All Things Baby
A list of favorite items, resources, and gestures for preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
All Things Baby
Where to begin! I found the registry-building process to be so overwhelming. Unlike a wedding registry, every single product was new to us! Having to research what felt like endless brand-new items before committing felt consuming. I compiled friends’ registries, checked out a few “must-have” lists, and started chipping away.
There were a few things that were most important to us, especially considering apartment living: high value, relaxed yet timeless style, balancing neutral and playful, and investing where it matters (to us that was on items that are convertible/will grow with us).
Below is an inclusive list from prenatal to postpartum of resources and items we use/d and love - a mix of things we registered for, borrowed from friends, purchased postpartum, and were generously gifted.
More to come per category as breakout posts, for now — enjoy and congratulations!
The Situation
Background
First pregnancy, baby girl born March 2024
Home
2 bedroom apartment in Hoboken-area
Priorities
Relaxed yet timeless style, “spending where it matters” (investing in items that will grow with us).
Lifestyle
PRECONCEPTION
The Background
TBD
Health
An OBGYN that you truly love - they do exist! Following a blood clot diagnosis at 32 years old with no real plan of when we would start “trying” (hate this) for kids, I immediately felt the urgency for answers. In one day I was blasted off the birth control pill (after half my life!?) and put on blood thinners. Luckily, the clot dissolved and after 3 months off the pill, I was eager to dive into my reproductive health. What if the pill had been masking something else this whole time? Cysts? Cancer? I wanted a thorough check of my body at my baseline without false hormones pumping through my system. I went to Maternal Resources (Hoboken, Jersey City, NYC) and did a full gyno exam including transvaginal ultrasound and bloodwork.
Prenatal Multivitamin + DHA - I was taking these not long after I turned 30, well before pregnancy, as they’re really just a multivitamin with folic acid.
Physical activity - I knew exercise was crucial to my healing and circulation but I truly felt like I had a ticking time bomb inside of me. I stuck with walking and eventually recommitted myself to yoga.
Acupuncture - I had never tried it before! But the clot and coming off the pill left me with irregular periods and again, I wanted to support my circulation. I started going to regular sessions and taking the prescribed Chinese herbs. Bonus? It supported a healthy pregnancy. Stick with it.
Massage - sporadically but important.
Books
PRENATAL
The Background
TBD
Health
An OBGYN that you truly love - they do exist! We went to Maternal Resources (Hoboken, Jersey City, NYC) and delivered at Hackensack University Medical Center.
Doula - I can’t imagine this experience without Hoboken Doulas. I encourage others to research what doulas actually do (many misconceptions) and tap into the incredible support system that they provide!
Childbirthing Class - if not already working with a doula which was part of our experience.
Maven Clinic App - see if it’s included in your work benefits or what the individual plan offers.
Prenatal Multivitamin + DHA
Regular activity - for me that is walking, yoga (Vinyasa, Yin, and Prenatal mixed in)
Acupuncture (monthly and then weekly beginning at 36 weeks)
Prenatal Massage (monthly)
Books
No one resource will guide your pregnancy or that you will completely agree with, for that matter! But these were most closely aligned with my views and lifestyle and therefore made me feel the most informed and empowered.
Self-Care/Comfort
Bumpsuit - The Kate + any similar jumpsuit or bodysuit from Gap - lived in these!
8 Sheep Organics Pregnancy Survival Kit
ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Belly Band (also helpful postpartum)
Labor & Delivery
Essential Oil Diffuser (oils separately)
Compression Socks
BABY
The Story
While you can have certain intentions and desires, you can’t possibly know how your labor and delivery is going to go, or how you’ll really end up feeding your baby. I had intended to breastfeed but Annie didn’t latch in the hospital which led me to start pumping right away. We ended up getting her tongue tie corrected for multiple reasons (more on that separately), but I began exclusively pumping. It felt very overwhelming at first but it’s working for us. I’m able to feed her with my milk through a bottle (which others can assist with). Though yes.. the seemingly neverending pumping is something only I can do :) we’re making it work. This list reflects that.
Feeding
Baby Brezza Baby Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer Machine (distilled water - separately)
Dr. Brown's All-in-One Options+ Gift Set - a lot of parts to these bottles but I’ve heard they’re good for breastfeeding moms (I am exclusively pumping due to latching issues and our baby is now used to these so we’ve stuck with them!)
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Ant-Colic Baby Bottles (4-pack)
Dr. Brown’s Travel and Storage Bottle Caps
Dr. Brown's Bottle & Dish Soap
Beright Collapsible Wash Basin
Little Unicorn Cotton Muslin Classic Bib (3-pack)
Yoofoss Muslin Burp Cloths (3 total packs)
Baby Vitamin D Drops (for non-formula feeding)
Lazy Susan Turntable (bottle storage)
Sleeping
Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Sound Machine
Hatch Rest Sound Machine 2nd Gen - White
Aden + Anais Easy Swaddles (used these until 6 weeks)
Love to Dream Swaddle Up Sleep Sack (6 - 9 weeks)
Various sleep sacks (arms out - 11 weeks for us/or when they start to roll over)
Diapering
Huggies Newborn Diapers - Little Snugglers (same as hospital - started with these at home)
Mama Bear 99% Water Baby Wipes (pack of 6)
Ubbi Disposable Diaper Pail Plastic Bags
Aquaphor Baby Skin Care Set - Advanced Healing Ointment & Diaper Rash Cream
Pehr On the Go Pouch (have ended up using this for pump/parts)
Pehr On the Go Portable Changing Pad
Diaper bag - We just use different-sized canvas tote bags depending on the day’s plan and haven’t run into a need for anything else just yet.
