So, here’s the thing: I’m a researcher (by personality not profession). I think it has something to do with my performer/perfectionist tendencies, but regardless I’m always asking, “What’s the best possible product I can get for the most reasonable price?” For example, pretty much our entire house is furnished by Craigslist because I painstakingly checked it almost every single day for a year and found every piece of furniture I needed. Also, I’m on a first name basis with the UPS guy because I’m addicted to Amazon Prime and all the reviews. No kidding, just a few months ago he handed me a package and said, “Here you go, Ash!”. Low point or high point? I’m still not sure. I understand that it’s a little neurotic, but I often research longer than necessary because I enjoy educating myself as I find that perfect item.

So, when I was faced with the task of building a baby registry, I was totally overwhelmed for three reasons:

1. Lack of know-how: I knew nothing about babies or mothering. I mean, sure, I was 32, my best friends had babies. I’d spent significant time with them. But, knowledge about how to feed them, dress them, and get them to sleep? Nada.
2. Wanting to do it right: These were the products and tools I would be using daily, probably for all our future children, and I wanted them to fit our life. I value simplicity, style, functionality, quality, and affordability. But, the problem was that I wasn’t sure what I would actually use and what categories to compromise on.
3. Hormones: They make everything seem like life and death.

So, I took all my nervous nesting energy and threw myself into researching every baby related product imaginable. I’m thankful I don’t know exactly how many hours I spent because I’m positive I would be embarrassed to share it with you. I pride myself on being a somewhat laid back person, and this is the least chill thing I’ve ever done.

But, guess what? Now you get to benefit from my crazy.

First, if you just want the list without the commentary, go over to my registry on Baby List (make sure to click “reserved & purchased gifts” on the left – you won’t be able to click on links, but you will be able to see the list in its entirety). I’ve removed everything I now, in retrospect, think I could have done without and added things I ended up buying myself that I wish I would have included on my registry. So, basically, this is my perfect registry.

Also, if you want to understand more about baby products, you should check out Lucie’s List. It helped me get my bearings before I launched into the black hole that is the internet.

Since you might be feeling anxious, let’s start with some happy thoughts…

Sweet and Special Items You’ll Want to Buy Yourself

Baby’s first clothes – I bought Nora’s coming home outfit at a little boutique in Austin called Picket Fences. It was more than I would usually spend, but I’m hoping to use it again if we have another girl. It included a bonnet, mittens, a gown, and socks.

Baby book by Jan Sevadjian – It was surprisingly difficult to find somewhere to buy a classic, custom, non-cheesy baby book. Jan’s books are sold in boutiques and in some online shops. Her shop in Dallas doesn’t have much of a store front, but Jan scheduled an appointment with us and let us look at her warehouse of fabrics and threads. I’m sure you can also order over phone or e-mail. If you want something more casual and modern, I really liked this baby book that was sold at Anthropologie for a while.

Love Letters to My Baby by Vickey Banks – This is a Christian guided journal. I loved writing to Nora when I was pregnant with her. This book is a straight up tearjerker. It guides you through things like How we found out you were coming. Especially late in my pregnancy when I couldn’t sleep I would sit in Nora’s room and write in this journal. It helped calm my thoughts and get everything out of my brain and onto paper. I can’t wait to give it to her one day.

Milestone Baby Cards Gift Set– This is such a cute trend, and if you take a photo each month through the entire first year you deserve a medal.

 

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The Registry

 

Bathtime:

First Year’s Bathtub – Reasonably sized and can be used in bigger sinks therefore saving you from kneeling next to the bathroom tub.

My friends also rave about the PRIMO EuroBath which can grow with the child and last longer. We preferred something smaller.

If your number one priority is a space saver, go with the Puj Tub

Restoration Hardware Animal Hooded Towels – Splurge item. I can’t handle the cuteness. There is alot of bathing going on in the first year, so they might as well look extra cute doing it!

Baby Washcloths (any kind)

Bath Toys that Squirt

Rubber Ducky – We bought an extra rubber ducky and wrote our prayers for Nora on it. We put it in our shower and  prayed for her each time we showered.

