My Favorite Baby Registry Must-Haves at 4 Months Postpartum
My Favorite Baby Registry Must-Haves at 4 Months Postpartum From a first-time mom and registered dietitian with a moderately “crunchy,” health-conscious, and practical approach.
From a first-time mom and registered dietitian with a moderately “crunchy,” health-conscious, and practical approach.
As a new mom and dietitian, I wanted to share the baby products that have truly made life easier these first few months postpartum. I lean moderately “crunchy”, meaning I care about low toxin, quality items, but I’m also all about practicality and balance. My goal was to share not just a list of links, but why these are the things I genuinely love and use daily! The Amazon links are affiliate links, which earn me a small commission. Using the links is like buying me a coffee and giving me a hug for taking the time to put together this blog — greatly appreciated as a small business owner!
I built our baby registry through Babylist and loved that I could keep it private (to protect our address) while still getting helpful weekly emails, exclusive discounts, and an easy way to organize everything from multiple stores.
A Heart Reminder Before We Dive In
Before reading through the items that have worked well for us and helped make this big life transition a bit more seamless, I want to offer a gentle reminder:
It’s easy to get caught up in finding the “best” or “lowest toxin” products — and while it’s wise to be intentional about what we bring into our homes, we can rest knowing that God is sovereign. We live in a broken world where there’s no such thing as perfect health or zero risk, whether we lean more conventional or holistic in our choices.
At the end of the day, we cannot mess up His plans. Our role is to faithfully steward the baby He’s entrusted to us — His child — and to walk this journey leaning on His strength and grace each day!
Newborn Feeding & Nursing Essentials
Stylish, breathable, and lightweight — perfect for discreet nursing on the go and also can be used as a snuggly blanket!
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
When my milk first came in, a friend dropped off her extra (unused) Medela hand pump, and it was a total game changer. I was dealing with serious engorgement and hadn’t figured out my electric pump yet. The manual pump helped me transition smoothly from hand-expressing colostrum to pumping milk comfortably. I still reach for it when I need quick relief, am on the go, or don’t want to use my full pump. Some moms even prefer it over an electric pump altogether!
Silverette Nursing Cups
These little silver cups are worth the hype—especially during the first two to four weeks postpartum. I made the mistake of not registering for them so I didn’t have them to use right away, but once I did, they brought so much relief from soreness and irritation in the early days of breastfeeding. Silver has natural antimicrobial and healing properties, which makes these a gentle, non-toxic way to protect your nipples between feeds.
After the first couple of weeks, they became less essential for me, but I’d still call them one of my top early postpartum must-haves.
Earth Mama Booby Tubes
Along with the Silverettes, I found warm and cold therapy incredibly helpful—especially in those early weeks of breastfeeding when your body is regulating milk supply and adjusting to the constant feeding rhythm.
The Earth Mama Booby Tubes were helpful to have on hand. They’re made with organic cotton and filled with flaxseed, offering a non-toxic, natural option for breast comfort. I used them warm to encourage milk flow and ease that full, achy feeling when my milk first came in. While they can be used cold, I personally preferred keeping them for warm therapy and having separate cold packs in the freezer.
You can purchase (or registry) for them bundled with Earth Mama’s nipple butter here.
Momcozy Ice Packs
For cooling relief, the Momcozy Breast Ice Packs were great to have ready to go. I kept a set in the freezer so they were always available when I needed quick relief from engorgement or tenderness.
Using both together—a warm option like the Booby Tubes to help with milk flow and a cold option like the Momcozy packs to calm swelling—was an effective way to support breastfeeding comfort and recovery in the postpartum phase.
I prefer the Boon TROVE Milk Collectors over Haakaa or Lansinoh. They stay in place better, are easy to clean, and make transferring milk simpler — perfect for catching let-down without the frustration of slipping or spills. I was able to use them to collect and express enough milk my first time away from Benjamin for 8 hours (I went to a Detroit Lions game the day he turned 4 months old, they won!!!)
Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths
You really can’t have too many burp cloths! The Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths are soft, absorbent, and hold up well after tons of washes. I’d recommend having at least 15–30, depending on how often you want to do laundry or how many rooms you like to keep them stocked in.
These were my go-to for nursing, burping, and just keeping handy anywhere baby was — because the spit-ups always happen when you least expect it!
Mom Care & Postpartum Essentials
Postpartum recovery is a journey—your body is healing, hormones are shifting, and you’re learning a whole new rhythm of life (and sleep!). These are a few items that supported my comfort and recovery in those early weeks.
