baby registry
April 14, 2023
How to Build a Baby Registry that Reflects the Parents as Much as the Newborn
by Sarah Hollingsworth, Founder of Poppylist
Building a baby registry that reflects the parents as much as the newborn requires careful consideration for the future, but how would a first-time parent know where to start?
I’m Sarah, the Founder of Poppylist, a simplified baby registry platform that helps first-time parents build a baby registry with second-time wisdom. And that wisdom means ensuring the new parents are represented on the baby registry just as much as the newborn— if not more.
Is it selfish to add products to a baby registry that aren’t for the baby?
Let me clear—no. It is not selfish. It’s smart. Traditionally, the primary purpose of a baby registry is to provide useful and practical items for the baby's care and well-being. But how can new parents be expected to provide the utmost level of care for newborns if we aren’t caring for ourselves, particularly the mother?
This is my first baby, so how will I know what to add that will help us both?
It’s no surprise that you will have a lot to adjust to, and there are a variety of products that can help make your transition into parenthood a little bit smoother. Here are some common products that will support the new parent and ones I wish I had registered for the first time around.
- Baby carrier: A baby carrier can allow parents to keep their baby close while also freeing up their hands for other tasks. We love the Babybjorn Mini or a classic wrap, like Solly Baby.
- Newborn sleep consultation gift card: For expectant parents and parents of babies 0–4 months, we recommend adding the First Five Months Bundle gift card from Taking Cara Babies to your baby registry.
- Diaper bag: A spacious, well-organized diaper bag can make outings with the baby more manageable. Try the Everyday Diaper Bag Backpack by Huhu or the Fanny Pack Diaper Bag by Kibou.
- A clothing subscription: If there’s one thing a veteran parent knows, it’s how quickly babies grow out of (and never use) clothes. A bundled item like The Snuggler from Rent a Romper means you’ll never waste your baby’s wardrobe since the subscription model grows with your little one.
- A few cans of formula: I know, I know, but hear me out! The pressure we put on ourselves to nurse and the pump is insurmountable. If you can have a few formula cans on hand just in case, you’re giving yourself grace and freedom to offer your baby a bottle on nights when you could really, really use a long(ish) stretch of sleep. Take a little pressure off yourself, you deserve it! We love this US Organic Infant Formula by Bobbie.
What should I add to my baby registry for myself, the new parent?
- Postpartum care products: After giving birth, you’ll experience many symptoms like bleeding and hormone imbalance, and it’s easy to become nutrient deficient if you aren’t paying close attention to your hydration and food intake. Here are a few products that can help aid in those areas:
- Personal care products from Femly
- Hot & cold packs from Private Packs
- LMNT hydration packets
- The First Forty Days
- Mid-Day Squares for protein
After my first daughter, I wrote about, "The 25 Best Postpartum Products," for a new mom, so you’re welcome to take a look at those here:
- Meal delivery services: Cooking meals may be a challenge in the early days of caring for a newborn, so adding meal delivery services or gift cards to your baby registry can be a tremendous help.
- Sleep aids: New parents may struggle with getting enough sleep, so sleep aids such as earplugs, eye masks and white noise machines can be helpful.
- Comfortable clothing: New parents may spend a lot of time at home caring for the baby, so comfortable clothing such as lounge pants, loose, button-down pajama shirts and slip-on shoes, or house slippers can be helpful. Your postpartum body will be thankful for comfort! If you want to splurge on one item of clothing, take a look at this loungewear dress by Sleeper. I didn’t take this dress off for months, and it’s the perfect outfit to feel “put together” in when you have to visit the pediatrician’s office or make a quick run to the grocery store.
As we know, creating a baby registry can be an exciting time, and I’m so excited for you to prepare for the arrival of your little one! While it may be tempting to focus solely on items for the baby (hello, tiny socks and matching outfits!), it's important not to forget about mom and dad’s needs, and I hope this article gives you a good idea of what you’ll need.
After all, a happy and well-rested parent is better equipped to care for their baby. By adding items to your baby registry that caters to your comfort and well-being, such as breastfeeding supplies, postpartum care items, and even a date night gift card, parents can ensure that they are taken care of during this special time in their lives.
Happy registering!
Sarah