If you’re searching for the ultimate baby registry checklist, you’re in the right place. Creating your baby registry is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your little one. It’s also one of the most overwhelming.
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One minute you’re adding adorable tiny outfits and stuffed animals to your registry. The next, you’re staring at six different baby bathtubs, four kinds of bottle sterilizers, and a gadget that promises to warm baby wipes to the perfect temperature.
Do you actually need all of this?
As a second-time mom, I can confidently tell you… absolutely not.
What I Did Differently the Second Time
When I was pregnant with my first baby, I spent hours researching everything I could find online. If someone on Pinterest said it was a “must-have,” onto the registry it went. If it had thousands of glowing reviews on Amazon, I assumed I couldn’t live without it.
Then my son arrived.
Some products became part of our everyday routine and I honestly can’t imagine surviving those newborn days without them. Others remained untouched until I eventually donated them months later.
Fast forward a few years to when I was expecting my daughter. Expanding our family was always our plan. Thankfully we had kept all of our most-used baby items and didn’t need much this time around. Had I created a complete newborn registry again though, it would have looked completely different.
The Question That Changed Everything
Instead of asking, “What are other people buying?” I started asking, “What did we actually use?”
That simple question made all the difference.
This guide isn’t filled with products just because they’re trendy. It’s based on the items that earned their place in our home after two babies, countless diaper changes, middle-of-the-night feedings, road trips, pediatrician appointments, and all the little moments in between.
Whether you’re creating your first baby registry or refreshing it for baby number two, my goal is to help you feel confident about every item you add.
Where Should You Create Your Baby Registry?
If you’re wondering where to create your baby registry, my number one vote is an Amazon Baby Registry.
Why Amazon Is My Top Pick
After having two babies myself, and watching dozens of friends build registries of their own, I really think it’s the easiest option for both you and everyone shopping for you. Chances are almost everyone in your life has ordered from Amazon at least once. There’s no learning curve or extra trip to the store. Friends and family can shop from the comfort of their couch, have gifts shipped directly to you, and even send last-minute gifts if they forgot about your baby shower (it happens! 😂).
Amazon Baby Registry Benefits
One of my favorite perks is the 15% completion discount. Once your baby arrives, you’ll inevitably realize there are a few things you forgot to register for or wish you had more of. Amazon lets you save 15% on eligible items that weren’t purchased from your registry, which can really add up during those first few months. The discount is available starting 60 days before your due date and continues for 90 days after your baby’s arrival on eligible items.
There are a few other perks I love, too:
- A free Welcome Box for eligible Prime members filled with baby samples and goodies.
- Group gifting, so friends and family can chip in together on bigger-ticket items like strollers or nursery furniture.
- A huge selection of baby products, from the big-name brands to smaller brands you may not find in stores.
- Easy returns, which came in handy more than once. There were times we realized we didn’t need something or ended up with duplicates. Amazon also offers extended returns on many registry gifts.
My Best Registry Advice
Don’t wait until the last minute to create your registry. Even if you aren’t ready to start adding products yet, go ahead and make one early so you can start taking advantage of the registry perks and add items as you come across them.
☀️ Pro Tip: If you realize you need something baby-related during that 90-day window but never added it to your registry, don’t worry! Just add the eligible item to your Amazon Baby Registry first, and your 15% completion discount should kick in immediately. It’s such an easy way to save on those “Oh, I wish I had registered for that!” purchases. 😉
Before You Start Building Your Registry
Before you click “Add to Registry” a hundred times, here are a few things I wish someone had told me.
Every Baby Is Different
One baby might happily take any bottle you offer.
Another might reject five different brands before finally accepting one.
One baby loves being swaddled.
Another acts like you’ve wrapped them in a straight jacket.
There isn’t a single registry that works perfectly for every family, and that’s okay. Think of this checklist as your starting point. You’ll discover your baby’s preferences together.
You Don’t Need Every Baby Gadget
It’s tempting to register for every product you come across “just in case.”
I did exactly that with my first baby.
The reality? Babies don’t need nearly as much as the baby industry wants us to believe.
You’ll save yourself money, storage space, and decision fatigue by focusing on quality essentials instead of every new gadget that hits the market.
Don’t Feel Like You Have to Buy Everything Before Baby Arrives
This one was surprisingly hard for me.