Milk Moon Postpartum Tonic
The Milk Moon Postpartum Tonic was a staple in my early postpartum recovery. This herbal blend is designed to support hormone balance, mood stability, and overall replenishment during the postpartum months.
I took it twice a day for the first month or two and am still taking it once daily at four months postpartum. It’s been such a gentle, nourishing way to help my body and hormones recalibrate naturally — and to support steadier energy and mood through the ups and downs of new motherhood.
Nipple Creams:
My personal favorite. I love that it comes in a stick form, which makes it easy and mess-free to apply. It felt the most soothing and gentle on sore skin and is made with simple, natural ingredients. I also found their Milk Flowin’ Salve useful for helping work out clogged ducts.
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream – The classic choice. It’s very thick and basic but gets the job done, especially if you’re pumping frequently and need a strong barrier to reduce friction.
Earth Mama Nipple Butter & Motherlove Nipple Cream – Both are herbal-based options that are nourishing and offer gentle plant-based support for healing. I liked both, but they did stain a few of my pajamas—so keep that in mind!
It can be helpful to try a couple of different types since everyone’s skin reacts differently, especially with frequent nursing or pumping.
Postpartum Meal Prep & Support
One of the best things I did before baby arrived was a little freezer meal prep and stocking up on easy, nourishing snacks for nursing. Having ready-to-heat meals, simple one-handed options, and plenty of high-protein snacks made such a difference in those early, sleep-deprived weeks.
I also can’t recommend a meal train enough — a friend graciously organized one on our behalf! Having loved ones drop off meals or gift delivery credit took so much pressure off and allowed me to truly rest and focus on recovery (and feeding the baby!).
Even a little prep ahead — a few freezer soups, energy bites, etc — goes a long way in making postpartum life feel more supported and less stressful.
Blessings, New Mom: A Women’s Devotional by Ellie Hunja
I found this devotional online in the middle of the night when I was up breastfeeding and it ended up being a wonderful companion to keep on my nursing cart for encouragement!
Nursery Favorites & Sleep Essentials
Crib
We went with the DaVinci Hunter Crib — a Babyletto sub-brand that offers the same quality at a lower price point.
Mattress
The Naturepedic Organic Breathable Baby Crib Mattress (2-Stage) was one of my most important registry items. It’s organic, non-toxic, comes with a washable cover, and we were emailed a 20% off promo code through Babylist, which saved on cost.
Tip: you can note on your babylist registry the promo code to save your shoppers! (or other preferences/notes)
Sheets
Burt’s Bees Baby Sheets (for both crib and bassinet) are organic cotton, soft, and super affordable — we have a few sets and love them.
Baby Monitor & Mount
I almost didn’t register for a video monitor but bought one on sale and I’m so glad I did! We chose the Babysense MaxView 5.5” Monitor — non-WiFi by choice to avoid potential hacking and because remote viewing just wasn’t something we needed. It’s clear, easy to use, and gives peace of mind during naps and nighttime.
We paired it with this portable camera mount for an overhead view without needing to drill into the wall.
We added a mobile as he got more curious with looking at things! Mounted with the wooden mobile arm.
Sound Machines
We started using sound machines more consistently around three months (intermittently before then) and they quickly became a helpful sleep association for naps and bedtime. We found that gentle music or lullabies worked better for our little one than plain white noise.
Yogasleep Dreamcenter Multi-Sound Machine
This has become our go-to for bedtime! It offers multiple sound options (including lullabies), a soft nightlight, and an easy interface. A great addition once baby starts connecting certain cues with sleep.
We use this portable one outside the nursery if there’s noise in the house while he’s sleeping. It’s lightweight, rechargeable, and great for naps on the go or travel.
This playlist worked a few times for helping him fall asleep and has become a tool we use regulating to cue naps time or even have turned on in the middle of the night to help him fall back asleep during growth spurts/frequent wakings.
Storage & Organization
I love the Guidecraft Two-Shelf Storage Unit, made with GREENGUARD Gold Certified wood. We’re currently using it in the closet to keep toys, bath items, and other baby essentials organized, but it’s versatile enough for any area of the nursery or playroom. So much modern furniture feels cheap or is made with heavy chemical processes, so finding a quality, low-toxin option like this was important to me. There is also a Three-Shelf version!
Bamboo drawer dividers from Amazon help organize rolled onesies.
I also use cloths bins in deep dresser drawers that I found at the Dollar Tree (for $5 each) to make it easy to toss in and store pajamas without folding. Target sells similar ones at a higher price point.
Clothing Storage Bags
We used these storage bags to keep out-of-season baby clothes and overflow items organized and out of the way. They’re inexpensive, roomy, and helped free up dresser space while his wardrobe grew quickly.
