Your Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist
With a baby on the way, you may feel like there are a thousand to-dos. But one of the most important? Putting together your baby registry list. Friends and family members will be eager to pick out presents for you and baby, so you may as well direct them to a list of items you actually want and need (and trust us, you’re going to need a fair amount). But with so many baby essentials to pick out, it’s hard to know where to begin and exactly what to register for baby. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate baby registry must-haves checklist, so you don’t forget a thing.
A baby registry is a list of baby products from a retail store that you’d like to stock up on in preparation for baby’s arrival. Anything you’d like can be included on your baby registry checklist, from smaller items like onesies and thermometers to big-ticket items like cribs and strollers. Just like a wedding registry, you can then share your baby registry with family, friends and baby shower guests eager to buy gifts. It’s up to you how many stores you create registries with—or you can opt for a universal baby registry that pulls products from various stories into one master list.
While you can create a baby registry at any time, most parents-to-be start going through their baby registry checklist when they’re about 12 weeks into the pregnancy. That may seem early, but building a baby registry can take some work—and infant care tends to call for a fair amount of stuff. “This is an exciting step, but it can also be overwhelming with so many new products to explore,” says Audra Jones, a baby gear expert with GoodBuy Gear. “That’s why I recommend expecting parents to start researching gear during their first trimester.”
If you’re waiting to find out baby’s sex, you might want to hold off on creating your baby registry until you hear the news (which usually happens by 20 weeks), since it could influence which designs and color choices you go with. But don’t wait too much longer—you want to give yourself plenty of time to research the gear you’ll need and decide which items you’re going to count as top baby registry essentials. (Plus, your guests will need some time to browse through your registry and pick out the perfect gift!)
When it comes time to build your baby registry, you’ll have plenty of options available to you: Tons of stores offer registry set-up. But depending on your style, price range and the type of registry deals you’re after, some choices are better than others. Below are some of the best places to register for baby. (And check out this handy chart, which highlights some benefits and freebies for each.)
The beauty of an Amazon baby registry is that it’s universal, meaning you can pick and choose must-have baby registry items from any retailer, giving you endless product options. And if you have Amazon Prime, you can have it all in two days—with additional discounts to boot.
PB Kids has mastered the art of creating sweet nursery decor with sophisticated touches, like boho-inspired quilts, gilded mobiles and organic collections. There’s also personalization available for many of the items to add that extra-special touch. Plus, those buying for multiples get a special 10 percent discount.
While Target offers a huge selection of baby products, it’s especially good for finding colorful clothing and fun nursery accents. You can also add items from other retailers via their universal feature. Plus, enjoy a 15 percent discount on any of your remaining registry essentials.
Crate & Kids has design-forward specialty items galore. They even offer free nursery design services (because every baby deserves a Pinterest-worthy bedroom). And with a multiples discount and 10 percent registry completion discount, it takes the hassle out of deciding where to register for baby.
Known for its amazing discounts, Walmart is the perfect place for you to build your baby registry. “Hoo the owl” will guide you through the registry building experience, and based on the questions you answered at signup, you’ll receive a pre-populated registry to help get you started. The items can be edited, so if you don’t like what you see, you’re free to change it up.
Love all these retailers but want to condense your registries into one comprehensive list? Check out The Bump baby registry. We sync your registries from your favorite stores within 24 hours, making it easy to share just one registry with your shower guests. (Fun fact: 80 percent of all moms in the US host their baby registry on The Bump!)
Now comes the slightly harder part—figuring out which are the baby registry must haves. There’s a seemingly endless list of baby registry items that could potentially land on your checklist—so which products actually deserve a spot? When it comes to creating a baby registry checklist, there are no right and wrong answers—what you put on your wish list is completely up to you. But there are some things that are going to be crucial when caring for a newborn. We quizzed Jones and Dyan Hes, MD, the director of pediatrics for Concorde Medical Group, on what those top baby registry essentials might be. Here, your ultimate baby registry checklist for the necessities you’ll need to have on hand when baby arrives:
Baby gear
When it comes to baby must-haves, these items are arguably the most top of mind, as you’ll need your stroller, car seat or carrier for years to come—especially if you’re planning on having more kids in the future!
