In this post, you will get all the details on popular baby registry items and learn whether or not it’s a “must have” for your baby registry.
Creating a baby registry is understandably overwhelming because, well, you’ve never had a baby before! It’s so hard to know what you’re really going to need or want. Plus, it’s super fun to look at all the fun stuff for your new baby. After all, everything is so dang tiny and cute!
This list won’t be the universal must-have list for every parent because everyone has different preferences.
I’ve tried to narrow things down for you because you have better things to do than spend all your time figuring out what you need for a baby, what you can skip for a baby, and what the most essentials baby things to buy before birth are.
That’s why I created this categorized baby registry must haves list!
I try to explain every single thing and why we like it (or didn’t like something). So, if you love details & research, you’re in the right spot!! If you want fewer details, just scroll through the pictures and click the links underneath.
Registry are:
Bathing
- Baby tub
- Soft hooded towels
- Washcloths
- Baby-safe body wash and shampoo
- Baby-safe body lotion
- Simple bath toys
- Faucet cover
Bedding
To follow safe sleep practices, stick to just a fitted sheet in baby’s crib without any crib bumpers, pillows, stuffed animals or blankets.
- Crib mattress
- Waterproof mattress protector
- 2 or more fitted sheets
- Crib rail covers
Clothing
Register for baby clothes in a variety of sizes; most babies grow out of newborn-size clothing quickly, and others fit in size 0-3 right away. You’ll also want to consider the season and how old baby will be in various types of weather.
- 10 leggings or elastic-waist trousers
- 10 pairs of footed pajamas
- 10 pairs of socks
- 10 short-sleeve onesies
- 10 long-sleeve onesies
- 8 pairs of non-footed pajamas
- 5 swaddling blankets
- 5 burp cloths
- 5 bibs
- 3 light sweaters or zip-up hoodies
- 3 sleep sacks
- 2 sun hats (for a summer baby)
- 1-2 bathing suits (for a summer baby)
- 1 snowsuit with mittens and booties (for a winter baby)
- 1 soft hat
- 1 outfit to come home from the hospital in
- 1 pair of soft-soled baby shoes (these aren’t essential, but you might want them for photos)
- Baby-safe laundry detergent
Diapering
- Diaper pail
- Diapers, either cloth or disposable
- Baby wipes
- Diaper cream
- Cotton balls and swabs
Feeding
If you are not breastfeeding, you’ll only need the items with a star next to them.
- Breast pump
- Extra pump parts
- Breast milk freezer bags
- Nursing pillow
- Nursing bras
- Nursing pads
- Nipple cream
- Nursing cover
- Baby bottles and nipples*
- Several bottle brushes*
- Bottle drying rack*
- High chair*
Medical must-haves
- Baby-safe nail trimmer
- Thermometer
- Rubbing alcohol pads
- Saline nasal drops
- Suction bulb
Nursery furniture and gear
- Crib
- Bassinet
- Rocking chair or glider
- Changing table
- Light dimmer or night light
- White noise machine
- Baby monitor
- Baby books
- Baskets or bins for storage
Playtime
- Swing, seat or bouncer
- Activity mat
- Soft baby book
- Soft or wooden stacking blocks
- Teething toy
- Rattles or maracas
- Organic cotton stuffed animals
- “Lovey” blanket
Travel items
- Infant car seat
- Stroller
- Stroller bunting for cold or rainy weather
- Baby carrier
- Diaper bag
- Portable changing pad
- Travel crib or playard
