Baby Registry Made Simple: A Postpartum Doula's Expert Advice
If you’re feeling completely overwhelmed
trying to build your baby registry, you’re not alone.
I see it all the time—expectant parents excited to start planning, only to find themselves
staring at endless lists of baby products, wondering:
- Do I really need all of this?
- Which things are actually helpful, and which will just collect dust?
- Why are there 57 types of pacifiers?!
I get it.
I’ve been there. And I’ve also been the postpartum doula walking into a family’s home and seeing an overflowing pile of unused baby gear in the corner—things that seemed like a great idea at the time but turned out to be totally unnecessary.
So before you go scan-crazy at Target or add every “must-have” to your Amazon registry, let’s take a deep breath.
You don’t need it all. And I’m here to help you figure out what actually makes life easier in those first few months—and what you can absolutely skip.
The Day My Best Friend Had a Baby Registry Meltdown
Many years ago, I went with my best friend, her sister, and her mom to help her create her baby registry.We had it all planned out—browsing adorable baby gear, scanning items, grabbing lunch, and making a day of it. But when we walked into the store, she took one look at the
massive wall of pacifiers—rows and rows of different shapes, sizes, and brands—and burst into tears.
It was too much. Too many options, too many decisions,
too much pressure to “get it right.”
So instead of scanning products, we left the store, had lunch, and I spent the next few weeks helping her build a registry that actually made sense for her life.
And now,
as an experienced postpartum doula and early childhood development expert, I help new parents do the same—simplify their registry, reduce stress, and make sure they have what they actually need without all the extra clutter.
If you’re feeling the registry pressure, I promise you: You’re not alone.
This post will help you figure out what’s truly helpful, what’s a waste of money, and how to build a registry that works for you.
Before You Start: The Right Questions to Ask
Instead of adding every trendy baby product to your list,
take a moment to think about what will actually work for your home, lifestyle, and family.
- Where will I use this product? (Do I have space for it? Will it fit in my car?)
- How long will this item be useful? (Some things are only helpful for a few weeks.)
- Do I plan on having more kids? (If so, durability matters!)
- What are my feeding and diapering goals? (This affects what gear will actually be helpful.)
Many parents overbuy before they even meet their baby.
A well-planned registry ensures you have what you actually need when your baby arrives—without ending up with 10 swaddle blankets and no diapers and frantically ordering items from amazon.
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Feeling overwhelmed? The truth is, having the right products is only part of the puzzle—understanding your baby’s cues and needs is what will truly help you feel prepared.
Grab my Free GUIDE:
Overwhelmed to Empowered: Understanding Your Baby’s Cues & Creating a Flexible Schedule, to learn how to recognize what your baby needs and create a routine that actually works.
Baby Sleep: What You Really Need
Babies sleep a lot (but not always when you want them to). Setting up a safe and comfortable sleep space is key.
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Must-Haves for Baby Sleep
- A firm, flat sleep surface (crib, bassinet, or bedside sleeper)
- A tight-fitted crib sheet (No extra blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals—yes, I know they’re cute, but they’re not safe!)
- A swaddle or sleep sack (helps with startle reflex and longer stretches of sleep)
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White noise is a lifesaver. Babies are used to constant sound in the womb, so a white noise machine can help them settle more easily and sleep longer.
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My favorite white noise machines:
Yoga Sleep Hush,
Yogasleep Dohm Classic,
LectoFan,
Hatch Rest Baby
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My Favorite swaddles for newborns:
SwaddleMe,
Halo Sleep Sack Swaddle,
The Butterfly Swaddle (For those little Hudinis),
Love to Dream Swaddle Up (For babies who prefer their arms up)
Need help with Your little one's sleep?
Download my FREE GUIDE to understand your baby's cues and create a flexible routine.
You can also
book a free 15-minute discovery call
to see how I can personally help you and teach your little one good sleep habits and get the whole family more sleep!
Sleep can dramatically improve how you feel on so many levels. I'm here to help!
Baby Care & Clothing: Keep It Simple
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Baby Care Essentials:
Tip: Most newborns outgrow newborn-size diapers quickly or are born too big from the start-Stock up on size 1 and 2 instead.
- A baby bathtub (or a safe insert for your sink)
- Gentle baby shampoo/body wash (fragrance-free is best)
- Baby nail scissors & file (clippers can be tricky!)
PAFASON Baby Round Tip Safety Scissors (These are my favorite for newborn nails)
- A soft brush or comb for cradle cap
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Not Necessary:
- A wipes warmer (babies adjust to room temp wipes just fine)
- A baby bathrobe (adorable, but unnecessary)
Baby Clothing: How Much Do You Really Need?
- Keep newborn sizes minimal. Many babies skip newborn sizes altogether or outgrow them in a week.
- Be mindful of sizing for the season. Most babies wear clothes 3-6 months ahead of their actual age, so plan accordingly!
- Focus on soft, breathable fabrics for comfort.
Traveling with Baby: Car Seats, Strollers, & Carriers
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Car Seat Tips:
- Will the car seat fit your vehicle? Some models are bulkier than others.
- Infant car seat vs. convertible car seat – Some newborns prefer convertible seats over infant carriers.
- Consider the weight of the infant car seat. If you’re on the smaller side, carrying a heavier model or lifting it in and out of your SUV might not be ideal, especially while recovering postpartum.
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Stroller Tips:
- Bassinet stroller attachments? Think twice.
I constantly see new parents out walking—baby crying in one arm, pushing an empty stroller with the other, juggling their dog on a leash. Mom and Dad are out of breath, looking exhausted, wondering why they ever thought the bassinet attachment was a good idea. Some babies hate lying flat in the stroller and would rather be snuggled up in a carrier.
- How easy is it to fold up, put in, and take out of your car?
- Will I need this for other children?
You don't necessarily need the fanciest, most expensive stroller. There are great options in all price ranges.
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Babywearing Tips:
- A soft-structured carrier, wrap, or sling is a game-changer for hands-free convenience.
I’m a huge fan of these carriers beginning in the newborn stage:
Moby Wrap,
Ergobaby Embrace,
Baby Bjorne Mini,
Wildbird Ring Sling, and
Baby K'tan
As a postpartum doula, I have a few favorites that I lend my clients to try before they buy or even for the duration, saving them a lot of money.
Beyond Baby Gear: Services to Register For
Instead of just baby gear, consider
adding postpartum services to your registry. These will truly support you when your baby arrives:
- Postpartum Doula Support – Hands-on help with newborn care, recovery & emotional support.
- Lactation Consulting (IBCLC) – Get expert breastfeeding guidance & troubleshooting.
- Pelvic Floor Therapy – Crucial for postpartum recovery & core strengthening.
- Maternal Mental Health Therapy – Because postpartum emotional support is essential.
- Newborn Sleep Consulting – Learn what’s biologically normal & create healthy sleep habits.
- House Cleaning Services – Because newborns don’t come with a maid!
- Nutritious Meal Delivery – Or a customized meal train (so you don’t end up with 50 casseroles).
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Use BeHerVillage to register for these essential services!
Explore BeHerVillage here.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Build a Registry That Works for YOU!
Your registry should be tailored to YOUR family—not just a copy-paste list from a baby store.
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Want a customized baby registry that fits your life?
Book a one-on-one consultation here.
