This post in not only about what to put on a baby registry, but also what NOT to put on a baby registry. While many baby registries add unnecessary items and forget the best products, this baby registry checklist is made by a mom of 3 whose been there. I’ll include those amazing must haves and let you know what dust collectors to leave out.
This post is all about what to put on a baby registry so you get the best products possible and don’t waste money on unnecessary stuff.
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What to Put on a Baby Registry & What to Skip
Baby Registry Essentials at a Glance
When it comes to creating your registry, the two most important things are making sure you remember the essentials (for both baby and you) and leaving off the unnecessary money wasters.
Here are the main categories to consider when making your registry:
- Your Nursery
- Diapering
- Feeding
- Sleep
- Clothing
- Playtime
- Bath Time
- Health & Safety Items
- Travel
- Postpartum Essentials for Mom
What NOT to Put on a Baby Registry
Before we get started on what to put on a baby registry, we need to go over what not to put on a baby registry. Many baby registry sites and stores will provide you with their own version of a baby registry checklist.
However, those lists are filled with things that you don’t actually need and probably will never use. Babies get expensive! Save yourself some time, money, and space in your home by skipping out on a few things you may not actually need. Trust me, marketing says babies need way more than they really do.
If you’re a minimalist or looking to cut a few things from your registry, these are a good place to start.
A Wipe Warmer
A wipe warmer is one of those things that sounds ingenious but in the end it really isn’t. Most parents that get one never actually use it and you can warm a wipe up by putting it between your hands for a few seconds if you really want to. Wipe warmers are also a breeding ground for bacteria growth!
A Bottle Sanitizer
This is another thing you will never use. It will just take up more of that precious counter space. A dishwasher does the same thing anyways.
Diaper Genie
While diaper genies are great for bagging up nasty diapers, they don’t always block all of the smell and paying for the refills can get pricey fast! I personally use doggy poop bags and use an old Lysol wipes container as the dispenser! It does the same thing a whole lot cheaper and it doesn’t take up space in my home. Check out my Mom Hack Monday Instagram Reel on how to make the dispenser and grab the exact doggy bags I use.
Full Sized High Chair
My husband and I have lived in apartments since we got married so space saving products were a must. We actually bought a collapsible high chair and used it full time. It’s great for on the go to friends’ houses or restaurants too because it collapses into its own carry bag. So, if you are as pressed for space as we are, this is a way to save money and space. Plus, the one I linked also comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Formula for the Masses
If you plan to formula feed your baby, DO NOT go buy massive amounts of formula before your baby is born. You could spend $100 easy on it and then your baby may not like the kind you chose! Instead, register for free samples here with Enfamil and Similac. Try out the different kinds with your newborn and then decide which one to buy.
Breastmilk Storage Bags
Breastmilk storage bags get expensive quickly. On top of cost, freezing multiple ounces of milk together often results in having to throw away breast milk that your baby doesn’t drink. Instead, get a few of these silicone ice cube trays with a lids and freeze your breast milk in 1 ounce cubes. They are easy to thaw, you don’t have to pay for bags, and you can thaw exactly what your baby needs.
Disposable Nursing Pads
Nursing pads are a must when it comes to breastfeeding unless you’re a fan of leaking through your clothes. Disposable nursing pads are itchy to wear and expensive to continue replacing all day long. Buying washable nursing pads is both less expensive and far more comfortable!
Tons of Bottles
DO NOT spend money on a bunch of bottles before your baby is born. Just like the formula, babies can be picky and may refuse to drink from certain types of bottles. I suggest buying one or two of these MAM newborn bottles (my son loved this bottle and they are the best for breastfed babies!) and then waiting to see if your baby likes it.
Newborn Bath Towels
You baby will grow out of all those adorable newborn hooded towels so fast you’ll hardly get to use them. Instead, buy a nice toddler hooded towel that will fit them for years to come or just use a towel you already have.
Bumbo Seat
While bumbo seats are extremely popular, they can actually be harmful to childrens’ hips. An aunt of mine who is a well known occupational therapist warned me before having a baby to never purchase bumbo seats. She is often correcting hip issues created by these seats in her therapy sessions.
Baby Shoes
Don’t bother purchasing a bunch of baby shoes. Your baby won’t be walking for almost a year and they will just get kicked off and lost whenever you go anywhere. If you want a pair of shoes for a picture, buy a single pair of soft soled shoes. But, I personally prefer to just put my babies in these Burts Bees Booties non stop. They keep their little feet warm and they stay on better than any other sock or shoe I’ve ever bought my kids.
