The ultimate baby registry checklist—you're welcome
New baby must-haves you need—and nothing you don't!
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The baby is coming and your baby shower is rapidly approaching. Suddenly you’re met with a dizzying selection of “baby registry must haves” that need to fill your nursery before your baby arrives.
For new parents-to-be, it can be an overwhelming process. What are truly the baby registry must-haves and what are the things you can do without?
We’ve been there and we’ve tested everything under the sun so we put together the ultimate baby registry checklist for you. You focus on growing and birthing a baby, or adopting a little one and bringing it into your home. However new parenthood comes to you, we’ll focus on the baby registry checklist so you can focus on everything else.
What is a baby registry?
Registries are common for baby showers but you don't need to hold one to make a list.
A baby registry is essentially a shopping list you can share with friends and family of everything you need and want for your baby when they arrive. It can include everything from diapers and wipes to baby strollers and baby monitors.
You simply add items to this list and they can easily shop. You can share the list with baby shower guests—though you don’t need a shower to have a baby registry. Many people want to welcome your baby any way they can and want to help you by gifting you with new baby essentials.
How many items can I have on my baby registry?
Now is not the time to be modest. The first few months of your baby's life are going to be a huge change and you're going to need a lot of stuff to relax into that change.
Common convention and etiquette experts say you can list anywhere from 100 to 120 items on your baby registry. We say go for that full 120 items and enjoy some nesting! Worst case, you can enjoy a "completion discount" on any items that haven't been fulfilled.
Where can I create a baby registry?
Stores like Target, Walmart, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Kids offer both in-person and online registries that you can combine.
You can either create a baby registry online or in person at a brick-and-mortar location. Our favorite registries, however, are a combo of both.
Shops like Target, Walmart, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel all have online baby registries, yet you can also go into their stores to see your favorite products up close and get a feel for the quality of each item.
How to find the best baby registry
When it comes to deciding which baby registry you should sign up for, there are lots of options. Finding the best baby registry for you will depend on a number of factors: What’s your budget? Are you focusing on specific brands? Do you want an in-store or online registry? Are you looking for free gifts and completion discounts? Is a strong return policy important to you?
We’ve rounded up the most popular baby registries to show you how each works.
The best baby registry sites
Here are some of the best baby registry sites available.
Babylist baby registry
- Completion discount: 15% for Babylist items
- Return policy: Nine months for items from Babylist Shop; varies for gifts from other retailers
- Free gifts: Yes, mailed to you
- Group gifting: Yes, for items from the Babylist Shop
Target baby registry
- Completion discount: 15%
- Return policy: Up to one year
- Free gifts: Yes, up to $100 value
- Group gifting: Yes, on items over $100
Amazon baby registry
- Completion discount: 15%
- Return policy: Up to one year
- Free gifts: Yes, up to $35 value
- Group gifting: No
Walmart baby registry
- Completion discount: No
- Return policy: Up to one year
- Free gifts: Yes, up to $40
- Group gifting: Yes
Pottery Barn baby registry
- Completion discount: 20%
- Return policy: Up to 90 days
- Free gifts: No
- Group gifting: No
Crate & Kids baby registry
- Completion discount: 10%
- Return policy: 90 days for non-furniture items
- Free gifts: No
- Group gifting: No
What is a baby registry completion discount?
A baby registry completion discount is a discount applied to all items in a baby registry that haven’t been purchased by your baby’s due date.
What that means is, if there are still must-have items that you need to buy yourself, you can save anywhere from 10 to 30% depending on the registry site. Most stores and sites require that you make these purchases within 60 days following your due date, though some allow for longer.
Baby registry essentials
Don't skimp out on the essentials every parent needs for a newborn.
While everyone and their mother is going to want to get you cute outfits to dress your little one in, you’re going to need much more practical items.
Here are the top 10 baby registry essentials to ask for—and yes, we've tested them all.
1. Baby carrier 2. Baby stroller 3. Baby monitor 4. Infant car seat 5. Meal service of pre-made meals 6. Swaddles 7. Sound machine 8. Breast pump (If planning to breastfeed) 9. Nursing pillow (Good for nursing, bottle-feeding, and for tummy time) 10. Baby swing (Be sure to follow these safety measures)The best baby registry items
After you get the big stuff out of the way, here is a checklist of everything that will make your baby's first year so much easier.