Shelving
These floating nursery shelves can be hung either direction and look great styled with books or keepsakes (photo to come!).
Nightlight
This portable nightlight has been so handy for middle-of-the-night feeds and diaper changes — it’s easy to move around and gives off just the right amount of light.
Rug & Pad
The Pottery Barn Kids Starry Skies Rug and rug pad were important to me for being non-toxic and soft underfoot — a cozy, safe addition to the nursery.
Recliner
Our biggest investment in the nursery was our La-Z-Boy recliner, and it’s been completely worth it. The power recline, adjustable lumbar, and head support make such a difference for comfort during long nursing sessions or contact naps. It also has a rocking base (and we could have opted for a swivel as well, but did not due to our smaller space.) It was definitely worth the cost for something I’ve used daily and it will be used in our home beyond the years in the nursery. We also considered the Babyletto and Nurture& that have similar features.
Humidifier
We have the Canopy Humidifier, and I love that the parts are dishwasher-safe and the design is anti-mold, which makes maintenance so much easier. I later discovered that there are stainless steel/plastic-free options like the CarePod, but what we have works great and was around $100 vs $275.
Diapers & Wipes
Before our diaper party, I went down a deep-dive rabbit hole researching alllll the things diapers. I learned a lot (and drove myself a little nuts in the process, lol). The biggest takeaway? You really do have to try a few — even different sizes within the same brand can fit differently! Like so many baby items, there are so many options, but focusing on what’s most important to you (nontoxic materials, leak protection, softness, price, etc.) helps narrow it down.
Diaper lingo 101: Total Chlorine Free (TCF) means no chlorine or chlorine derivatives were used in the bleaching process, while Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) uses chlorine dioxide but avoids elemental chlorine gas (an obsolete process). Honestly I got pretty hung up on this and it really has more of an environmental impact than safety/health risk.
Top Diaper Favorites
Coterie – Super soft, ultra-absorbent, and made total chlorine free (TCF) and with transparent ingredients. Excellent for overnight or heavy wetters. They’re definitely on the pricier side (~$0.60 per diaper). I honestly didn’t want to love these — they’re mostly sold online (though now I know also at Whole Foods!) and are heavily promoted by influencers, which can sometimes feel a little icky — but they really are great.
Kudos – Great also TCF option with 100% cotton touching baby’s skin. A little less absorbent than Coterie but a better price point (~$0.45diaper, closer to $0.30 with a subscription). They are also sold at Target, which is more accessible. View options on my Amazon storefront.
HealthyBaby – These are backed by the EWG and are also TCF and made with organic cotton (bougie!). I love the material and they had good absorbency, but tend to run a little smaller (~$0.50/diaper).
Pampers Pure – Readily available, soft (feel similar to Millie Moon, see below), and good leak protection. The above diapers did not have a true leak guard. There are not truly “toxin-free” but free from fragrance and made without elemental chlorine bleach (ECF) (~$0.35–$0.45/diaper).
Huggies Little Snugglers – Fragrance- and paraben-free, ECF and fit well. A funny note: when my little one is weaing them in the baby carrier sometimes the honeycomb liner leaves a slight imprints on baby’s bum, which makes his already precious bum look like a little bee hive, hehe! (~$0.30–$0.40/diaper)
Other brands we tried:
Millie Moon – Felt soft like Pampers Pure and a great price (~$0.30/diaper), but we had multiple leaks and the straps seemed really short. People seem to love them or hate them so they may be worth trying a small pack!
Honest Co. – I did like these diapers in the newborn size, but the larger ones began to leak and also they aren’t very soft and have a lot of color/dye, which is unnecessary to me. (~$0.40/diaper)
Hello Bello — similar to Honest Co, but a little softer and more absorbent. I just don’t love how colorful and dyed they are. ($0.25-0.50/diaper)
Regular Pampers (free from the hospital) – Worked fine, but I preferred fragrance-free options later.
Bottom line: every baby is different — what works for one family might not for another! Definitely factor in your budget, what’s most important to you, and be open to trying a few options!
Tip: Target lets you return up to $100/year items without a receipt (of items that they sell the same brand/quantity) so if you’re gifted diapers that don’t work for you you can return them this way for a merchandise credit to get what will work better! I believe Walmart and other stores do this also.
Favorite Wet Wipes:
Ironically the top two were not my favorite diaper brands, but are my favorite wipes!
