When I was pregnant I was having a hard time to choose baby registry items for my shower.  The following items are what I think the essential must haves baby products and hopefully it helps all first time mommies when choosing baby registry.

1. Clothing.  You need lots of onesies, coveralls, and a couple gowns.
2. Baby Bottles.  I used Phillip Avent brand and loved it!  My son never got colic and the nipple is very durable, though you still need to get the ones with higher flow as your baby gets bigger.
3. Bottle Sterilizer.  You don’t need to get the electric one since it’s more pricey.  I used Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer.  It costs about $30 and have no complaint about it.
4. Baby Bath Tub.  No need to get a fancy swancy one, just get this one from First Year for under $20 and you’re good to go.  The tub comes with sling for newborn which you can remove it once your baby can sit.
5. Travel System.  I don’t believe in name-brand products but I do believe in quality.  I think Peg Perego is overpriced.  You have to buy the stroller and car seat separately.  Peg Perego Aria stroller costs about $220 and the carseatis around $300.  A lot of people bought it because the stroller is very light.  Trust me, by the time you stop putting the car seat on top of the stroller, you won’t enjoy the lightweights much longer.  By that time your baby would prefer to be in an umbrella stroller.  I used Graco Metrolite and loved it.  It’s about 10 lbs heavier than Peg Perego but costs half price compare to Peg Perego.  I’m only 5 feet tall and weighed 115 lbs, I could lift it up with no problem.
6. Diaper bag.  You need one that is made of nylon because it’s very light, durable and easy to clean.  You also need the one that has many compartments, comes with at least one pouch (for diapers) and a changing pad. 
7. Monitor.  Again, no need to get a fancy one.  You kinda need to do trial and error when it comes to baby monitor.  Each monitor works differently depending on the house layout and whether you or your neighbors have wireless internet or not.  I use Graco Ultra Clear baby monitor and its sounds is very clear despite our wireless internet connection.  It also comes with two receiver which I put one in my bedroom and one in the living room.
8. Grooming.  All you need is a nail clipper.  The comb, brush, syringe and shampoo can typically be obtained at the hospital.

I don’t consider the following products as necessity, but to me it’s almost like a life safer:

1. Baby Swing.   I think this is the best invention ever.  This is the only product that could calm my son down and sooth him away, though some babies prefer baby bouncer to swing.
2. Bassinet.  A lot of people opted this out because you can only use this up to 4 months.  Once babies are mobile you need to move them out of the bassinet for safety reason.  I didn’t have it for the same reason, but one of my friends recently gave hers away.  So this would be for baby number 2 if we decide to have another one.  This way I don’t have to sleep in the nursery and makes breastfeeding experience a whole lot easier.
3. Wipe Warmer.  Again, another luxury items that you really don’t need.  However I got mine from baby shower and it worked like a charm.  My baby hated cold wipes, especially when he was a newborn.  Once I used the warmer, he stopped screaming when I changed him.

Toys, pack and play, and high chair are not considered “newborn essential” and you can get it once your baby needs them.  There you go!  I hope this list is useful for all first time mommies.

Tags: baby products

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