Diapering
You'll want to think about diapers early.
- Changing pad
- Convertable changing table
- Diapers (In various sizes, starting with newborn)
- Unscented baby wipes (It's best to wait until one month before using scented products)
- Diaper pail
- Diaper bag
- Diaper rash cream
Feeding
Feeding doesn't just stop at bottles.
If you are not breastfeeding, you will only need the first 8 items, though we recommend you also register for a nursing pillow for more comfortable bottle feeding and for tummy time.
- 10-16 baby bottles and nipples, both 4- and 8- ounce
- Bottle brushes
- Bottle drying rack
- Dishwasher basket for small items
- 4-8 bibs
- Burp cloths
- 2-4 pacifiers High chair
- Baby food maker
- Nursing pillow(Good for nursing, bottle-feeding, and for tummy time)
- Breast pump
- Milk storage bags
- Nursing pads
- Nipple cream
Sleeping
Safe sleep is perhaps the most important part of all.
To practice safe sleep recommendations, a baby should only sleep with a fitted sheet, a onesie, and a sleep sack until they are a year old. Do not use a pillow, blanket, or sleep bumpers of any kind.
- Crib, cradle, bassinet, or pack n' play
- 2 to 3 sleep sacks for warm weather and cool weather
- 4 swaddles
- Crib mattress
- 2 breathable waterproof mattress protector
- 2 to 4 fitted crib sheets
- Sound machine
- Night light (We recommend a cordless one for safety)
Bathing
Tubs, towels, and more.
- Baby bathtub
- Baby soap & shampoo
- Baby massage oil or lotion
- Cradle cap brush
- Soft hooded baby towels and washcloths (Not actually necessary but so adorable)
- Mold-resistant baby toys
- Faucet cover
Clothing
When you can, buy items with double-zipper options. They are diaper-change lifesavers.
When considering sizes, most full-term babies grow out of newborn-size clothing within a couple of weeks, while others fit in size 0-3 right away.
Keep in mind that it’s a good idea to have at least one transition outfit for when they grow overnight (and they do!), but what’s most important is you have clothing to get you through the 4th trimester when you should be staying home and resting.
Also, when registering for clothing, keep in mind what season your baby is born in a what size you anticipate them to be each season.
- Home from the hospital outfit
- 3 newborn sleeper gowns
- 10 short-sleeved onesies
- 10 long-sleeved onesies
- 10 leggings or elastic-waist pants
- 10 one-piece pajamas (We prefer double-zipper options for easy diaper changes)
- 3 sweaters or zip-up hoodies
- 2-3 rompers or other dress-up outfits
- 7 or 8 pairs of socks
- 2 or 3 pairs of booties (Shoes aren't necessary until baby walks, but snap booties stay on the best)
- 2 sun hats
- 2 warm hats
- Bunting with mittens (If you have a winter baby)
Living
Check out our Best Baby Monitor list to find the best one for you.
- Baby monitor
- Humidifier
- Rocking chair, glider, or armchair (Preferably with ottoman)
- Baby gates
- Baby proofing essentials
First aid
Plan ahead in case of an emergency.
Playing
From toys to swings and everything in between.
- Playmat
- Swing or bouncer
- Activity mat or play gym
- Soft sensory baby books
- Soft or wooden stacking blocks
- Teething toy
- Rattles
- Lovey
- Developmental toys
- Starter book set
And stuff for you
Remember to treat yourself too.
We know it's called a "baby shower" but you should be showered with the stuff you need, too. The first three months of your child's life (also known as the 4th trimester) is a turbulent time when your body is healing and you're adjusting to new parenthood. Here are some must-haves to put on your registry.
- Postpartum PJs
- Postpartum underwear (Make them pretty!)
- Cashmere breastfeeding scarf
- Compression socks
- Nursing bras
- Belly binder
- Herbal Sitz bath
- Padsicles
- Pregnancy-safe skin care
- Massage gift card
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