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When people make a baby registry, the focus is almost always on the baby—we’re talking clothes, diapers, bottles, and everything else. But what (often) doesn’t spring to mind is the recovery and healing phase. That part after childbirth, when your body needs time and extra support to figure things out. As a first-time parent, you should prepare for this period by adding postpartum essentials to your baby registry. In this article, we’ll dive into why these items matter and which ones are actually worth including.
Why Postpartum Items Actually Belong on a Baby Registry
Babies get all the attention once they arrive, and that’s completely natural. However, new moms are often left by the wayside. After giving birth, the body goes through huge changes—soreness, bleeding, and exhaustion. That’s why adding postpartum items to your baby registry is so important. These TLC essentials can make those first weeks easier to deal with.
Recovery Support Helps Parents Feel Prepared
The main reason to add these items to your list is to help you feel prepared. Parents must learn to adjust to their new state of being after childbirth, and naturally, pregnancy and caring for the newborn can be very demanding on both the body and the mind. In fact, some parents may feel like they aren’t getting enough time for themselves.
Postpartum is a complex and critical recovery plan that needs maximum attention. Having an effective and supportive plan can enable parents to feel prepared and less overwhelmed with the recovery process. This emotional encouragement enables them to focus on their own recovery, as well as looking after their new arrival.
Baby Registries Are Becoming More Parent-Focused
Modern baby registries are becoming more pragmatic, with parents’ recovery items taking center stage. Baby registry trends show that the number of items parents include in their lists is increasing. Interestingly, the most affected areas include postpartum recuperation and parental confidence.
It makes perfect sense that more parents are registering products that make their lives less stressful after childbirth. Products like birth recovery items and breast pumps are dominating the list. In short, parents are prioritizing essentials over pretty (yet maybe unnecessary) nice-to-haves.
Essential Items Worth Adding to Your Registry
A postpartum list can feature as many items as you like. However, some items come in handy more than others. Here are some of the must-haves:
Belly Wrap
Pregnancy places a significant strain on the back and muscles, and it can take months for the body to recover. You can support the recovery process by registering for a professional-grade belly wrap, which provides abdominal compression and lower back support.
Postpartum Underwear
Bleeding is almost guaranteed, whether you give birth naturally or through a C-section. Make sure to include high-waisted postpartum underwear in your list. These garments can effectively soak up blood, making you feel comfortable. They’re also super soft and skin-friendly.
Cotton Breast Pads
Your breasts are also likely to leak, whether or not you’re breastfeeding. To maintain hygiene, consider adding some cotton breast pads to your baby registry. These reusable pads are soft and breathable. They also won’t stick to your sore nipples.
Iron-Boosting Tea
Most new moms experience frequent fatigue after childbirth due to loss of blood. That’s where nettle leaf tea (the iron-boosting tea) comes in. This herbal tea is rich in iron, which can help with the formation of red blood cells. You can drink it daily until you start feeling better.
Postpartum Care eBook
No one bothers to hand new parents a manual after childbirth. However, you can easily register for a postpartum care eBook, which covers topics such as recovery, mental health, and childcare.
Baby Items that Double as Postpartum Support
Some baby items are surprisingly helpful for parents too, offering comfort during postpartum. Below are some items that should feature on your list:
Baby Carrier
Baby carriers not only allow moms to have their hands free but also provide close contact with the baby. Most carriers can support mothers for months as their babies grow and develop. The infant can face towards or away from you, depending on your (or their!) preference.
Breast Pump
Breast pumps allow parents to pump milk and feed their child later. This makes them ideal for mothers who prefer not to breastfeed or those with busy schedules. They can also be handy for moms who are shy about breastfeeding in public.
Soft Swaddles
Swaddling involves wrapping the baby in a soft cloth to keep them warm and prevent Moro reflexes, and it also allows babies to feel secure while sleeping. Make sure to add high-quality swaddles to your registry.
Teething Toys
Babies reach new milestones quickly. Most of them start teething between 4 and 6 months. Consider buying food-grade silicone teethers to provide them with instant relief from sore gums. A peaceful and quiet child reduces parental stress.