The Baby Bjorn bouncer is a great place to put baby that isn’t completely flat when you need a minute. It’s very portable and easy to clean too.
Nursery items
You’ve likely already pictured cozy mornings spent snuggling up with baby in their nursery—but you’ll want the following newborn must-haves to make the space as functional as it is cute. Some of these go without saying (i.e. a crib), but while others may seem optional depending on your space (like toy storage), we promise they’ll make your life a lot easier.
A sound machine—our kids still use them and they travel great.
Baby clothes
We know all those tiny baby outfits are irresistibly cute, but it’s better to stick to the basics for your baby registry list. Odds are, your loved ones will end up buying baby cute outfits anyway, but it’s the plain cotton onesies that your little one will likely spend most of their time in during those first few months.
Diapering must-haves
If there’s one guarantee about life as a new parent, it’s that you’ll be changing a lot of diapers. According to National Diaper Bank Network, parents can spend up to $1000 on diapers in baby’s first year alone—so you’ll definitely want to add these infant essentials to your registry! Know you can always exchange the boxes for different sizes later on as baby grows.
Feeding essentials
When it comes to feeding, the baby essentials list will depend on whether you breastfeed, formula feed or do a combination of both. While you and baby will figure out what works best after their arrival, these are the must-have baby items for feeding to have on hand before your new addition arrives.
[I recommend] a simple bottle warmer—used it even for food purees and other simple warming to avoid microwave hot spots.
Bath items
Baby’s first bath may seem intimidating, but having the right gear on hand can really help. When it comes to newborn must-haves, a baby bathtub and baby-friendly soap is key. (Eventually, as baby gets older and bathtime becomes synonymous with playtime, you can branch out and get more fun items.)
Health products
It’s no secret that babies get sick a lot as they build up their immune systems. Health products for baby are essential for any baby registry list—the last thing you want is for baby to get their first cold and realize you don’t have the right supplies on hand.
Baby books and toys
Playtime is a big part of baby’s early development, so you’ll want lots of baby books and toys to cater to age-appropriate stages of play. For baby’s first year, board books and wooden toys are a good start, but this list can really depend on personal preferences. Chances are, your loved ones will give baby lots of toys on birthdays and holidays in the coming years, so don’t stress too much about this!
Second Baby Registry
If this is baby number two (or three or more), you may not need to add as many items to your baby registry checklist, especially if you saved stuff. But while certain products are safe to reuse, you’ll still need a bunch of new baby registry essentials for your new addition. “Don’t feel embarrassed making a registry for your second or third child—every baby is different, and you’ll need different gear for each one,” Jones says. These new baby registry must-haves include:
[Include] a few books and toys just for baby (because toddlers are possessive with a capital P!).
Postpartum items
As you prep for baby’s arrival, don’t forget to think about your own postpartum recovery. Regardless of how you deliver, childbirth can take a major toll on your body—and you’ll want to stock up on the essentials to ensure your comfortable and healing well after birth. Here’s what to add to your baby registry list.
Wondering what products are generally safe to reuse—assuming they’re still in good condition and meet current safety standards? These include things like clothes, bedding, cloth diapers, glass bottles, strollers, baby carriers, high chairs, baby baths, bouncers, swings and toys.
Will forever thank myself for buying the Frida postpartum kit and a cute three-tier cart I kept it all organized in for next to my toilet. Made recovery so much simpler and more comfortable.
There are plenty of must-haves to add to your baby registry checklist, but what are those baby items that you can actually skip? Here, a few products you can safely pass on:
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Crib bumpers. For years the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has strongly advised against the use of bumpers, saying they pose a risk of suffocation, strangulation or entrapment. They were finally banned in May 2022 with the passing of the Safe Sleep Act. “They’re a hazard, because kids can gets their heads wedged between the bumpers and the bars,” Hes explains.
