Last updated on July 9th, 2024 at 02:14 pm
Are you expecting a little bundle of joy soon? Congratulations, mama-to-be! Get ready for sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and lots of snuggles. Preparing for your new little one can be so exciting, but also overwhelming.
I remember one of my biggest stresses was knowing what type of things I needed for my baby! Because let’s be honest, the last thing you want to do with a newborn is be running around to lots of stores to get everything you need.
This is where your baby registry comes in! Researching and creating a list ahead of time can help make sure that you are all set and ready to go as the end of your third trimester approaches. Trust me, prepare now and you will thank yourself later. And your baby shower guests definitely will too!
As exciting as it is to create a list of everything your baby might need, it can also be a bit intimidating. With so many adorable and practical baby products out there, how do you know what to choose? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Get ready to create your own ultimate registry with my fun and fuss-free guide to everything baby.
If you aren’t quite sure where to make your baby registry, Amazon is a great place to start. They have just about every type of baby product you could need for your new little one. There are also several other great baby registry sites with awesome discounts and perks to check out!
Buckle up because this is sure to be a long one! To make it easier, I’ve separated each into their own categories to help keep you organized. So, feel free to skip ahead to the section you need most.
Alrighty enough intros! Let’s dive right into our ultimate baby registry guide.
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Nursery
Crib (1)
Choose a crib that fits your nursery theme, but also matches your overall style. I personally view this as an investment piece because either you will use this for multiple children or purchase a convertible crib to double as a toddler bed. Some today even grow with your child into a twin bed!
Crib Mattress (1)
This one also will likely follow your child through at least their early years so you will want to choose a good one! I loved this Graco mattress, and the price was amazing too! Some other great options include Newton, Lullaby Earth, and Moonlight Slumber.
Crib Mattress Cover (2)
Just like you would on your own bed, a crib mattress cover makes cleaning up late night leaks and spit ups super easy! I recommend having two mattress covers so when one is in the wash you can quickly switch it out.
Crib Fitted Sheets (2-3)
Crib sheets are the perfect way to tie together the theme of your nursery. You can get multiple different patterns or keep them all the same. To help with easy clean up of wetting the bed or spit up you’ll want a few sets.
Dresser (1)
A dresser is a great item to have in your nursery to help keep clothes and other baby items organized. Especially in the smaller sizes, a lot of the clothing items are best folded in drawer (just my opinion) rather than hung in a closet. I chose this tall dresser to double as a changing table, but you could choose a shorter one as well. I recommend plenty of drawers to keep everything organized.
Diaper Changing Table (optional)
I personally didn’t use a diaper changing table, but if you’d like this is a great option! You can also choose to buy a crib with a changing table attached to conserve nursery space.
Changing Pad (1)
If you don’t use a changing table, you will for sure want a changing pad to put on your dresser. It is very important that this pad will mount to your surface of choice for the safety of your little one. I personally went with this Moses basket option but then used heavy duty industrial Velcro to attach it to the dresser. Yes it seems a little ridiculous, but I was obsessed with the look and we tested it out plenty before using it for my baby.
If you choose a basket option, I recommend purchasing this set of bassinet mattress covers. They fit the basket mattress perfectly and could just be tossed in the washing machine in the case of an accident.
Hamper (1)
There are so many cute hampers to choose from! There are tall ones, short ones, and even ones with cute animals
to choose from. You are sure to find the perfect hamper for your baby registry
to match your nursery theme.
Diaper Pail (optional)
There are several different types of diaper pails you can use to keep the stink contained. I used the diaper genie for my first baby and loved the extra liners from Amazon. Other great options for your baby registry include the Ubbi or Dekor diaper pails.
You definitely don’t have to invest in a diaper specific trash container, but I would recommend something at least with a lid to keep the smell to a minimum.
Rocker/Glider (1)
This is a purchase you will want to do your research on! You will spend a lot of time in this chair over the first year of your child’s life, so you want to make sure it is comfortable. I have absolutely loved this glider recliner combo chair.
Sound Machine
A sound machine is an absolute must when it comes to a new baby. I sweat by the Hatch Sound Machine and recommend it to everyone! I don’t know how but it is completely magical and my son take the best naps with it on! It is so good in fact for my next baby I will probably just buy another one so my son can keep using his in his room.
