Baby registries can often look so convoluted – does a tiny baby really need that much stuff? And with a slew of showers coming up next month, I’m doing my best to register for the best basics – and little else. Naturally, I’ve been chatting with experts and real moms to help guide me in my own registry, and I thought it might be fun to share with you for those of you who are as confused as I am!
Over the next two weeks, I’ll be creating The Ultimate Registry – one step a time. Up today? The nursery (one of my favorite topics)! Here are a few of the best finds to build your baby’s happy little nest (and some surprising “essentials” you won’t need!):
1. CRIB
I fell head over heels for the Oeuf Robin Crib, but if you’re not quite sure what you might want/need or what options even exist, BabyCenter has an amazing crib buying guide. Highly recommend!
2. CRIB MATTRESS / PAD
There are a few studies toting the benefits of organic crib mattresses, so we opted for the Oeuf Organic Crib Mattress as well. It’s an investment piece, but I’m always a fan of splurging for safer and smarter alternatives. Plus, a must for messy leaks, I love this organic crib mattress pad that’s hypoallergenic and PVC free.
3. DRESSER
Dressers are a must for keeping your baby’s room free of clutter. I love the Maple Andersen Dresser because it includes a tip restraint kit for when your child grows older (and less predictable!). Whatever you choose, opt for a dresser with a top that you can install your changing table pad onto. No sense purchasing a changing table when a dresser top will do the trick just fine!
4. CHANGING TABLE PAD / COVER
Speaking of dressers and changing table pads, I chose a contoured changing pad
5. LIGHTING
Choose a soft, easy-to-access lamp for late-night feedings. I love Blu Dot’s Stilt Floor Lamp. Night lights are also must-haves, so I immediately snagged this sweet “Love You” nightlight for a steal at Etsy.
6. CRIB BEDDING
I like to mix and match my own bedding, so I chose to do the same for baby. I chose striped sheets from Land of Nod’s Not a Peep line to mix with a floral crib bumper for an eclectic, feminine look. I also registered for a set of organic white fitted sheets – easy to bleach (safely) and easy to throw on while laundering her everyday striped sheets.
7. HUMIDIFIER
This certainly isn’t a must for everyone, but Ken and I both have allergies and congestion, so we’re going to go with our gut and order Crane’s drop shape humidifier. Bonus? It’s cute.
8. SWADDLE BLANKETS
I love aden + anais’ swaddle wraps
9. GLIDER / ROCKER
A glider or rocker is definitely worth the investment for the many sleepy nights we all have ahead of us. I love the Monte Joya Rocker (and matching storage ottoman) because the clean, modern design will fit seamlessly into the rest of my home when it’s no longer needed in the nursery.
10. SOUND MACHINE
Again, this is a “want” more than “need,” but I love the idea of rocking the little one to the sound of her favorite lullabies, or even white noise when she’s younger (she’s used to lots of white noise, after all!). The First Years Sound Machine has a sleep timer and over 12 different tracks for maximum listening pleasure.
11. ADDITIONAL STORAGE
I love these yellow gingham floor bins for additional storage to house diapers, creams, spare blankets, toys and the like.
12. CLOTHING HANGERS
Assuming your nursery has a closet, Joy Mangano’s kids’ hangers are a must for the influx of cute threads and hand-me-downs you’re about to receive.
13. DIAPER PAIL
My take on diaper pails? Avoid the complex solutions and stick to the basics: a simple trash can will do fine. You won’t have to mess with fancy liners and chances are, you’re going to be emptying those diaper pails daily anyway. (We plan to dispose of messy diapers in our exterior garbage immediately.)
Anything I’ve missed, friends? Of course, I’d recommend sprinkling in a few personal touches into your nursery, so get creative when you pick out a mobile, artwork and the like. In the mean time, I’d love to hear what your registry must-haves are/were — feel free to share below!