I wanted our nursery to be completely finished before my due date. I wanted every drawer to be organized. The shelves should be decorated by now, why aren’t they decorated? And I felt like I needed to be prepared for every possible “what if.”
Looking back, I wish I had stressed less.
Thanks to online shopping and fast shipping, it’s easier than ever to order something after your baby arrives if you realize you need it.
There are very few products that absolutely have to be sitting in your house before labor starts.
One of the best gifts I received right before I had my first baby was an Amazon gift card. I loved having that gift card balance in my Amazon app handy for when we inevitably discovered we needed something. I could just order it at 3 am without thinking twice.
Think About Your Lifestyle
A registry for someone living in a walkable city apartment is going to look different than one for a suburban family that’s constantly loading kids into the car.
Ask yourself:
- Will we travel often?
- Do we have a small nursery?
- Will grandparents be helping with childcare?
- Do we have multiple floors in our home?
- Are we hoping to have more children?
Your answers will help determine which products are worth investing in.
Jump to a Section
What You’ll Find in This Guide
I’ve broken this guide into categories so it’s easy to build your registry one section at a time instead of feeling like you have to make every decision in one afternoon.
For each category, I’ll cover:
- What you actually need
- Nice-to-have items
- Products I’d personally buy again
- Items I’d skip if I were starting over
- Tips I wish I’d known before baby arrived
Keep an Eye Out for These
As you make your way through this guide, keep an eye out for my ☀️ Second-Time Mom Tips sprinkled throughout. These are little nuggets of wisdom I wish someone had shared with me during my first pregnancy, along with the things I learned after doing it all over again with my second.
You’ll also notice that I occasionally mark products as Skip, Optional, or Purchase Later. I wanted this baby registry checklist to be as comprehensive as possible. So, I included products your baby won’t need right away but will likely use within the first year. You definitely don’t need to have every one of these before your little one arrives, but they’re worth keeping on your radar. They’re also great items to add later so you can take advantage of your completion discount.
One Last Thing…
Think of this guide as a roadmap, not a shopping list.
Your baby doesn’t need everything.
Your family just needs the right things.
Remember, your registry doesn’t have to be finished in one afternoon. In fact, I’d actually encourage you not to rush it.
Take your time, compare products, read reviews, and choose the items that fit your family’s lifestyle.
So grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and let’s build a baby registry you’ll actually use. Let’s start with the nursery, since it’s where most parents begin building their registry.
Nursery Essentials
Sleeping
Creating a safe, comfortable sleep space is one of the first things you’ll want to check off your nursery list. While there are plenty of options out there, these are the products we used with both our babies and would happily choose again.
Crib
When choosing a crib, I highly recommend going with a 3-in-1 crib. It grows with your child, so you can use it as a crib, toddler bed, and daybed before eventually transitioning to a twin bed.
We chose the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Crib, and nearly five years (and two kids!) later, we’re still using it. It’s made from solid New Zealand pine, is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, and is one purchase I’d make again in a heartbeat.
Crib Mattress
A good crib mattress is one item I don’t mind spending a little more on. We used the Newton Crib Mattress with both of our babies and loved it. My biggest recommendation is to splurge for the waterproof version. Between diaper leaks, spit-up, and middle-of-the-night messes, you’ll thank yourself later. 😉
Waterproof Mattress Protector (2)
No matter which mattress you choose, I recommend having at least two waterproof crib mattress protectors. We used the Yoofoss Waterproof Crib Mattress Protectors, and they held up beautifully through countless washes.
☀️ Pro Tip: Make the crib with a mattress protector, crib sheet, another mattress protector, and a second crib sheet. If your baby has a middle-of-the-night accident, you can simply peel off the top layer and have a clean, ready-to-go bed underneath. It’s one of my favorite newborn hacks and has saved us more than once.
Crib Sheets (3-4)
I recommend having three to four fitted crib sheets on hand. Babies have an impressive talent for making messes at the worst possible times. Having a few clean extras makes life much easier.
Bassinet or Minicrib (Optional)
If your baby will be sleeping in your room for the first few months, a bassinet or mini crib can be a great option. We personally loved having our babies close by for those frequent nighttime feedings.
I loved the Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Bassinet. The mesh sides made it easy to see my baby from any angle which I appreciated. The large storage basket underneath was incredibly handy for keeping diapers, wipes, and other nighttime essentials within arm’s reach.