Video Baby Monitor (1)
There are tons of different expensive gadgets on the market, so it definitely is hard to know which you truly need, but I highly recommend investing in a good quality baby monitor. As a working mom, if gave me so much peace of mind to get alerts and be able to see a video feed of my baby at night.
I used both the Nanit and the Owlet and loved them both. They provided really clear images of my babies and were quick to alert me to issues.
If you are looking for a monitor that does not connect to your phone but has its own monitor you can take with you the Infant Optics is a great option.
Newborn Sleep
Bassinet (1)
It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that babies sleep in their parent’s room until at least the age of 6 months. While circumstances may vary for you, it is important to have a safe place to sleep near you is important. A bassinet either connected to or near your bed will also make feedings and middle of the night diaper changes a lot easier.
Swaddle Blankets (5-8)
Getting a nice tight swaddle with your swaddle blankets is the key to soothing a fresh newborn. While the soft muslin blankets are useful, I prefer to use super stretchy blankets for a snug swaddle. You will want to have several of these handy because extra blankets often turn into burp cloths, diaper changing pads, or nursing covers in an emergency.
Newborn Swaddle
Instead of using a swaddle blanket, there are several great options of easy swaddle wraps. I don’t know about you but I am all for a baby product that makes life easier and helps the baby sleep better! The aden + anais wraps were my favorite. Other great options are the Halo Sleep Sack or Love to Dream Swaddle.
Pacificers
Pacifiers (or as I prefer to call them, binkies) come in so many different shapes and sizes. It is hard to know before you baby is born what type they are going to like (if any!). I recommend putting several different types on your baby registry so your baby can try out a few. Some great brands are Nuk, Mam, Ryan and Rose, Frigg, and Itzy Ritzy.
With your pacifiers, you’ll want clips to help keep them attached to clothes and off the floor. These Dodo Baby pacifier clips are super easy to clean and more flexible than the popular silicon option.
Feeding/Nursing
Bottles
Whether or not you decide to breast feed, you will still need some bottles. I went through several different types of bottles when finding the right ones for my son. Some of my favorites are Comotomo, Nuk, Dr. Browns, Tomee Tippee, and Nanobebe. My baby was picky and only used certain kinds, but having extra bottles around was really helpful for storing pumped breastmilk in the fridge.
The exact amount and size are going to vary depending on your feeding plans with your baby. I would recommend getting a pack of a few different types to figure out which works best for you. Then you can purchase more and larger sizes later.
Bottle Brush (2)
Cleaning your bottles properly is super important to protect your baby. I went through several different types and ended up coming back to the same ones over and over again. My favorites are the Dr. Browns, OXO Tot, and even the Amazon Basics bottle brush. These all stayed secure and clean on my counter and are a great price! Stock up on a few to start with so you can toss them often when before they get too old.
Bottle Drying Rack (1)
To prevent thrush infections, you’ll want to make sure your bottles air dry completely. A good drying rack is a great way to make sure you bottles are clean and out of the way!
Bottle Sterilizer (optional)
Personally, I don’t think these are necessary, your dishwasher can perform the same way but if you’d like the convenience, you should definitely add it to your baby registry. I liked the Hauture Bottle Sterilizer because it fits several of the different types of bottles I used, but there are lots of great options out there. You can also purchase microwave sterilizer bags from Dr. Browns, and Munchkin or this sterilizing container from Advents. These are super easy to use and don’t take up as much space as a countertop sterilizer does.
Bottle Warmer (1)
While a sterilizer is definitely optional, I would not skip having a bottle warmer on your baby registry. The Kiinde is a great option because it can heat not only bottles but breastmilk storage bags (Kiinde brand) as well. We used the Bioby for on the go, but other options are Munchkin and Dr. Brown’s.
Breast Pump
You can read here all about nursing essentials and my best pumping tips here. Make sure to order your breast pump through insurance if it is covered and have plenty of storage bags ready to go before your baby arrives.
Nursing Pillow (1)
Depending on who you ask, some moms may say they never used their nursing pillow, but it was an absolute life saver for me! I highly recommend putting either the Boppy or My Brest Friend on your baby registry.
