Everything we Actually Used in Baby’s First Year
When I was pregnant with Weston, I walked into one of those giant baby stores to buy a gift for one of my girlfriends. The moment I stepped through those automatic doors and was greeted by a luxury stroller that was ON SALE for $900, I had a mild panic attack. I made a beeline for the little girl clothes and tried not to look at anything else in the store. I couldn’t wait to get out of there. It was completely overwhelming and intimidating. Did I really need all of these things to bring a baby into this world? Now that we’re approaching Weston’s first birthday, I thought I’d share a list of the things we actually used during baby’s first year. Hopefully it can eliminate some stress, save some money, and give you some confidence when you’re building a baby registry!
**As I started writing this post, I pulled out a baby registry checklist from one of the big box baby stores and pulled off all the things we actually used. Download the free printable checklist here!**
Nursery and Sleep
Fitted Crib Sheets and mattress protectors – we have 4 of each, but I wouldn’t mind having a few more
Swaddles – We used the velcro swaddles so that we didn’t have to learn origami
Related: Receiving Blankets vs. Swaddles – What’s the Difference and How Many do you Need?
Baby Monitor – I can’t say enough great things about the Angel Care monitor. The picture quality is amazing (I can literally watch him breathe) and the motion sensor gave me such peace of mind once we moved Weston to his crib. *UPDATE: I highly recommend getting a protection plan with whatever monitor you decide to go with. They’re known for losing their battery power within a year. Your baby monitor is probably one of the most expensive items on your registry, so you’ll probably want to use it for more than one kid (if you’re not the one and done type).
Glider – We actually use our glider every single day. I questioned whether or not it was worth it, but if you plan on breastfeeding or having a bedtime routine, I highly recommend adding one to your baby registry.
Sound Machine – You could probably live without a sound machine, but we turned on the same sound during naps and at night as part of Weston’s sleep routine. I think it helped him realize it was time to go to sleep as well as block out some of the excess noise around the house.
On the Go
Car Seat and Stroller Combo – We have a Graco carseat and stroller combo and I love it! It’s reasonably priced, easy to use, and the basket under the stroller is big enough to hold my giant diaper bag. What more could a mom ask for?
Baby Carrier – This is definitely a mommy preference. I used my baby carrier when Weston was really small and wanted to be held all the time so that I could get things done around the house. But, he got so big so fast that I don’t think I used it past three months. I could have gotten away with not having one at all.
Diaper Bag – Do yourself a favor and get a backpack diaper bag. It’s so much easier to carry when you’re lugging around a baby. Plus, it looks a lot better on dad than some pink diaper bag that resembles a purse. Just saying.
Time to Play
Play Gym– I always thought this wasn’t a necessity, but we got one as a hand me down and it really helped Weston learn to scoot and roll over.
Jumper – I kept this on the list, because it is nice to have once your baby gets older and little more mobile (it’s a great place to keep them occupied so you can get something done). However, if your child is anything like mine, they will only tolerate it for a few minutes. We could have totally lived without this if necessary.
Books – I asked for books in lieu of cards at my baby shower. Everyone wrote a note inside and I absolutely love that he has a little library of books with personal messages in each one. Some are even old books from when other family members were kids.
Toys – Don’t go overboard here. Your child will end up wanting to play with the remote and your pots and pans.
Feeding Baby
Bottles – Bottles are tricky. If you plan to breastfeed, you’ll be surprised at how much bottles aren’t a huge part of your life (we have two). You might also be surprised at how picky your baby is when it comes to drinking from a bottle. If you plan to formula feed, your baby may still be picky when it comes to what brand of bottle works best for them. I would register for a few bottles, but don’t go overboard. You may not need that many, or you may need to try a different kind.
Boppy – Another one of my favorites! Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, the boppy is a lifesaver.
Burp Cloths – Lots and lots of burp cloths
Bottle Brush and Drying Rack – I use this thing for bottles and for all my pump parts. It’s a must.
Breast Pump – Don’t forget! You can get a free breast pump through your insurance company. I got mine through Aeroflow. It was super easy and they delivered it right to my doorstep.
Caring for Baby
Diapers – Find out how we’ve made it through the whole first year without buying diapers here!
Clothes
What you don’t Need
Fancy Crib Bedding – If you plan on following safe sleep guidelines, things like bumpers and extra bedding aren’t allowed, so you’re literally left with a fitted sheet. Cute fitted sheets are $9.99. A cute bedding set can run you over $200.
A ton of Different Blankets – Weston was born in the winter and we still didn’t touch half of the blankets that were given to us.
Changing Table Covers
Lightweight Stroller
Shopping Cart Cover
Travel Bassinet
Baby Laundry Detergent
Bath Thermometer
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