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Baby registry checklist from a mom of four
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A baby registry needs a safe place to sleep, a car seat, a way to feed the baby, diapers and wipes, a few clothes, and a way to carry the baby. That is the core. Everything else is nice to have. This checklist sorts the must-haves from the extras, so you register for what you will use and skip what ends up in the donation bin by the first birthday.
Four babies taught me that most of the baby aisle is optional. The baby needs you, milk, a clean diaper, and a safe place to sleep. The rest is there to make your life easier, and some of it does.
Where to register
Most parents pick one of two. Many use both.
Babylist is a universal registry. You can add items from any store, plus cash funds and favors like meals or dog walks. Babylist gives a 15% completion discount on items from the Babylist Shop, up to $600. They also send a free Hello Baby Box of samples once you finish a few setup steps. You pay shipping.
Start your universal registry on Babylist.
Amazon Baby Registry is easy for guests, since almost everyone has an Amazon account. Prime members can get a completion discount on items left on the registry, and a free welcome box once they meet a few requirements. Check Amazon’s registry page for the current terms.
Start your registry in the second trimester. That gives guests time to shop before the shower and gives you time to use the completion discount before the baby comes.
Sleep
Must-haves:
A crib, bassinet, or play yard. Pick one that meets current federal safety standards. A bassinet or play yard next to your bed is easier for the first months.
A firm, flat mattress that fits the crib snug. No gaps at the sides.
Two or three fitted sheets. Blowouts happen at 2 a.m. Have a spare.
Wearable blankets. A sleep sack keeps the baby warm with no loose blanket.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says babies should sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface, with a fitted sheet and nothing else. No bumpers, pillows, blankets, or stuffed toys. The AAP also says to share a room, but not a bed, for at least the first six months. Read the AAP safe sleep guide before you shop.
Nice to have: a white noise machine and a baby monitor.
Car and stroller
Must-haves:
A car seat. An infant seat clicks into a base and carries the baby in. A convertible seat stays in the car and lasts for years. Either works. Buy it new, since a used seat may have been in a crash you do not know about. Practice the install before your due date.
A stroller. If you picked an infant car seat, a stroller that the seat clicks into saves you from waking a sleeping baby.
Nice to have: a second car seat base if two cars will carry the baby.
Feeding
Must-haves:
A breast pump, if you plan to nurse. Most health plans cover one for free, so do not pay full price. My guide walks through how to get yours.
Bottles. Register for a small set of two kinds. Some babies are picky, and you will not know which kind yours likes until they try. The Babylist Bottle Box has bottles from several brands, so you can test a few before you buy a full set.
Burp cloths. Ten at least. They end up everywhere.
A bottle brush and a drying rack.
Nice to have: a nursing pillow, a bottle warmer, and a high chair for six months and up.
Diapering
Must-haves:
Diapers in size 1. Newborns outgrow newborn size fast. Ask guests for size 1 and 2. If you plan to use cloth, here is how many newborn cloth diapers you need.
Wipes. More than you think.
A changing pad on a dresser you already own. A changing table is optional. My changing table organization ideas work for a dresser top, too.
Nice to have: a diaper pail and a diaper bag. A backpack diaper bag leaves both hands free.
Clothes
Must-haves:
Zip sleepers in 0-3 and 3-6 months. Zippers beat snaps at 3 a.m. Nobody has ever lined up 12 snaps right on the first try in the dark.
Bodysuits, socks, and a few hats.
Weather gear for your season. A bunting or car seat cover for a winter baby, a sun hat for a summer baby. Never put a puffy coat on a baby in a car seat, since it keeps the straps too loose.
Bath and health
Must-haves:
A baby bathtub. A small tub makes the slippery baby stage less scary.
Baby nail clippers or a nail file.
A thermometer and a nasal aspirator.
Ask your pediatrician what else to keep in the medicine cabinet.
Carrying and play
Must-have: a baby carrier or wrap. It lets you hold the baby and use both hands. Some babies only nap in one.
Nice to have: a play mat, a bouncer, and a swing. Not sure about the last two? Here is a bouncer vs swing comparison.
Checklist at a glance
| Category | Must-have | Nice to have |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep | Crib or bassinet, firm mattress, fitted sheets, sleep sacks | White noise machine, monitor |
| Car | Car seat, stroller | Second base |
| Feeding | Breast pump or formula, bottles, burp cloths, brush | Nursing pillow, bottle warmer, high chair |
| Diapering | Diapers in size 1 and 2, wipes, cream, changing pad | Diaper pail, backpack diaper bag |
| Clothes | Zip sleepers, bodysuits, socks, weather gear | Outfits for photos |
| Bath and health | Small tub, towels, nail clippers, thermometer | Bath toys for later |
| Carrying | Carrier or wrap | Play mat, bouncer, swing |
What I would skip
Crib bumpers. They are a suffocation risk, and a federal law now bans their sale. The same law banned inclined sleepers.
Sleep positioners and pillows for the crib. Same reason.
Newborn-size clothes in bulk. Some babies skip that size. Others outgrow it in two weeks.
A wipe warmer. Room temperature wipes are fine. The baby will survive.
Baby shoes before walking. Cute for one photo. Useless after that.
The full list, with what to get instead, is in my post on what to skip on a baby registry.
Frequently asked questions
What do you need on a baby registry?
A safe place to sleep, a car seat, feeding supplies, diapers and wipes, a few clothes, bath basics, and a carrier. Everything else is nice to have.
When should I start a baby registry?
The second trimester is a good time. It gives guests time to shop before a shower, and you can use any completion discount before the baby arrives.
Is Babylist or Amazon better for a baby registry?
Babylist is better if you want items from many stores in one place, plus cash funds. Amazon is easier for guests who already shop there. Many parents use Babylist as the main list and add Amazon items to it.
Should I put big items like a stroller on my registry?
Yes. Group gifting lets several guests pay toward one big item. Anything left over is a good use for your completion discount.
More for new parents: hospital bag checklist, nursery organization ideas, and what a diaper party is.