Noodle & Boo Body Wash – After trying several bath washes, this one is my favorite because of the fresh, clean scent! It’s expensive ($18) but it will last a while.

Skip Hop Bath Spout Cover – For when they move into the big tub.

Munchkin Inflatable Duck Safety Baby Bath – Trying to bathe an infant in a hotel bathtub is like an SNL skit. This is  perfect for travel when you’re trying to save space in your luggage! It blows up and fits great in a hotel bath tub.

Playtime:

I’ve tried to be selective with the toys we keep. These were 100% winners!

Sophie the Giraffe – Every baby’s best friend. This thing has magical powers.

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes – Plays classical music and lights up. It’s one of the most highly rated baby toys. She still loves it at 18 months old.
Octopus Playmat & Activity Gym by Mamas & Papas – I feel like this playmat is a good mix between being more attractive than most but still brightly colored enough to keep them entertained. It will definitely be in your living space for a good period of time, so consider that.

The Jesus Storybook Bible – Honestly haven’t used it yet, but it seems to be the best children’s storybook Bible out there!

Captain Calamari by Lamaze – I swear Nora would just stare at this toy. I also have seen parents out in public with ‘The Captain’ and have given them a knowing look like “yeah, I see you”.

Soft Activity Book

Fisher-Price Kick and Play Piano Gym – This is a next level playmat for when they are about 5 months old. Nora loved it so much that we took it with us on our trip to Florida. Later we detached the piano and she still plays with it!

Teething Keys

Rattle Ball

Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection (for later)

Restoration Hardware Finger Puppets – These are lifesavers. We pulled them out and Nora would instantly be entertained and stop crying – think restaurants, changing table, desperate times in the car. Gold.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear Board Book – Get ready to have this book memorized. I don’t understand exactly why, but it is a baby favorite.

Pat the Bunny Book

Pacifier Clips by Sweet Ruby – Stylish pacifier leashes so you’re not picking up pacifiers off the ground every 5 seconds. There’s alot of ugly ones out there.

Containment Devices:

ERGObaby Four Position 360 Baby Carrier – Yup you’re one of those people now with your kid strapped onto you. Several of my mom friends insisted I get this particular carrier, and it has rocked. Lots of different positions (outward facing, inward facing, ect.) for carrying baby for long periods of time.

Baby K’tan Baby Carrier – This carrier is more for 0–6 months, but during that time period I used it all the time. It’s a little more snuggly than the ERGO, and great for shorter outings (think grocery store, walks, ect.) or just needing your hands free around the house. There are several different soft carriers but this one is much easier to tie on your body.

Fisher-Price Cradle ’n Swing – My Little Snugapuppy – I was preeetty skeptical of this monstrosity, especially when it came in 10,000 pieces. But, I would have paid triple for the sleep I got thanks to it. At desperate times in the middle of the night, it was our #1 go-to.

Fisher-Price Newborn Auto Rock n’ Play Sleeper – This is the workhorse of the containment devices. I’ve let 5 of my friends borrow it already. It helps the baby sleep at an incline. Many infants sleep in it as a pseudo bassinet next to mom’s bed, but I used it mostly in our living room or kitchen and Nora would just fall asleep in it. Be sure to buy this version that plugs in and rocks on its own (lazy or genius?! You be the judge.). I actually had a couple friend come over that has a 3 year old, and when they saw that it rocks on it’s own they said, “that is amazing” and borrowed it for their second baby.

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo – I want to kiss the inventor of this thing. It’s ugly, just go ahead and get over it. I love our house’s neutral decor, but I like showering in the morning more. 

 

Shopping Cart Cover by Kids II – For some reason there are an obscenely large amount of ugly shopping cart covers out there – as if grocery shopping isn’t stressful enough, do I now have to endure these eyesores? The #1 rated one on Amazon looks like a baby pooped and threw up into jungle animal patterns. So, I searched and searched and this was my favorite one I found.

Bumbo Floor Seat + Tray – Despite the picture to the right, Nora loved this thing because she could be right in the middle of the action when I was making dinner. We used it with the tray to give her some of her first solids.