Changing Pads
Your baby care list shouldn’t be complete without adding changing pads, which provide a comfortable and hygienic space for changing diapers. The raised edges make them safe to use on the go by preventing the baby from rolling.
How to Add Postpartum Items to a Baby Registry the Right Way
New parents may be excited to add everything to their registry. However, always have a clear path to ensure you don’t register unnecessary items or leave out essentials. Below are a few tips for you:
Mix Baby Items with Parent Essentials
As parents prepare for the baby’s arrival, they must prioritize their own recovery. Childbirth can take a toll on the mother’s physical and emotional well-being. So, creating a holistic registry is crucial in caring for both the parent and the child.
Keep a Variety of Price Points
Including items at different price levels can help accommodate every budget. It’s wise to add a mix of lower-priced items and mid-range essentials, then round out the list with a few higher-priced items that cost maybe $100 or more.
Use Notes to Explain Why Certain Items Matter
Enhance your registry with clear notes that explain why the postpartum options are included on the list. This way, friends and family can understand the importance of parental recovery after childbirth. Remember that most first-time parents don’t know what’s needed postpartum. So, use the notes to explain why some items are vital for healing.
When Postpartum Items Might Not Belong on a Registry
There are many must-haves to add to a baby’s registry checklist, but you can also afford to pass on some options. For example, an expensive diaper bag may not be a worthy investment, as realistically, you only need something simple to carry your baby’s things around.
Wipe warmers may also sound fancy and tempting to add to the registry. However, they can be pointless. The wipes can dry out quickly inside it, which defeats the purpose. Your baby can also get used to warm wipes and throw a fit when outdoors.
Another item that may not belong on the list is a changing table, which can be costly and take up space. The reality is that parents change diapers throughout the day. You won’t need to go to the nursery every time to do it. Just change the diapers where it’s most convenient.
Sample Postpartum Registry Checklist
It can be overwhelming to put up a postpartum registry checklist. So, to help you get started, below is a sample with the must-haves:
- Organic nipple cream to prevent cracks and irritations.
- Crossover nursing bra for seamless breastfeeding at any time.
- Women’s undergarment pads with maximum absorbency.
- High-waisted cotton underwear for 24/7 comfort.
- Handheld peri bottle that gently sprays water.
- Nursing pad to shield your nipples from the bra.
- Breast pump to maintain food supply after returning to work.
- Belly wraps for reducing back pain and providing gentle compression.
- Swaddle blankets for comfort and peace of mind.
- Sleep bags for restful nights without the risk of overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should Be Included in a Baby Registry?
A baby registry should include all the essentials that new parents will need. It covers all the things you’ll need for bathing, clothing, sleeping, and diapering. The list can also include medical must-haves and nursery furniture.
What Not to Include on a Baby Registry?
A baby registry shouldn’t include shoes because newborns won’t need them anytime soon. Also, avoid splurging on expensive items like an infant bathtub or changing table. Plus, avoid buying loose bedding, which can cause suffocation.
Should I Put My Breast Pump on My Registry?
Yes, you should add a breast pump to the registry if you plan to breastfeed the baby. Breast pumps are hugely helpful for moms, as they relieve pressure, allow for milk pumping and storage for later use, and give your partner the opportunity to feed your newborn, too.
What Do People Forget to Put on a Baby Registry?
Most parents forget to include a diaper pail to contain the fumes and a snot sucker to clean out the baby’s nose. Nail clippers are also essential additions to the registry—newborns' nails can grow super fast and need frequent clipping to prevent scratches, and stop dirt and grime from getting stuck.
Thoughtful Registries Prepare Parents for Postpartum Recovery
Your baby registry plays a bigger role than you think. The whole idea of postpartum items is to place more focus on the recovering mamas. A well-cared-for mom will be in the right physical and mental state to attend to the newborn in the best possible way.
As you build your checklist, explore the essentials from Loulou Lollipop to help create a registry with the best baby products. This brand offers top-quality newborn products, including muslin swaddles and warm sleep bags with two-way zipper designs. Add the cutest essentials to your registry today.