Furniture
Your nursery furniture doesn’t have to be elaborate, but choosing pieces that can grow with your family will save you money in the long run.
Dresser
Instead of a changing table, I recommend investing in a good dresser that your child can use for years. We have the IKEA Hemnes Dresser, and it’s held up beautifully through two kids. If you don’t have an IKEA nearby, this Hemnes-inspired dresser has a very similar look.
Changing Table (Skip)
Personally, I don’t recommend buying a dedicated changing table. It’s only useful for a relatively short time period. And once your baby outgrows it, you’re left with a bulky piece of furniture that takes up valuable space. Instead, I’d pair your dresser with a changing pad. Look out for my recommendation for that in the Changing Station section.
Glider or Rocking Chair
I definitely recommend having some type of glider or rocking chair in the nursery. Ours has gotten so much use over the years, from middle-of-the-night feedings and rocking babies to sleep to reading bedtime stories and soaking up all the snuggles.
Ottoman (Optional)
An ottoman isn’t a necessity, but it’s a nice addition if you like putting your feet up while feeding or rocking your baby. Bonus points if it doubles as storage. And extra bonus points if you can flip the lid to use as a tray like with this multifunctional ottoman!
Bookshelf
Kids somehow collect books faster than you think possible, so I’d go ahead and plan for a bookshelf from the start. Trust me… you’ll fill it before you know it.
Toy Storage Bins
I love storage that doubles as decor. We use a wicker toy storage trunk, and it holds a surprising number of toys while still looking nice in the nursery or living room.
Laundry Hamper
A dedicated nursery hamper is one of those little things that makes life easier. I love our tall wicker laundry hamper. It blends right in with the rest of the room while giving us a place to toss all those tiny clothes, burp cloths, and swaddles.
Nursery Organization
A little organization goes a long way in a nursery. Trust me, when you’re trying to find a clean sleeper at 3 a.m., you’ll be glad everything has a place.
Closet Organizers
I recommend having a mix of hanging closet space and some kind of shelving or cube storage. Hanging works great for outfits, jackets, and special occasion clothes, while cubes are perfect for things like extra blankets, swimwear, and shoes.
Baby Hangers
Tiny baby clothes love to slide right off regular hangers, so I prefer velvet baby hangers. They grip the clothes much better and keep everything looking neat in the closet.
Drawer Dividers
These are definitely a must-have. Drawer dividers make it so much easier to organize tiny clothes by type. I love using small storage bins inside drawers for things like medicine, syringes, lotions, creams, socks, and other little essentials.
Clothing Size Dividers (Optional)
I actually don’t think clothing size dividers are necessary. I was gifted a set before my first was born and hung them up in his closet. But truthfully, after the first round of outgrown clothes, I never really reached for them again. If you like having everything perfectly labeled, you may enjoy them, but I don’t think they’re a registry must-have.
Storage Baskets
We use a cube storage organizer with collapsible fabric storage bins. It’s an easy way to keep toys, blankets, and baby gear tucked away without making the room feel cluttered.
Nursery Decor
Decorating the nursery is one of the most fun parts of getting ready for baby! None of these items are necessities, but they can help make the space feel cozy, functional, and uniquely yours.
Blackout Curtains
If I could only recommend one decor item, it would be blackout curtains. They make a huge difference for naps, early bedtimes, and those bright early mornings. We have them in both of our kids’ rooms, and I’d absolutely buy them again.
Nursery Rug
A rug instantly makes the room feel warmer and cozier. It also gives you a soft place to sit for tummy time, story time, or just playing on the floor together.
Wall Decor
This is where you can really have fun and make the nursery your own. Whether you prefer neutral, colorful, modern, or whimsical, choose pieces that make you smile every time you walk into the room.
Mobile (Optional)
A crib mobile can add a sweet finishing touch to the nursery. It gives your baby something interesting to look at during those early months. There are some reallyyyyy cute handmade crib mobiles on Etsy, and some still-cute-but-affordable crib mobile options on Amazon. However, we personally skipped this item, and I’d consider it a nice-to-have rather than a registry essential.
Nursery Tech
These are the little extras that helped make life with a newborn a bit easier. While not every family will need all of them, these are the items I found myself reaching for over and over again.
Sound Machine
A sound machine is one baby item I’d recommend to almost every parent. We started using one from day one with both our babies, and it’s become such a comforting part of their sleep routine. It also helps drown out household noise so you’re not tiptoeing around during every nap.
