Congratulations, mama to be! If this is your first time putting together a baby registry, you might be feeling excited … and a little overwhelmed.
I bet you’re asking yourself: Which items are truly essentials? What can wait? What will I actually use, and what’s just nice to have?
I’ve been there twice, and that’s exactly why I created this ultimate baby registry checklist.
The following baby registry checklist is the items I’ve used and loved with both my babies, so you can be sure they really are baby registry essentials.
And because I know how much easier it is to have everything in one place, you can download a free printable version of this checklist at the end of the post to keep handy while you build your registry.
Let’s build your registry so that when the big day comes, you’ll feel ready…
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Getting Started with Your Baby Registry
When it comes to starting your registry, the earlier, the better.
You want to give friends and family plenty of time to browse and snag those must have items before the big day arrives.
Plus, it gives you time to tweak and adjust as needed.
Just a heads-up: hold off on those gender specific goodies until you’ve rolled out the grand gender reveal!
In both of my pregnancies I used Amazon Baby Registry. Why? Well, it’s mainly because we’re Amazon Prime members, and let’s face it, Amazon’s got it all!
Not an Amazon member? No worries – you can get a 6 months trial for free here.
Plus, once you finish up your baby registry, you score that 15% completion discount. So, I figured, why not throw in everything we need, even stuff we were planning to buy ourselves? Adding it to the registry means we get that discount, and who doesn’t love saving some extra cash, right?
And if you don’t know, their universal registry feature lets you add items from any website, so you’re not limited to just what Amazon offers.
And last but not least, dont forget about the Amazon welcome box you can get (Read this to know how you can get it).
What to Put on Your Baby Registry
Diapers and Wipes
Whether you choose disposable or reusable diapers, this is a no-brainer essential for your baby. Stock up on these bad boys because you’ll be changing more diapers than you can count.
Trust me; it’s like the never-ending story, but with poop.
Consider setting up an Amazon diaper fund through your registry to keep the supply flowing.
One fun way to help stock up on diapers is to host a diaper raffle at your baby shower.
It works like this: on the invitation, ask each guest to bring a pack of diapers (any size). In exchange, they get entered into a raffle drawing for a small prize (could be a gift card, pamper set, etc.).
It’s festive, helps you build up your diaper supply, gives guests something easy to do (buying diapers), and adds a fun game element to your shower.
Baby Gear
When it comes to selecting baby gear like strollers and car seats, the endless options can feel overwhelming.
To help you choose the best stroller for you, you can read an overview about Best Stroller Brands here.
What I used for Liam was the Sportline Cielo PL and for Emily it’s the Graco Modes Pramette Travel System (3 strollers in 1).
And what’s the deal with car seats?
Well, I’ve been loyal to Britax for both Liam and Emily. They’ll be riding in the Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One car seat until they’re old enough to take the wheel themselves! It’s convertible to a booster, giving you a generous 10 years of use.
Nursery Essentials
Planning your baby’s nursery can be a fun adventure, from choosing a theme to arranging the layout.
If you’re looking for style inspiration, check out my posts on nursery ideas for boys, girls, and gender neutral.
But if going all out with a fancy nursery isn’t your thing, that’s totally fine too. Babies really don’t need much.
Make sure they have a safe sleeping spot, like a crib or bassinet.
Essential items like a sound machine, monitor, changing table, and comfy chair for soothing moments should also be on your list.
Don’t forget a nightlight for those nighttime feedings and diaper changes, along with some room-darkening shades or curtains to help create a cozy atmosphere.
Feeding Supplies
Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or both, gear up with pumps, bottles, Sterilizer, Bottle Brush and all the other accessories.
I breastfed both my babies, so having a reliable breast pump was super important. I stuck with the same one for both of them – the Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump. It worked like a charm, I just swapped out the parts when needed.
With Emily, I also used a portable breast pump because it made it much easier to manage while still being available for Liam. The Momcozy was perfect for that reason.
Another game-changer for breastfeeding moms is the Haakaa! It collects milk from the side you’re not feeding from and collects several ounces to store without ever having to use an electric pump. Genious! And don’t let me forget the nursing pads – life saver!
Clothing and Accessories
Many people include clothes on their registries, but here’s a note from my own experience: I usually choose clothing on my own.
Guests often give clothes even if they don’t pick from the registry. So if you want, you can include just a few items (onesies or sizes you need most) but don’t feel pressure to fill this section.
Check out my baby clothing post to learn how many outfits you’ll need and much more.
Health and Safety Items
When it comes to the health and safety of your newborn, having the right items on hand is essential for peace of mind.
Invest in a reliable baby monitor to keep a close watch over your little one, providing reassurance even when you’re not in the room.
A quality thermometer is another must-have to monitor your baby’s temperature accurately, helping you detect any signs of illness early on.
Additionally, consider adding to your registry items like a nasal aspirator to clear baby’s stuffy nose, Nail Buffer for gentle grooming, and a first aid kit equipped with essentials for minor mishaps.
Playtime and Developmental Toys
Toys are wonderful for keeping your baby engaged and helping with development, but many of the small ones (like rattles or plush toys) are often gifted by friends and family without being on your registry.
I recommend saving your registry space for bigger items that make a real difference, such as an activity gym, a play mat, or a jumper for when your baby gets older.
Bathing and Grooming Supplies
Make bath time a spa-like experience with all the essentials, from gentle shampoos to cute hooded towels.
To avoid experiencing back pains, you can bathe them in the sink (if it’s large enough) using a Bath Seat, or in a standing baby bathtub if you have sufficient space in your bathroom.
For tips on keeping your baby’s skin healthy during bath time, check out How to Take Care of Your Baby’s Skin.
On-the-go Items
When you’re on the move with your little one, having the right gear can make all the difference.
A baby carrier is a lifesaver for keeping your hands free while keeping your baby close and secure.
Look for options that offer ergonomic support for both you and your baby, such as a soft structured carrier like the BabyBjörn or a wrap-style carrier like the Moby that provides customizable comfort.
Additionally, a diaper bag is essential for stashing all your baby’s essentials while out and about.
Personally, I’m a big fan of backpack-style diaper bags because they’re convenient to use, especially when you’re also using a carrier.
Items for Mommy
Well mama, did you think I’d forget about you?
Don’t let the term “baby registry” throw you off – you deserve a treat too, don’t you agree?
Adding a few postpartum essentials to your registry is one of the smartest things you can do, because those early days are all about healing and comfort.
Guests are often happy to gift items that help you feel supported.
You can add items like nursing bras, comfortable pj, a cozy robe, body cream, or whatever you want in order to pamper yourself. You deserve it!
I’ve put together a full list of what really helped me after both births – check out my Postpartum Essentials guide.
Sharing Your Baby Registry
Now that you’ve finished building your registry, the next step is sharing it with your guests so they know exactly how to help.
Here are a few simple ways to spread the word:
- Add your registry information to your baby shower invitations. You can keep it simple with one short line at the bottom that includes your registry link, or include a QR code that guests can scan to go straight to your registry.
- Include the registry link on your shower event page if you’re creating one online.
- Share the link in a family or friends’ group chat or on social media if you’re comfortable.
- When someone asks what you need, send them directly to the registry or highlight a few items.
So there you have it, mama!
With a thoughtful registry in place, your loved ones will feel confident about giving gifts that support you and your baby in the best possible way.
And remember to grab the free printable checklist to keep everything organized while you shop and share your registry with friends and family.
Download my free Baby Registry Checklist:
With love,
Shely
