Registering for a baby (or two, in our case) can be daunting! It is a totally different experience than registering for a wedding, because there are so many foreign items that you are told you will need, but you have NO IDEA what they are used for.

So my #1 tip is to ask a friend for help, or utilize a resource like Lucie’s List. This was the best way to get a jump start on registering for me. I consulted their guide for twins and built my registry online through BabyList. What’s even better is that I only had to pop in to Buy Buy Baby once to “test-drive” strollers - because a store like that is completely overwhelming in my opinion for any first time mom-to-be.

For the most part, I was careful about what we registered for because I don't like a lot of clutter. I also didn't want to register for a lot of items that we wouldn't use within the first six months (i.e. high chairs, sippy cups, toddler toys, winter clothes, etc.). I am thankful that we did that because we received what we truly needed right at the beginning. 

We also did not know the gender of our babies until they were born, so I refrained from registering for a lot of clothes, toys, stuffed animals, blankets, teethers and books. Again, this helped us focus on essentials and gave us the chance to pick out these “fun” items once they were born. Of course, I saw tons of cute items along the way and just kept track of them on Pinterest pages dedicated to Baby Style and Baby Gifts.

Here are the essentials we absolutely couldn’t live without during the first three months of our babe’s lives:

• Pacifiers: If you plan on breastfeeding, the MaM pacis are great (there is a glow-in-the-dark version that would be helpful for nighttime). Although the WubbaNubs and Pop Pacis are super cute, our kids are perfectly content with the less expensive MaM pacis and the others are gathering dust. 

• Bottles: A few friends recommended registering for a variety of bottles, I believe Babylist even offers a sampler pack. The Dr Browns bottles are really good for breastfed babies - our kids go back and forth between bottle + breast easily (and I think these bottles are a big help). 

• Nursery: Register for two crib sheets just in case one gets wet (you really don't need more than that). These changing pads (which go on top of a nicer changing pad) are awesome - and we have had to toss a few after messy diapers so have been glad that we registered for a few packs. 

• Bath Time: We loved this tub which fits in the sink for the first 10 weeks or so. Now we have transitioned to the bathtub and use this inside. We also love the Mustela shampoo (our kids haven't had any cradle cap, but this is supposed to be great for prevention + treatment).  

• Hygiene: These Johnson & Johnson Wipes are all purpose, which eliminates the need for these. We also love this Daily Cleansing Water, which feels like a special little treat to wipe them off with each morning since baths happen every few days at this point.

• Nursing/Pumping: I am breastfeeding, and have invested a lot as I've tried to figure out the best way to work + pump. I love this hands free pumping bra and the Medela Nursing tanks. I have just enough to get me through a few days (because we do a load of our laundry for the kids EVERY DAY). I love the overnight Bamboobies (I wear them throughout the day too). As for a pump, I received the Medela Pump In Style through insurance, but just purchased a hand pump and the Willow in my quest for efficient pumping on the go. Also, this is a good milk collector (that just suctions to the breast that isn't currently nursing). 

• Clothes/PJs: Look for things with zippers (versus snaps or buttons). We love these gowns (they run small) for middle of the night diaper changes. My favorite onesies, hands down, are the Magnetic Me!

• Swaddles: We love the Halo Sleepsacks swaddles and our kids have slept in them every night since we brought them home (we have two per kid, that way one is always clean). I don't even know how to swaddle with the fancy blankets we registered for...haha. So I'd register for a few swaddle blankets, just to have in your diaper bag but that is one area where I don’t think you need more than a few. 

• Burp Cloths: We had a few of fancy burp cloths on our registry and then I realized how many you go through in a day. We love these cloth diapers to use as burp cloths (and seriously go through 5 - 8 each day). 

• Diapers: A great addition to your registry along with wipes! Oh, and this handy dandy tool (along with Aquaphor diaper cream). 

• Carrier: I love wearing the babes, especially in crowds (versus using a stroller). I love the K'Tan wrap and also use a secondhand BabyBjorn, which is nice because it is a one-size fits all.

Favorite Splurge Items:

• Gathre Changing Mats - We have this play mat as well!

• Lovevery Playmat + Play Kits Subscription

• Baby Books – The Kate Spade book is so simple and doesn’t require a ton of documentation, which I appreciate. Some have so many things to fill in which just feels like another "to-do" post-baby.

• Baby Brezza - If you formula feed, this is a freaking life-saver! Super quick, perfect temp, formula ready to go in seconds.

• DockATot – This has been SUPER handy as we transport the kiddos around the house! I’m not sure how often I’d use if I had one baby, but with twins you are always looking for a place to safely lay one while you comfort or change the other.

There are a few things that could be skipped (in my opinion):

• Nose Frida - The Oogie Boogie is 100% easier.

• Sound Machine - Use the free White Noise app on an iPad rather than purchasing a fancy sound machine, but do register for a portable sound machine to attach to the car seat.

• Car Mirrors - When we had our car seats checked out, we found that those are frowned upon because they are projectiles. They are sitting in our basement and we haven't missed them.

• Expensive Bouncers or Swings - Borrow a bouncer, MamaRoo or a swing from a friend - our kids aren't huge fans of any of these so I was thankful we borrowed some of these items to try first. These are also really short-lived items and I regret registering for such fancy ones (although we did get a full refund for the Rock and Plays due to the recall).

• Dishwasher Basket – We only have two bottles per kid, so we wash everything by hand. If you had a ton of bottles, this would be great though.

• Fancy Gadgets: There are so many fancy gadgets - the Snoo, the Owlet, fancy monitors, etc. I think those things certainly serve a purpose, but just didn't want to purchase two (and am thankful we saved the money). They are great, but again, very short-lived products. However, if you do look into the Snoo, there is a company that rents them now!

• Bulky Changing Stations outside of the Nursery/Your Bedroom: We have a changing station in our bedroom and in the nursery, but in other rooms just have a basket of supplies and change them on the floor. Beauty of a smaller home!

The other thing to keep in mind is that you can always shop AFTER your babies are born. Between Amazon Prime and friends + family looking for ways to help you out, you DO NOT need to have every possible thing on hand from Day One. Also remember that your baby will be different than your friend’s babies, so while it is super helpful to get advice on items to buy, it is just their preference.

So to all of you momma’s-to-be, don’t stress as you put together your registry. Have fun seeking out products that will make your journey into motherhood a bit easier, and be graceful with yourself every step of the way!

The Baer Minimalist helps busy families create ORGANIZED + STYLIZED spaces and events throughout Indianapolis. 

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