baby registry must-haves

Can you tell I have babies on the brain?  One of my BFF's is expecting her first child and I"m beyond excited for her.  SO excited in fact, that I started putting together an e-mail for her of items I thought she might like to research for her registry...Then I decided I should probably share it with my blog friends too!  When I was planning out my registry with Pier, I had no idea what I was doing.  What will I really need for a baby?  Short answer is not much.  I feel like most items on here are for a parent's peace of mind rather than what a baby needs, but it makes for a fun blog post so here we are.  

This is a fun list of things I would register for if I could do it all over again. These I've either successfully used with Pier, on my wishlist for future babies, or have recently purchased via late-night-pregnancy-insomnia-induced-computer-splurges.  You know the kind.  

Enjoy!  (Get ready...I seriously have too much fun compiling lists like this..)

A FEW NOTES:

  • BORROW BABY GEAR | When the baby arrives, I would find a friend and borrow specialty gear related items like a swing, activity center, or rock-n-play because that way you'll see what your child prefers.  I think we didn't use half of the stuff we had with Pier...just be patient and know that each child is very different from the next.  
     
  • SHOP SECONDHAND | If you want to try something out but don't want to pay full price, I've had great success at consignment stores.  Not only are they an economical choice they also sell things in great condition.  Secondhand clothing is a life-savor. I will confess that baby clothes and blankets are something that I'm really sentimental about...I buy a small handful of nicer quality, organic heirloom pieces for my own selfish reasons, but end up buying everything else at Goodwill.  Also, Craigslist stalking is great for nursery furniture and anything else you might need.
     
  • THE THINGS NO ONE TELLS YOU | I only have experience with nursing, so you may need more items if you decide on bottle-feeding.  Breast pumps are great if you decide on that route and I know a lot of insurance companies provide coverage for them.  I got my medela pump for free...one less thing to register for!  I will say that I hate that thing though.  I much prefer this one.
     
  • THINK BIG PICTURE ITEMS |  When registering for bigger ticket items, research things that will grow with your child.  Convertible cribs, strollers, and high chairs are high on that list!  If I could do it all over again I would invest in a nice rocker that reclines instead of a fancy crib or dresser.  You spend quite a bit of time rocking babies (and toddlers) to sleep and it really pays off to have somewhere comfortable to do it.  Reclining feature is an optional luxury but boyyyy that would have been nice to have for those sleepless nights.
     
  • DON'T STRESS ABOUT IT | I know this looks like an overwhelming list!  I could easily go into more detail about why I picked certain things, so if you have any questions let me know.  In all honesty, babies don't need a lot of stuff...especially in those first few months.  Take comfort in knowing that all your little one needs is food, diapers, and lots of love and you'll be golden.