Humidifier
A cool mist humidifier is nice to have on hand, especially during cold and flu season. We don’t use ours every day, but I’m always glad we have it whenever one of the kids wakes up congested.
Baby Monitor
A baby monitor gave me so much peace of mind, especially once my babies started sleeping in their own room. Whether you choose an audio-only monitor or a video monitor with extra features really comes down to your family’s preferences and budget.
One thing that was important to us was choosing a non-WiFi baby monitor. I had heard enough stories about WiFi-connected monitors being vulnerable to hacking that I personally felt more comfortable with a closed, non-WiFi system. After doing a ton of research when our second baby was born, we ended up choosing the VTech Advanced HQ Max Twin Baby Monitor with Split Screen, and we’ve been really happy with it.
The camera quality is fantastic, but my favorite feature is the split-screen display. With two cameras, I can see both kids sleeping in their separate rooms at the same time without constantly switching back and forth between feeds. If you’re planning to have more than one child using a monitor, that feature alone has been so convenient for us.
Night Light
A portable night light is one of those little things you don’t think much about until you’re changing a diaper at 3 a.m. It gives you just enough light to see what you’re doing without fully waking either of you. I still use ours all the time.
Feeding Essentials
Breastfeeding
If you’re planning to breastfeed, there are a few products that can make those early weeks much more comfortable. Every breastfeeding journey looks different, but these are the items I found myself using daily.
Nursing Pillow
A good nursing pillow is one item I wouldn’t skip. I used the My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow with both of my babies and loved how supportive it was during those long newborn feeds.
Breast Pump
Even if you plan to exclusively nurse, I recommend having a breast pump on hand. Whether you’re building a freezer stash, heading back to work, or just want someone else to take over a feeding once in a while, it’s something I think is worth having. The good news is that if you’re in the U.S., there’s a good chance you can get one completely free through your health insurance. I wrote a full guide explaining how to get a free breast pump through insurance, including when to order one and how to find out which pumps your plan covers.
Milk Storage Bags
If you’re pumping, breast milk storage bags make freezing and organizing your milk so much easier. I found myself using these much more than I expected.
Nursing Pads
Leakage is completely normal in those early weeks. Having a pack of disposable or reusable nursing pads is something I’d definitely keep in your nursing cart.
Nipple Cream (Wait & See)
I consider nipple cream more of a “wait and see” item than a registry must-have. If you end up dealing with sore, dry, cracked, or chafed nipples, it’s definitely something worth adding to your cart. (This is where that amazon gift card comes in handy!) Otherwise, you may find you never need it.
Nursing Bras
You’ll probably end up living in comfortable nursing bras for the first few months. So it’s worth having a few that you actually like wearing.
Silverettes (Optional)
I didn’t discover Silverette nursing cups until my second baby, but I wish I’d had them the first time around. They’re definitely more of a nice-to-have than a necessity, but many moms swear by them for soothing sore nipples.
Silicone Milk Collector
A silicone milk collector is an easy way to catch letdown while your baby nurses on the opposite side. It helped me save milk that otherwise would’ve ended up in a nursing pad. I used the Haakaa Silicone Milk Collector with my first baby and had great results. When I was pregnant with my second, I wanted something a little more discreet. I switched to the Boon Trove because it fits inside your bra, making it convenient if you’re moving around while nursing. Both are great options, it just depends on what you’re looking for.
Burp Cloths
You can never have too many burp cloths. I kept a little stash everywhere… the nursery, the living room, the diaper bag, and even in the car because somehow we always seemed to need one.
I personally love muslin burp cloths because they’re soft, super absorbent, easy to wash, and they get even softer with every wash cycle. We used these white muslin burp cloths daily. If you prefer a little color, I also love these earth tone muslin burp cloths.
Bottle Feeding
Whether you’re exclusively formula feeding, pumping, supplementing, or just like having bottles on hand for the occasional feeding, these are the essentials I’d recommend adding to your registry.
Bottles
Every baby has their own preferences, so I wouldn’t register for a huge stash of one brand right away. I’d start with a few bottles and see what your baby likes before stocking up. That said, I personally preferred glass baby bottles over plastic whenever possible. We really liked the Philips Avent Glass Baby Bottles. They’re durable, made from BPA-free glass, and have wide, breast-shaped nipples that made switching between breastfeeding and bottle feeding feel more natural for my babies.
