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Overwhelmed by the thought of making your baby registry? As a newborn photographer who works with lots of new moms and dads, I thought I’d have a leg up when it came to putting together my own registry. But when that time came, the overwhelm was REAL. Turns out, that’s because building a baby registry is a lot of work. If this sounds like you, keep reading while I break things down, give you practical tips and share our 90+ item list of Baby Registry Must-Haves!
Table of Contents
Overwhelmed Creating Your Baby Registry? Start Here…
Do (A Little Bit) Of Homework
If you’re a first-time mom, this one is for you. You might be saying to yourself, Molly, I’m busy and just need someone else to tell me what to get. Don’t worry, that’s coming ๐ we’ve included a whole list of mama-approved favorites later in the post. Short on time? Here are the must-have items our community of moms love! Some of the stress around creating a registry often comes from the intimidation and overwhelm of not knowing where to start. Taking a few minutes to learn some baby basics will leave you feeling less overwhelmed and more empowered to begin making registry decisions. Here are two great reads from our friends at BabyList that can help get you started: How to Create A Baby Registry and Baby Registry Hacks.
Ask Around
Building a registry (and being a parent in general) is a lot easier with a little help from friends. Look at other people’s registries (a lot of stores have sample registries you can peek at, too!), ask friends and family what baby items they couldn’t live without. Find a new parent and pick their brain. Here are some good questions to ask: What are your top 3 can’t-live-without products? What items did you receive that you didn’t end up using? What registry service did you use? Would you do anything differently?
Use A Checklist
Who doesn’t love a list?? Okay, yes, I know this isn’t everyone’s thing, but I promise you’re going to appreciate having something to refer back to as you create your registry. Take out your pen and paper or the Notes app on your phone…you’re going to want to write these categories down.
Categorizing Your Registry
This a great starting place as you put together your registry. Babies have A LOT of needs…and so will you! Registries are an amazing way for friends and families to celebrate your growing family and help you stock up.
Baby Gear
Don’t be afraid to put big ticket items like strollers, car seats and baby swings on your registry! People can go in on items together and will be happy to have gifted something you really need and will use.
Clothes and Accessories
Feeding
Whether you make the decision to breastfeed or opt for formula, you’ll want to include all the feeding accessories on your registry. This is a category where some homework and asking around will be helpful. What bottles do people love? What pump parts were easiest to clean? Pro tip: don’t be afraid to add different brands!
Bathtime
Diapering
Changing tables, pads, diaper caddies, wipe dispensers and more. Diapers and wipes go fast once baby arrives so you’ll appreciate having a stockpile. Request multiple sizes on your registry. Like clothes, those newborn size diapers won’t last long! Having a baby shower? Pro tip: Diaper raffles are a popular way to encourage your guests to arrive with diapers in hand ๐
Sleeping
Health and Safety
Labor/Delivery and Postpartum Care
I know people think “baby” when they think of a registry, but mamas need care and support during those early days and weeks, too. There are amazing products available to support mamas during labor and delivery. What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag will give you some tips and suggestions! The importance of postpartum care cannot be overstated and adding items like these on your registry will be a game-changer.
Gift Cards
Most registries will give you the option to add gift cards. Don’t be shy! Gift cards to popular places like Target, Amazon and Wal-Mart will come in handy after baby arrives. Door Dash, Uber Eats, and your coffee shop of choice will be great go-to’s in those early weeks, too.
Baby Registry Must-Haves
As a mom and newborn photographer who has worked with hundreds of families over the years, I’m sharing my own personal favorites and baby products mamas in my community love.
Show Me Everything!
Looking for A Boston Maternity or Newborn Photographer?
Are you on the hunt for a photographer to help you document this season of life? If you’re searching for a photographer who specializes in soft, simplistic portraits filled with connection, we may be a good fit. I believe in taking care of every detail of the portrait experience so YOU don’t have to. Review My Portfolio and if you can see yourselves in images like these, I’d love to connect: Send Me A Message.
more reads from the blog
- Where to Shop For Maternity Clothes
- Ask these 3 Questions Before Hiring Your Baby Photographer
- Perks of In-Home Newborn Photos
Don’t miss this post about Family Photoshoots from my fellow photographer Michele Quattrin. She’s sharing some helpful tips on family photo styling!
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed my “Baby Registry Tips + Essentials | Newborn Photography Massachusetts” feature.
Molly Katherine is a newborn photographer serving families in Boston and MetroWest MA. Molly provides a full-service experience ideal for busy Boston moms and their modern families. With a curated wardrobe, light-filled studio space and custom heirloom artwork design, Molly serves her clients well every step of the way. If you are drawn to simplistic, connection-filled images and are searching for a Boston maternity or newborn photographer, we may be a great fit.
I’d love to connect and share more about my process with you! To reserve your 2024 maternity, newborn or family portraits, visit Molly Katherine Photography or send an email to mollykatherinephotography@gmail.com.
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Wow what a resource for tips on baby registry items.
Love this list! So many good tips!