Ask Holly: What Baby Items Should I Register For? |

Hi Holly!

I love your blog, and have been trying to figure out what I really need for the baby. There seems to be so much stuff out there, and I can’t decide what I need. Can you give me a list of what you feel is absolutely important? Thanks so much-

Johanna, New York, NY

Hi!

As baby number two approaches its due date, I have been thinking about assembling my nursery and baby care items. This time around, I know what I definitely need and what I didn’t really use last time, and lots of you have written to ask me what I believe we need to have on hand for baby’s arrival. If this is your first baby, I hope this list will help you be more prepared than I was.

When I was leaving the house with my son for his 3 day check-up, as my husband was frantically trying to fix the car seat straps, my mom took one look at me with my tiny handbag slung over my shoulder and said, “where’s your diaper bag?”
The thought hadn’t even occurred to me. Really. I flailed around the house and said, I don’t have one put together! What do I need in it?” So she calmly told me, “diapers, wipes, a burp cloth, your nursing cover a light blanket, and a change of clothes.”
Phew. Thank God my mom was there.
Here is my list of things I believe are necessary to have in place before baby comes home.
I have included the brand of the kind I used, and please remember- I only recommend items that I have used and 100% believe in, and I am not paid by the companies to share my insight. I just hope to make life a little easier for you, and not be overwhelmed with unnecessary baby gear!

Nursing Pillow– take this to the hospital with you- you’ll be glad you did! And get this pillow- it is BY FAR the best on the market.
Infant Car Seat
Co-Sleeper
Organic Cotton Changing Table Pad that can be attached to any bureau top
Diaper bag 🙂
Diapers- if using disposable, my favorites (and I tried 7 different brand his first 2 weeks) were Huggies Pure and Naturals. These were the only ones that didn’t leak causing middle of the night sheet changes. If using cloth, consider using a diaper service such as Diaper Daisy.

ALSO: Honest Diapers Conveniently Delivered to Your Door

Diaper pail- I used a Diaper Genie
and really liked the way it contained the odor. Remember to get the Refills too!
Wipe Warmer (seems unnecessary but really needed!)
Weleda Calendula Oil and Cotton Squares Take these to the hospital with you too- you’ll need to use them for those first few diaper changes to get all of the meconium off of baby’s sweet bottom. We used these in the first few weeks since our doctor told us we weren’t allowed to used wipes until he was 2 months old! We had no idea!
Natural wipes- Natracare are my favorite, but the most expensive. I also used the 365 brand from Whole Foods, Seventh Generation, and anything that didn’t contain any sort of petrochemicals)
10 to 12 organic cotton burp cloths*
5 to 10 T-shirts or onesies- Kate Quinn Organics makes fabulous kimono style body suits, which are SO much better than pulling anything over baby’s head
3 to 5 pairs of socks
Organic cotton knit hats
5 to 7 Organic Cotton SwaddleMe. These things are amazing!!!
5 to 7 Aden and Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets– these are non-negotiable in my opinion. Can be used to swaddle, lay out at the airport during layovers, as a light blanket to cover the stroller to protect from the sun, etc. etc. etc.
1 or 2 thicker or thermal blankets
3 fitted sheets for Co-Sleeper
5 organic cotton washcloths
3 hooded towels
Nail Clippers I had several different kinds, but the only ones I really liked that were the safest were the American Red Cross brand
Digital thermometer
Baby comb
Weleda Calendula Cream Bath Take this to the hospital and have the nurse give your baby his first bath in it! It’s so much better than anything they might use.
Weleda Baby Calendula Lotion
Weleda Calendula Diaper Care for the entire 2 years my son was in diapers, he never had a diaper rash. I attribute that to this cream- I put it on at the very first sight of redness or irritation.
Angel Baby Bottom Balm 60 ml. (2 oz.)
Natural Nipple Butter
Booby Tubes®
Sling
Stroller
Nursing cover (at least 2, those things don’t stay clean!)
Nursing Bras. I have about 7 different kinds, and my favorite brands are Japanese Weekend for comfort and sleep bras- and they have a new organic cotton line, and Elle Macpherson for cute factor (but also comfort! see how she saved me from mastitis)

Toys:

Sophie
Wooden Rings
Rattles
Fabric Books- one of our personal favorites, Button Nose
Board Books- Eric Carle’s Very Little Library
Classical Baby DVDs– because of these great shows, my son recognizes art at the Metropolitain Museum of Art and the Moma, and could spend hours there. He also loves to hear classical piano pieces and recites poetry! It’s a great compromise for those of us who didn’t think we’d be letting our babies watch TV!

If you’re interested, I also have a list of things I had that I did not need, as well as a list of items I believe are bad for baby for developmental reasons. Please let me know if you’d like that too!

*I washed everything that was going to come into contact with my baby in a natural and non-toxic laundry detergent, such as Seventh Generation. Also, don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets- they are loaded with toxic chemicals.

If you’re a mom and you believe I’ve left something important off the list, please leave a comment so I can check it out with my new baby!

Thanks for your question, I love to help in any way I can. That’s why I’m here!