Baby registry must-haves, as recommended by a pediatrician

Whether you’re an expecting parent or a friend or family member of an expecting parent, we all want to ensure our babies are safe and have what they need. Creating a baby registry can be an exciting process but can add unnecessary stress.

Today, there are so many products available for babies, so what do you really need for the incoming baby in your life? We asked Cameron Memorial Community Hospital’s own Dr. Susan Frayer, who is a mother of four and is double board-certified in pediatrics and emergency medicine, to weigh in on what exactly you’ll need.

Cameron Pediatrics provides continuous, comprehensive care for children from infants to teens. Our team has experience and knowledge you can trust to guide the health and well-being of your child.

Some of the items Dr. Frayer recommends include:

General must-have items

• Infant car seat
• Baby monitor
• Bouncer
• Playpen

Feeding items

• Breast pump
• Milk storage bags
• Nipple cream
• Bottles
• Bottle brush

There are many ways to approach feeding your child, whether it’s formula or breastfeeding. At Cameron Pediatrics, we wish to diminish any shame surrounding mothers who choose to bottle feed. Ultimately, it’s your decision. 

Bath time items

• Baby bathtub
• Gentle baby shampoo and body wash

Dr. Frayer also recommends fragrance-free and paraben-free shampoos and body wash, such as CeraVe Baby Wash and Shampoo. Babies have delicate skin that’s more vulnerable to irritants and potential allergens that can be found in fragrant products.

Nursery items

• Crib
• Changing table/dresser
• Diapers of different sizes and wipes
• Diaper cream

Dr. Frayer recommends asking for different diaper sizes because babies grow fast and will need diapers for two to three years. Many babies won’t stay in newborn diapers for very long. Weight gain slows after the first four months, and babies tend to stay in size 4 or 5 diapers the longest, so stocking up on these sizes would be best.

Health-related Items

• Emery boards: Note that Frayer does not recommend using nail clippers because they can cut the baby’s fingers. Instead, she suggests using an emery board.
• Rectal thermometer

Dr. Frayer recommends against including certain items on your baby registry. The following items aren’t strictly necessary when you welcome your little one home.

• Crib bumpers
• Wipe warmers
• Walkers
• Teething gel

Are you expecting? For many parents, selecting a pediatrician for their child can be a difficult choice. Cameron’s Pediatric team is here to help make your child’s health and wellness a priority after birth. For more information on Dr. Frayer or Cameron Pediatrics, visit https://www.cameronmch.com/services/pediatrics/