Registry? I need help!

I know I've seen this topic before... I was wondering if you veteran moms can help me out with what to put on my registry.  It seems like a lot of these lists that places provide are really just to make you spend money on stuff you won't ever use.

What are the things that you use all the time and can't imagine life without?  I am a minimalist and I don't like to have a bunch of "stuff" just taking up space and collecting dust.  (Not to mention, I live in a small condo and don't have a whole lot of storage space.)

Thanks in advance for your help! :)

If I had to say TOP 5 things I couldn't live without.

1. SWING (will give you much time to do chores and it sometimes quiets a fussy baby)
2. Boppy Pillow (great if you breastfeed too)
3. Pack N play
4. Highchair (one that goes ontop of a regular dinner table chair and that reclines)
5. Playmat/Gym (great something to put on the floor so baby can have lots of tummy play and helps strengthen their necks and arms while entertaining them at the same time)

There's much, much more, but if I had to choose only 5 those items would be it.

~~Gina

Good suggestions! I've got all of those covered. Thanks!

Obvious stuff:
-Car seat
-Stroller

Stuff I found I absolutely needed:
- Aden & Anais Swaddle blankets (or any muslin swaddle blanket)

- A safe place to put the baby down so you can shower- Bouncy seat, swing, pack n play. Some babies love swings, some hate them so you may not want to invest a ton in something you don't know if your baby will enjoy.

- A good breast pump if you plan to breastfeed. Check with your insurance company because this can sometimes be covered by  insurance if your OB or Pediatrician writes a prescription for one.

- Boppy pillow!!!! (again if you plan to BF, this is a must) Ask for a couple replacement covers too so you can have clean ones while one is in the wash

- Diapers. Mostly register for size 1, babies grow out of newborn size diapers really fast and more than likely the hospital will send you home with a ton of them

- blankets, burp cloths, washcloths. If you have a baby shower you'll get a ton of these even if you don't ask for them. Seriously people LOVE to gift these because they're cute and cheap.

-Maya wrap/ baby carrier- I love my Baby Hawk and Maya wrap- when my twins were tiny, it never failed that one of them would want to be held constantly and having a carrier meant I could hold her and still get stuff done around the house

- baby first aid kit. Register for a nice one with nail clippers, a brush, nasal aspirator and all the bells and whistles.

Fun stuff-
-Baby activity mat for tummy time

-socks, hats, cute clothes

-Bumbo chair- you won't need this until the baby is about 4-6 months old, but you'll love having it. These things are great!

-High chair- again something you don't need right away, but still nice to receive. I love the Fisher Price Space Saver high chair! It's awesome

Wow, thanks for the thorough list!! This is going to be really helpful!

Pack n play
swing (they make ones that plug into the wall now)
vibrating bouncy seat
burp cloths & bibs
waterproof mattress protector
playpen sheet
diaper bag
contoured changing table mattress & covers
bottles (if needed)
baby bathtub
size 1 diapers

Personally, when I see someones baby registry and they have mostly big ticket items, I think it makes them look greedy & unprepared. Breast pumps, nursery furniture, things like that I think the parents should buy. Especially with the furniture prices being what they are now. I never used a diaper genie, have heard mixed reviews about them. Or ask for GC's. Have fun.

You sound a lot like I was, I don't like all the extras that people think they need. I think it is easier to tell you what I didn't use or need. I did not use the pack and play at all. Maybe it is something you would like to use when your baby starts crawling buy why have it laying around for the first 6 months if you don't really need it. I don't like diaper genies. Invest in scented 1 gallon garbage bags or even ziploc bags for diapers and throw away your garbage daily. The thought of a poopy diaper being in the genie for a week or more gives me the shivers. Also the giant sausage that comes out makes me not want to eat sausage again.

We used a cradle and didn't even need a crib for many months, with my daughter Savannah she never fit in newborn and we only had newborn clothing. For our next children we bought mainly 3 month and 6 month clothing. The cute newborn outfits will only last a few weeks or at the most 2 months and if you have 30 outfits. Plus you want your baby to be comfortable and if you are like me you only use infant gowns and sleeper the first month or so.

If you are having a large shower and need to register for items, you might consider putting size 2 diapers on your resistry. Good luck! My niece is pregnant and she is having a "green" baby LOL so it is very interesting some of the things she will be buying.

I gotta say, your sausage comment made me want to hurl! LOL!!!! We're going to attempt to use those g-diapers and see how we like them. At least the insert is flushable.

I agree with the newborn stuff... I think I'm practical in that I'd like a variety of sizes. When they're newborns, all you want to put them in are their cozy little onesies anyway. I'm not the type to dress my kid up if she's just laying around. Haha.

Things I loved or hated...I did not read all the posts, but these are things I learned....

If you are going to use formula or have to stir any liquids I highly recommend a "mixer" 
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3754175

You do not need $8 bottle brushes BRU has a 2 pack that works great and they are cheap 4.99! 

You do not need a wipe warmer they dry out and if you are at home and then go out baby is used to "warm" wipes. LOL

If baby is born in winter I loved my bundle me by JJ Cole a lifesaver because blankets fall get kicked etc! 

Buy one kind of binky try it then if they don't like it buy one kind at a time, also request samples from companies look online for samples etc. I wasted too much on binkys! She liked one kind :)

I LOVED Playtex drop ins, also only open one kind of bottle at a time you never know what baby will like or if you have a gassy baby certain bottles are better. Playtex is a good price, decreases gas and I love the liners.

Steam n Clean bags you can find at walmart they are reusable..no more sterilizing with a pot n water throw in microwave and sterile!!!

Invest in a diaper bag that you LOVE make sure you carry it around and pack it to make sure you like it.

The Mommy hook OMG lifesaver I have 2 on my stroller to hand things from and they hold like 50lbs...the cheap plastic ones break super easy I went through like 8 of them finally got my Mommy hooks the metal ones http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3336550

Have 2 medicine packs one for diaper bag one for house use Generic Tylenol, Generic Gas X and eventually oragel, Motrin and teething tabs will be added. I keep my "pack" in a Ziploc and the dosages are written so that other caregivers know what to give.

travel system for sleeping babies car to store, store to car, car to house etc!

if you have two levels then a pack n play works great we had a travel one that she just now is outgrowing at 16 months it still works but not much rolling room.

a bathtub you don't need a fancy one just a nice small basic one works, actually we use the sink a lot!

I set up a diaper changing area on our main level with a changing pad and a basket with diapers, wipes, destin, lotion etc so its easy to change her on the main floor too.

Okay that turned into a book sorry I hope that it helps and sorry for my spelling etc, life with a toddler :)

See? This is why I'm glad there are people like you on this board! I would have never even thought of half of this stuff! It's great to know what's been tried and tested! Thank you so much!!