Premature Birth Complications: Short and Long-Term Health Effects

The Most Popular 2024 Baby Registry Must-haves As Picked By Parents

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Building a baby registry from scratch can feel a bit daunting. Above all, you'll want to be prepared with the things you'll need when your little one arrives.

Babylist has put together the ultimate cheat sheet to get your baby registry off to a great start, based on this year's most-trusted baby basics according to thousands of Babylist parents.  A baby registry checklist can help you see what you need and mark it off in real-time (so satisfying!). Armed with this gear, you'll feel confident and better prepared for your new addition.

Need a little help getting started? Check out sample registries for some inspiration from favorite stores like Etsy and Wayfair as well as roundups of different registry types, like if you're adopting, are on a budget, live in a city, or want to focus on eco-friendly products.

What gear to add to your baby registry

An infant car seat

The minute you plan to take baby anywhere—including home from the hospital—you're going to need a car seat. You have two choices for your newborn: an infant car seat (typically designed for baby's first year) or a convertible car seat (this grows with your baby from newborn into their toddler years and beyond). The Nuna Pipa RX Infant Car Seat is a popular pick for its light weight, easy install, extra safety features and good looks.

A bassinet

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents room-share with their baby (but not bed-share) for at least the first six months of life. A convenient bassinet with a small footprint like the Halo Bassinet will help you do just that. The base tucks right under your bed so it doesn't take up much space, and the sheer mesh sides allow you to easily see baby as they snooze, giving you more peace of mind. The two-in-one design converts the bassinet to a portable nest for around the house. See Babylist's picks for the best bassinet.

A baby carrier

Some babies have a harder time transitioning from womb to the world than others. Babywearing mimics the closeness and comfort they once enjoyed on the inside, while allowing you to carry baby hands-free (a lifesaver if you want to get anything done during the day!). The newborn-friendly carrier from Ergobaby combines the softness of a wrap with the structured support of a carrier. It's smaller, lighter, and much easier to get on (a huge plus during those first few months) and can be used until your baby hits about 25 pounds. See Babylist's picks of the best baby carriers.

A stroller

A stroller that meets your lifestyle needs will make life out and about with your baby so much easier. While there's no one perfect stroller out there, there is likely a perfect stroller for you. Refer to this handy stroller cheat sheet if you're looking for some stroller guidance. The Mockingbird stroller is a favorite pick of Babylist parents and editors, as it's super versatile, easy to fold, and sleek-looking. See Babylist's picks of the best strollers of 2024.

What clothes to add to your baby registry

5–10 Bodysuits

Between spit-ups and blowouts, newborns can go through several outfits in a day. Many parents opt for bodysuits for daytime wear because they're easy, comfortable and downright adorable.

4 Footies

Footies—baby bodysuits with build-in feet—are a baby wardrobe staple. They work for daytime, sleep and can even be paired with a swaddle for nighttime in colder climates. Sleep & Play footies from Carter's are well-priced, comfy, and easy to get on and off thanks to the zipper.

2–3 Hats

Keeping your baby's head warm helps them regulate their body temperature. If you're headed outside in cooler climates, or the temp in your home dips at night, have a few hats at the ready. For example, Copper Pearl Top Knot Hats come in several sweet patterns. They're lightweight and breathable so your newborn can stay cozy without overheating.

Knotted gowns are more than just cute—they're an easy, all-in-one outfit for those early days that make diaper changes (and keeping your new baby warm and cozy) a breeze. One example is from sustainable brand Tiny Kind, which includes a gown along with a matching bandana bib, swaddle blanket, and knotted hat. Everything is made from 100% organic cotton so it's gentle on baby's sensitive skin.

3–5 Swaddles

Babies are born with an involuntary startle reflex called the Moro Reflex. Until your baby is three to four months old, you may notice that loud noises (or even bad dreams) will trigger them to throw their hands suddenly in the air, waking them from sleep. Swaddling your baby helps reduce the likelihood they'll wake from startling. While you can master the technique of swaddling with a standard swaddle blanket, many Babylist parents choose the Halo SleepSack Swaddle because its foolproof Velcro swaddle wrap design means you won't have to learn any fancy swaddling techniques to give your newborn a better night's sleep. See Babylist picks of the best swaddles.