 

Health & Safety:

This is all the stuff that you don’t really need until you really need it. It will sit in a drawer and then one time you’ll go, “Oh my gosh! We actually have some nail scissors somewhere!” instead of sending your husband to the store in the middle of the night.

Safety 1st Fingertip Toothbrush – We didn’t start brushing Nora’s teeth until she had…well…teeth.

But now that we do, this soft toothbrush is easy to use.

Pedicare Infants Acetaminophen – Baby Tylenol for baby’s first fever.

Piyo Piyo Baby Nail Scissors – Your baby will have freakishly sharp baby claws. I was terrified the first time I cut Nora’s nails, but these little scissors really help. Now I’m a nail cutting ninja.

Little Remedies Tummys Gas Relief Drops or Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water – Anti-gas medicine. Verdict is still out if these work, but it’s worth a shot.

Safety 1st Gentle Read Rectal Thermometer – Every time I’ve called the doctor about Nora’s fever they ask if I used a rectal thermometer because it is the most accurate. It’s really not that bad, and you’ll appreciate the peace of mind.

Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment – This was our go-to for diaper rash.

Boudreaux’s Butt Paste – Another great diaper rash ointment. I would get both because one might work better than another.

Hyland’s Homeopathic Baby Teething Tablets – It’s hard to know if these types of things really work, but I’ve found they do calm Nora down when she’s having teething pain.

Nosefrida Nasal Aspirator aka the Snotsucker – Disgusting name, great product. You suck the snot out of their nose, but don’t worry it doesn’t go in your mouth. Nora still hates this thing but it works like a charm.

California Baby Calendula Cream – My favorite cream for dry skin.

Dreft Newborn Laundry Detergent – You’ll need to wash everything in some kind of sensitive laundry detergent so it doesn’t irritate baby’s skin. This is the most popular one, and it smells like a newborn baby.

Dreft Stain Remover – For the diaper blowouts that happen fairly regularly in the beginning.

 

 

Safety Swabs (i.e. Baby Q-tips) – These are designed so they don’t go too far into baby’s ear.

BEBE Noise Reduction Ear Muffs – We used these when we took Nora to a college football game. Maybe not necessary unless you plan on going to something with tons of noise.

Feeding (Breast + Bottle + Solids):

Breastfeeding:

Warning: I am about to use the word nipple many, many times. It must be done. Onward! Ok, at this point you’re probably not surprised to hear that breastfeeding is painful in the beginning. Therefore, nipple care is no joke! You’ll be glad you have some of these little gems on hand.

Bamboobies Washable Nursing Pads – One of my friends bought me these, and I thought they were so ridiculously overpriced, but #worthit. I ended up buying another set. I had approximately 1.2 million disposable nursing pads that I never used because they were too rough on my skin. These babies are super soft and weren’t a big hassle to wash and reuse.

My two favorite nipple creams were Lansinoh Lanolin Breastfeeding Cream and Earth Mama Angel Baby Nursing Cream. Get them both because you might like one more than the other.

Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads – These and a glass of wine are the medical prescription for breastfeeding blues. I would stick these pads in the fridge and they were like little slices of heaven on my sore nipples.

Covered Goods Nursing Cover – This is one of my absolute favorite items on my registry. Strangers complimented me on it a ton for two reasons: 1. The stylish fabric 2. The full coverage! Most nursing covers have gaps on your sides so you always feel a little exposed. This cover is just one continuous piece of fabric – like an infinity scarf. It also doubles as a scarf, shopping cart cover, and car seat cover when the baby is sleeping! Score!

My Breast Friend Pillow – The name of this pillow was ruthlessly mocked in my house before I realized OH WAIT you really are my best friend. My apologizes Breast Friend. The concept is that you give your arms a break while breastfeeding instead of feeling like you’re doing a day-long arm workout. The Boppy is the favorite breastfeeding pillow of the masses, but this pillow is lightyears better. It’s firmer so it keeps the baby more secure and not sinking into the pillow. Trust me, these things will matter.

