Episode 12: The Girlfriends' Guide To Creating A Baby Registry
Creating a baby registry is one of the most overwhelming tasks for soon-to-be-parents. In this episode, we're talking about our favorite registry items, the things we registered for but never used, and strategies for finding products that work for your unique personality and lifestyle. We also chat about some of our favorite brands, the ongoing search for the perfect stroller (#facepalm), and why BabyList is the best baby registry on the planet. Plus, you'll get to eavesdrop as Ashlee, Lesley, and April learn a lot of new facts about each other (one of them uses pacifier wipes, gasp).
Show Notes
As promised, here's a comprehensive list of everything we talked about on this episode, broken down by podcast host & personality. For more baby registry ideas, check out the Hello Baby Guides and C+C product recommendations.
Ready to create your baby registry? Head over to BabyList, where you can register for any item from any store.
Ashlee’s personality:
Minimalist, loves neutral and modern products, willing to spend more money on things that will last through multiple children. Clutter and/or neon colors make her hyperventilate. Values good design and pretty aesthetics, brand recognition, items that are compact and don’t take up too much space. Doesn’t give a crap about germs (or baby-proofing, oops), generally a laid-back parent, favors recommendations from friends over online reviews. Always willing to borrow obnoxiously large baby items that kids only need for a short time (I’m lookin at you, exersaucer).
Favorite brands: Puj, Aden + Anais, Zoli, Solly Baby, Ergo, 4moms, Lily Jade, IKEA
Willing to spend money on: rocking chair, pretty diaper bag, rockaRoo, good breast pump
Not willing to spend money on: expensive baby clothes, high chairs, fancy crib bedding
Clockwise from top:
Aden & Anais burpy bibs / Zoli gum massagers / Puj Tub / Summer Infant Swaddleme Infant Wrap / Lily Jade Diaper Bag / Solly Baby Wrap / Fisher-price booster seat / Nursing Nightgown (Ashlee & Lesley have this one) / Marpac White Noise Machine / Boppy
Other products we loved the first year: Hooter Hiders nursing cover, rockaRoo, Halo Sleepsack, video monitor (ours is really old and unfancy, but this one looks amazing), Burts Bees bath products, Gap baby clothes, Babysoy knot hats, Medela Pump n Style, RH baby hooded towel, RH baby security blanket, IKEA baby gym
Current stroller: Double Bob (we keep it popped open in the garage and use it to walk around the neighborhood -- I can only load it into the car after a protein shake.)
Lesley's personality:
Spends lots of time outdoors—at the beach or on the running trail—and loves to travel. She appreciates pretty and fashionable baby products, but function and price point are usually more important when making her purchasing decisions. Shops with the idea that each product needs to last for multiple kids, and likes when an item can serve multiple purposes. She appreciates items that work for small spaces and can be easily stored...bonus points for anything that will keep her notoriously sick children healthy and/or ensure they take a nap (hello Rock ‘n Play!).
Favorite brands: Aden & Anais, Ergo, private Etsy sellers, Gap clothing, Bob
Willing to spend money on: Strollers, cute baby bedding, white noise machine, comfortable baby carriers, anything that allows for easier travel/adventure seeking
Not willing to spend money on: bedroom furniture (Ikea for the win!), full price baby clothes
Clockwise from top:
Humidifier / Play Mat / Little Giraffe lovey / Ergo / Rock n Play / Nuk Pacifier / Doorway Jumper / Aden & Anais blankets / Linen Ring Sling (Lesley’s is handmade, but we love Sakura Bloom & WildBird) / Baby Tent (perfect for the beach!)
Other products I love and mentioned: The Bob single stroller, Covered Goods, Snap N Go stroller
April’s personality:
Gravitates toward classic style with an edge (see: black leather diaper bag) and shops by the motto better no space than sorry. Is easily wooed by 5 star reviews, regardless of price (hush Dave Ramsey). Loves thoughtful design that blends style and they-thought-of-everything function. An admitted germaphobe with the dry hands to prove it: her grocery cart cover has to hold pacifier wipes. Surprisingly(?) described as a mellow mom.
Favorite brands: private Etsy sellers, Pottery Barn kids, Kickee Pants pjs and play wear, Melissa and Doug toys, Skip Hop, Boon, and basics available on Amazon Prime: Aveeno bath products, Huggies diapers and wipes.
Willing to spend money on: nearly anything ingenious, nursery decor, baby/kids clothes that will stand the test of time (jackets, a handful of high quality pieces that are too cute to pass up and won’t be worn to play outside), comfortable baby carriers, products designed to help babies sleep
Not willing to spend money on: cribs (love you Restoration Hardware, but I’d rather see you in the living room), organic linens, every teething toy under the sun (#TeamTylenol)
Clockwise from top:
Freshly Picked Moccs (Kajsa lives in these) / Boon high chair / EZPZ silicone placemats / Babylit books / The Honest Company Soothing Bottom Wash / Nose Frida / Tranquil Turtle sleep soother / Electrik Kidz baby gowns / Pink Banana teether / Skip Hop utensils
Other products I love and mentioned: Fawn Design diaper bag, Dr. Brown’s pacifier wipes, Bumbo Multi Seat, 4moms (our mamaroo and tub are well loved), HALO Swivel Sleeper Bassinet
p.s. Stroller that is winning me over after years of torment: Peg Perego Book for Two
Other miscellaneous show notes:
Ashlee's rant about nursing bras
Brands that sell pretty nursing bras (via the comments on Ashlee's post) - Bella Materna / Cake / The Dairy Fairy / Hot Milk
Birchbox is a fun little luxury to gift a new mom (or add to your BabyList!). Other ideas for momma: housecleaning, meals, nice water bottle, Amazon gift cards, fancy undereye concealer, pretty nursing bras or nightgown.
Lesley and April love their grass drying rack.
April is totally going to splurge on car seat toys for her next baby.