Baby Food Maker
While these baby food makers look cool, your blender or will work just fine. Check out how to make baby food yourself with just a blender and an ice cube tray on my blog post, “How to Make Homemade Baby Food (and 21 Recipes to Get You Started).”
Nasal Aspirator
While a nasal aspirator is an excellent tool, most hospitals will give you one (or two). I didn’t put one on my registry and somehow still ended up with three of them.
Changing Table
Instead of purchasing a changing table, just put a changing pad on top of a dresser. The dresser will be far more useful when your baby gets older and it will also provide far more storage than any changing table.
Common Baby Registry Mistakes First-Time Moms Make
- Registering for too many newborn clothes– Trust me…they will be in newborn clothes insanely briefly. So, while they are insanely adorable, you’ll want to focus on larger sizes.
- Buying too many bottles/pacis of one brand– Your baby may not like the bottle or paci brand you register for (or they might not light bottles or pacis at all). So, don’t spend a ton on one type/brand right away.
- Forgetting to buy postpartum items for themselves– Baby stuff is completely adorable. Postpartum recovery items on the other hand, aren’t nearly as fun to buy. But registering for postpartum care products is something you definitely won’t regret.
- Forgetting about storage and organization– Babies come with lots of stuff and it can be overwhelming if you don’t have a good way to organize it all.
- Adding too many “just in case” or “why not” type products– The more products that you put on your registry, the more likely you end up not getting everything on your registry. So, adding a lot of expensive or “why not” type items can actually prevent you from getting stuff you truly need.
- Not finding multipurpose baby gear– Baby gear that grows with your baby is something you will never regret (because you also don’t have to store it). Things like this Skip Hop Activity Center that transform into a table for your toddler are some of the best registry items.
Nursery Essentials Worth Adding to Your Registry
Okay, now that we have worked through what not to put on a baby registry, I want to share with you exactly you need to put on a baby registry to make mom life so much easier!
- Bassinet- I loved my Baby Delight bedside bassinet for night time feeds and it also is very compact to store too.
- Crib and Crib mattress- You don’t necessarily need to buy a crib right away since baby will probably be in a bassinet. But I do recommend getting a crib on your registry since it’s often an expensive item. I highly suggest a metal crib so your baby doesn’t destroy it chewing on it when they start teething! We got this crib mattress and we love it!
- Crib sheets and mattress pad- The Burt’s Bees crib sheets are the best! They are so soft and a single pack of two has now made it through three kids! I also highly suggest a waterproof mattress pad to save you from ruining those adorable sheets!
- Rocker Glider- If you ask me, a rocking chair is an absolute must in a nursery! This is especially true for breastfeeding mamas! But, what’s even better is a swivel, rocker, glider, recliner!
- Baby Swing- Never underestimate the power of a baby swing! The Mamaroo Baby Swing saved my sanity on many occasions!
- Changing Pad- A changing pad can turn anything and anywhere into a changing table. Skip the changing table when it comes to nursery furniture. Putting a changing pad on top of a dresser creates a changing table with a ton more storage!
- Mesh crib liner– I bought this mesh crib liner because I love having the peace of mind that my babies can still breath even if they end up sleeping against it.
- Knit basket for blankets or toys- Whether or not you ask for them, you will receive at least 10 blankets at your shower. Guaranteed. I loved storing mine in a knit basket that then doubled as a toy bin as he got older!
- Shelf for books– After having everyone at our shower bring a signed book instead of a card, we needed a place to store them all! We picked up this super inexpensive shelf and it is the perfect size for all the baby books in your nursery.
Diapering Essentials for Your Baby Registry
- Diaper caddy– A diaper caddy is a great thing to have so you can easily change diapers all around the house. I also like to carry an extra one in the trunk of my car for on the go emergencies! Watch my Instagram reel here to see everything that I included in my emergency car caddy!
- Diapers– Decide whether you want to use cloth or disposable diapers and which diaper brand you want to use. Make sure to put a pack or two on the registry to let people know what brand you are wanting to use. I personally swear by Little Rascals when it comes to disposable diapers and have used Alvababy cloth diapers for both my kids when we are just hanging at home. Many registries also offer an option of putting a diaper fund on your registry if you haven’t decided on a brand.