Gerber Cloth Diapers used for Burp Cloths – Honestly, I wish I would not have bought a single cute burp cloth and just bought a few packages of these and been done with it. They are super absorbent and inexpensive so you don’t feel guilty chunking one if it gets too nasty.

Bottle Feeding:

Medela Freestyle Breast Pump – I researched these pumps like a maniac and this was my favorite one. It has a battery pack that can be charged, therefore you are not chained to an electrical outlet. It’s lightweight, quiet, and pumps both breasts at the same time. Most insurance plans are required to cover a breast pump, so that’s how I was able to get this one. Call them and they can walk you through it. If you know you’ll be doing alot of pumping, then it’s smart to invest in some extra spare parts and breast shields so you’re not having to do so much washing and drying of parts.

Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump – I never had to use this, but I always traveled with it in case something crazy happened with my pump then I would have a back up.

 

Simple Wishes Hands Free Breastpump Bra – A definite must have! This bra keeps the breast pump in place so you can have your hands free. You can’t do anything even remotely mobile like laundry, but you can have your hands free for your laptop or something more stationary.

 

Kiinde Breastfeeding Gift Set

The big benefit to this system is that you don’t have to transfer milk from breast pump bottle –> storage bag –> bottle for baby. There’s no milk transfer. Here’s the basic rundown of this system:

1. Pump breastmilk directly into the Kiinde storage bags (comes with adapters that work with all breast pumps)
2. Place storage bags directly in freezer in the storage container
3. When ready to use, place storage bag into bottle warmer.
4. Once warm, you snap on a plastic cover over the storage bag that turns it into a bottle. Then attach a nipple on top. There are even adapters so you can use whatever kind of nipple brand your baby prefers.
5. Recycle the storage bag.

I loved having the convienence of the bottle warmer. Not having to dirty a bunch of bottles was nice, but I think it would be great for a mom who is working and pumping alot.

Kiinde Storage Bags (6 oz and 8 oz) – There are tons of storage bags out there, and I liked these because they went with my kit. You’ll need 6 oz bags at first when the baby is drinking less and then 8 oz later.

OXO Bottle Brush – Best bottle brush out there.

Phillips AVENT Bottle Starter Gift Set – Even if you buy the Kiinde set, I would go ahead and get this set too. You’ll still need a few bottles handy. I wouldn’t stress over which brand of bottle to buy. I researched it a ton, comparing nipple and bottle reviews, and Nora probably would have sucked milk from any bottle I put in front of her. AVENT is a popular brand, so it’s a good bet, but if they need to try a different bottle you can cross that bridge when it comes. One thing you don’t need is 10 different kinds of bottles in your house.

Solid Foods:

First, I would recommend getting ONE of these two high chairs:

1. IKEA Antilop
   • Pros: DIRT CHEAP. ($19.99) How are they making money?? Incredibly easy to clean. Neutral colors.
   • Cons: Cheaply made and no frills.
2. 4Mom’s Highchair
   • Pros: Beautiful and something you’d be proud to have in your house. Easy magnetic tray that slides on and off. Adjustable height. Good quality. Not quite as easy to clean as the IKEA but still much easier than other high chairs because there’s no fabric or major crevices.
   • Cons: Cost ($240 with BuyBuy Baby coupon).
   • I ended up with the 4Mom’s one because I’m a sucker for a beautiful design, and I’m ok doing 10% more cleaning for it to be 60% better looking in my kitchen. But, maybe my tune will change after I’m on my third kid.

In addition, I would get this travel high chair: Inglesina Fast Table Hook-on – Most restaurants have high chairs, so we’ve utilized this the most when traveling to family or friends’ houses that don’t have kids. It’s compact and can latch on to most tables or counters.

Snack Catcher Cups – For puffs aka baby crack.

Bumkin Bibs – All bibs are dead to me except these. They wash off so easy, then you can hang dry and reuse instead of laundering them constantly. Here are my favorite patterns:

• Wonder Woman for girls
• Batman for boys
• A long sleeved elephant pattern for when you really don’t want them getting messy (Easter at Grandma’s house).

