10 Unsung Registry Heroes That Make Life After Baby a Little Easier
At this stage in the game, you probably already know the big-ticket items to add to your registry—think: car seat, crib, stroller. All of these are must-haves, of course, but they’re also know-to-haves. That’s why we’re putting the products that don’t always get the credit they deserve front and center. Keep reading to discover practical picks that will make all the difference day-to-day as your family grows.
Friends and family can help make sure your diaper stockpile never runs low when you add diapers to your registry. This way, your loved ones will know exactly what you need and want before they click “add to cart.” Designed with sensitive baby skin in mind and offering up to 100 percent leak-proof protection, Pampers Swaddlers are the number one choice of pediatricians* across the country. Not only are they super-soft and absorbent, but they also have a wetness indicator so you’ll know when it’s time for a change. Pro tip: Since babies grow and develop at different rates, we recommend registering for larger diapers as well as the newborn size, so you’ll be covered no matter what!
*Based on a 2024 survey of US and Canadian pediatricians.
Pampers Swaddlers, from $40 for 136 diapers
Whether or not you’ve taken all the classes or read all the books, you’ll quickly become a swaddling pro once your little one arrives. We recommend swaddling with soft, lightweight muslin blankets because they stretch easily and don’t tend to overheat baby. Plus, they’re master multitaskers. Use them as a stroller cover, sun shade, nursing cover, makeshift tummy-time spot, an on-the-fly changing mat or emergency burp cloth—you name it, these muslin swaddle blankets can do it. And registering for a multipack will allow you to stash one in your diaper bag, a few in the nursery, one in the car (not to mention, a few will probably be in the laundry at any given time).
Buy it: Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets (pack of 4), $60; Target.com
Pacifiers can have a soothing and calming effect on babies. Philips Avent Soothies adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics standards and are made from hospital-grade, BPA-free silicone—in fact, they’re commonly used in hospital nurseries and often sent home with parents. It never hurts to have some extras, though. This four-pack is designed for babies up to 3 months and they’re dishwasher-safe for quick and easy cleaning.
Buy it: Philips Avent Soothie pacifier, $11 for a 4-pack; Target.com
Save your future self the headache of chasing down abandoned binkies—and sanitizing and re-sanitizing them—by adding PaciGrips to your registry. With a sturdy clasp that gently grips clothing and a universal loop that’s compatible with all types of binkies and soothers, baby’s pacifiers will stay put.
Buy it: BooginHead PaciGrip Pacifier Clip Holder (pack of 2), $7; Target.com
A good humidifier is a must for any nursery, but not all humidifiers are created equally. In fact, some designs are more susceptible to mold and bacteria than others. Canopy’s Bedside Humidifier is one of our favorites thanks to anti-mold technology that generates filtered, hydrated air, while UV lights kill 99.9 percent of pathogens in the water. Bonus: It’s easy to clean and the parts are dishwasher-safe. And for maximum convenience, you can enroll in Canopy’s subscription service for new filters delivered to your door.
Buy it: Canopy Bedside Humidifier, $159; GetCanopy.com
Packing your team up for an away game is no small feat—that’s why we love this next pick. Save the space and weight that a full package of wipes adds to your diaper bag with this slim, portable dispenser that can be opened with one hand. Just fill it with your favorite wipes, like Pampers Sensitive Wipes, and you’ll be on the go in no time.
Buy it: OXO Tot On-the-Go wipes dispenser, $10; Amazon.com
If you plan to breastfeed, you’ve probably been advised to invest in lanolin cream, nipple shields and nursing pads, to name a few. And while you’ll be glad to have those things in your arsenal, this pick may not be as obvious. These little therapy packs are designed to provide comfort and relief for sore, tender breasts. Use hot therapy to relieve clogged ducts and mastitis or cold therapy to help with engorgement. Trust us, these little packs go a long way.
Buy it: Lansinoh Hot and Cold Breast Therapy Packs, $12; Amazon.com
Baby’s first foods might feel far away, but once your little one arrives, they’ll be achieving milestones in the blink of an eye. And veteran parents can attest, when the time comes, you’ll be on the search for any kind of gadget or gizmo to help contain mealtime messes. Enter: OXO Tot Roll-Up Bibs. Each bib has a wide silicone pocket to catch dropped food and stray crumbs, plus a soft fabric section with a tug-resistant Velcro closure to protect against spills and splatters. Best of all, they’re machine-washable and easy to wipe clean and fold up into themselves for travel.
Buy it: OXO Tot Roll-Up Bib 2-pack, from $20; Amazon.com
No one wants a sick baby on their hands, but it’s better to be prepared, right? However… sucking the snot out of baby’s nose with a manual aspirator is a rather unglamorous task. That’s why we recommend this electric one from Braun—it takes the dirty work out of the job with adjustable suction levels and nozzle sizes to safely vacuum out stubborn boogers and buildup. Another perk? It’s The Bump’s pick for best baby nasal aspirator.
Buy it: Braun Nasal Aspirator, $47; Target.com
Calling all parents: This chair will be a gift for you as much as it is for baby. A bouncer is the perfect spot to put baby down when you need a hands-free moment. The rocking motion has a soothing effect on newborns (up to 2 years), and the Bouncer Balance Soft is naturally powered by baby (read: battery- and audio-free). The machine-washable fabric seat distributes your little one’s weight evenly, and three adjustable positions provide optimal support for baby’s back, neck and head as they develop.
Buy it: BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft, $210; BabyBjörn.com
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