Honest Co. – Thick, durable, and gentle. Our most-used! (~$0.04/wipe)
Millie Moon Sensitive – Affordable and very comparable to Honest, just slightly thinner. I actually like the texture on these a lot too for wiping. (~$0.03/wipe)
Kudos & Coterie Wipes – Luxurious thickness and clean ingredients, but not essential for the higher price tag. (~$0.05–$0.06/wipe)
Others we tried:
Kinder by Nature – Loved that they’re biodegradable, but they were too thin and didn’t dispense easily, so I ended up using more per change. (~$0.05/wipe)
Burt’s Bees Sensitive – These have aloe, which made them feel soapy/”lotiony,” which I didn’t love (~$0.05/wipe)
Tip: Target often runs great sales on diapers and wipes (especially with bulk deals or Target Circle offers)!
Honest Co. Organic Cotton Washcloths (Pack of 10)
I tried to be minimalist with the Burt’s Bees pack of 3 (which are comparable material and quality), but quickly realized we needed more! Especially when Benjamin had a goopy eye for a week and I was frequently washing it. The wash clothes are soft and durable.
Diaper Rash Care
Thankfully, we haven’t had any full-blown diaper rashes — and I think acting early has been key! At the first sign of redness, I use Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream, and it works so well. It’s thick, protective, and helps clear irritation quickly.
While some of the more herbal, natural options smelled great, they just weren’t as effective for us. Triple Paste is also EWG Verified, which gave me extra peace of mind about ingredients.
Diaper Disposal
I was torn on if an expensive “diaper genie type trash can was woth it and I really love this option we found. The can seems to lock in any smell (at least before solids, iykyk 😅), and the continuous roll design lets you change bags often without wasted plastic, then cut and tie as needed. The pale and refill bags are made with 70% recycled materials too!
Tip: on-the-go it can be help to keep some dog poop bags in the diaper bag for messy diapers if there’s not a trash can nearby. I use Earth Rated non-scented.
Changing Pad
We were given the Keekaroo Peanut Changer as a hand-me-down, and I’m so glad we have it over a traditional pad and cover. It wipes clean easily — no extra laundry or changing messy covers! It’s made from a waterproof, non-porous material that resists bacteria and doesn’t absorb fluids. We put it right on our dresser and have a 3-tier utility cart with stocked diapers, wipes and other essentials in lieu of a changing table.
Baby Skincare & Health
I used Evereden Baby Face Lotion myself during pregnancy and still use it postpartum at night. For baby I used it on his whole body as a newborn and now use it on his face and use Attitude Baby Lotion on his body. I’ve used Evereden baby shampoo and body wash, Crunchi baby bar of soap and Dr. Bronners baby soap and like them all. Highly recommend fragrance free options!
Momcozy All-in-1 Elite Baby Kit
I haven’t had to use everything in it yet thankfully, but love the electric snot sucker (vs the frida one that people suck with their mouth), the teether mit has been a favorite and it comes with great essentials!
Carlson Super Daily D3 drops for baby
I also have alternated with using Dr. Green Mom Vitamin D3 + K2. Infants don’t necessarily need K2 to help absorb vitamin D, whereas once children are eating solids consistently and not exclusively breast or formula feeding D3 + K2 can be beneficial!
Swaddles/Wearable Blankets & Soothing
From our first night home, our little guy was very unhappy if he couldn’t reach his fingers! Which it turns out some OTs are now starting to recommend not swaddling baby’s arms down for reasons related to safety, motor development, and self-soothing. I’m not the expert here, but something worth considering — and as always, doing what works best for your baby!
Favorite Wrap Swaddles
Aden + Anais Muslin/Organic Cotton Swaddle
Same company as Halo, and worth the price for a pack. We got one that matched the colors of the name banner in his room, which makes me so happy! Soft, breathable, and perfect for everyday swaddling — and doubles as a light blanket or nursing cover.Copper Pearl Knit Swaddle Blanket
A thoughtful gift from friends with two kiddos, and it quickly became a favorite. The stretchy material makes it easy to do a tighter swaddle if he’s having a hard time settling down (we still leave arms free).HALO SleepSack Swaddle
A classic choice! We found it ran a little large for under 8 lbs. Perfect once baby fills out a bit more!
For cooler nights, this sleep bag has been such a cozy, high-quality option. The bamboo fabric is buttery soft, and the 2.5 TOG weight keeps baby warm without overheating — ideal for transitioning out of the swaddle or layering for fall and winter. I got one for half off with a promo code through the Shop app.
Loved that it’s made from organic cotton and allows for either arms-in or arms-out use. The dual zipper makes nighttime diaper changes so much easier.