BabyBjorn Bibs – These are another favorite among moms and worth registering for as well. They are made with a harder plastic that makes them more structured. This makes them great for catching food, but a little more uncomfortable for your bebe.

Take and Toss Spoons – The name says it all. Disposable spoons for when you’re out and about.

Gerber Graduates Soft Bite Spoons – Gentle on baby’s mouth.

Boon Squirt Spoon – My husband thought this spoon was revolutionary for feeding Nora pureed baby food.

Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup – Confession: I had to watch a YouTube video to understand how this cup works. It’s like a magic trick – no spills unless it’s thrown hard onto the floor, and even then it’s not that bad. They have to tilt it like a normal cup and suck on it to get liquid to come out. It took Nora a few days to figure it out, but now #praise.

BEABA Babycook Pro – If you want to make your own baby food this steams, purees, and defrosts food all in one container.

Munchkin 2 Pack Fresh Food Feeder – I mostly used these to put ice in for teething/entertainment.

 

Transportation

Britax B-Agile/B-Safe Travel System (Stroller + Car Seat) – I did alot of research on carseats and strollers because they are two of your most important pieces of baby gear. If you want more details on carseats and strollers, see Lucie’s List. She’s the queen. But, for me, Britax won out, and I’m very happy 18 months later.

Things I like about this stroller + car seat set:

• Reasonably priced
• Reasonable weight
• Easy to fold
• Easy to operate in small spaces (i.e. grocery store)
• Attractive

 

You should also consider these accessories if you go with the Britax:

Britax B-Agile Child Tray – Snacks and drinks are a must for Nora on our walks now that she’s older.

Britax B-Agile Stroller Travel Bag – This is not necessary, but I liked having a bag to protect our stroller on flights when it’s getting tossed around alot.

Britax Stroller Organizer – Must have for sure.

Extra Britax B-Safe Car Seat Base – This was a non-negotiable for us. With infant car seats, you install a base in the car and then you can take the car seat in and out of the base easily. This is so the baby can stay in the carseat (like when they are sleeping) as you take them in and out of the car. We had two bases, one for each car, and then one infant carseat.

BOB Revolution Flex Stroller – I had my eye on this stroller, but wasn’t sure if we would get it because of the price tag. Some of Micah’s generous co-workers bought it for us! BOB is the best all-terrain strollers on the market. Get the “Flex” version that has adjustable handlebars if anyone who will be using it is over 6 feet tall.

You should also consider these accessories if you go with the BOB:

BOB Single Snack Tray – Again SNACKS y’all

BOB Single Infant Car Seat Adapter – This is a little device that helps you put your infant seat into your BOB. I used it a ton when I was trying to get Nora to sleep. I would put her in her carseat, pop the carseat on top of the BOB and go on a run walk. The rhythm of the road would lull her to sleep, and I would get a moment to see the outside world!

BOB Handlebar Console – Another must have. Do you want a drink on your walk? You’ll need somewhere to put it.

Other Transportation Accessories: 

Cozy Greens Baby Car Mirror – This will help you see your rear-facing bebe in the car. True story: one time I didn’t have a mirror in the car and Nora was being suspiciously quiet. I let it go because I was so relieved she wasn’t crying. When I arrive home, Nora was covered in poop. I’m kind of gagging even thinking about it. Point is: get a mirror or pay the price.

Summer Infant Piddle Pad – Another layer of protection for the carseat from the poop/pee situations.

JJ Cole Urban Bundleme – This cozy little sleeping bag will keep your bebe warm on those cold days.

Summer Infant Support Pillow – These made the stroller a little more snuggly when Nora was still tiny tiny.

Clothes & Accessories:

Gerber White Onesies 5 Pack (Newborn and 0–3 Months) – It’s nice to have some basic onesies for the first few months.

Baby Bling Headbands  – By far my favorite head bands! They are stretchy, comfy, and so cute! 

Babiators – These cute little sunglasses have been so fun!

Zutano Booties – Before Nora wore shoes, these were our go-to. They kept her feet warm and stayed on her feet. 