Cloth Bibs
I still think cloth bibs are fantastic to have on hand, especially during the drooling stage. They’re soft, absorbent, and perfect for catching all that drool before it soaks through your baby’s clothes. Once your little one starts solids, though, I personally prefer a different style of bib for mealtimes—which I’ll get into a little later in the Starting Solids section.
Bottle Brush
A bottle brush makes cleaning bottles, pump parts, and nipples so much easier. This is definitely one of those little tools you’ll use every day. I really like the Boon Cacti Bottle Cleaning Brush Set because it comes with several brushes in different shapes and sizes, making it easy to clean everything from bottles and pump parts to straw cups and toddler cups as your little one grows. Plus… can we talk about how cute it is? 😂 Baby gear has a way of taking over your countertops, so I appreciate when everyday essentials are designed to look just as good as they function.
Drying Rack
A bottle drying rack helps keep bottles and pump parts organized while they air dry. It also frees up valuable counter space.
Automatic Formula Dispenser (Optional)
If you plan to formula feed or supplement, the Baby Brezza Formula Pro can make those frequent bottle feeds a whole lot easier. Think of it almost like a Keurig for baby bottles—it automatically measures, mixes, and dispenses formula and water at the temperature and amount you select. Instead of measuring and mixing a bottle while you’re half asleep at 2 a.m., you can have one ready in seconds. It’s definitely more of a splurge than a necessity, but if you’re exclusively formula feeding or making multiple bottles a day, the convenience may be well worth it.
Travel Formula Dispenser (Optional)
If you plan to formula feed or supplement, a travel formula dispenser is one of those inexpensive little things that’s surprisingly convenient to have in your diaper bag. You can pre-measure the exact amount of powdered formula you need for each bottle before leaving the house, then simply pour it into your bottle when it’s time for a feed. No bringing the entire formula container or trying to measure scoops while you’re out and about. I especially like the multi-compartment formula dispensers so you can prep enough for several bottles at once.
Bottle Warmer (Optional)
A bottle warmer is one of those items that some parents swear by and others never use. We personally skipped it, but if you know you’ll be warming bottles often, it can be a nice convenience.
Sterilizer (Optional)
I also consider a bottle sterilizer to be optional. We found that boiling bottles or running them through the dishwasher worked just fine for our family, but if you prefer the convenience of a dedicated sterilizer, it may be worth adding to your registry.
The Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro was by far the most recommended option in both of my due date groups. It’s an all-in-one machine that washes, sterilizes, and dries bottles, pump parts, sippy cups, and accessories, so you don’t have to scrub everything by hand. It also has multiple cycle options, uses fresh water for every wash, and can automatically dry items with HEPA-filtered air, making it a huge time-saver for busy parents.
If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, the Momcozy KleanPal Pro is another excellent option. It offers many of the same features—including washing, sterilizing, drying, and storage modes—and is compatible with bottles, breast pump parts, and other baby feeding accessories. While it doesn’t have as much hype as the Baby Brezza, it provides a very similar all-in-one experience at a lower price point.
Starting Solids (Future Registry Items)
Even though your baby won’t start solids until around 6 months, I still recommend adding a few feeding essentials to your registry. It spreads out the cost a bit, and you’ll be glad to already have these items on hand when it’s time to introduce food.
High Chair
A high chair is one of those baby items you’ll use multiple times a day for years, so I think it’s worth investing in one that’s easy to clean and can grow with your child. We have and love the Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair because it’s incredibly sturdy, well-made, and adjusts as your child grows, so you can continue using it well beyond the baby years.
Stokke also sells a newborn bundle that allows you to use the chair from birth if you’re looking for another place to safely set your baby down. We personally skipped that accessory because we already had other newborn gear we were happy with and didn’t feel like we needed another “container.” Instead, we waited until both of our babies were around 6 months old and sitting independently before introducing the high chair, and that worked perfectly for our family.
Silicone Bibs
I much prefer silicone bibs over cloth ones once babies start eating. They’re easy to rinse off, catch dropped food, and save you from doing extra laundry. That said, I still think cloth bibs are handy for drool, bottles, and less-messy snacks.