- Huggies Natural Care Wipes- I have tried many wipe brands and Huggies Natural Care Wipes are the only ones I’ve found that actually come apart when you are pulling with one hand! They are also made for sensitive skin!
- Foldable Changing Pad– When you have to change a diaper on someone else’s couch or in the middle of the mall, a foldable changing pad is a great thing to have in your diaper bag!
Feeding Essentials to Put on Your Baby Registry
- Double electric breast pump- I personally own the Medela Portable Breast Pump with Max Flow. It is a great affordable breast pump option that isn’t super bulky either! If you are looking for the best of the best and are willing to spend a little more, I definitely recommend Elvie Wearable Breast Pumps! They are completely silent and no one will even be able to tell that you are wearing them! But before you put either of these on your registry, make sure to check with your health insurance and see if you can get a free breast pump. It’s an easy way to save $200!
- Washable breast pads– It’s inevitable that you will leak when you are breastfeeding. While disposable breast pads are extremely itchy, these washable reusable breast pads are comfortable, soft, and will help keep you dry.
- Nursing pillow/Boppy– I found a Boppy to be the most useful nursing pillow because it was a great tool for tummy time later on!
- Burp cloths– Burp cloths are a huge must on your registry! I loved using Burt’s Bees Burp Cloths. They are extremely soft and durable. In fact, my son drags one around with him every day still as a toddler and loves rubbing it on his cheeks when he’s tired (his version of a blanket :)).
- A Good nipple cream– Nipple cream is a life safer while you and your baby are still learning how to breastfeed. I love Earth Mama’s Nipple Butter cause you can breastfeed safely immediately after putting it on!
- Nursing cover- A nursing cover is a great thing to have on hand for when your baby gets hungry out in public or while company is over. A 360 nursing cover can also function as a car seat cover and a shopping cart cover as they get older.
- Bottle Drying Rack & Bottle Cleaning Brush– It can be really hard to clean those tiny baby bottles and a bottle cleaning brush definitely is handy to have around. If you are using bottles frequently or plan to use formula, you may also want to invest in this grass style bottle drying rack.
- A Bottle or 2– I swear by MAM baby bottles and they really helped my son transition back and forth between bottles and breastfeeding easily. I suggest buying one MAM newborn bottle and seeing how your baby likes it. Since every baby is different and picky about their bottle, it is important to not buy too many in advanced.
- Silicone bibs– Every cloth bib that I received at my shower was stained and ruined the first time my son wore it. I switched to owning three silicone bibs (one for each meal) and I will never buy a cloth bib again.
Sleep Essentials That You Need On Your Registry
- Velcro Swaddles- When we first got home from the hospital, I could not swaddle my son to save my life. I always had to wake up my husband to do it. Then, I found a velcro swaddle! The aden+anais velcro swaddles even have a sipper bottom for easy diaper changes!
- Merlin’s Magic Sleep Suit– The Merlin’s Magic Sleep Suit is the PERFECT transition from swaddling! I’m actually convinced this thing is magic.
- Merlin’s Magic Dream Sack– Once our son started to roll over, we easily transitioned him from the Merlin Sleep Suit into the Merlin’s Magic Dream Sack. And after he got a little bigger, he easily transitioned to sleeping with nothing.
- Burts Bees Sleep Sacks– I have about six of these Burt’s Bees sleep sacks and I will never stop telling every mom I know to buy them. They are organic cotton, super breathable, and insanely soft. They also have a thin option and a quilted option for different seasons.
- Lovey- Every kid needs a lovey to cuddle. The ones with the silk edge are the best!
- Hatch- Rather than buying a night light for night feedings and also a sound machine, just get Hatch that does both! Plus, this will also function as a great sleep tool for your toddler later on! I still have people asking how I have my kids wake up at the same time every day. The answer is you need a Hatch.
- Pacifiers– Only get a couple pacifiers in case your baby doesn’t like the kind you choose. I personally love the MAM pacifiers, which are great for breastfeeding babies.
- Baby monitor– When looking for a baby monitor, you may want to consider looking for one that does not connect to wifi. As baby monitors that go through wifi can easily be hacked by people outside your home. I also recommend getting one with two cameras. This way you have one for another baby down the road or for their play area.
Clothing Essentials You'll Want on Your Registry
While I guarantee people will buy you clothing without being asked, here are a few clothing items people may not think to buy. These are great to add to your registry.
