"Like many things in life, crafting the perfect baby registry can be tough the first time around. It’s one of those “how do you know what you don’t know?” enigmas that new parents become all too accustomed to. When it comes to knowing what we’ll need for all things raising babies, postpartum care, and general life with a little one, we tend to learn as we go. But, one thing we learn early on in motherhood is that leaning on other moms can be incredibly beneficial.
It’s one of the reasons The Everymom exists in the first place—to share advice, ideas, laughs, and recommendations with other moms and parents-to-be. Our editors have learned a thing or two about parenting and tackling the postpartum journey as moms themselves. Here, we’re sharing some nuggets of knowledge from our editors in the baby registry department.
Of course, there are the pillars of a baby registry. Things like diapering, feeding, and other essentials are priorities. But there are also a few unexpected baby registry items our editors included (or wish they had!) that made becoming a new parent even a little bit easier. Here, we’re sharing the unexpected baby registry items our editors included on their wish list!
Creating your baby registry can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help with editor- and expert-approved picks for everything you need for your new baby (and for you!) with our third annual Baby Registry Awards. Click here for our top picks for everything from bouncers to baby bottles.
Unexpected Baby Registry Items to Consider
Gear to Make Leaving the House Easier
It can initially be intimidating to leave the house with a new baby. Our editors found these products made it easier.
“While I loved my big stroller, this became our go-to when my son got a little older. We took this stroller everywhere, and it was so easy and light to fold up or carry up and down the subway stairs.” —Roberta Correia, Editor-in-Chief
Who doesn’t love a 2-in-1 baby product? This chic diaper caddy easily converts into a crossbody diaper bag.
If you’re a family that is up for any outdoor adventure, you can’t go wrong with the BOB Gear Renegade Wagon. It fits up to three kids and features large XtraMile tires to absorb all the bumps.
“Driving with a new baby is nerve-racking (and I did a lot of driving—our pediatrician is 45 minutes away). With my first baby, I registered for a mirror but found myself turning around, squinting, and unsafely focusing my attention on the mirror. We eventually purchased the video monitor—I could visibly see my child so much better and felt driving was safer without having to look so hard. While we gave our car monitor away when we no longer needed it, this handy item will make its way back on my list for my second!” —Megan Kemp, Sr. Sales Manager Brand Partnerships
Different Baby Carrier Styles
“I registered for a typical baby carrier, which my husband preferred for outdoor walks, the commute to daycare, etc., but I realized I also wanted something a little more comfy/cozy to wear my baby around the house. I ended up loving a baby wrap for at-home baby wearing.” —Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor To read more reviews of the most popular baby carriers, click here!
The perfect combo between a wrap and a more structured carrier to use from the newborn days through the first year. Plus, it’s easy to put on, cozy for baby, and comfortable for parents and caregivers.
Unlike the straps and clips on baby carriers, baby wraps cuddle baby to their caregiver with soft fabric. We love the Moby baby wrap for its ease of use and size inclusivity.
The Wildbird carrier is that IYKYK product that gets a nod from a fellow mom on the street. It makes on-the-go time easy for you, comfy for baby, and stylish for everyone.
Multiple Docking Stations for Baby
Every parent or caregiver needs a spot to safely put baby down. And if you have a home with multiple levels, it can help to have “docking stations” in more than one location.
This editor- and reader-favorite bouncer folds flat for easy transportation and storage with an aesthetic that doesn’t scream baby gear. Purchase the add-on toy bar for extra fun!
This is the latest sleek product from Stokke and we couldn’t be more obsessed. It’s a bouncer and swing in one, and a chic one at that.
With baby’s safety first in mind, this sleek and cozy lounger is made for active bonding time.
Puzzle playmats—like this gorgeous mat from House of Noa—”allow for easily assembled play surfaces for floor time for baby. They are very easy to pack up, transport, wipe down, and fit to all different types of spaces/areas.” —Mary Noreen Cheng, Pediatric Physical Therapist
This portable chair makes going out to eat or eating while traveling so much easier. Plus, it’s easy to clean—key for any gear connected to mealtimes.
