality and a little friendlier on the budget. As for wipes, I definitely recommend going for unscented options to avoid irritation, especially in those early weeks when baby skin is super delicate. We stuck with Honest Wipes and have been really happy with them. If you’re wondering how many you’ll run through—expect to use about 8–10 diapers each day during the newborn phase. We usually changed baby with every feeding. It sounds like a lot, but trust me, your changing table will see plenty of action!
How Many Blankets Does a Newborn Really Need?
Let’s chat about baby blankets! I know it can feel like you need a dozen, but honestly, you don’t need to overdo it. From our experience, having just a handful will cover all your bases:
1 cozy, heavier blanket for those chilly outings or when you’re covering the car seat (perfect for keeping little ones snug and safe from passing germs).
1 or 2 lighter muslin blankets—these are super versatile! We use them daily for everything: draping over the stroller, quick diaper changes on the go, or cleaning up unexpected spit-up events. They’re also great as a nursing cover in a pinch. We often used our muslin blankets to double swaddle our daughter when we first brought her home, because she was born really little (5lbs) and had trouble regulating temperature.
I found that having three blankets total is just right, especially since you’ll get gifted a few along the way. Any more and they’ll probably just live in a dresser drawer. Stick to soft, washable fabrics—they’ll see a lot of action!
Below, I’ve included links to our favorite nursery finds and essentials, since you all often ask for the details on our furniture, mirrors, and shelves...
Nursery Misses
Now hear me out when I say I don’t hate these items, I just recommend passing on buying them or putting it on your registry because they weren’t that useful for us. The Pottery Barn Kids Felt Star Mobile was SO cute, and we originally had it above her crib, but as she got older, she would stare at the mobile and not fall asleep. It was just distracting her from falling asleep, ruining the purpose of the crib. The Amazon Night Light For Kids is a really nice night light, but ultimately did not use it. I definitely recommend a night light for the nursery, but our Hatch Rest 2nd gen All-in-one Sleep Machine has a built in night light with the sound machine, which is super nice. Having items that combine features makes the nursery less cluttered and life a little simpler!
Borrow or Wait: Smart Ways to Save on Baby Gear
When it comes to preparing for a new baby, it can be tempting to stock up on every gadget and gizmo out there. But after a year of real-life testing, I’ve found that sometimes it pays to hold off—or better yet, borrow from a friend or family member before committing to a purchase. Take bassinets, for example. If you’re on the fence about splurging on that high-tech sleeper, consider the fact that babies outgrow them in just a few months. See if you can borrow one for those early newborn nights, or even look into rental options. You might be surprised how much you’ll save, especially since this isn’t something you’ll use long-term. And when it comes to baby baths? Don’t rush to buy—unless you just can’t resist the cuteness. For the first few weeks, it’s handy, but your little one will soon be ready for regular baths (with your careful supervision, of course). Borrowing a baby tub or finding a gently used one will do the trick, and you’ll be glad you didn’t add another bulky item to your nursery. A good rule of thumb: If it’s only used for a few weeks or months, ask around to see if someone can lend you theirs or buy secondhand. Your budget—and storage space—will thank you!
Now hear me out when I say I don’t hate these items, I just recommend passing on buying them or putting it on your registry because they weren’t that useful for us. The Pottery Barn Kids Felt Star Mobile was SO cute, and we originally had it above her crib, but as she got older, she would stare at the mobile and not fall asleep. It was just distracting her from falling asleep, ruining the purpose of the crib. The Amazon Night Light For Kids is a really nice night light, but ultimately did not use it. I definitely recommend a night light for the nursery, but our Hatch Rest 2nd gen All-in-one Sleep Machine has a built in night light with the sound machine, which is super nice. Having items that combine features makes the nursery less cluttered and life a little simpler!
Other Things We Didn’t Really Need (But Everyone Says You Do)
Nursery Decor (in general): Designing the nursery was so much fun, but honestly, we barely used the room in those first months. Baby slept in our room, and the nursery just became a storage space for extra clothes, diapers, and those adorable baskets I insisted on. If you’re short on time or energy, you’ve got plenty of time before your little one actually sleeps there!
High Chair: Not needed until your baby is ready for solids (around 6 months). We bought one early and it took up space for ages before we needed it. Wait until you’re closer to that milestone.
Baby Hair Brush: Unless your baby is born with a full head of hair, you probably won’t need a separate baby brush for a while. Our regular comb worked fine for the few wispy strands!
The bottom line? Don’t stress about checking off every “must-have” on those giant registry lists. Focus on what will make your life simpler and more organized—bonus points for anything that saves space and does double duty.