These are perfect for newborns, especially in the summer when it’s too warm for pajamas and a swaddle. The knotted bottom makes diaper changes easy, and the soft, breathable fabric keeps baby comfortable without overheating. A simple, practical, and adorable option for everyday wear!
Tip: make sure to get seasonal appropriate! I registered for fleece newborn swaddles and our baby was born in June… oops! Also consider the temperature that you keep your house at and reference TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) charts.
Clothing Tip: For newborns, it’s often easier to choose zippers (especially 2-way), magnetic closures, or onesies/gowns with buttons at the top. These give a wider opening to slip over their head—or you can put their legs in first—making diaper changes and dressing much less fussy! We were blessed with so many hand-me-down clothes that I’ve hardly bought any! A few of my favorite brands are: Kate Quinn, Burt’s Bees and Tiny Kind.
Baby Gear Favorites
Car Seat & Stroller
We love our Nuna MIXX Next Stroller and Nuna PIPA aire rx Car Seat. Unfortunately they have gone up in price since purchased from our registry, but at the previous price both were worth it for their quality.
We chose this set because it fits our lifestyle best right now, rather than planning for a “grow-with-you” option (which many people understandably opt for). The stroller’s lay-flat seat was great once baby hit about 2–3 months, but it wasn’t a full bassinet replacement for the newborn stage. Like the Mockingbird Stroller—which we also considered—the bassinet is sold separately. That’s something I might reconsider next time, and I’d definitely recommend looking into the Mockingbird for a more affordable option! I have multiple friends that have it and love it!
Features I love on the Nuna MIXX Next Stroller:
Adjustable height of the push bar
Bar between the back wheels makes it easy to pop up over curbs or bumps
Smooth, one-handed steering (super helpful with navigating doorways!)
Although it’s very easy to fold down and get the seats in and out one feature that the Mockingbird has over the Nuna stroller is that you can fold and unfold the Mockingbird with just one hand.
Features I love on the Nuna Pipa aire rx carseat:
Lightweight and has a nice deep seat and comfort features
Fabrics are naturally flame-resistant without extra flame-retardant chemicals and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified
Sky drape™ cover for privacy and extended coverage from the sun
FYI — while Nuna car seats are compatible with most stroller brands, Nuna strollers only work with Nuna seats.
Momcozy Stroller Organizer: This is a universal stroller caddy featuring 2 insulated cup holders, multiple zippered pockets, a detachable wristlet, and adjustable straps that fit most strollers. It keeps essentials like bottles, wipes, phone, wallet all in one spot.
Carrier with Excellent Back/Lumbar Support
I bought the LILLEbaby Complete All-Season Baby Carrier for its top-tier back and lumbar support. It distributes baby’s weight evenly and is certified Hip-Healthy. The comfort makes wearing back for naps and while out and about enjoyable rather than painful! It’s also super easy to put baby in and take out.
Babywearing Wraps
I used both the Solly and Moby wraps during the 0–3 month stage. The Solly is lighter, stretchier, and perfect for those early newborn snuggles, while the Moby is thicker and a little more supportive feeling. Both are great for the early days but I transitioned to the LÍLLÉbaby as baby grew and felt it was easier for quick on and off.
NUK Bottles
We introduced NUK bottles around 2.5–3 weeks, once breastfeeding was well established but still early enough that he accepted them easily. They’ve worked well for occasional bottle feeds, and the nipple design seemed closest to the natural latch, helping avoid any nipple confusion. Our SLP friend also approved!
Favorite Toys
It’s been so fun watching our little guy start to engage more and more with his toys — and these have been some of our favorites from the early months!
This teething mit has been a hit for soothing sore gums and helping him explore textures safely. It’s easy to clean, stays on tiny hands, and is perfect for those early chewing phases. He also never took a pacifier, but this has helped him soothe to sleep at some naps! One came in the Momcozy Elite Baby Kit.
He’s loved this since about two months old — kicking the piano, batting at the toys, and now using it for tummy time and early sitting play. It’s a toy that truly grows with them, and we’ve used it daily.
A fun sensory toy that’s great for tummy time or soothing entertainment in the car seat. The gentle lights and music hold attention just long enough for some peaceful playtime (or a much-needed coffee break!).
Toki Standard Organic Cotton Play Mat (pictured above)
We’ve loved this mat for its quality, soft design and thickness. Perfect for tummy time, rolling practice, and creating a cozy play space that blends well with our living room decor. We waited for this item to go on sale and used gift cards towards it since it was a higher price.
View more recommendations directly on my Amazon storefront. Thank you again for shopping through my links to support me as a small business owner as I support you!