For the really messy meals, I absolutely loved the Bibado Coverall Bib. It goes on almost like a long-sleeve shirt, fastens behind the neck, and covers your baby’s entire torso. We used ours constantly when my babies were still very enthusiastic—and very messy—eaters. Once mealtime was over, I could take it off and toss it straight into the washing machine, which made cleanup so much easier.
Baby Spoons
A few soft baby spoons are all you need to get started with purées and first foods. Once baby is a little bit older I like to switch to this 18/8 stainless steel spoon and fork set with silicone handles.
Suction Bowls & Plates
If your baby is anything like mine, they’ll eventually discover that launching dishes onto the floor is a lot of fun. 😂 Suction bowls and plates definitely help… but they’re not completely foolproof.
If you do end up going with the Tripp Trapp, here’s something I wish I’d known sooner. The tray has a slight texture that keeps most silicone plates from suctioning properly. After a lot of trial and error, I stumbled across these bamboo suction plates, and somehow… they work. I genuinely have no idea why, considering the bottom is silicone too. But they stuck to our tray better than anything else we tried. 🤷🏼♀️🤣
Another fantastic option is the Elk and Friends line. They have stainless steel and ceramic plates and bowls with removable silicone sleeves for easy washing. Additionally, they come in suction sleeve and non-suction sleeve options.
Snack Cup
A snack cup is perfect once your little one starts feeding themselves. It’s great for on-the-go snacks and helps keep Goldfish and puffs from ending up all over the car. I like these WeeSprout snack containers because they come with a lid.
Straw Cup
I’d actually skip the sippy cup altogether and go straight to a straw cup. Both of my kiddos picked up how to use a straw much faster than I expected, and I was happy to avoid having to transition away from sippy cups later. We loved the Honey Bear Straw Cup because you can gently squeeze the cup to help your baby learn that water comes out of the straw. It made the learning process so much easier.
Baby Food Freezer Tray
If you plan on making your own baby food, a baby food freezer tray is an easy way to prep and freeze individual portions ahead of time. I personally love the Souper Cubes Silicone Freezer Trays because the portions are the perfect size for babies. During the newborn stage, we used ours to freeze and store breast milk, and later they became perfect for homemade purées. If you’re planning to make your own baby food, you’ll thank yourself later for prepping larger batches and freezing them into individual servings. It makes mealtime so much easier on busy days.
Diapering Essentials
You’ll be spending a lot of time at your changing station during those first few months. Having the right setup can make diaper changes much easier. These are the diapering essentials I’d recommend registering for.
Changing Station
Changing Pad
Instead of a traditional changing pad with fabric covers, I highly recommend the Keekaroo Peanut Changer. We used ours daily, and being able to simply wipe it clean after diaper blowouts was worth every penny. No constantly washing changing pad covers, and it still looks brand new years later.
Changing Pad Covers, If Needed
If you choose a traditional changing pad, I’d recommend having a few changing pad covers on hand since they’re bound to need frequent washing.
Diapers (Multiple Sizes)
I recommend registering for multiple diaper sizes instead of only newborn diapers. Babies grow quickly, and you’ll likely move through sizes faster than you expect.
Wipes
Every baby is different, but our family has consistently loved WaterWipes. They’re gentle on sensitive skin, clean well, and don’t leave behind the greasy residue I’ve noticed with some other brands.
Wipe Dispenser
A good wipe dispenser might sound like a luxury, but it makes a huge difference during diaper changes. I love the Ubbi Wipe Dispenser because its weighted plate makes one-handed dispensing easy. The Biom Baby Wipe Dispenser is another great option if you want something that works just as well at home and can travel with you.
Diaper Cream
I like keeping two different diaper creams on hand. We use Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment as an everyday moisture barrier to help prevent diaper rash, and Boudreaux’s Butt Paste whenever a stubborn diaper rash pops up.
Bum Brush
This is one of those products that sounds unnecessary until you use it. Trust me on this one… just add the Baby Bum Brush to your registry. It keeps diaper cream off your hands, makes application quick and mess-free, and it’s one of those little products I ended up using every single day.
Diaper Pail
The Ubbi Diaper Pail has been my favorite because it works with regular kitchen trash bags, so you aren’t locked into buying expensive proprietary refills. I do still like the Ubbi Diaper Pail Liners because they fit perfectly, but I love having the flexibility to use whichever is most convenient.
Hand Sanitizer
This isn’t necessarily something I’d add to your registry, but I do recommend keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer near your changing station. It’s surprisingly handy when you’re in the middle of a diaper change and can’t make it to the sink right away.
