This registry won’t make you cry (unless you’re hormonal).
Okay, let’s just say it: baby registries are like your mother-in-law’s advice—well-intentioned, slightly overwhelming, and sometimes wildly off the mark. One minute you’re adding a cute bunny-shaped thermometer, and the next you’re deep-diving into nipple shields, breast pumps, and bottle sterilizers at 2am like it’s your new full-time job.
Welcome to the second trimester—where your energy's back, your cravings are unhinged, and the nesting instinct hits harder than a Kardashian fragrance launch. It’s go-time, mama. And somewhere in between your 47th Google search for “is it normal to have a weird dream about a talking wombat?” and your third helping of cereal at midnight, you realize it’s time to tackle the list.
Not just any list. The Baby Registry List. Cue the anxiety sweats.
But fear not, hormonal queen. We’re here to give you the lowdown on what you actually need, what you definitely don’t, and what’s just cute as hell.
The Must-Haves That Deserve a Mic Drop
You’re growing a whole human—let’s not waste your time with fluff. Here’s what goes in the Absolutely Necessary pile:
- A decent pram/stroller: One that folds without requiring a PhD in engineering. Bonus points if it has cup holders for your oat latte.
- Car seat: You can’t leave the hospital without one, unless your birth plan includes walking home like a pioneer.
- Cot or bassinet: Because as adorable as co-sleeping looks on Instagram, sleep safety is sexy AF.
- Baby wraps/carriers: For when your bub insists on being held 24/7 and you’d still like to have hands. Revolutionary.
- Somewhere to change nappies: Whether it’s a full-blown table or just a padded mat, your back will thank you.
Boring but essential: nappies, wipes, onesies, burp cloths, and a thermometer. Trust us, that last one will become your bestie the first time bub fee
The Cute, The Cool, and The Overhyped
This is where the chaos begins. You’ve probably already been tempted by a wipes warmer (because heaven forbid your baby’s bottom be touched by room-temperature moisture) or a $400 nappy bin that promises to change your life.
Here’s the tea:
- White noise machines? Total vibe. Especially when YOU need sleep too.
- Designer nappy bags? Gorgeous, but honestly, that backpack you already own works fine. (Unless you really want to serve mum glam.)
- Baby shoes? You know they’re not walking until 9+ months, right? But damn they’re cute. Add them anyway.
- Smart baby monitors? If it eases your anxiety, yes. If it gives you a heart attack every time it glitches, maybe not.
Let’s not forget the registry flex—that one splurgy item you secretly hope someone super generous (read: grandma) will buy you. Make it something dreamy and practical, like a glider rocking chair or a top-shelf breast pump.
“I don’t need a baby wipe dispenser that sings lullabies” — you, after the hormones wear off.
Things Nobody Tells You To Add (But You’ll Thank Us Later)
Real talk. You’re gonna need more you stuff than anyone mentions. The baby isn’t the only one coming out of this whole thing like a starfish in a blender.
- Postpartum recovery gear: Think: adult nappies, padsicles, witch hazel, and all the dignity you left behind at the hospital. Add them. Then double it.
- Nursing crops that don’t make you feel like a human vending machine. Like the ones from Emamaco. Stylish, soft, and stretchy where it counts. (You're welcome.)
-
Snacks. All the snacks. You’ll
be ravenous post-birth and too tired to microwave anything. Protein bars are your new religion.
You might also love
Also, add a Netflix gift card. Trust me. Those 2am feeds hit different when you're bingeing trash TV.
Registry Rage: How to Stay Sane
Here’s how to avoid spiraling while building your registry:
- Pick one registry platform and stick to it. Don’t scatter your wishlist across five sites like a baby gear scavenger hunt.
- Ask your mum-friends what they actually used. Half of them will say they never touched that bottle warmer.
- Think about your lifestyle. Are you a city gal with no boot space? A jogging pram might not be the flex you think it is.
- Be brutally honest with yourself. Will you really make your own organic baby food or is that blender going to sit there like your high school recorder?
Bonus Tip: Add a note to your registry like, “If in doubt, nappies in all sizes are a gift from the heavens.”
Because one day, you’ll open a pack of size 2 nappies and sob with joy. #momlife
The Secret Weapon: Group Gifting
Let’s be honest—some of the juicy stuff isn’t cheap. That $800 pram? That dreamy nursing chair? Make them group gifts. People love to chip in, especially if it means they don’t have to think too hard. Win-win.
Oh, and don't forget yourself:
- A s
pa voucher
- A cleaner for your third trimester
- A freezer full of meals
Technically not for the baby, but fully necessary for survival. Your future self will blow kisses your way.
TL;DR – Registry Like a Boss
If it’s useful, makes your life easier, or makes you feel fabulous while covered in breast milk—it belongs on the list.
And remember: just because you can add 239 items doesn’t mean you should. Keep it lean, mean, and full of things that won’t become dust collectors.
Less clutter, more sanity. That’s the vibe.
Whether you’re a minimalist mum or a maximalist magpie, you’ve got this. And hey—no one ever said you can’t add a pair of Emamaco maternity leggings just for you. Go on, treat that gorgeous bump. We’ll be waiting.
XOXO, Your Future Favourite Mummy Blogger
Here’s to conquering the registry without needing a support group, a spreadsheet, and a glass of wine (okay, maybe just the spreadsheet).
You’re growing a whole human, mama. You deserve to feel prepped, pampered, and powerful. Now hit that registry like it owes you money—and don’t forget to toss in something fabulous just for you.
Because this registry? It’s not just for the baby. It’s for the badass bringing them into the world.