6 pairs of socks

While shoes aren't necessary for newborns, you should still consider keeping their toes toasty when you head outside in cooler temperatures or if the temperatures drop while they sleep. We recommend socks that are soft, stretchy, and have skid-proof bottoms.

Preloved baby clothes

Who doesn't love hand-me-downs? Make the most of your fashion-forward friends and ask for gently used clothes. It's easy on the environment and on your wallet as you start to stockpile a wardrobe for baby.

What to add to your baby registry: Diapering

Newborn diapers

While you shouldn't stock up on months' worth of newborn diapers quite yet (babies grow quickly, and some even wear size ones right from birth), you will want to have at least some on hand so you won't be stuck scrambling to the store as soon as baby comes home. Super absorbent and durable, Babylist parents chose Pampers more than any other brand when shopping for diapers. Register for a pack of newborns and size 1s, and consider registering for a diaper fund so gift-givers can help you out with your future expenses.

Wipes

You'll soon find that you can't go wrong with having a stash of baby wipes at the ready in every room of your house. Babylist's gear editor tested 13 different brands of baby wipes and landed on Kirkland wipes as the number one pick. And it turns out Babylist parents love them, too

Diaper cream

Baby wears a diaper 24/7, so a good diaper cream or ointment provides a soothing barrier between their bum and a wet nappy. While there are many diaper creams to choose from, Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream is made from zinc oxide (FDA-recognized and proven to treat and help prevent diaper rash) and has a thick consistency to form a protective barrier between the diaper and your baby's sensitive new skin.

What to add to your baby registry: Feeding

A bottle sampler

You might be among the folks whose baby takes to whichever bottles you choose. Unfortunately, for many parents this isn't the case, and they'll end up trying a few types of bottles before landing on the right one. Arm your registry with Babylist's bottle box, which features five popular bottles so you and your baby can figure out which one works best.

Baby formula

Even if you plan on exclusively breastfeeding, there are a lot of reasons why you'll appreciate having a backup supply of formula on hand. Many breastfeeding parents report that their supply dips occasionally, whether due to illness or hormonal changes (like getting your period). Enfamil NeuroPro Non-GMO is a Babylist parent favorite for exclusive formula feeding, supplementing or for peace of mind for breastfeeding parents.

A few pacifiers

Pacifiers are much like bottles in that your baby is likely going to have a preference, regardless of which one you register for. The Pacifier Box makes it easy to try several brands and styles at once, and you can stock up on whatever your baby likes once they make their preferences known.

10–20 burp cloths

You'll rarely find a new parent without a burp cloth draped over their shoulder. Look for one that's absorbent and has been proven to hold up wash after wash. These are oversized and have six layers of 100% cotton, making them extra absorbent.

We also love Burt's Bees Baby Organic Burp Cloths, which are unbelievably soft and also made from 100% organic cotton, with a tri-fold design that makes them easy to fold and store. See Babylist's picks of the best burp cloths.

What to add to your baby registry: Sleep & first aid

Baby first aid kit

You could build your own baby first aid kit (here's a great list of what to include in a DIY Baby First Aid Kit), or you could save time and hassle and choose a kit instead. The Babylist First Aid Kit was created with pediatric ER doctors, with hospital-grade medical supplies and soothers you'll want for baby's first year, including a nasal bulb, baby nail clippers, a thermometer, and more, plus info on infant/toddler CPR, fever/medication dosing chart, red flags to call 9-1-1 or go to the ER, and step-by-step instructions written by emergency doctors.

A nightlight & sound machine

The womb is a noisy place! It's a bit like being just below the surface of a pond in the middle of a bustling city. It's no wonder why babies find it comforting to fall asleep to white noise or a sound machine. The Hatch Rest Night Light and Sound Machine is a favorite because it does double duty: with the touch of a button on the machine (or using the Hatch app on your phone), you can control light and sounds to help baby fall asleep faster and to help you from stumbling in a dark room. See Babylist's picks of the best baby sound machines.