- 1-2 soft hats
- 1-2 warm sweaters or jackets (size depends on what time of year your baby was born)
- A few pairs of zip up pajamas (save yourself and don’t get button up)
- Baby socks
- One good pair of baby booties that won’t fall off
- Thin cotton gloves (so they don’t cut themselves with their little fingernails)
- Seasonal: Bathing suit if you have a summer baby or snow suit if you have a winter baby. We used our sons snow suit all the time to go for walks in the fall and winter time.
- A clean laundry detergent– I personally love using Dirty Labs laundry detergent on our whole family’s laundry, including my babies.
Playtime Items To Add Some Fun to Your Registry
Your baby won’t be playing with too many toys for quite a while. Plus, friends and family will bring plenty once baby is born. Hold off on adding too many of them to your baby registry. Here are a few things we used a lot when my son was little.
- Skip Hop Activity Center– I love baby things that are convertible and grow with them! The Skip Hop Activity Center is the perfect example of that! It goes from a bouncer to a table with toys for cruising to an activity table for toddlers! You can also move the toys around and easily clip them on and off!
- Books– Reading to your child is an extremely important part of their development. Rather than having your guests bring a card, have them sign a book as a card instead! Simply put a quick note to your guests on your registry or your shower invitations to let them know.
- Wrist Rattles– Since babies flail all over the place for a while, wrist rattles are a fun way for them to play!
- Teethers– The first “toys” that your baby will play with be teethers. So, throw a really good quality teether on your registry to be prepared when teething comes around.
Bath Time Baby Essentials to Add to Your Registry
- Small Tub or Bath Seat– We don’t have a bath tub at our house so the Fisher-Price 4-in-1 bath tub has been a life saver from newborn all the way to our now toddler. However, if you have a bath tub in your home, I would suggest this bath support seat instead!
- Baby Wash Cloths– Burt’s Bees Baby Wash Cloths are insanely soft and come in tons of adorable patterns! If you have a lot of other things you want on your registry though, I suggest skipping these and just using regular wash cloths you already have.
- Toddler Hooded Towel– Skip the newborn hooded towels. A toddler hooded towel will last much longer and be far more useful than those tiny little towels.
- Baby Shampoo– I personally love the Cetaphil Baby Wash.
Health & Safety Baby Essentials
- Life Vac Choking Rescue Device- This is an absolute must for every moms! I keep one at home and one in my diaper bag at all times!
- Finger nail clippers- I personally find that the baby nail grinders take an eternity to use so I got this pair of baby finger nail clippers.
- Baby Hair Brush– They won’t need it for a while but it’s fun for you.
- Baby Proofing Kit– While you don’t need to baby proof right away, this is something that’s great to get a head start on. Your little one will be crawling around before you know it! Getting an all around baby proofing kit is a good start but I also highly recommend these toilet locks!
- Thermometer- Using a regular thermometer with a baby is an almost impossible task. A forehead and ear thermometer makes those moments your baby isn’t feeling well a little easier.
- Humidifier- Babies get sick and congested often, especially when they are teething. It is good to have a humidifier in their room when this happens.
- A Good Diaper Cream- The Pipette Diaper Cream is fragrance free and great on babies with sensitive skin.
Baby Travel Essentials to Put on Your Registry
- Carseat Mirror- Every mom worries about their baby in the back seat. If they are quiet you wonder if they are okay, if they are crying you wonder if they are okay. If they are crying and then are suddenly quiet, you pull over the car regardless of where you are. Investing in a car seat mirror will ease all that worry and distraction in the car!
- Pacifier clip– I love this Itsy Ritsy Bear Paci Clip cause it’s gender neutral but still freaking adorable.
- Stroller and Car Seat– I personally purchased a stroller and car seat travel system and loved the convenience of being able to just pop the car seat in. I personally own the Graco Fast Action Fold Jogger, as I bought it for running purposes. However, I also own an Evenflo stroller and they have an excellent travel system with a standard stroller!
- Baby carrier/wrap– From hikes to grocery store runs to doing the dishes, Ergo carriers will let you do just about anything while wearing your baby! I have the Ergobaby Newborn Wrap and found it extremely comfortable for both me and my baby!
- Diaper bag– Diaper backpacks are way easier to carry around with you and your husband just might be willing to carry it too! I’ve bought the pricey designer diaper bags but the Babbleroo diaper bag backpack is still my absolute favorite. I love how organized it is and as a Mom of 3, I love how much it holds! If you are currently trying to decide on a diaper bag, check out my post on, “The Best Diaper Bag Backpack!”