Baby Gear
UppaBaby Vista V2 Stroller - Jake
Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller
Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier (recommend one soft/Solly and one structured)
Bumpsuit Armadillo Baby Carrier
Ergobaby 3-in-1 Evolve Bouncer
Dockatot or any lounger
Baby Gear Accessories
Momcozy Universal Stroller Organizer
Little Unicorn Outdoor Blanket
Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier (as recommended by pediatric OT) - same as in hospital
Dirbabi Silicone Pacifier Clips
Health, Safety, Bathing
Premium Nasal Aspirator Filters
Yoofoss Hooded Baby Towels (2 pack)
Burt's Bees Baby Washcloths (6 pack)
Mustela Newborn Arrival Skin & Bath Gift Set
Nursery & Decor
West Elm Dresser with Changing Topper
Konssy Muslin Changing Pad Cover (2 pack)
Baby Monitor Mount Floor Stand
Lullaby Earth Breathe Safe Full Crib Mattress (for full size crib and toddler bed)
Nestig (Mini Crib/Bassinet) Sheet Set
Konssy Muslin Fitted (Full) Crib Sheets (3 different ones)
Linen Baby Bedside Hanging Storage Bag
Clothing
Bonsie Baby Bundle Footie (0-3 month)
Double Zip Footie Pajamas (Newborn, 4 of them)
Double Zip Footie Pajamas (0-3 months, 4 of them)
Simple Joys by Carter’s Sweaters (2-pack)
Bear Bunting Suit (kept this in the stroller for her to lay “in”/on top of on chillier days)
Playing
High Contrast Baby Book (black & white for newborn, color for later on)
Skip Hop Wooden Baby Gym (with a mat)
Captain Calamari Clip-On Toy (stroller, etc.)
Fisher-Price Baby to Toddler Toy 3-in-1 Spin & Sort Activity Center (for later)
Books (were mostly gifted)
Misc
Lucy Darling Luxury Memory Book
Natemia Knitted Baby Receiving Blanket - We have an assortment of blanket weights/textures for different weather and rooms/stroller, etc. We were also gifted some beautiful handmade/personalized ones.
POSTPARTUM
Self-Care/Healing
From hospital - They encourage you to take any supplies that you can! For baby - diapers, temporary bottles (small), pump parts, swaddle blankets. For mom - pads and any other healing products that were used. They can’t re-use anything that was in your room - take it!
Lansinoh Postpartum Essentials Recovery Kit
Panty Liners - I used various brands of thin liners from the drugstore for a few weeks PP
Electrolytes - I love LMNT on a daily basis but the thirst especially from pumping became like nothing I’ve ever experienced! Stay hydrated! Click for a free sample pack with any purchase.
Supportive Resources
Huckleberry App - A lifesaver!! We upgraded for the feature that supports with sleep once babies are 2 months old.
Mom/Baby Group - Ideally in person. I am thankful to have been referred to Take a Moment (offered in both Hoboken-area and Central NJ).
Mental health support as needed
Nursing/Pumping
Electric Pump - Free through insurance, I have the Medela Pump In Style. You can order through your insurance company or Babylist (also via insurance). They will also prompt you to order additional pump parts at some point - do it! Also free.
Wearable Pump - I have the MomCozy S12.
Flange Inserts - Any of the flanges were too big for me. I used a 21mm and then 19mm inserts. Lots of trial and error here.
Kindred Bravely Organic Bamboo Reusable Nursing Pads
Lansinoh Breast Hot/Cold Therapy Packs
Earth Mama Nipple Butter - I don’t use this much, but popular for breastfeeding mamas.
Silver Nursing Cups - MAGIC!
Supportive Resources
Huckleberry App - A lifesaver!! We upgraded for the feature that supports with sleep once babies are 2 months old.
Mom/Baby Group - ideally in person. I am thankful to have been referred to Take a Moment (offered in both Hoboken-area and Central NJ).
Misc
Thank You Notes (for shower + postpartum)
Other Thoughtful Gifts
Gift Cards - Amazon, Seamless/GrubHub, spa/salon, favorite restaurants
For family - snacks/meals upon arriving home from the hospital and in the first few weeks
For mom - cozy robe, misc wellness/bath products, Daily Mindful Minis book
Books - nice when they are personalized with a note from the sender!
Baby clothes - especially appreciated outfits beyond 3 and 6 months
Bathing suits - Ruffle Butts brand at different ages
Personalized towel & washcloth set - Wicked Stitches
Personalized step stool
Handmade blanket
Personalized quilt
Stuffed animals
Sunglasses :)
To Come
Our Birth Story
TBD
Hospital Packing List
TBD
Partner Features
Electric