Infant pain reliever

When the first fever or inconsolable teething pain hits, liquid pain relievers such as Infants' Tylenol Oral Suspension are a pediatrician-recommended staple. The flavors and included syringe make it easy for the medicine to go down. Just be sure to ask your doctor about dosage before giving to baby.

What to add to your baby registry: Bathtime

A baby bathtub

A good baby bathtub gives baby a safe spot to rest while you give them a gentle scrub. If you're looking for a tub with longevity, there are several that grow with your baby. The most popular registry pick is the Skip Hop Moby Bathtub, which grows with your little one from the newborn days into toddlerhood and features a sling to keep small babies safe and snug during bathtime. This exclusive bundle comes with two more favorite essentials, a spout cover and a rinser.

Another favorite is Lalo's Bathtime Starter Kit. If you're looking for a sink insert instead, we like FridaBaby's Soft Sink Baby Bath.

3 hooded towels

While you can get away with using the towels you already have on hand, many parents register for infant towels because they're small and easier to wrap around a little one. Plus, if you plan on washing baby's laundry separately from yours and with different detergent, it's nice for baby to have their own.

5–10 washcloths

Washcloths aren't just for bathtime—you'll find yourself using them post-mealtime, at diaper changes and to clean up the occasional spit-up too. Look for an absorbent cloth that'll stand up to frequent washing and is soft against baby's skin. Burt's Bees Baby Organic Washcloths are smooth on one side and have terry looped on the opposite side so you can customize your clean up.

Baby wash and skincare

While newborns don't require soap or shampoo (a gentle bath with just water works fine!), you'll eventually incorporate a body wash and shampoo (or a combination of the two) into baby's bathtime routine. Look for a mild, moisturizing body wash and shampoo that won't dry out skin or irritate eyes. You may also want to use an ointment or a moisturizing cream if your baby's skin is dry or if you find a short massage calms your little one before bed. Babylist parents love Tubby Todd for the brand's dedication to safe, non-toxic and extra-gentle ingredients. The brand offers a set that covers with all of the essentials—and more—and includes a hair and body wash, an everyday lotion, an all-over ointment and even a diaper paste. See Babylist's picks of the best baby shampoo and wash.

This story was produced by Babylist and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.

Opinion: Kyte Baby Isn't The Problem Here, American Parenthood Is

Editor's Note: Elena Sheppard is a culture writer who focuses on books, fashion, theater and history. Her first book, "The Eternal Forest: A Memoir of the Cuban Diaspora," is forthcoming from St. Martin's Press. The views expressed here are her own. View more opinion on CNN.

Last week, a story went viral after an employee at the popular and pricey children's clothing company Kyte Baby lost her job. The employee, Marissa Hughes, had put in a request to work remotely while her newborn and premature, adopted son was in the NICU. Hughes says that Kyte Baby fired her after she put in the request, even though she had offered to work from the hospital. Kyte Baby told CNN that Hughes had qualified for two weeks of paid maternity leave and needed to sign a contract saying she'd return to her job for at least six months after those two weeks were up. Because of her son's situation, Hughes did not feel she could make that commitment.

Elena Sheppard - Courtesy Elena Sheppard

Kyte Baby CEO and founder Ying Liu, a mother herself, publicly apologized twice on TikTok to Hughes. The first apology — stilted and clearly read from somewhere just off camera — was attacked in the comments ("I love the sincerity of an apology that's being read from a piece of paper," read one comment that has been liked more than 25,000 times so far). So, Liu came out with a second apology later the same day. "The comments were right, it was scripted," she says in her second apology video. "It wasn't sincere, and I've decided to go off script." In the second video, she's markedly less polished and more panicky (according to commenters) as she goes on to apologize to Hughes and the Kyte Baby community, saying, "We need to set the example because we are in the baby business." The more than 15,000 comments on her apology show that customers haven't forgiven. "I'm due in May and I took all your stuff off of my baby registry," one commenter wrote. "RIP KYTEBABY," wrote another. The anger is real.

That anger also reveals the depth of investment many parents make in the brands and fashions they choose for their young children. It's not just about a sleep sack or a romper or a sippy cup — it's an identity and a community. Not for the kids, for the parents. But the bottom line is we are focusing outrage on a company and a CEO's albeit massive misstep, when the real focus of our rage should be the country that affords parents zero parental leave and allows workplace episodes like this to happen in the first place.

