Let's be real mamas, building out a baby registry is overwhelming.

I spent months researching and curating my Babylist. I tried my best to focus on the necessities, skip the overrated wastes of money, and focus on organic and nontoxic options whenever possible.

And even after all that effort, we still had some misses along the way.

Now that our gorgeous girl is five months old, I’m sharing a brutally honest review of the baby items I loved and can't live without and those that weren’t quite what I expected to help you save your money.

Buckle up, because this is going to get a little heated for a few items…

(To keep it easy, I've broken my favorites into 6 categories – feeding, sleeping, diapering, bathing, adventuring, and playing – and at the end I'm covering a list of the items I think you can skip!)

I sat down and put all my honest thoughts and best advice into a YouTube video for you. I definitely recommend watching it for my thorough breakdown of all these products, then reference the links organized below:

Feeding Essentials

I've truly never felt more empowered than I did in these 3 hours of laboring inside our bedroom.

Feeding your baby is a huge part of life with a newborn! Here’s what I found useful:

Breastfeeding Pillow

I registered for the My BreastFriend but didn’t like it at all. It was clunky and hot—I felt like I was strapping on a huge contraption. Instead, I recommend the Snuggle Me Organic version, which is more comfortable, easier to use, and even aesthetically pleasing. It has saved me a lot of neck and shoulder pain, especially when I was spending hours a day feeding my baby. (And hubs loves it for bottle feeding as well!)

Hakkas

An absolute favorite for building a milk stash. I have three versions:

• Original Hakka: This version suctions to your breast to collect letdown and draws out additional milk. It's effective but sticks straight out, making it easy for your baby to kick off. I found it a bit clunky, but it definitely works for collecting milk without a pump.
• Hakka Ladybug: A discreet milk catcher that fits inside your bra. It catches your letdown without much suction, so it's more about collection than extraction. While it’s handy for on-the-go use, don't expect it to actively pull milk out like the original version.
• Hakka Shell: My top recommendation—this combines the best of both worlds. It fits in your bra, allowing you to control the suction level to suit your needs. The Shell allowed me to collect and build a good stash without the need for constant pumping, which I really didn’t enjoy.

(And check out more of my postpartum must-haves in this post.)

Burp Cloths and Muslin Blankets

Burp cloths are essential for those early days, but muslin blankets are versatile and can be used as burp cloths or light blankets. These blankets are great, especially when your baby starts getting gassy or spits up more frequently. They’re multifunctional: draped over shoulders, used in the car, or even as a light cover-up when needed. Trust me when I say you'll want one of these within reach at all times!

I like this 2-pack of white muslin blankets.

Bottles

I love the Gulicola glass bottles for their slow-drip, anti-colic features. We chose glass because I want to avoid plastic, especially when milk is heated. Our lactation consultant recommended them as a great option for breastfed babies, and I've noticed less colic and gas issues compared to other bottles.

Nursing Cover

This muslin nursing cover with a wire arch neckline is a game-changer. It provides coverage without the worry of accidentally exposing yourself, and the built-in frame allows you to peek at your baby without lifting the cover. Especially useful in those early, sometimes messy breastfeeding months.`

Homeopathic Camellia Tummy Drops

These drops have been lifesavers for easing Teagann's gas and colic. They come in convenient pre-measured tubes, making them easy to use anytime, anywhere. I love that they are homeopathic, supporting her body naturally without resorting to medications I wasn't comfortable giving her.

Sleeping Essentials

Creating a comfortable sleeping environment is key.

Crib and Mattress

We opted for a secondhand Pottery Barn Green Guard crib and a Naturepedic nontoxic crib mattress for a safe sleep space. I focused on choosing a mattress that’s non-toxic, ensuring no harmful chemicals for hours of baby sleep. Investing in quality even in secondhand items can make a huge difference in peace of mind.

