Baby Registry
From one farm mama to another— must have baby items for your baby registry
Dear Soon To Be Mama– CONGRATULATIONS. This is likely one of the most exciting times in your life…. But unfortunately it can also be one of the most overwhelming. While all the new and improved dohickies and baby whispering machines CAN be helpful, it is important to remember that at the end of the day, all your baby really needs is you, some nourishment and a safe place to sleep at night. The rest is just for fun.
Now some baby registry tips from a farm mom of two:
Use babylist.com. This allows you to add things from a variety of different sites as well as allowing you to make some gifts group gifts so people can make financial contributions to larger ticket items.
You and your baby are unique. Just because cousin Suzy’s baby liked one thing and your BFF Tiffany had another experencie does not mean you and your baby will also like those things. Keep that in mind and go with your mama gut. There is no shame in getting all the baby swings and bouncers or asking for none.
Travel carseat/ stroller set– this will allow you to snap the newborn carseat right into the stroller to safely and efficiently take your newborn on stroller walks. The stroller will still work for when the kiddo is able to sit up on their own and into their young childhood years.
A carseat for toddlerhood on– fun fact: your child will be in some sort of carseat or booster until about 13 years old. They make several carseats that will grow with your child! Although you wont need this right away (unless you decide to not use an infant car seat), I still highly recommend adding to the registry.
Momcozy baby carrier– this one is great for the first two months with baby. It is quick and easy to put on, super adjustable and easy to support the baby’s head.
Baby Bjourn baby carrier– this is a great carrier for when the baby has some better head support. It is again very easy to put on but more structured than the fabric carrier previously mentioned.
Lillibaby Complete carrier– This is a great carrier for about 6 months until they are too big for you to want on your back. It can be used in front inward facing, outward facing, on your back, on your hip, SO MANY OPTIONS.
Love to Dream swaddle– this isn’t as much of a swaddle because it allows the baby to keep their arms up, but that is exactly why my kids LOVED it from day one (and if I may brag a bit… our kids sleep amazing).
If you want specific hampers/baskets/storage containers for the nursery (or any other part of your home) add these to the registry. People LOVE to get a basket for their gifts, so you may as well get the ones you want!
Whatever highchair you settle on, make sure it is easily washable! If you get a seat with covers, make sure those covers are machine washable. These are details that will greatly improve your life in the long run.
Make sure the covers on your carseat are machine washable as well…. Because there will be car vomit. And it will be horrible. Make your life a smidge better by being able to throw those right into the washer.
Bumbo Chair– this was a favorite of ours after our daughter could sit on her own. She preferred it over high chairs at restraunts and it was a wonderful booster seat in our home after she rejected the high chair.
Owlet– This is a game changer for any mom but especially if you are anxious about how you will sleep while baby sleeps. This little sock tracks their breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels. It will alert you if any of this drops in real time. This gave me so much peace of mind so that when baby sleeps I can sleep too. It also gives you cool graphs about their sleep patterns which is so interesting!
Copperpearl and Kyte have amazing quality products. It lasts forever and they have precious patterns. I highly recommend splurging for yourself or if you are spoiling a friend.
A Wagon Stroller– This is amazing for the farm! We have one with a bug net. The dock a tot fits right in there so babe can rest comfortably while I check on things. And when they are older its perfect for them to sit and play in a safe space.
A Portable sound machine– Naps on the go. Naps when the power goes out. Instant calming during a meltdown. This is a must have.
A Pack and Play– This has been wonderful for giving baby a flat place to lay and do tummy time protected from big doggy feet or over eager toddler hands. Also it is awesome for taking on the go for baby to sleep in.
If you want to want to add all of the different swings and bouncers, go for it. Some babies love them. Some hate them. You won’t know until you try. BUT keep in mind that it is also really wonderful for babies to just be on the floor, free as a bird, to stretch and explore.
If you have very specific clothing you want for baby, feel free to add it. Everyone will likely bring their own assortment of adorable clothes whether it is on the registry or not. If you choose to add clothes, be sure to add them up to 12 months old.
Skip the fancy baby food mashers, freezer containers, etc… you can use a blender or a fork to mash food. And ice cube containers for freezing small bits of food.
Add a variety of diaper sizes and baby wipes to your registry. You likely won’t need a whole lot of the newborn size. Size one - six will be used ALOT. Stock up.
Baby toys for development– there are subscriptions that are giftable and send gifts that match your childs developmental stage each month. Melissa + Doug and Lovevery are some great brand options!
Add a couple things for you too– Frida mom postpartum packs, cozy pajamas, a new robe or slippers. The people buying your baby things are doing so because they love you. Let them spoil you mama. I have a great blog post with a bunch of my favorite postpartum products HERE!
Mason Bottle– These are nipples and rings to fit on mason jars. Glass is going to be much better for longevity and cleanliness but also this will save so much money since you already have most of the supplies.
Start a bank account for baby! I don’t think I need to explain this one, but it definitely gets forgotten!
Don’t forget that you get to make the final call. You and your family are unique. What I like may not work for you and visa versa. Research the pieces that directly impact health and safety. Roll with the rest of it.
Best of luck mama!