To an extent, the individual and group attachments to brands like this make sense. Becoming a parent is a brain scramble. Your identity shifts, your responsibilities grow, your world changes. In tandem with those more existential transformations is the reality that having a kid requires a whole lot of new purchases — clothes, a crib, a car seat, a stroller, diapering accoutrement. For many, myself among them, there is a real trust put into the brands that we choose for our children. In addition to selling items, those brands are also selling a promise that they'll add a hint of control to this totally uncontrollable moment in our lives and that they will help us take care of our children along the way. Tucked into that promise is an assumption that they are pro-parent and pro-baby — a situation like what just occurred at Kyte Baby calls that trust into question.

I first learned about the Kyte Baby incident via a group chat I'm in comprised of parents whose children were born in 2022, the same year as my sons. Many of us had purchased Kyte Baby items for our kids in the past. Everyone was outraged. The situation itself, of course, highlights the perilous family leave situation in this country, and the lack of protections parents of young children face when it comes to parental leave or the need for flexible work conditions. But the broader context for the firing, as well as the backlash, also exposes the messy reality of how baby companies are able to successfully sell a polished version of infancy — and what that says about the parents doing the buying.

Items for sale on the Kyte Baby site right now include bamboo sleepers in "sage" and "dusty rose," and a lovey in "storm" with a removable wooden teething ring; they're adorable. Social media makes those brands and their perfection feel ubiquitous and even attainable, as if all infants to millennial parents are wearing the same pristine, overpriced PJs and playing with the same enriching toys plucked from neatly organized Montessori bookshelves, all of this happening in neutral palette nurseries. It can feel competitive, this purported perfection, and of course it is nothing new. Competitive parenting has existed likely as long as parenting has existed, and adorable clothing and a cohesive décor are simply a way that many play the game.

If you've stumbled upon a mommy blogger on Instagram, or checked out a fashionable friend's baby registry, or have a kid of your own, you've likely seen the currently popular aforementioned baby aesthetic in action: beige (called "sad beige" thanks to a term made viral by online influencers), muted jewel tones, organic fabrics, wooden or silicone toys, delicate prints. A little bit homesteader, a little bit Brooklyn cool.

It's a seductive aesthetic (I've often fallen prey to it), one that in its simplicity seems to promise an ability to control the chaos of parenting through harmonious visuals. It's an aesthetic that is particularly popular with millennial Instagram influencers, and those interested in a gender-neutral vibe. It presents a façade of perfection that is certainly enviable to many parents of young children out there, but also foreign. Instagram: polished children wearing ecru bloomers. Reality: washing poop out of a onesie.

As with all brands, baby brands offer a promise to customers. Buy our item, and perhaps your life will look a little more like our ads. With Kyte Baby, those ads have a splash more color than sad beige but a similar undercurrent of sustainability and polish that millennial parents look for. There is the added expectation that since we are purchasing these items for the most important people in our lives, the companies behind them are both walking the walk and talking the talk — treating their employees with a respect for their family lives, especially when it comes to their children. Kyte Baby's blunder exposed an upsetting truth that brands hardly ever keep the promises they make. That's why social media has been brimming with videos of parents throwing their Kyte Baby products right out the front door.

Here's the thing: We're all adults. We should know that these promises from brands are empty, and perhaps I'm speaking for myself when I say I feel a bit naïve now for expecting more from Kyte Baby. As parents we may feel lost, but that's because here in America we are not given the time or space or safety net to find out who we are in these new roles. We search for identity and sometimes that searching leads us to pricey brands and the illusion of perfection or control they afford us — we want to give our children the best, and Kyte Baby's pajamas are legitimately very cozy. To respond to this Kyte Baby fiasco by throwing out perfectly good baby pajamas defeats the purpose of all of this and only means one less baby is going to sleep in cozy pajamas. We may feel duped by the brand, but the real object of our ire is American parenthood.