Nursing Covers (2-3)
A lightweight, breathable nursing cover is a must for your baby registry. These are great for keeping you covered in public, but also can double as car seat covers, burp rags, a light blanket, I even used mine as a swaddle in an emergency once. Trust me, you will want to have a few of these on hand because they will end up in the wash often. My favorite were Parker Baby Co, Milk Snob, and Itzy Ritzy. There are also covers like this one from Yoofoos that function more like a nursing apron. They work great, just don’t have the multifunction of the previous brands.
Burp Cloths (10+)
It is a simple fact that babies spit up. And they spit up a lot! You will want to have plenty of burp cloths handy to clean up any spills or messes. I loved both muslin and these organic cotton ones that came in so many fun patterns. I got several different sets from my baby registry and used them all. Really you can’t ever have enough!
Diapering
Diapers
A well-known fact about babies is that they poop, and they poop a lot! You are going to need a lot of diapers and in several different sizes as your baby grows in the first year. Get just a few newborns, and then more size 1 and 2 to start off with. If you are looking for organic or plant-based options you can try Seventh Generation, Dyper, or Honest Company. If organic isn’t something you are interested in, I loved Hello Bello and Huggies for my baby.
Cloth diapering is also an option, but you will need to look into the specific for each brand on how much you will need. Some great ones to get you started researching are AlvaBaby and Mama Koala.
Wipes
Just as much as your baby is going to need diapers, they will need wipes too. Some great brands of wipes include Huggies, Pampers, and Water Wipes.
Diaper Caddy
This diaper caddy was one of my favorite items I got as a gift from my baby registry. I kept it stocked in my living room with diapers, wipes, portable changing pad, and diaper cream to make diaper changes so simple! In addition to diaper supplies, it was also great to store an extra nursing cover and burp clothes for comfortable feeds on the couch.
Bathing
Infant Tub
Bath time is seriously one of mine and my baby’s favorite parts of our evening routine. If you are planning on bathing your newborn in a sink the Blooming Lotus bath is a great option with lots of fun styles and colors. Once your baby is bigger (or if you are skipping sink baths all together) I personally loved the Angelcare Bath Support. We just placed a soft hand towel over top to make it cozier for our babe. This also helped with containing the inevitable poo in the bath situation!
Leaning over the tub can get a little uncomfortable, so I recommend adding one of these bath kneeler to your baby registry from Skip Hop, Babygenix, and Aquatopia. These are all great for comfort and storing your bathing supplies.
Washcloths (4-6)
I love these Bamboo Baby washcloths. They are so soft and easy to use for bath time! Stock up on a few so you always have a clean one ready.
Hooded Towels (2)
Hooded towels are just the cutest for wrapping up your little babe! They come in all sorts of patterns and animals and are so cozy!
Bathing Supplies (1 Set of Each)
There are so many awesome washes, shampoos, and lotion for babies. My baby has sensitive skin, so I had to try a few before I found the perfect one. My pediatrician recommend CeraVe and I swear by it! It cleans super well and is very gentle on the skin. And because your baby is so tiny it takes forever to go through each bottle! You could definitely add a few different kinds to your baby registry to try and see what works best for you.
Nail Clippers
Nail clippers are terrifying to me! I started using this electric nail file after I cut my baby on accident and I have never looked back. It is so gentle and my son just relaxed and watched me file his nails. It is so easy to use. Seriously you will thank yourself for including this on your baby registry!
Gear
Car Seat and Stroller
These are definitely big-ticket purchases, but they will last your family for years! You want to make sure you choose the right option for you. I would recommend going and testing these out in person before adding them to your baby registry. Big retailers like Target, Buy Buy Baby, and Baby Cubby all have brick and mortar stores that carry several of the top brands. Some stroller and car seat sets to look at are Graco Modes Nest, Chicco Corso LE UppaBaby, and Doona just to name a few.
Extra Car Seat Base (optional)
I have this listed as optional for your baby registry because it really isn’t necessary, but it will make your life easier! If your baby is going to regularly be switched between two or more cars, particularly for childcare purposes, purchase a separate cars seat base for each additional car. That way you aren’t constantly taking the base in and out of cars to accommodate your baby. For most car seat companies, you can look into a universal base or just purchase another base of your specific seat.
