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When you first find out you are pregnant and get to work on your baby registry it is easy to put all of your focus into the first year and particularly the newborn phase.
This is a huge mistake!
I am sorry to be the one to tell you that your baby is going to grow up,
If you only purchased items for the newborn phase you are going to be hurting later.
Let’s take a look at what items from my baby registry we are still using 18 months later with a toddler.
Original Baby Items
These are items we received at our baby shower or purchased ourselves during pregnancy. These are our original items that we are still frequently using today.
These are the items you want to invest in!
- Diaper Bag
- Stroller
- Diaper Caddy
- Bows
- Hangers
- Monitor
- Blankets
- Crib Sheets
- Crib
- Bath Toys
- Bath Kneeler
- Bath Towels
- Wash Cloths
- Body Wash
- Plates
- Bowls
- Spoons
- Forks
- 2 Silicone Bibs
Some people may have thought it weird when I wanted to get eating utensils for a new baby, but I knew I would appreciate having those items when the time came to use them.
I strongly suggest you put items on your baby registry that will stand the test of time. Don’t invest heavily in items that only last the first 6 months.
Upgraded Items
These are the items we did not register for but could have. They are additional items that we frequently use with our 18-month-old.
- Kitchen Booster Seat
- Car Seat Upgrade
- Clothing in Larger Sizes
- Socks
- Shoes
- Hair Brush
- Toys
When we created our baby registry we thought about including some of these items but decided not to for storage reasons primarily. We also did not get them new because some we were able to find second-hand. The booster seat we use in our kitchen was purchased off Facebook marketplace for around $20.
We chose to buy it when we needed it rather than store it for 9 months until we needed it. This is simply a personal preference.
When it comes to upgraded items you can take advantage of birthdays and holidays.
You don’t necessarily want to store toddler toys from birth. They will get them throughout the years.
These are items you could initially register for or keep in mind for gifts down the road.
We used these items DAILY for our toddler!
Retired Baby Items
This is my friendly reminder of the list of items you will quickly retire.
I did not own all of these items because I realized the waste.
For example, we did not go the bassinet route. After trying one that we borrowed for a couple of nights we switched to the crib. Check out my full article, Why Baby Bassinets are an Absolute Waste of Money.
Some of these items, though retired, are not regrets. I loved my Moby wrap and infant car seat. I have no regrets about those purchases.
Let’s take a quick run through of some common baby items that will be retired by the time your baby is 18 months old.
- Bassinet
- Infant Car Seat
- Bath Tub Insert
- Bottles
- Breast Pump
- Wrap Carrier
- Structured Carrier
- Swaddles
- Activity Mat
- Door Frame Jumper
- Swing
- Lounger
- Bumbo Seat
- Bouncer Seat
These are the items that have a short life. They are often quite expensive and bulky items as well. For more information on these types of items, you can check out my post on The Most Expensive Large Baby Items: Are They Worth the Investment? and Instead of Buying a Baby Swing Give Your Baby the Freedom to Move.
Conclusion
Today I didn’t touch on every single baby item. I hit the main ones and the frequent fliers.
The point of this article and these lists are to make you think about the longer-term items you will use and need. And to rethink the short-term items.
Put your money and the money of your friends and family members into items that are going to stand the test of time.
Make the most of your registry.
Check Out My Articles
The Top 16 Baby Products Every New Parent Needs: A Handpicked Selection
Is the Graco FastAction Fold Jogger Travel System Worth the Investment?
The Vava Baby Monitor Review! Why We Still Like It Two Years Later!
4 Benefits of Introducing the Hatch Night Light While Still in the Baby Crib