As for what's next for the Kyte Baby saga, it's unclear. A GoFundMe for Hughes' baby's medical expenses collected nearly $100,000. Kyte Baby, I must imagine, is, indeed, panicking. This story has laid bare once again the real and systemic issues in this country while also revealing a truth that while these "Instagrammable," deliciously soft, baby items may look perfect, there's nothing about parenting that is. Parenting is a mess, parental leave is a mess, and now Kyte Baby has revealed that, like many other companies, it is a mess too.

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Must-Have Items For Newborn Baby

If you are an expecting mama, you must have started preparing for the arrival of your bundle of joy. After all, there is so much to do! From setting up the nursery to getting maternity clothes, you must have started making many trips to the mall to prep for the new addition to your family.

However, have you started picking up the essential items for your newborn baby? If not, grab these must-have items for your little one to keep them comfortable and healthy from the moment they arrive.

1. Clothing

No matter how adorable they look on the hangers, don't grab fancy clothing for your newborn baby. Their skin tends to be soft and sensitive, so buy rompers, onesies, swaddles, burp clothes, bibs, tops, bottoms, hats, blankets, etc., which are made of 100% cotton. They will be gentle on your baby's skin and won't make them uncomfortable during their nap or playtime.

Also, don't splurge on expensive clothing, as you will be changing your baby's clothes several times throughout the day. It calls for frequent washing, which fancy garments might not survive.

Moreover, their development is rapid in the first few months, so you must buy new clothes every few months and put away the rest to reuse. So, get budget-friendly, comfortable clothes for the apple of your eye and reserve the fancy apparel for them until they are a little older.

2. Diapers and Wipes

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Diapers and wipes are a must-have item for your newborn baby as they go through up to a dozen diapers a day. So, stock up on those diapers and wipes before your bundle of joy arrives. Here is the thing, some diapers can cause rashes on baby bums, which you can cure with a rash cream.

However, to avoid the rashes, talk to your doctor, fellow new moms, and family members with babies for the best diaper brands. You can get trial packs of diapers and wipes to see which suits your newborn's skin. Alternatively, if you are trying to reduce waste and practice a sustainable lifestyle, you can opt for reusable cloth diapers that are comfortable and also save money.

3. Furniture

Photo Credit: Getty Images

A standard-sized crib is a much-needed piece of furniture for your baby. Make sure you buy a durable one that will last long as it can be used until your baby is almost two years old (and sometimes even after that). Also, keep in mind the safety features of the crib while selecting one. Make sure not to keep any stuffed toys, pillows, bumpers, etc., in the crib due to suffocation risk.

However, if getting a full-sized crib isn't possible due to room size and budget constraints, you can get mini cribs or bassinets for your newborn baby. This will allow them to sleep with you in the same room. Remember, although they are great options, your baby will outgrow them within a year.

If you can't spend on the crib, ask your friends or family if they have a spare crib that they no longer use. If budget isn't a constraint, you can consider getting a changing station and a small dresser or wardrobe for your baby's nursery (along with the crib).

4. Travel gear

A durable and safe stroller, car seat, baby monitor, and baby gear are essential items for newborn babies. Don't compromise on these; they will make your life much easier once your little one arrives. Start saving up for them if your due date is still quite some time away. They will keep your newborn safe and comfortable in daily life and while traveling.

5. Health kit

Photo Credit: Getty Images

From the thermometer, bulb syringe, and nasal aspirator to nail clippers and good moisturizer, ensure you get them before your bundle of joy arrives. You don't want to run to the medical store looking for a thermometer at the last minute while your baby has a fever.

Trust us, the fear and panic of your newborn falling sick gets worse if you don't have all the tools you need. Get these beforehand and keep them in a kit for easy access as and when needed (hopefully never, because nothing pains a mom's heart more than seeing their baby unwell).

Coming from a fellow mom, welcoming a baby into your life is as exciting as it is nerve-wracking (especially when you are a first-time mom). However, things get much easier when you have all the essential items for the newborn within reach. If this isn't your first kid, while you might have some items you can reuse, it would be best to list the ones you will need to start restocking, like diapers and wipes, and purchase those before your baby arrives.

The post Must-Have Items for Newborn Baby appeared first on Momtastic.

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