Everyday with Jakie

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Baby Registry Must-Haves vs. Overrated Items

Creating a baby registry can feel overwhelming especially when it seems like everything is labeled as a “must-have.” When I was building mine, I added items based on recommendations, trends, and what I thought I should need.

Now, looking back with real experience, there are items I couldn’t live without… and others that honestly didn’t get much use at all.

This isn’t about right or wrong every baby and every family is different. This is simply what worked (and didn’t) for us.

Baby Registry Must-Haves (What We Truly Used)

These are the items that actually made everyday life easier during those early months:

✔️ Nursery & Sleep essentials- Anything that helped Rowan sleep was worth it. Creating a calming sleep environment mattered more than having every trendy item.

✔️ Feeding support items- Since feeding didn’t go exactly how I planned, having the right tools helped take some of the pressure off. Bottles, formula prep tools, and feeding accessories that fit our reality were far more valuable than forcing a specific plan.

  • Nursing cover
  • Nipple cream- I personally just used Aquaphor, cheaper than other nipple creams and works better in my opinion
  • Burp cloths
  • Bibs
  • Pump (electric or manual – it’s great to have both)
  • Bottles and bottle nipples
  • Pacifiers
  • Bottlebrush

I would hold off on buying feeding items for solids. No point in buying things you’re going to store for 6+ months.

✔️ Diapering basics- Simple, practical diapering items were used daily. Nothing fancy just things that worked and made changes quicker and easier.

  • Diapers
  • Diaper rash creams- again I just used Aquaphor
  • Baby wipes
  • Diaper pail– my nose’s lifesaver!

✔️ Comfortable baby clothing- It’s easy to go overboard here, so try to stick to the basics and try to not get too many of one size as babies grow quick.

  • Footed one-pieces (our favorites are two way zippered that make the middle of the night diaper changes SO much easier)
  • Baby Bodysuits (short and long sleeve)
  • Footed leggings or pants (depending on the season- footed so you don’t have to worry about socks falling off or getting lost in the washing machine)
  • Sleepsacks
  • Hats (if colder)
  • Sweaters, cardigans, or zip-up jackets (if colder)
  • Baby blankets or receiving blankets

✔️ Bath Time- A baby fresh from the bath is like heaven!

  • Baby bath seat
  • Baby soap and shampoo
  • Gentle washcloths
  • Hooded towels
  • Cup (for rinsing)

✔️ Places to Set Baby Down- Baby snuggles are the best, but we all need to set baby down eventually. Don’t forget to add some fun!

✔️ On the Go- We all need to leave the house at some point so don’t forget these

Items That Were Overrated (For Us)

This doesn’t mean these items are “bad” they just weren’t essential for our family.

  • Crib mattress protector- most crib mattresses are waterproof
  • Changing table- most have the bars on the sides which babies quickly grow out of
  • Wipe warmer- unnecessary luxury as you’re not always going to have one on hand
  • Bottle drying rack- I personally don’t see a reason to separate the baby items with the other items, if you already have a drying rack why purchase a separate one. I personally just used my dishwasher
  • Bottle Warmer- took longer to use than just placing the bottle/milk bag in a cup of hot/warm water
  • White noise machine
  • Nursing pillow- I felt like a regular pillow was easier to use and less bulky
  • Socks- never stayed on until he was closer to 1
  • Gloves/mittens- never stayed on
  • Car seat cover- a blanket or receiving blanket works just as well
  • Anything fancy- the budget priced items work just as well

This was one of my biggest lessons as a new mom: If it doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t matter how popular it is.

What I Wish I Knew Before Making My Registry

I wish I had given myself more grace. Motherhood doesn’t come with a universal checklist. Your registry doesn’t need to be perfect it just needs to support your version of motherhood.

If you’re building a registry right now and feeling overwhelmed, let this be your reminder: you’re allowed to do things differently. You’re allowed to change your mind. And you’re allowed to let go of what doesn’t serve you.

You’re doing better than you think 🤍

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