The fact that I found the act of creating a wedding registry difficult is now laughable, as I stare choosing baby essentials in the eyes. It’s daunting, as you literally have no idea what you will need. If you read one book, it’s necessary to have X, Y, and Z, but according to another book, those items are all frivolous. As a minimalist (I seriously hate clutter), I will always lean towards the side of too little rather than too much. When I found NYC blogger Annie Dean’s “The Baby Essentials” post, I swooned. It’s exactly what I had been looking for. A concise list that states everything I do and do not need for Baby Petrovic. It’s an excellent read for all expecting mothers, and her recommended list of things to buy is extremely helpful. I know for a fact I will be referencing this while building our baby registry. Click here to read her commentary and browse through her suggestions below.

Strollers and Carriers

• Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller special edition with all-black hardware and neon wheels
• Maxi Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat & Adapter for Bugaboo
• Bugaboo cup holder
• Stroller Hooks by Think King
• Baby K’Tan Sling in black (sized for mom)
• Stokke Baby Carrier
• Sheepskin Rug to line stroller (or for many other uses)

Play

• Skip Hop Acitivity Gym
• Sassy baby mirror
• Skip Hop Stroller Toys
• Sophie the Giraffe
• Metrocard and a taxi handknit rattle
• ABC blocks from Land of Nod

Sleep

• Bassinet
• Sheet Savers (one set of 2)
• Crib
• Crib Mattress
• Crib Bumper
• Fitted Crib Sheet
• Moses Basket
• Crib Skirt

Bathtime

• Baby Sponge liner
• 1 really cozy towel (like Shinzi Katoh, available in-store at ABC Carpet & Home – great gift!)
• 1 hooded towel
• 1 pack cheap washcloths
• Weleda Baby Calendula Creme Wash
• Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo
• Burt’s Bees Baby Oil
• Aveeno Calming Moisturizer

Diapers & Changing

• 1 jumbo pack Pampers newborn diapers (Sasha and I are going to sign up for The Honest Co. monthly delivery!)
• 1 jumbo pack Pampers size 1 diapers
• 1 jumbo pack Seventh Generation wipes (unscented)
• 1 patemm pad
• 1 storage caddy
• Triple Paste (or other diaper rash cream)
• 3-4 packs Better Basics Burping Cloths

Clothing & Blankets

• 1 Kissy Kissy footie (newborn size)
• 1 Baby CZ gown style PJ (0-3)
• 1 pack Carter’s white onesies (short or longsleeved depending on the weather)
• 1 pack Carter’s printed onesies
• 1 pack Better Basics Swaddle Blankets
• 1 pack Aden & Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets
• 1 cashmere blanket
• 1 Nature Baby for J.Crew hat
• 1 set of Etiquette Socks

Breastfeeding & Bottles

• A free double electric breast pump from your insurance company (gobama!)
• 2 4oz Avent bottles & newborn natural nipples
• MAM Infant Pacifiers
• Lasinoh disposable nursing pads (jumbo pack) & soothing nipple cream
• Lasinoh breastmilk storage bags
• Medela cotton nursing pads (2 packs)
• Boppy Nursing Pillow (I have and use this but it can easily be skipped; just use a regular pillow)

Mommy Gear

• Lightweight totebag (If you don’t want to spring for the Goyard pictured below, this Joie tote is a great alternative)
• Rickshaw diaper pouch (or 2) (great gift!)
• 1 seamless vneck style nursing bra
• 2 Splendid cotton elastic bras (size large; for proper nursing bras with more support try Elle MacPherson– available in store at Petticoat Lane in TriBeCa)
• Something to use as a nursing cover like this American Apparel Circle Scarf

Miscellaneous

• Babyganics Laundry Detergent
• Babyganics Stain Spray
• Jambox (for use at the hospital for music (Jack was born to a Schubert opera) and as a portable noisemaker in combination with a white noise iphone app, I use ‘Baby White’)
• Happiest Baby on the Block DVD (buy this or request from your pediatrician) – essential lessons for soothing your baby

Featured image via Camille Styles (her gorgeous nursery here!)