Bath essentials
As a newborn, bath time is pretty quick as she is not really playing in the tub yet. These bath items make bath time just that more efficient. I LOVE the Lalo The Bath Tub because you can just fill up the smaller this tub instead of wasting a ton of water filling up the entire bathtub. She is not quite big enough for the insert that comes in the Lalo The Bath Tub, we have been using the Angelcare Baby Bath Support inside the Lalo The Bath Tub! This Cute Animal Amazon Baby Bath Thermometer is sooo precious and a necessity to make sure the water of the bath doesn’t get too hot for delicate newborn skin! I cannot recommend enough the Lalo Elbow & Knee Saver, they will make bath time way easier on your body!
baby gear essentials
These items I think have the biggest impact on making your life so much easier and more comfortable with a newborn. we have been LOVING the Doona Carseat Stroller to travel anywhere! The carseat folds out into a stroller so you don’t have to transfer your baby in and out of car seats and worry about waking them. While the Doona Carseat Stroller is so practical, its not as smooth for longer walks. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller (theo) is PERFECT for my morning walks and is so smooth. I love hanging the 7AM Infant Stroller Organizer off the handle bars to hold her Bibs Colour Latex Pacifier, Looxi Muslin Burp Clothes, and Drift Away Portable White Noise Machine. Our favorite carrier has been the Wildbird Aerial Carrier! It so quick to throw on and super comfortable for both baby and adult! I also love the adjustable straps of it, as my 6’6 husband and I can both comfortably wear it!
other essentials
These miscellaneous items like the NoseFrida SnotSucker Saline Kit and the Portable stroller fan I couldn’t recommend enough as we use almost everyday. After trying 3-4 sleeping sacks, we LOVE the Ollie Swaddle, it’s so easy to put on even and dummy proof as its just velcro on the sides and knotting the feet! My favorite breast feeding pillow has been the My Breast Friend Pillow. The velcro strap around the waist makes it steady and is easy to get the baby settled without having to also adjust the pillow. Having a backpack diper bag like the Dagne Dover Indi Neoprene Diaper Backpack has been a game changer because you can be hands free. I first thought the Baby Shusher was a scam or excess, but let me tell you I use this every night with the Hatch Rest 2nd gen All-in-one Sleep Machine, and she falls asleep SO fast!
Baby Nail Trimmer—A Total Game Changer
File this under “things I never knew I needed”—but once you try an electric baby nail trimmer, there’s just no going back to those scary little clippers. Seriously, maneuvering sharp clippers around newborn fingers is basically an Olympic sport (and a little terrifying).
With the nail trimmer (we have this one from Amazon), you just gently sand down their nails while they snooze or giggle at you. No risk of nicks or accidental pinches. It’s so much easier and honestly, my little one barely even notices—no more tiny scratch marks on his face! Plus, many trimmers come with different filing pads for newborn through toddler years, so you’re set for a long while.
If you were on the fence or dreading baby’s first “manicure”—trust me, a trimmer is just so much less stressful for both of you.
Baby Aquaphor—A Multipurpose Must
This is truly a jack-of-all-trades in our baby routine. We reach for Baby Aquaphor for pretty much everything: a dab helps with cradle cap, little scrapes, chapped cheeks or lips—honestly, if there’s a weird spot, I’m smoothing some on. Best part? It works so well on diaper rash that you might not need to stock a separate diaper rash cream. One tube covers it all and lasts forever, which is a win in my book.
Transitioning to the Next Stage: Essentials for 6–18 Months
As your little one graduates from the newborn phase, you’ll definitely notice their needs (and demands!) shifting. For parents stepping into that 6–18 month territory, I recommend focusing on a handful of reliable basics that make everyday life smoother:
Stackable snack cups and spill-proof sippy cups for those snack-on-the-go moments.
Convertible high chairs that grow with your baby—trust me, you want one that wipes down easily.
Activity centers or walker toys to encourage exploration (and buy you five minutes to drink your coffee while it’s actually hot).
Teething toys—because those first molars come out of nowhere.
A sturdy, easy-to-clean play mat for all the crawling, tumbling, and snack picnics.
Soft-soled shoes for those first wobbly steps, and don’t forget a sun hat for those impromptu park runs.
A portable white noise machine continues to pay off for naps on the go.
Lightweight, roomy diaper backpack (your old newborn one might feel a little snug with the bigger kid snacks and cups now).
Easy-on, easy-off bodysuits and pants—because dressing a baby on the move is a whole new circus act.
Storybooks and bath toys to start bedtime and bathtime routines you’ll both look forward to.
It’s so satisfying to clear out what you don’t use and focus on these core tools that actually earn their spot.
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