This post was created in partnership with Baby Cubby.

Building a baby registry is overwhelming! Trying to register for a baby can be challenging, so we have put together a wishlist of “what we would tell our pregnant selves now” registry.

TOP 5

#1. Swaddle Blankets like these from Aden + Anais

#2. Front Baby Carrier like the award-winning Ergobaby

#3. Bottle Warmer like this one from Avent, which transitions well in to a baby food warmer too.

#4. Pack ‘N Play like this one from Nuna – don’t forget sheets – these are differently sized than crib sheets.

#5. Changing Table with dresser like this posh Babyletto

Here are some other things that you really need.

5 MUST HAVE

#1. Car seat that can be used to carry baby around, such as Graco SnugRide (always get new!). Remember to have this properly installed before you go to the hospital to have that baby or they won’t let you take him or her home with you. Oops. Extra car seat bases are handy (but not essential) if you have more than one car.

#2.Stroller that can push around car seat – we prefer the bare bones snap-n-go models such as this Graco stroller frame for the first 5 months. Advantage is that they are light and fit easily into the car (also great to borrow since it has such a short shelf life – thanks to Whit for lending me hers).

#3. Diaper Bin – We picked this Munchkin / Arm + Hammer Diaper Pail for maximum stink control; it’s easy and doesn’t require special bags. Inspired by my preschool, I’ve also individually bagged the offending poopy diapers and carried them right outside. Some folks use regular old trash cans and take out the trash every day. Up to you.

#4. Swing, bouncy seat, both – You’ll hear mixed reviews on these puppies, they are great to borrow because the padded parts are fully washable and some tinies don’t really groove with some models. My baby slept in his swing for months, overnight! This bouncer/rocker combo really does last through toddlerdom.

#5. Diaper bag – You actually can use an oversized handbag or a backpack for diapers and associated changes of clothes. But if you can’t resist this rite of passage, pick out a style you like. Consider features like whether it’s too girly to share, if it clips to your stroller, how heavy/ bulky, and how happy you’ll be carrying it when your baby weighs 18 pounds. Whitney liked her Skip Hop and I used little Pack-it cubes chucked under the stroller. It’s a totally individual choice.

Posh Items

#1. Bathtub – We recommend either the Eurobath or the First Years; the Eurobath is quite large and costs more but both are good for newborns to toddlers (we used the Eurobath for three years!). Winning a genius award, we plunked our infant and tub on the kitchen counter to avoid bending and kneeling.

#2. Link-a-doos toy clips handy dandy loops that hold little toys onto the car seat, stroller, diaper bag or high chair. Sometimes, they’re also a favorite chew toy.

#3. My Brest Friend nursing pillow – Love love this thing for early breastfeeding when there are never enough hands; you can buy new or borrow one and wash the cover. A Boppy is also pretty good and has a second life helping your baby with sitting and tummy time.

#4. Baby monitor – The trend today is video and there are too many models for me to steer you one way or the other. Audio-only is also fine. We like to see lights on the parent unit that show you a baby’s distress as well as broadcast it and a small and battery-operated so you can take it with you.

#5. Mobile for crib – One that moves and is interesting from the bottom (baby’s view); used for about 5 months but it could be the difference between showering and not. If you’re feeling crafty, here’s how to make one that’s personalized.

5 OTHER ESSENTIALS

Here are things to have on hand, so you’re not running out to the store for the first couple weeks when you should be resting and bonding.

Health & Hygiene

#1. Nail clippers – The tiny nails of a newborn have to be trimmed more than once a week and it’s hard to guide those clippers. I recommend buying sharp nail scissors as well. Holden wore teeny mittens for the first 3 weeks of his life because we gave up on trimming the nails.
#2. Digital thermometer – you will likely be obsessed with how warm or cold your newborn is. If you tend to be a keep-track-of-everything type mom, you may write it all down or even graph it.
Washcloths – I don’t think there’s anything special about baby washcloths.
#3. Burp cloths – A pack of cloth diapers will do, but better are the ones that are found in the car washing section of a store like Target. You’ll want a stack in every room for the first 6 months.
#4. Baby Tylenol, Baby Orajel, Baby Mylicon, Gripe Water
#5. Baby shampoo and bodywash

Don’t Forget the Diapers!

#1. Newborn diapers – just one pack in case your baby is huge and outgrows ’em right away!
Size one diapers – a big jumbo case cuz you’ll need ‘em eventually.
#2. Diaper wipes – uber gentle for newborn skin… for the first month, I actually rinsed them of all chemicals before using. Whitney had on her list a Thermos for keeping water next to the changing table because she planned to use paper towels and water as instructed by the crunchy Berkeley hospital, but ended up being too lazy.
#3.Diaper bag sized container of wipes – to refill with wipes
#4. Diaper creams
#5. Purrell

Feeding the Baby

#1. Formula – Though this tip is controversial, we believe that even if you plan to nurse, you ought have some of this on hand in case of earthquake, fire, or other emergency.
#2. Formula dispenser – this handy item is for feeding on the go; this BPA-free one by Avent doubles as a snack dispenser for big babies.
#3. Bottle brush
#4. BornFree bottles – 2 sizes (4 oz and 8 oz) with nipples in sizes 1, 2, 3 and some soft sippy cup lids.
#5. Bottle drying rack