What do I put on my Registry?

This is one of the most asked questions among omphalocele families because of the unknowns like how long will my baby be in the hospital, and will my baby need special medical equipment. If you question should I do a registry the answer is yes! Enjoy preparing for your baby! We have been in your shoes and as omphalocele families we have made a list of registry items we actually used and made a guide for you. This is our personal preferences and you may want to register for some, all or none of these things.

Items in bold are items that can be used in the NICU and hospital.

Printable List
Flat lay of two notebooks, one with a white cover and black polka dots titled 'Enjoy the little things' in gold and yellow lettering, and another with a beige cover featuring gold hearts. An open planner with handwritten expenses, and a pink and purple pen with a clear cap are also visible.

Gift Cards

Bath Items

  • Diapers (likely size 2 and up, the hospital provides while in the NICU)

  • Wipes (hospital provides but we could bring our own preference)

  • Baby bathtub/seat

  • Baby shampoo/lotion (hospital provides but we brought our own)

  • Diaper pail and refills

  • Bath toys

  • Washcloths 

  • Towels

Baby Care & Travel

  • Stroller/Travel System

    • Strollers that can have a bassinet/seat/car seat are great for O babies especially if you have a Medical Carseat

  • Carseat

    • Wait and see if your surgeon suggests a Jefferson car seat before purchasing, some hospitals will provide it through a grant or O warrior can help

  • Car mirror/video

  • Baby Carrier

    • Some O babies can be worn in a carrier or sling; it just depends on each child.

    • Also suggest the Tush Baby 

  • Swing (some hospitals have a mamaroo or like that, if none are available ask if you can bring your own in)

  • Activity Center

For mom

  • Items for C-section recovery 

  • Diaper Bag

  • Hospital Bag

  • Baby book

  • Baby Milestone cards/blocks (They make NICU specific ones)

Nursery 

  • Crib

  • Crib mattress

  • Waterproof mattress cover

  • Sheet cover protectors (some babies spit up a lot and this can save your sheets)

  • Crib Sheets

  • Changing Table

  • Changing Pad (covers too)

  • Bassinet

  • Glider

  • Noise Machine

  • Blankets (some hospitals don’t allow fleece and prefer muslin or bamboo)

Nursing and Feeding

  • Breast pump (check your insurance)

    • Portable pumps are great for bedside in the NICU

  • Breast Milk bags

  • Nursing Bras

  • Nursing Pads

  • Nipple Cream

  • Boppy Pillow (very helpful for holding your baby in the NICU)

  • Bottles (wait to see what your baby prefers as many hospitals have a speech therapist help with feeding)

  • Bottle Brush and Drying Rack

  • High Chair

  • Burp Cloths 

  • Bibs

  • Pacifier (if you feel strong to certain ones you can bring to the NICU otherwise many NICUs provide)

  • Teethers

Clothing

  • Onesies

  • Gowns (perfect for the NICU with all the cords and makes dressing change for paint and wait easier

  • Sleepers

    • Button (allows the cords to go through the openings while in the NICU and can leave some buttons open for larger omphaloceles)

    • Two way zippers

  • Swaddles

  • Sleep Sacks

  • Hats and Mittens (some babies can’t wear clothes right away but can wear hats)

  • Socks

Health and Safety

  • Baby Monitor

  • First Aid Kit

  • Thermometer

  • Shopping cart cover

  • Teething gel

  • Tylenol or any medications

  • Snot Sucker

  • Nail Clipper

Toys 

  • Books (some NICUs have books that you can keep at bedside or you can bring your own)

  • Developmental toys (some NICUs will allow you to bring in your own but some also have them with Child Life)

  • Rattle Toys