The list...

I was asked by a reader (I have people who read this blog who aren't family? Yay!) :) to post my "list" of things we'd like for this baby or recommendations for baby items. Everything I put on my registry, or things we've bought has been a recommendation from friends (I have lots of friends who have had babies recently) or from the book Baby Bargains. I have not tested anything out myself, so I'm sure after my baby is here, I'll have my favorites and not-so-favorites, but here's my list for now.

I used this list to basically create my registries:

Car Seats/Strollers/Carriers/Accessories

• Infant Car Seat - We chose the Graco Snugride in the Broadstreet pattern

• Additional Car Seat Base

• Bundle Me by JJ Cole

• Mirror for your car

• Stroller - We chose the Graco Snugrider stroller base for now (we will get a different stroller when he outgrows the infant car seat that snaps into this base.)

• Baby Carrier – some have higher ratings (Ergo is a good brand, as is Baby Bjorn) but we registered for an Infantino front to back carrier (will be wearable on our fronts and backs) because that's what my husband preferred and he would most likely be "wearing" the baby most of the time.

Travel Yards/High Chairs/Exercisers/Accessories

• Gates - We live in a one story apartment, so we won't really need gates (maybe one to keep him in the living room.) For now I registered for the Superyard XT because it can be used outside, as well as it's large enough to go around our fireplace hearth.

• Pack and Play – We registered for the Graco Pack and Play in Pippin because it was simple (didn't have a separate changing attachment, etc.) but did have a bassinet feature. We need something with a small footprint since our living room isn't the largest and neither is our bedroom and we'll be using it as his bed in our room for the first month.

• Pack and Play Sheet

• High Chair – We have limited space so needed something with a small footprint. We opted to register for the Fisher Price Space Saver chair since it'll strap right onto a chair we have already and won't take up too much room.

• Exersaucer - Everyone I know said to have one of these. We registered for the Baby Einstein Stationary Entertainer.

• Activity Gym

• Bumbo

• Swing - another essential - we like the Fisher Price My Little Lamb Dreamy Motions Cradle Swing and the Fisher Price Dwell for Target swing because you can change the way that the swing goes - not just front to back but also in a side to side motion.

• Bouncer

• Shopping Cart Cover

Cribs/Furniture

• Crib – We bought a convertible crib and made sure it didn't have a drop down side. It is a Stork Craft crib in an Espresso color. It converts to a toddler bed, a day bed and eventually a full sized bed (which we'll probably only use for this baby through toddler bed, then get him a twin sized "big boy" bed and we'll use the crib for baby #2.

• Dresser/Changing Table – We're getting a dresser to use as a changing table and will put a changing pad on top.

• Glider/Rocker and Ottoman – We got the Stork Craft glider and ottoman in Espresso with beige cushions. I've already spent a lot of time in it and it's very comfortable!

• Baby hangers - have picked up some, registered for some and also got some from a friend (as well as Old Navy usually gives you their hangers)

Bedding/Room Décor/Crib Accessories

• Fitted Sheets (3)

• Bumper – my mother is making this along with a quilt although we won't use the quilt until he's bigger

• Halo SleepSack

• Miracle Blanket

• Kiddopotamus Swaddle Me Infant Wrap

• Mattress – we're getting the Sealy - Naturalis Organic Cotton Crib mattress. It's supposed to not off-gas.

• Mattress Pad / Sheet Protector

• Sleep Positioner/Wedge

• Lullaby Soother

• Lamp with a dimmer - (you can purchase a lamp that comes with a dimmer or purchase a dimmer switch that the lamp plugs into. Amazon.com has these.)

Infant Toys/Care & Feeding

• Toys

• Noise machine – we have the DEX Products Sound Sleeper SS-0

• Itzbeen - have heard great things about this from people who have one. Helps you keep track of last feedings, changings, etc. when your sleep deprived in the early days!

• Nursery Monitor

• Humidifier

• Diaper Pail – we registered for the Baby Trend Diaper Champ because it takes regular kitchen trash bags and you don't have to buy a separate insert for them (saves $ in the long run!)

• Bath Tub – We have the Safety First Comfy Bath Center

• Bottles – We registered for the Avent bottle starter kit originally and then I read there were bad reviews on them leaking all the time. So I scrapped that and re-registered for three Playtex Ventaire and three Dr. Brown's. All BPA-free. I'll be breastfeeding but will go back to work after three months so he'll need bottles to get my breastmilk from. We will see which of these bottles he likes better and then probably buy a few more.

• Bottle drying rack

• Fridge to Go Bottle Pack - for when I go back to work

• Milk storage bags - I'll use to keep pumped milk in and freezeMilk bag storage tray for freezer

• Covered ice cube trays - for when you start solids, can freeze pureed food

• Bottle Brush

• Dishwasher baskets

• Splat Mat - for meals (we have carpeting in our dining area and don't want to have to constantly clean the carpet from spills/throwing so we will be getting a mat to put under his chair)

• Burp Cloths

• Nursing Pillow

• Outlet cover

• Carbon Monoxide Detector

• Furniture/corner guards

• Bottle Sterilizer

• Baby shampoo

• Grooming Kit

• Healthcare kit (we just registered for the Red Cross one at Babies R' Us)

• Breast Pump - My insurance pays for an electric pump, so I plan on getting the Medela Breast Pump

• Nursing tanks

• Lanisoh Cream

• Lanisoh Breast Pads

• Pacifiers - we registered for the Playtex Ortho-Pro Silicone Newborn Pacifier with Snap 'N Clean Sterilizing Cover, and we've also picked up some Newborn Soothies (The First Years) because these are what's given in the hospital

• Pacifier holder - good for diaper bag so you don't lose the pacifier and so it doesn't get all gunky

• Pacifier wipes - in case they fall on the ground or floors in public places

• Miscellaneous (bibs, hooded towels, washcloths, etc.)

• Bath Pal Thermometer – duck

• Bath Spout Cover

• Bath toy holder

• Gas Drops (like Mylicon drops)

• Gripe Water

Diapers/Wipes

• Diapers – You’ll want about 100 Newborn Size and 500 Size One

• Wipes

• Diaper Bag

• Diaper Duck Diaper Bag dispenser and refills

• Ziploc bags (large size) - good for holding soiled clothes or cloth diapers

• Ointments/Lotions – Diaper rash cream (I've heard Boudreaux's Butt Paste and Triple Paste are good)Purell - to have around the house and at the changing table

• Lap pads

• Pee-pee Tee pees - I know these are sort of gimmicky, but I plan on buying them. You can also use a cloth diaper thrown over the baby (boys only) to prevent sprinkles!

• Contoured Changing Pad for dresser top and cover(s)

Clothing/Layettes

• T-Shirts (6) side-snaps and over-the-head

• Sleepers (4 – 8)

• Coveralls/Rompers (2 – 4)

• Booties/socks (3 - 4)

• Sweaters (1)

• Hats (2)

• Bibs – small for drool (optional) and large for food

• Washcloths/towels (3)

• Receiving Blanket (7 – 8)