Halo Bassinest

I had mixed feelings about this bassinet primarily due to the bulky legs that I constantly stubbed my toes on. However, I loved that it brought my baby close for the co-sleeping experience without the risks. Despite its clunkiness, it was reassuring to have her right beside me.

Moses Basket

Perfect for portability around the house, the Moses basket offered us more flexibility. It was lightweight, easy to move, and didn't require a large setup like the bassinet. We loved being able to keep her nearby while going about daily activities.

Himalayan Salt Lamp

My love for my himalayan salt lamp is still strong and steady! Essential for soft, warm night lighting without disturbing baby’s sleep. It provides a natural, soothing glow that helps maintain a calming environment. Having this lamp was critical to avoiding the disruptive overhead lights during those nighttime feedings and diaper changes.

Rocking Chair/Glider

This has been one of my favorite purchases for those cozy moments and late-night feedings. It became our primary spot for bonding and feeding sessions, offering comfort and support. Investing in a good rocking chair paid off immensely in terms of daily use and comfort!

After trialing a few options and heavily debating whether or not we needed an electric option, we ended up going with the Arlo Recliner from Carter’s by DaVinci (in the ivory boucle fabric, a total dupe!).

And we couldn’t be happier with it!

It’s beautiful, functional, and comfortable. And thank goodness because I’ve already spent many late-night hours sleeping in it when she’s been fussy and will only sleep in my arms.

And a big requirement for me was the greengaurd certification to know it’s not loaded with toxic fumes!

Diapering Essentials

Nontoxic Diaper Subscription

EveryLife diapers are my go-to for their quality and company mission. They have proven to be reliable, with very few leaks or blowouts compared to other brands like Honest. The subscription service proves incredibly convenient, with easy adjustments to fit our needs as my baby grows.

Nontoxic Diaper Balm

Motherlove’s diaper balm has been excellent, and we haven’t had a single rash! Its natural ingredients reassure me each time I apply it to my baby's sensitive skin. It's well worth it, providing effective protection without constant reapplication.

Bathing Essentials

Choosing the right bathing equipment can be daunting, but here’s what worked for us:

Skip Hop Bathtub

Inexpensive and perfect for kitchen sink baths without dealing with a huge product. It’s ideal when you don't want the hassle of sanitizing the entire sink. My baby loves bath time, which has become a special bonding moment with her dad.

Attitude Baby Leaves Soap

This nontoxic baby soap is EWG verified and gentle on baby’s skin, protecting her from harsh chemicals. It maintains that beautiful baby scent without feeling overwhelming. Her skin has been healthy and soft, with zero irritations since using it.

Primally Pure Products

Primally Pure's baby balm and baby oil have been the only products I've trusted on Teagann's skin and they've kept it soft and clear. The pure ingredients align with my dedication to avoiding harsh synthetics, which I appreciate deeply. I've used these personally, and I'm thrilled to see them work wonderfully on my baby’s delicate skin.

You can use code MOLLIE10 for 10% off everything on their site! 

Adventuring Essentials

Carriers

My baby carriers are a must for us, and I’ve tried three different types:

• Solly Wrap: This is perfect for early newborn days because it's soft and cozy. My husband took to it quickly, providing him shared intimate time with her. It’s snug and secures the baby while allowing for multitasking around the house.
• Artipoppe Carrier: While luxurious and stylish, I found the structured waistband a bit uncomfortable when sitting. It’s easy and quick for outings, but the discomfort drove me to seek alternatives. Despite high expectations, the fit wasn’t quite right for us.
• Mabe Carrier: This became my absolute favorite for its comfort, flexibility, and soft waistband. It's better priced and surpasses expectations in its longevity and ease of use. Keeping it in the car ensures I’m never without a way to comfortably carry my baby while out.

Stroller

We bought the Cybex Gazelle S for its versatility as a double stroller and compatibility with our Nuna infant car seat. Unfortunately, my baby wasn’t fond of the car seat setup, which meant we relied more heavily on the carriers. However, this Thule jogging stroller has been excellent for our fitness needs, rolling smoothly and accommodating our active lifestyle.

