2024 Baby Registry Essentials
Choosing the right items for your baby registry can be overwhelming, but fret not! Here's a breakdown of the top must-haves for your 2024 baby registry, categorized for your convenience!
Essentials for Napping and Sleeping
Bassinet or Crib: A safe and cozy spot for your baby to sleep. Consider a bassinet like the Halo Bassinet found here one for the first few months and a convertible crib for long-term use. Convertible cribs provide room for your child to go from a crib, to a toddler bed then to a full size bed that they can take with them when they move out (well maybe not that far, but you never know)!
Crib mattress: Opt for a firm, breathable mattress that meets safety standards. Babylist has created a great list of the top 12 mattresses for you to consider here!
Sheets and swaddles: Get several fitted sheets and soft swaddles to keep your baby comfortable. Swaddling helps newborns feel secure and sleep better. Babies have been wrapped up tight in the wombs for 9 months so they’re expecting a similar atmosphere earth-side! Halo and other brands have created velcro baby swaddles to help you keep newborns tight and snug.
Sleep sacks: Once your baby outgrows swaddles, transition to sleep sacks to prevent loose blankets and maintain warmth. Halo makes great options, but check out Burts Bees here for additional fun patterns!
White noise machine: Create a calming environment that can help your baby fall asleep and stay asleep. Here are some of our favorites:
Feeding Time Must-Haves
Bottles and nipples: If you plan to bottle-feed, choose BPA-free bottles with different nipple flow rates to adapt to your baby's needs. You may have to try a few bottles until you find the right one that works best for your little one. Comotomo’s bottles are designed to mimic breastfeeding, making the transition from breast to bottle more seamless. Dr. Brown's natural flow bottles have a slow flow nipple, proven to reduce gas and and spit-up.
Breastfeeding essentials: Nursing bras, nipple shields, breast pads, and a comfortable nursing pillow can be helpful for breastfeeding moms.
Burp cloths and bibs: Protect your clothes and your baby's from spills with plenty of burp cloths and bibs.
High chair: Choose a sturdy and adjustable high chair for mealtimes once your baby starts solids.
Diapering
Disposable Diapers: Stock up on different sizes of diapers to accommodate your baby's growth. Consider eco-friendly options if that aligns with your values.
Cloth Diapers: There are several advantages to using cloth diapers compared to disposable diapers, and the decision often comes down to personal values and priorities.
Reduced Landfill Waste: Millions of disposable diapers end up in landfills each year, contributing to environmental pollution. Cloth diapers are reusable and significantly reduce waste.
Smaller Carbon Footprint: Production and disposal of disposable diapers involve resources and energy, leading to higher carbon emissions. Cloth diapers have a lower overall carbon footprint.
Cost-effective in the long run: While the initial investment in cloth diapers is higher, they can save you money over time compared to the ongoing cost of buying disposable diapers.
Resale value: You can often resell well-maintained cloth diapers, recouping some of the initial cost.
Diaper pail: Dispose of soiled diapers hygienically with a diaper pail. Choose one with odor control features.
Wipes: Choose gentle and fragrance-free wipes to avoid irritating your baby's skin.
Diaper rash cream: Soothe diaper rash with a pediatrician-recommended cream.
Bath and Skincare
Baby bathtub: Opt for a comfortable and supportive bathtub for bath time. Made with plastic and mesh Angelcare Baby Bath is perfect for littles less than 6 months old, it even has a hook to hang up after use for drying!
Baby soap and shampoo: Choose gentle, tear-free products formulated for delicate baby skin. Mustela offers a spectacular baby skincare line, and their gentle cleansing gel made with 93% natural ingredients is a household favorite!
Lotion and moisturizer: Keep your baby's skin soft and hydrated with fragrance-free lotion and moisturizer.
Soft towels and washcloths: Wrap your baby in soft, absorbent towels after bath time.
Gear for Out and About
Photo credit: SOLLY BABY 2024
Diaper bag: Pack all your baby's essentials in a spacious and organized diaper bag. We swear by diaper backpacks, because as a m.other our hands and shoulders seem to always be full. Try Freshly Picked Classic Diaper Bag II made os 100% vegan leather with an interior m.other pocket and Interior mom pocket with magnet closure. Trying not to break the bank, but stay trendy? Give Skip Hop’s version a try!
Stroller: Pick a stroller that fits your lifestyle and needs, whether it's a lightweight travel stroller or a full-featured all-terrain stroller.
Car seat: Choose a car seat that meets current safety standards and is appropriate for your baby's weight and height. There are a wide variety of carseats, but 3 of our favorite are the:
Baby carrier: Keep your baby close and comfortable with a carrier for walks, shopping trips, or errands.
The Infantino Flip 4-In-1 Convertible Baby Carrier is a great price point and good for infancy through toddler years.
Solly Baby wraps was named “The Best Wrap Carrier for Newborns” by Glamour in 2023. They’re fashionable, comfortable and easy to use! Check out their wrap videos here!
Remember, this is just a starting point. You can personalize your registry based on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Don't forget to register for gift cards to allow flexibility for last-minute purchases or unexpected needs.
Bonus Tip: Consider registering at multiple stores to take advantage of different completion discounts and wider product selections.
