Baby Registry Regrets: The Must-Have Items I Wish I Had Added

Trust me on this one: A collection of BPA-free silicone feeding supplies becomes your mealtime MVP when your little one enters the messy world of solids. The suction-bottom bowls and plates actually stick to the table (goodbye, food acrobatics), while the deep-pocket bibs catch everything from pureed sweet potatoes to teething-biscuit crumbs. Best part? The whole set is dishwasher-safe and stain-resistant, so you won’t waste precious naptime scrubbing off baby food splatters.

Don’t make my rookie mistake of letting your living room turn into a baby obstacle course. This sleek playpen became my sanity-saver once my little one started rolling and crawling – it’s lightweight enough to move between rooms but sturdy enough to contain a determined explorer. The neutral design won’t make your space look like a daycare center, and it folds flat in seconds when you need to reclaim your room.

The Frida Baby Ultimate Baby Kit is packed with all the essentials you didn’t know you needed. This bundle includes 10 products, such as a snot-sucking device, thermometer, ear and nose picker, nail clipper, teething tools, a pacifier with a built-in medicine dispenser, and more. You just don’t realize how essential these items are, until you’re up in the middle of the night trying to relieve your baby’s congestion. I highly recommend this as a gift — it’s aptly called the “kit with the sh*t you’ll actually use,” which couldn’t be more accurate.

This Italian-made gem grows with your baby through the toddler years, with a reclining seat and adjustable heights that make feeding sessions way more manageable. The easy-clean tray that detaches for sink-side clean-ups, and its fold-up design, are the cherries on top.

One thing I wish I’d registered for is the larger size of Dagne Dover’s backpack-style diaper bag. The medium is great for your first few months, but as my baby has grown and our outings have become more elaborate, I’ve realized that I need extra space for snacks, toys, and other essentials.

This bag has all the thoughtful details you need: a portable changing mat, dedicated pockets for diapers and wipes, zip sections for pacifiers and teethers, and even slots for bottles. The neoprene fabric is a breeze to clean, and the bag comes with straps to attach to your stroller. Let me say this one more time: Go for the large size.

Once your baby starts crawling, leaving them in a baby bouncer while you wash bottles or prep food is no longer an option. That’s where this jumper becomes a game-changer: It’s the perfect upgrade for this stage, featuring light-up sounds, dangling animals, and playful music to keep your little one entertained. (At least until they’re ready for their next adventure.)

If you’re like me and will be making the rounds to visit family out of state, this travel crib is a must-have. It folds up neatly into a backpack (it’s small enough to bring onto the airplane as your main bag), making it easy to carry. The aluminum frame makes it super sturdy, and there’s a side zipper door that’s perfect for when your little one starts crawling, so it doubles as a play yard, too. What I love most about it, though, is how soft the mattress is, and the breathable mesh paneling makes it easy to keep an eye on the baby.

You might not think to register for a convertible car seat, but once your baby outgrows the infant seat, you’ll be glad you did. This one is a marvel, thanks to its 360° swivel feature, making it so much easier to get your little one in and out without the awkward bending and twisting. With 10 adjustable positions, advanced side-impact protection, and a no-rethread harness, it grows with your child while keeping them safe and comfy on any excursion.

This sleep sack is a must-have in multiple sizes because babies quickly outgrow their swaddles and smaller sacks, and having larger options ensures uninterrupted, safe snoozing as they grow. The Kyte Baby bag, made from ultra-soft bamboo rayon, is perfect for delicate skin and maintaining the ideal sleeping temperature year-round. With features like a double zipper for easy diaper changes and a calming colors, it’s designed to keep little ones cozy. If only they made it in adult sizes…

I first discovered the Baby Brezza automatic formula dispenser through Katie’s daughter Ellie’s article on her favorite baby products. (Our boys were born just a month apart!) Now that I’ve used it, I can’t help but wish we’d had one of these when my son switched to formula. It’s a lifesaver, with automatic features and adjustable temperature settings for perfect bottles every time. Just a quick tip: Make sure to regularly clean the filter with a paper towel to prevent formula buildup, which can affect the accuracy of the dispensing.

Okay, you may not have to register for this — but I promise that setting up an Amazon auto-delivery will save your sanity. Here’s the deal: I once texted my sister-in-law (mom of four, aka a pro) in a full-on panic about how to salvage clothes after a diaper blowout. Her best hack? This OxiClean spray. Just spritz it directly on stains (even up to seven days later — though I wouldn’t push it), toss the clothes in the wash, and voilà! Stains gone. I don’t know how it works; I just keep it stocked.