- Collapsible Booster Seat– Our family has used the Summer Pop N’ Sit Booster Chair full time since our son was born since it saves a ton of space in our small apartment. It is also insanely easy to collapse down to bring to visit family or friends. We actually threw ours in our carry on bag and used it at the airport too!
- Pack N’ Play– This one is just a given. Pack N’ Plays are great for travel!
Postpartum Items Moms Forget to Put On Their Registry
- Robe– I lived in a robe my whole stay in the hospital! It was a much better alternative to the hospital gown and it was super easy to breastfeed in. If were honest, my son’s a year old now and I’m still living in that robe.
- Comfy button up pajamas- Button up pajamas are the best for nursing in the hospital and once you get home. You can be comfortable and still feel slightly put together.
- Comfy slippers- I am obsessed with my Croc slippers this time around.
- Nursing bras/tank tops– I highly recommend grabbing a few comfortable nursing tank tops to try out and a few Auden Nursing Bras. I find nursing tank tops to be perfect for night time and slow days at home.
- One Line a Day Book- As moms we want to record every moment, but it can be hard to find time to do the typical baby book. So, instead try this One Line a Day book. I just set a daily alarm on my phone to write a sentence in it and it captures all the memories just as well. It’s small and holds five years worth too!
What to Put on a Baby Registry for a Second Kid
Making a baby registry for a second child can be a little trickier. You probably have a lot of what you need, but some things need replaced and some things need upgraded. Here are a few things you may want to consider for a second baby registry.
- Extra clothes- Your second child may not be the same gender as your first and probably won’t be born in the same season as your first. So, you may have to do some shopping.
- Double stroller– Unless your first is big enough to walk everywhere you go, you may want to invest in a good double stroller. We just bought this BOB Double Jogger and it is incredible! If you are looking for a stroller than can do it all on all terrain, this is it! We have literally taken it on hiking trails before!
- New crib mattress-This may or may not be necessary, but be sure to look into it sooner rather than later.
- New burp cloths
- Toiletries/Medicine restock
- Pacifiers
- New bottle nipples
- New Car Seat– Since car seats do expire, make sure to check the expiration date on your car seat before baby #2 comes. Most companies recommend they are replaced every six years or after an accident. I just bought the Graco Turn 2 Me Car Seat that turns towards the door and I am IN LOVE with it!
- Replace anything that drove you crazy with baby #1- Don’t go through it all again! If you had some products that drove you crazy, find ones that won’t and save your sanity!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Registries
How many items should be on a baby registry?
If you are aiming for a minimalist registry, you should be able to easily come out with under 50 items, but this likely won’t include clothes. The average registry typically has between 50-100 items on it. So, if you have more than 100, you may want to consider paring down to get the items you really want/need.
When should you start your baby registry?
I recommend starting your registry as early as you are able to. This is not only a physical checklist for your shower and the friends and family that ask, but it’s also a great mental checklist for you. This way, you can snag deals when you see them.
Where is the best place to register?
Everywhere. I mean it. Register anywhere it is free to register. Each place will send you a free welcome gift and they are sometimes worth upwards of $100. I did this to get a ton of stuff for free and I’m so glad I did. However, in the end, I’d have to say Amazon is my favorite for ease of use and also for the completion discount at the end.
How many newborn clothes do you really need?
I tend to have large babies so newborn clothes are almost a moot point. But, my one 50% baby stayed in his newborn clothes for about a month to give you a frame of reference. Obviously the type of clothes you register for will largely depend on what season you are due in, but I recommend buying 5-10 zipper sleepers, 5-10 onesies, a few pairs of pants, and 1-2 excessively impractical but cute outfits for all the pictures you want to take.
This post was all about what to put on a baby registry and I hope it has been helpful! Don’t forget to print a free baby registry checklist from the “printables for new moms” section of my, “Free Printables” page!
Remember not to become too stressed over your registry. Enjoy your time being pregnant because as crazy as it sounds, you will miss it! Let your excitement be far greater than your stress! Your little one will soon be in your arms and that is all that truly matters!
-Beautifully Busy Mom
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Meet the Author
This post was written by Monica, a mom of two who loves to be prepared for everything. She’s learned exactly what is needed to thrive in motherhood and what just takes up space.