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Wipe warmers. In the end, baby’s bottom will be clean regardless of whether the wipe is warm or cold. What’s more, if baby gets accustomed to always having warm wipes, changing baby when you’re out of the house (and away from the warmer) will quickly become a headache. If you think the wipe is too chilly for baby’s comfort, hold the wipe between your hands for a couple minutes to heat it up (without drying it out).
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Baby shoes. It doesn’t get much cuter than baby shoes, we know. But the truth is that infants just don’t need shoes—after all, baby’s not exactly walking anywhere, and your child is pretty likely to just kick them off. Stick with inexpensive booties, baby moccasins or socks for now.
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Formula dispensers. Though they may sound great in theory, some automatic formula machines have been reported to add too much water to powdered formula while making prepared bottles, which is dangerous for babies, as it could lead to water intoxication.
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Baby walkers. As exciting as it is to see baby start to walk, baby walkers are actually very dangerous to use and could actually wind up delaying baby’s progress. Plus, they pose big safety issues, as baby could accidentally roll down stairs or—since they’re seated higher in walkers—grab dangerous things that would otherwise be out of reach (like a hot drink on a table).
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Teething gels. Teething gels that use benzocaine for pain—like Anbesol and Baby Orajel—not only lack major benefits but they also pose serious safety risks for babies. You’ll also want to avoid amber teething necklaces as they aren’t all that effective and actually pose a strangulation and choking risk. It’s best to steer clear and stick with safe teething toys instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many items do I need on my baby registry?
According to Jones, the exact amount of items will vary depending on your specific needs, but a minimum of 25 items with a range of price points is a good number to aim for. “That said, [having more than] 50 items is totally normal and helps guide friends and family as to what to get,” she adds.
Should I put big items on my baby registry?
Big items, like strollers and car seats, should absolutely be on your baby registry, especially since it gives multiple loved ones the chance to contribute to a larger gift. “Everyone has a different budget so it’s best to add all the items you need for baby, both big and small,” Jones says.
How do I maximize my baby registry?
“Add a variety of items to your registry,” Jones suggests. “Also, consider adding open-box and used items, or gift cards to shop second hand. A lot of these items are in perfect condition at more affordable price points for your friends and family who may be on a budget.” If you do shop second-hand, make sure to keep these safety considerations in mind. Certain items, like car seats, should be bought new only.
When should you tell people about your baby registry?
For expectant moms having a shower, a good rule of thumb is to share it at least two to four weeks ahead of the event, Jones says. For those not having a shower, you’ll still want to share it at the start of your third trimester. “This is when people are going to start asking,” she notes.
Do you put postpartum items on a baby registry?
You should absolutely put postpartum items on a baby registry. “Bath supplies for Mom, nursing supplies or a special baby wrap shirt for Dad are just a few thought starters,” Jones says. “These items are often forgotten, especially for first-time parents.”
Now that you know what you need to register for—and what to skip—start to check off items from your baby registry checklist! Trust us, when it comes to baby prep, this is one thing you’ll want to do sooner rather than later. “Making a registry and bringing a new member into the family is different for every family. Embrace it and think about the things you need for your experience, whatever it may be,” Jones says. “Have fun making it and know that your friends and family are excited to support you.”
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Dyan Hes, MD, is a pediatrician based in New York City and the director of pediatrics at Concorde Medical Group. She earned her undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University, her medical degree from Tel-Aviv University and completed her pediatric residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Audra Jones is an in-house gear expert and product owner at GoodBuy Gear, a consignment store for baby gear. She has nearly five years of experience managing the brand’s gear catalog of over 2,600 brands, overseeing inbound and processing protocols and ensuring each resale item is properly quality checked. Jones currently lives in Colorado with her husband and two daughters. She completed her undergraduate degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Healthy Children (American Academy of Pediatrics, How to Safely Prepare Baby Formula With Water, May 2022
US Food and Drug Administration, FDA takes action against the use of OTC benzocaine teething products due to serious safety risk, lack of benefit, May 2018
Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.
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