Bouncer (optional)
A bouncer is a great, comfortable place for your baby to hang out supervised and let you be hands free for a little while. As baby grows, you can encourage development by toys and other sensory items for them to play with.
Swing (optional)
Every baby is different, so if yours isn’t a fan of a bouncer maybe try a swing. Swings can move side to side, back and forth, or in a rotating motion. And several have built in sound machines to help soothe your baby. There are lots of different types to try of this but solid brands to look for are Nova Baby, Ingenuity, and Maxi Cosi.
Pack-n-Play
A Pack-N-Play or Travel Crib doesn’t just have to be used for sleep on the go. It can be a great place to park your baby with a few toys (while supervised) where you know they will be safe. My husband sets ours up in the garage all the time and just lets the baby play while he works on projects. There are several travel cribs that have bassinet attachments for the newborn stage which could definitely save you some money!
We just have this Graco Playard and it works great. Other good options are Guava Lotus, Baby Bjorn, and Pamo Babe.
Highchair
Highchairs can get a little pricey, but this is another product I consider an investment on your baby registry if you are planning on having multiple kids. The Stokke Clikk is so awesome! It is really easy to take apart and put together, and there aren’t any little spaces for food to get trapped. It is expensive so other great options include Baby Joy, Ingenuity, and Dream on Me.
If you are on a budget, unless you are planning on using your registry discounts I would recommend holding off on purchasing a highchair. It will likely be around 6 months that your baby will start to use this so it isn’t really a necessity right now. Plus there are several chances for great sales to get a bargain between now and then (Black Friday anyone!!)
Miscellaneous
Diaper Bag (optional)
I only put diaper bag as optional for your baby registry because you really could use any backpack or purse to carry all your baby necessities. However, a designated diaper bag is super helpful because they are specifically made for carrying certain baby supplies like bottles and diapers. You will want to make sure you have a bag that is big enough to carry everything you need, but not too bulky that it is hard to get around.
Baby Thermometer
Thermometers are a great product to have around if you are worried about your little one being sick. I love this temporal thermometer option because it is very noninvasive, and you can use it without waking your little one up.
There are plenty of other good items to make sure you have in your baby medicine cabinet. I go through all of my favorites and more in Baby Medicine Cabinet Essentials.
Frida Baby Products
Anyone who knows me knows I am a Frida lover! Seriosuly all their products are so good and are a must have on your baby registry. Some top recommend ones are the Nosefrida and FridaWindi. Those two alone helped me survive many of those newborn days!
Clothing
Don’t think I forgot about this section because it is for sure one of my favorites! Registering for baby clothes can be a little less straightforward then some of the categories above.
Because babies grow so fast, you are going to need lots of clothes over their first few years. A popular present for baby showers usually includes baby clothes. I mean who doesn’t love shopping for little babies?
I may have a differing opinion than most, but I preferred to pick out the clothes for my babies myself. That being said it’s important to include clothes that you like on your baby registry in order to encourage those who want to buy clothes pick out outfits you will use.
Also because baby clothes are often only worn a few times, they are a great to hand down to other friends and family members.
Depending on what you anticipate receiving as hand-me-downs or as gifts, you should consider putting the following on your baby registry:
- Baby socks (0-6 months)
- Newborn knotted gowns
- Newborn sleepers with built in mittens
- 0–3-month sleepers with built in mittens
- Set of white onesies in newborn and 0-3 months
Postpartum Essentials
Your baby registry doesn’t just have to include items for your baby! Labor, delivery, and recovery can take a toll on your body (not to mention growing a tiny human for nine months), but there are so many awesome items out there that can help you through the process.
I’ve included all of the postpartum must-haves to this list so you can stock up on all the thing you will need for your baby as well as yourself!
And there you have it, folks! The ultimate baby registry to end all baby registries. We’ve covered everything from diapers to strollers, from pacifiers to cribs, and everything in between.
Now, we know that parenting can be a wild ride, and nothing can truly prepare you for the chaos that comes with a little one. But having a well-stocked baby registry can certainly make the journey a little smoother.
So have fun making the baby registry of your dreams. And remember, no matter what challenges come your way, just take a deep breath, have a sense of humor, and enjoy the beautiful chaos of parenthood.
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