The Top Baby Items I Regret Not Having On My Baby Registry
(a.k.a. the things I swore I didn’t need… until I did)
When I was putting together my baby registry, I told myself I was going to keep it simple. No unnecessary gadgets, no clutter, just the basics. But as every mom eventually learns, the “basics” look a little different when you’re running on two hours of sleep.
Here are the baby items I wish I’d registered for from day one (and ended up buying later anyway).
1. Bottle Sterilizer
What I wish I knew:
Everyone told me, “You don’t need one” “it’s unnecessary” “just wash by hand!”
And I believed them… until I found myself exclusively pumping for the first three months of my daughters life.
Even though I thought I was going to be exclusively breastfeeding, she said nope, I’m not taking the tatas. It was a learning curve to say the least. As much as you want something, the baby has control.
Washing and sanitizing pump parts multiple times a day while you’re newborn-tired? Absolutely not. The sterilizer became a total sanity-saver. You just toss everything in, twist a knob, and it does the work for you. No more boiling everything for 20 minutes or washing it by hand for hours!
What I love:
- Saves serious time (and mental energy)
- Dries everything too — no wet bottle parts sitting out
- I still use it for toddler cups, snack containers, and teethers
2. Interactive Baby Play Gym
What I wish I knew:
I originally picked the cute, aesthetic play mat because it looked perfect in photos. But was it worth the aesthetics? Not so much.
When I switched to an interactive play gym that grows with your baby, it changed the game. It encouraged movement, curiosity, and independent play and it was actually one of the only places by baby boy started rolling over. He always had the biggest Smile on his face when I put him down on this! And one of the best parts as a parent? The piano is actually soothing. No annoying kid toys noises.
What I love:
- Grows with baby through multiple stages
- Actually keeps their attention
- Neutral colors still fit my slow-living vibe
👉 Shop the play gym we love [here]
3. Nighttime Feeding Light
What I wish I knew:
I thought I could “make do” with my phone flashlight or a bedside lamp. Spoiler: I could not.
Those middle-of-the-night feeds are blurry enough without blinding yourself or waking the baby up completely. This little tap-on, tap-off light gives a soft, warm glow that’s perfect for 2 a.m. chaos.
What I love:
- Tap it twice to turn on/off with no fumbling
- Gentle light that won’t disrupt sleep
- Rechargeable and portable (perfect for the hospital stay, too)
4. Rotating Car Seat
What I wish I knew:
We only registered for the standard infant travel system and thought we were good. But when it came time for a toddler seat, we quickly realized that we wished we would have added it. Save that mula, ya know? We started with the standard upright 5-in1 grow with me, yada yada. And don’t get me wrong, it was really nice. But, it always took forever getting her in and out. And as she grew, it became even harder. We ended up trading it in for the rotating car seat and I’m so glad we did! It is a million times easier.
No more back-twisting, awkward angles, or trying to buckle a toddler who suddenly hates car rides. (seriously, my daughter got car sick in the standard one)
What I love:
- Swivels toward you & saves your back
- Secure, comfy, and grows with your child
- One of those “how did I ever live without this” buys
5. Baby Bouncer
What I wish I knew:
I didn’t think I needed a bouncer… until I realized sometimes you just need somewhere safe to put the baby down that’s more than just on a play mat or bed.
Whether you’re cooking, showering, or just trying to breathe for a second, it’s a lifesaver. My baby loved being able to see what I was doing, and I loved having free hands. Plus, the bouncing movement was an added bonus. We started with a cost effective one but I found it to be cheaply made and I didn’t like the way my baby’s neck was sitting, so we traded it in for a little pricier one, but so worth it. I felt safe and she loved it.
What I love:
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Baby stays happy, you stay sane
- Minimal design that doesn’t scream “baby gear”
Motherhood has a way of humbling you and teaching you that convenience isn’t indulgent, it’s essential.
If you’re putting together your registry, think about your future self: the tired, slightly delirious, coffee-fueled version of you. She’ll thank you for every shortcut that makes life a little easier.
**As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are my own, and these are items I personally bought, used, and genuinely love.
