Truth from the Trenches: Baby Registry

Today we start a new series on this whole being a parent thing, Truth from the Trenches.

I found the whole registry process completely overwhelming.  There is just SO. Much. Stuff.  And you don't have a clue what you really need or how it works or (sometimes, at least for me) what the heck it even is!

But never fear.  I, your Type-A friend, am here to help.  

First off, I have the list I put together and used that I am happy to share.  It has everything I compiled from the 27 separate lists I gathered up.  If you want a copy, just comment below or let me know somehow and I will send it your way.  

Second, here are the top ten things that I have found to be must haves for the newborn stage.

Diapers. Duh, you are saying.  First decision is cloth or disposable. I think poop is disgusting so disposable was a given. We registered only for Pampers and got a closet full of diapers in all sizes.  At the hospital, they gave us several packs of Huggies. You take the free stuff! After using both, we prefer Huggies.  The lining seems to be better. 

Diaper pail.  If you don't want your room to smell like poo, get a diaper pail. There are all different kinds. We have an Arm & Hammer one I like quite well. It's bigger than the diaper genie so you don't have to dump it as often.  Also register for bag refills for whichever pail you choose. 

Pacifier.  I thought everyone used a pacifier. I now know it's controversial. Whatever...my kid needs his binkie!  He likes the Soothie brand green ones and there is another small one that is flat in the front that works well.  These things will grow legs and walk off I swear, so you want to have lots of then around!

Burp cloths.  However many you think you need, get double. Then probably double it again.  If your kid spits up as much as mine, you need lots to avoid doing laundry three times a day!  Our favorite are the ones that are actually cloth diapers. We have done of those that people like Chicken Plucker sewed cute material down the middle and some that are just plain cloth diapers. They seem to be the most absorbent.

Clothes with mittens and feet. Babies have razor sharp finger nails and super cold little feet. Our luck at keeping mittens and socks on basically did not exist.  So clothes with those protections built in--especially the first couple months--are a life saver.

Sleepers. With zippers.  Confession: My kid does not look like he is from baby gap.  But sleepers keep him warm and cozy and are easy to get off and on.  Unless they have buttons, which are the devil. Sleepers with zippers is the way to go.

Boppy pillow.  I cannot say enough about the boppy.  I don't think I could have breast fed without it. 

Something your kid will sit in.  Swing, bouncer, mamaroo, nap nanny, we have tried it all.  Probably the best liked and most convenient for us is the boppy newborn napper. 

Swaddle blankets.  Super Mom told me to get Aiden and Anias bamboo swaddle blankets and not bother with anything else.  We love them.  They are great for swaddling but also just as blankets especially in the summer or if your kid is hot natured. 

Gas drops. Baby gas is no freaking joke.  Whoever  invented these deserves the Nobel Prize. They are a must have in your cabinet.

Lastly, every baby is different so what works for me might not for you. Everyone told me this and I found it super annoying.  Until I learned it was true.