Diaper Bag

The Ayla & Co diaper bag is stylish and practical for all our outings. It has all the compartments needed for organized chaos and stands fashionably as a non-diaper-bag-look. Switching from the mini to the larger size proved useful for packing in more essentials as the baby grew.

Trunk Organizer

I always keep essential items in the car in this trunk organizer for a quick grab-and-go setup. It holds extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes, making life much easier. Having the trunk auto-stocked makes outings less stressful and is truly a game changer.

Playing Essentials

Stimulating play for your baby’s development:

Baby Bjorn Bouncer

The classic Baby Bjorn bouncer proved invaluable, especially for my colicky baby who needed to be upright. The angle adjustment allowed for optimal comfort, helping reduce spit-ups. It became a reliable place for her to sit safely when I needed my hands free (especially because I've avoided seats and containers).

Love Every Play Gym

Not just hype; this play gym is a must-have for engaged playtime and baby development. It offers a variety of textures, sounds, and visual stimulation that keep my baby entertained and curious. As she grows, it continues to adapt, offering new ways to explore sensory play.

Books

Reading has become a cherished activity, and building a library was an integral part of our baby shower. Books like “Finn the Firefly” and “The Storm That Stopped” offer meaningful stories that we look forward to sharing. Reading daily to my daughter supports her early learning and creates beautiful bonding moments.

A few of our favorites:

• Finn the Firefly
• When I Pray For You
• The Storm That Stopped
• Home is Right Where You Are

Teethers and First Toys

She has loved these silicone straws, this silicone strawberry, and this cute flower rattle teether. Now that she's playing more we also love this montessori wooden toy.

You can also find more of my favorite baby items in my Amazon storefront, where I'm continually adding new favorites as she grows!

Things You Don’t Need

Okay, here is where I'm going to get really juicy and maybe stir up some controversy.

Here are a few of the things I think you don't need – things that we did not register for, have not purchased, and still don't have:

Baby Monitor

I know, I know—how could we not have one? But honestly, we haven't felt the need for a baby monitor or camera. Our home setup allows me to hear my baby from anywhere, and I want to minimize EMF exposure. I can still hear her cries when she wakes up, trust me on that!

Bottle Sterilizer and Warmer

We recently tried a bottle warmer for convenience, but generally, I just use hot water when needed. Besides, I’m a big fan of waiting to see if you truly need something before committing to it. This approach saves not only space but also money and reduces unused gadgets piling up.

Wipe Warmer

Definitely not on our list. I didn't want my baby to become accustomed to warm wipes. Cold wipes work just fine, especially on-the-go, ensuring that she won't be fussier when wipes aren't warm.

The Doona

This is one popular item. However, given that my baby hated the car seat, investing in a Doona wouldn't have benefitted us at all. I couldn't get her out of the car seat fast enough, which means a car seat-stroller combo just wasn't practical.

The Snoo

This one's another big-ticket item, and while it claims to help comfort babies automatically, I focused on natural soothing methods. I want my baby reliant on me and not a machine. Plus, the idea of exposing her to EMFs wasn’t appealing, keeping the environment as natural as possible.

Sound Machine

My little one has never slept with a sound machine. From the start, we’ve embraced regular room noise and light exposure to help her adapt to different sleep conditions. No perfect sleep environment required here, aiming to help her sleep through various household sounds.

My Best Advice

Remember, every baby is different and you really never know what your baby will and won't like before they're here! When it comes to your registry, start with the basics, and you can always add more as needed.

My number one piece of advice? Trust your gut and trust your baby. You are your baby's mama for a reason. You know what's best, even if you don’t always feel that way.

Trust that God made you and your baby with an intentional design and stop trying to fight it and hack it and learn how to lean into it!

Sending love and support to all the new mamas out there. There is nothing in life sweeter than this baby coming your way. You’ve got this!