It’s one of the most important shopping lists you’ll ever create: the baby registry. For first time moms, it’s a sea of “must-haves” and too many options. Editing, sorting and working a list can be fun, over the top, or simply bar-code scan scary… but don’t worry – you can do it.  To make it the process manageable, simply search out products that are truly essential. From there – get a little creative by adding things that borrow from your personal style, and you want to have around for the first year.

1} Grey Geo Reversable changeing table storage by Pottery Barn Kids – I fell in love with these storage bins for our changing table! We are not finding out the out the gender of the baby until he/she it born, so in order to plan for  either gender we skipped the traditional green or yellow decor in the nursery and went with a medium Grey tone with Bright white, yellow and crystal accents. These were perfect storage options to go with our theme!

2} Ergo Baby Baby Carrier – this was a must have on my list especially because of my lifestyle! my husband and I are very active, we love hiking, spending time in Boston and walking our dog Cody anywhere! It was important to have a comfortable carrier that both of us could use for a variety of activities.

3} Madison 4 shelf book rack in white  by Pottery Barn Kids – another must have for our nursery was storage for books! I love this book shelf because it is slim, crisp and secures to the wall. It holds quite a  few books and allows you to face them cover side out so in addition to storage it adds a kick of color and decor to the room showcasing our childhood favorites that we can’t wait to share with the baby!

4} Mamaroo bouncer seat – this was an extravagant registry must have, but my best friend who had a baby last year said “you HAVE to get this.” The mamaroo moves in many different directions, plays sounds, and you can even connect your ipod/iphone to it to play your own music. I love the modern look and feel of it too!

5} B.O.B. Revolution SE Stroller – I had to have this stroller for motivation to get back out on the road running and training for my post baby marathon! This stroller has durable tires, adjustable front wheel to either stay straight or move with you and great shock absorption for taking the baby pretty much anywhere road or trails!

Kristen and her husband are expecting their first baby in January 2013.