Our pick for best travel crib thanks to its light weight, easy setup, and portability—it converts into a backpack! Plus, its sturdy design means it can grow with baby well into toddlerhood.
“While playpens seem like something from 1980s parenting, they are definitely useful. It is crazy how much little ones move as soon as they can roll. I remember finding my baby had rolled under her crib after leaving her on the floor of her nursery for a second. A portable play yard keeps them safe and contained.” —Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Fewer Baby Outfits, More Baby Basics
From spit-ups to diaper blowouts, babies can go through a LOT of clothes in a day. Take it from seasoned moms that cute outfits aren’t nearly as important in those early days as things like zipper pajamas, burp cloths, bibs, and loads of onesies. Here are some of our favorites.
These super-soft, organic onesies are a perfect layer for warmth in colder temps or an outfit for warmer weather.
Unless medically necessary, no parent wants snaps on their newborn sleepers. Baby can live in these super soft zipper pajamas, and they somehow magically stretch and grow with them!
For spitty and refluxy babies, these burp clothes are outfit savers! With snaps that close around their neck for 360-degree coverage, you will be so grateful to only change bibs, not clothes!
Extra Baby Proofing
Once baby gets mobile, baby-proofing is essential. New parents can do their future selves a favor by baby-proofing before the baby comes, so it’s one less thing to do during those first months.
Be ready to mitigate potential risks and hazards at home when baby becomes mobile with this kit that includes the basics for outlets, sharp corners, and locks.
For a handy alternative to cupboard safety latches, try these invisible magnetic cabinet locks.
This subtly chic retractable gate keeps little ones safe on stairs, contained in play rooms, or as a way to separate baby from pets. Can be used indoors and outdoors!
“I baby-proofed every socket, coffee table corner, and kitchen cupboard, but after hearing friend after friend have near misses with toppled dressers I went all-out on anchoring TVs and furniture.” —Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Postpartum Products for Mom
Don’t forget to put yourself on the list with these registry gear picks just for postpartum moms.
“With my second pregnancy, I registered for a few more postpartum care items than I did with my first since I knew what to expect. My #1 product that I knew I would use over and over again were the Frida Mom Instant Ice Packs. Many moms recommend making ice packs before the baby arrives, but being pregnant while taking care of a toddler didn’t leave a lot of room for DIY projects. These stayed cold for hours at a time and provided much needed relief those few weeks after baby arrived.” —Steph Alleva Cornell, Branded Content Editor
“After I had my baby, I realized I’d focused so much of my baby registry on the baby, I didn’t even think about what I might need postpartum. Luckily, I had a cousin who’d recently had a baby too. She bought me her favorite nursing tank I wore all the time instead of a nursing bra—and ordered more for myself.” —Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
“A breastfeeding must-have! If there was one thing I wasn’t prepared for during my breastfeeding journey—it would have been boob leakage. These are so soft and comfortable, plus they’re washable/reusable.” —Nyla Montanez, Former Social Media Editor
“I can’t begin to describe how thirsty I was for the first three months after I brought my little guy home from the hospital. In the spirit of ‘take everything they let you from the hospital,’ I grabbed the big jug I had used to drink water there and it remained by my side for a solid year. This was pre-Stanley Cup craze, so now the only thing I can suggest is making sure you have a ‘ludicrously capacious’ cup for all of your drinking needs. It’s actually become my go-to post-baby gift for friends.” —Roberta Correia, Editor-in-Chief
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Former Assistant Editor
As a former Assistant Editor, Brett worked with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also a baby names and family movies expert!
Julia Poulter, Senior Managing Editor
With more than 10 years of editorial experience, Julia is passionate about bringing motherhood stories to life and providing moms with interesting and informative parenting content. Prior to joining The Everygirl Media Group in 2019, she served as Executive Editor at Closer Weekly. As The Everymom’s Senior Managing Editor, Julia helps manage the brand’s editorial calendar and content strategy.