Rosie Pope Footies – These are cute, a little higher end, but great quality.

Baby Chucks – These are a total splurge, but so cute! We always got tons of compliments on them.

My Favorite Baby Clothing: BabyGap, Old Navy, Target, Nordstrom, Burt’s Bees, Carter’s

Diapering:

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser & Extra Bags – This goes in your diaper bag to keep poops on the go. Let’s get real: it’s basically a baby version of a doggy poop bag. 

Boppy Changing Pad Liners x 3 – These come in a pack of 3 and I would register for 3 sets for a total of 9. They lay on your changing table and can be thrown in the washer easily versus taking off your changing pad cover.
Skip Hop Grab and Go Pronto Changing Station – This thing is so handy! It can carry diapers, wipes, and has a fold out changing station. I throw it in the bottom of the stroller or in my purse when I’m on a quick trip.

Ubbi Diaper Pail – As far as poop containers go, this one is somewhat stylish. Clearly, I use that term loosely. It conceals smell well. You’ll also need to get some: Ubbi Diaper Pail Bags

Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Changing Pad Cover x 3 – These are soft and come in a variety of cute colors.

Fawn Design Diaper Bag – This is not the diaper bag I bought but I am seriously swooning over its design and functionality. It seems to be the hottest diaper bag out there right now.

Soothing Bottom Wash by Honest Co. – This is the best invention. I didn’t really see the need for it until Nora started eating solids and the poop situation escalated. Now I just spray a little on her tiny hiney and it wipes off clean and fresh smelling.

Pampers Swaddlers or Honest Company 

Here are my thoughts…

We registered for Honest Company gift cards, so we had the luxury of using Honest diapers for almost a year. Honest-ly (get it?), I was not that impressed as far as performance goes with Honest. The diapers would slip off or blowout fairly regularly. Also, the customer service is terrible. They do reoccurring monthly bundles that you can manage online or through their ap, but I had to call them 3 times to restart my bundle after I’d paused it for a month. This is 2017, who wants to call a customer service line and wait? But, the prints are to die for, and they make changing thousands of diapers a little more fun, so it’s hard to resist. Plus, they are all natural. At the year mark, we switched to Pampers Swaddlers and never looked back. Amazon’s prices can’t be beat and it’s so easy to adjust your reoccurring monthly order. Make sure to get Amazon Prime so you can take advantage of the 20% off discount.

Pampers Sensitive Wipes – I used these for the first 6 months and then switched to wipes from Costco later.

Bedtime:

Phillips AVENT Soothie Pacifier – I tried a variety of pacis, and these were Nora’s fav, and they are very popular. I also like that they are all one piece, so there’s no chance of them breaking apart into pieces and her choking.

Wub-a-nub pacifier – These are kind of a toy/paci, and the stuffed animal is easy for your bebe to hold onto and not keep dropping the paci.

Halo Bassinet – I did not buy this, but I definitely will with the next baby. It just looks awesome and so convenient! 

I tried waaaay too many swaddles. When you’re sleep deprived, it’s easy to think that the solution is just one Amazon Prime order away. Maybe THIS will be the product that gets my baby to sleep?! I probably ordered 10 swaddles, but these worked the best with Nora. I think it’s personal preference though.

Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets – These were the first swaddles we used, and they are just blankets that we burrito wrapped Nora in. These blankets are soft and we used them to cover her carseat, lay on the ground, ect.

Ergobaby Swaddler 2 Pack – These were the first swaddles that really worked. Nora slept through the night for the first time wearing one.

Woombie Swaddle – By far my fav! Once Nora started breaking out of her Ergobaby swaddles, we needed something a little more secure. The Wombie is pictured above and it was snug but comfy for Nora.

Munchkin Nightlight – I used this little guy all the time while nursing and not wanting to turn on

the light!

BabyBjorn Travel Crib – I love this portable crib! I wouldn’t define it as a “Pack N’ Play” because it’s not roomy enough to do much playing in. But, it is perfect for a travel crib. We throw this in the car on trips to grandparents or even just dinner at friends houses when we want to put Nora down for the night. It’s well made, comfortable, and compact.

