Everything I Never Knew I Always Needed

When I was pregnant and terrified (more on that later) I felt overwhelmed registering online for baby stuff. I didn't feel ready in so many ways and not having the appropriate supplies on hand, or even in mind, didn't help. I didn't know where to begin, so I asked around and stalked my pregnant friends' registries. Ultimately I learned through trial and error.

I made mistakes (I thought burp clothes were superfluous), but I also had a knack in some areas (I knew I didn't need to buy a special "diaper bag"). In early mamahood I texted my mom friends constantly to learn what was working for them (gas drops) and what had recently been recalled (natural teething gel). When a pregnant friend recently entered nesting mode and asked for registry suggestions, I put together the below list. Here are my current recommendations, based on research and personal use by me and my people: