4 Things You Need to Add to Your Baby Registry

If you’re expecting, you’ve certainly thought about what you’ll need when you bring home your little bundle. There are the necessities like diapers, a car seat, a stroller, and a crib. There are the adorably irresistible clothes (so tiny!). And then there are the essentials: experiences that will help nourish and care for you and your body—don’t leave these out!

While you’re making your baby registry checklist, whether this is your first or your fifth, be sure to include ways your friends and family can provide support for you just as much as for your baby. 

If you’re curious how to add some of these to your baby registry, check out platforms like The Flourish Fund that make it easy to search for providers in your area. 

Baby Registry Essentials for New and Experienced Mamas

Prenatal Support 

No need to wait until the baby comes to start cashing in on your registry goodies. Add any of the following to your registry for support leading up to your due date. 

• A birth class- checkout birthsmarter.com (Baby Booty members get 10% off!)

• New parent support group - if you’re based in Maine check out birthroots. If you’re in NH we recommend Relief Parenting. MA parents check out NAPS. 

• Prenatal massage- if you’re based in Portland, Maine check out K Bunten Massage, Centreboard Physiotherapy and Massage and Portland Prenatal Massage. 

• Spa treatment (make sure it’s prenatal approved!)

Care for your Body

Exercise classes can be one of the best ways to care for your body, while you’re pregnant, after you give birth, and when you’re caring for an infant or toddler. Bonus, you’ll get to connect with other parents who are at the same stage as you!

• Prenatal exercise - take time to center yourself, calm any anxieties, and practice calming breathwork before the baby arrives. Did you know Baby Booty has prenatal-specific classes in Portland?! 

• Postnatal exercise - focus on regaining strength and coordination, or stretching out those tight muscles after hours of breastfeeding.

• Baby and Me exercise - pursue exercises that make you feel good while connecting with your baby at the same time. 

• Family-friendly exercise - have older ones at home already? An environment where all ages are welcome will be fun for your kids and supportive of you and your baby.

Shameless plug! Baby Booty has classes for all of the above. The best part is you can bring yourself and your family to any class! We welcome all children up to age 4.

Check out your first Baby Booty class for FREE in Maine or NH with code NEWSTUDIO23

Postpartum Health and Healing 

There are many services you’ll want to take advantage of during the postpartum period - AKA “The 4th Trimester”. Depending on your labor, delivery, and how you feel after giving birth, you may want to lean heavily on some of these services more than others.

A postpartum doula can serve as a great resource for new parents. Check out the Flourish Fund to find a doula in your area. 

• Postpartum doula - we love Peaceful Song Doula and North Light Newborns 

• Postnatal massage 

• Pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) - we love Root to Rise if you’re in Portland, ME. 

• A postpartum support group

Resources for Your Family 

Anything you can take off the never-ending to-do list will help you spend more time bonding with your new baby. Getting support from as many friends and family members will provide you with more time to rest and recover. 

• Food delivery or meal prep service

• House cleaning service 

• Diaper cleaning service (if you choose cloth diapers) 

• Date night for you and your partner 

• Activities, classes, or babysitting for any older siblings 

Where Should I Start My Baby Registry?

There are a few popular sites where you can start a baby registry, like BabyList, Amazon, MyRegistry.com, or Buy Buy Baby. Some stores (like Target or Walmart) also have a registry option. 

No matter where you decide to start your registry, be sure to read the fine print and look for deals! Some places will give you discounts on products like diapers and wipes if a certain percentage of your registry items are purchased. 

You can always start more than one, change them at any time, and give friends and family a wish list that’s not connected to a particular registry site.