4moms Breeze Playard, Bassinet Sheet, Playard Sheet – The main magic trick this “Pack N’ Play” does is that it is SO easy to set up and take down. It’s literally one push of your hand and it’s done. The biggest downside is that it is huge and heavy. I am so glad we have it because there are still plenty of scenarios where it makes sense. For example, we left it at my family’s lakehouse all summer when we were out there regularly or we pull it out when friends bring their babies over to nap during the day or sleep for the night. It is also big and great to use as a contained play area.

The Woolino Sleep Sack:  This is one of my favorite baby/toddler purchases of all time! Once your baby graduates from the swaddle, they will need something to keep them warm at night. Blankets aren’t safe for infants, and toddlers don’t understand the concept of staying under a blanket. Enter the wearable blanket aka sleep sack. The Woolino is pricey ($99), but has been so worth it!

My favorite features:

• The merino wool layer regulates body temperature so it can be used in all 4 seasons. That means there is no need to worry if your baby will get too hot or too cold. This was important for us in Texas because the weather is unpredictable and HOT.
• SO SOFT
• Underarm snaps to adjust the fit for smaller babies
• Roomy! Nora is still wearing it at 2 years old.
• Machine washable.
• Shoulder snaps for easy dressing and diaper changes.
• Seatbelt slots so you can transfer them from crib to car easily.

It also helped Nora create a good sleep routine. She knew that when the sleep sack was on then it was bed or nap time. If you want a more affordable option, this is a good basic one: Aden + Anais Classic Sleeping Bag.

American Baby Organic Waterproof Mattress Cover x 2 – Protects the mattress from accidents. Get two so that if there’s an accident at 3 a.m. you can have a fresh one on hand.

Crane Humidifier – These are a must-have for baby dryness. We used it when we started running the heater in the winter.

Marpac Dohmie Sound Machine – This sound machine is so amazing that I bought another one! Simple, works great, loud enough to drown out all noise.

Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor –  I wasn’t sure if I really needed a video monitor, and I might be able to get by with just a sound monitor. But, when your neurotic new-mom tendencies kick in, it’s SO nice to be able to see them sleeping safely in their crib.

**Update on the video monitor: Learn from my mistake. I bought the Motorola MBP36S Video Monitor and it worked great for about a year. Then it started having problems charging, and now at the 2 year mark it is completely dead. The reviews were great when I bought it, but are now terrible. Go with the Infant Optics DXR that I listed above. 

Lovey of your choice, something like this – This can be a security blanket. I introduced it once I stopped nursing and Nora needed a little extra love.

Little Giraffe Chenille Blanket – Definitely a splurge, but these blankets are soft and beautiful. Although, I will say blankets are one of the things people love to buy you off the registry, so you might want to wait and see what you get.

Nursery Furniture + Decor:

Children’s Hangers

Closet Dividers by Lucy Darling

Baby Furniture, Crib Mattress – I bought ours on Craigslist!

QuickZip Easy Change Crib Sheet Set (includes one base sheet and one zipper sheet) – These sheets were such a cool find! There are definitely cuter sheets out there, but the function of these completely outweighs any style factor. You can ZIP OFF the top part of the sheet. So, in the middle of the night (noticing a theme here about late night wake up calls?) when there’s a pee/poop issue in the bed, you can just zip off the top part of the sheet versus taking the entire mattress out of the crib and changing the sheet. You also need to get TWO additional sheets: QuickZip Easy Change Crib Zipper Sheet.

Jellycat Stuffed Animals – The softest and sweetest stuffed animals! Nora kisses and hugs hers everyday now!

Resoration Hardware Crib Bedding – Their  bedding is gorgeous! I registered for a crib skirt and a bumper since I already had the QuickZip sheets.

Restoration Hardware Mobile – A small variety of mobiles that look handmade and range from $45-$65.

Gift Certificates:

Amazon

The Honest Company

Whew! That’s it! I am by no means an expert, but would love to help if you have questions. Also, you will love being a mom. It is one of God’s most precious gifts. I’m excited for you!!

Love,