Recently, one of my friends became pregnant and as we were talking about the excitement of it all she mentioned how overwhelming it was to know what to register for. It can be daunting to a first time mom or even a mom a few times over. It made me recall a quick list I had pulled together for one of my friends a few years back when she was feeling the very same way. She then took my list, added to it and shared it out with a few other pregnant friends over the years. When another one of our mutual friends became pregnant she also used it, added to it and shared it out. So what follows is the ultimate baby registry list powered by three women over six years with five children (all BOYS) between us. So, trust.

As I exit the baby years I won’t be the one to update or revise this list, but I am hoping more incredible parents take it, add to it, revise it or create their own to share. I am certain we've missed a key item here or there or the next best thing for babies is on its way.

Most of what follows is generic with the exception of a few items that seem universally loved and can be found at stores like Babies R Us and Target or on Amazon. Better yet, find it second hand.  A lot of baby stuff is used short term and in great condition for another family to take. Do the same when you are done! You will note that I omitted clothes, books and toys. No need to register, those items will come on their own. 

Bottles. Bottles and nipples are trial and error for most babies so you will want to get a few brands and see what baby likes. 

Formula. If your baby will be formula fed or might be formula fed or you are not sure do some upfront research to sort out which brands you might want. Again, this is a trial and error situation. Also, side note, a fed baby is best so if you go with formula or end up doing formula try very hard to avoid the self-induced or society-induced guilt. Baby needs you guilt free.

Risible bibs

Spoons and bowls for early feeding. Brands with a hot indicator are handy.

Snack Traps

Ice cube trays to freeze pureed food

Bottle brushes

Bottle drying rack

Nursing pads

Nipple cream

Nursing gel pads

Breast pump (if you have medical health insurance this is covered under the Affordable Care Act)

Milk storage/freezer bags

Nursing pillow (can also be used to prop baby up when not held)

Steam bags to sanitize breast pump parts

Ziplock bags to store breast pump parts in during the workday in the fridge until you pump again. You can take the bag home and wash. Huge time saver. 

**Nice to have**

Nursing cover up. They make specific cover ups for breast feeding or you can use a swaddle blanket or nothing at all.

2 crib sheets 

Mattress pad

2 bassinet sheets (if using)

2 Pack n play sheets (if using)

4 pack muslin swaddling blankets (don’t forget, you can use for privacy when nursing too)

The Miracle Blanket is a good alternative if you have a swaddle escapee

2 sleep sacks/wearable blankets for post swaddle

**Nice to have**

White noise machine 

Sleepy sheep

2-4 hooded towels

10 pack of wash clothes (duel use when baby is eating solids and messy)

Infant tub 

Inflatable tub for when baby gets bigger. This Inflatable Duck Tub is great. 

Body wash/shampoo combo

Baby fingernail clippers and file

Baby Comb/brush 

Baby lotion

Diaper cream

Aquaphor. Good for diaper rash, drool rash, eczema and everything under the sun really.

**Nice to have**

Tub faucet cover for older babies

Cute hooded robe

First aid kit

I am keeping this section light. You are going to need diapers and wipes, a ton of them. I personally don't know if you need to register for them. You will inevitably get some. As with a few other baby items, you will need to test some brands out to see what you like. I really wanted to love The Honest Company because of the awesome designs, but Max peed right through them and ended up in Pampers. Others love Target brand. You might be a reusable diaper fan and those options are endless too. So get some different brands and see what happens. 

Diaper cream

Diaper container

Changing table pad

2-3 changing pad covers

Organizer for diapers, cream, wipes

**Nice to have**

Disposable sheets for changing pad

Overnight diapers 

This is a tough one to create a list for because every baby is different. Some parents swear by the Rock N Play while others use it once and it doesn’t work. I suggest starting with the basics and adding what you need. Also, everyone has their brands that they can afford and/or love. I am keeping gear super generic with the exception of a few that seem to be universally loved. For the strollers, car seats and carriers be sure to do your test driving and research. So many, too many, options.

Bassinet, co-sleeper, Rock N’ Play or Pack N Play for the early months of sleep. The Pack N Play (aka play yard) will have more uses too as the baby grows (additional place for baby to nap, throw them in it to play, take for sleep when you travel, use if you have guests visiting with a baby overnight)

Swing and/or bouncer seat. If you have the space, get both. If you have a small space get the seat.

High Chair

Inglesina Fast Table Chair for small living spaces or for travel

Baby carrier 

Carseat. If you have two cars, it’s great to have a second base

Baby monitor. Go basic on this. My tech husband mentioned the wifi connected ones can be hacked. 

Stroller

Car seat converter for stroller

Diaper bag. I suggest mid-range, something nice, but not too nice. You will use this for years to come.

**Nice to have**

Plastic mirror in car so you can see baby in back seat 

Safety Shades for car 

Convertible car seat

Jumperoo or Exercauser

Playmat

Infant Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen

Thermometer

Cool mist humidifier 

Laundry detergent

Hand sanitizer for you

Nosefrida (just trust us on this one)

Pacifiers. Just have some on hand, even if you think you are not going to use them. You never know what lies ahead.

Generic brand terry cloth bibs (pre-eating for drool)

Gerber cloth diaper pack - use as burp cloths and as they get older to wipe runny noses

Outlet covers. I remember thinking it was a little silly to get these so far in advance of a crawling baby. Get them and do it pre-baby, when you have the time and energy.

**Nice to have**

Pacifier clips

Pacifier pod

Cabinet locks and hard edge covers

Safety gates

2-3 nursing bras

2-3 nursing tanks

A good water bottle to always have with you (for sleep deprivation and breast feeding)

Yoga or other super comfy pants

Heavy duty pads

A good stash of wine for in between feedings and after bedtime. Just kidding. Wait, I'm not.