On-the-Go Diapering
Having a well-stocked diaper bag makes leaving the house with a baby so much less stressful. These are the items I found myself using every time we were out and about.
Diaper Bag
There are so many great diaper bags on the market, and this one really comes down to your personal style and organizational preferences. That said, I do recommend investing in a high-quality bag if your budget allows. You’ll be carrying it almost everywhere for the next few years, so it’s worth choosing one that’s comfortable, durable, and has a layout that works for you.
I’ve owned and loved my Fawn Design Diaper Bag Backpack for several years now. It has plenty of room for everything I need without feeling overly bulky, and I personally prefer a backpack-style diaper bag because it keeps both hands free—which you’ll quickly realize is a very important feature once you’re juggling a baby, car seat, stroller, and everything else. 😂 I also love the faux leather and gold hardware because it feels more like a bag I’d actually want to carry than a traditional diaper bag. The design is still neutral enough that my husband is perfectly happy wearing it too, which is definitely a bonus.
Portable Changing pad
A portable changing pad is something I used constantly. I love the Gathre Portable Changing Mat because it’s both beautiful and practical. It wipes clean in seconds after messy diaper changes, folds up easily, and comes in several neutral color options.
Wet Bag
A wet bag is perfect for storing messy clothes, bibs, reusable nursing pads, or anything else you don’t want touching the rest of your diaper bag. It’s one of those little things you don’t realize you need until the first blowout happens away from home.
Portable Mini Trash Bag Dispenser
The Ubbi Portable Bag Dispenser is one of those inexpensive products that ended up saving me more times than I can count. Whether it was a dirty diaper, soiled outfit, or messy bib, having a bag ready to go made cleanup so much easier when we weren’t near a trash can.
Clothing Essentials
Baby clothes are one of those things that friends and family absolutely love shopping for, so I actually recommend keeping this section of your registry pretty minimal.
Everyone has their own style, and chances are you’ll receive plenty of adorable outfits as gifts. Instead of filling your registry with lots of clothing, I focused on the basics I knew we’d use over and over again and let everyone else have fun picking out the cute outfits.
Newborn Basics
Zip Sleepers!!
If there’s one clothing item I’d recommend registering for, it’s bamboo zippered footie sleepers. They make middle-of-the-night diaper changes so much easier than snaps, and they’re comfortable enough for babies to wear all day long during those early months.
We personally love Little Sleepies and Kyte Baby bamboo pajamas. They’re incredibly soft, hold up well after countless washes, and come in beautiful solids and prints. They’re definitely a splurge compared to some other brands, but they’ve been some of our most-loved baby clothes.
☀️ Second-Time Mom Tip: Skip the mittens. We never used them. If you go the bamboo route the zippies have fold-over cuffs that act as built-in mittens, so there was never a reason to keep up with a separate pair.
Rompers
I also recommend registering for a handful of baby rompers. They’re simple, comfortable, and made getting dressed quick and easy without having to coordinate separate outfits.
Basics
Beyond that, I’d keep it simple. Register for a few essentials like socks (the squid socks are an absolute FAV in our house!) and onesies if you’d like, but don’t feel like you need an entire wardrobe before your baby arrives. They’ll grow faster than you expect, and you’ll likely receive far more clothes than you registered for anyway.
☀️ Second-Time Mom Tip: I intentionally didn’t register for many clothes because I knew our friends and family would likely go off-registry to pick those out themselves. Instead, I used those registry spots for practical items I knew we needed but probably wouldn’t receive otherwise.
Laundry
Baby-Friendly Detergent
Here’s something I wish more people knew: you don’t need a special laundry detergent just because you’re having a baby. I think that’s one area where marketing can make us feel like we need a separate product when we really don’t. Instead, I recommend choosing a free & clear laundry detergent that’s free of dyes and heavy fragrances and gentle enough for sensitive skin. That’s what we’ve always used for our entire family’s laundry, including baby clothes, blankets, burp cloths, and bedding.
Mesh Laundry Bags
A few mesh laundry bags are surprisingly handy. I use them to wash tiny socks, bibs, nursing pads, and other small items that love to disappear in the washing machine.
Stain Remover
Babies are messy, and stains happen. Having a good stain remover on hand will save so many outfits from spit-up, diaper blowouts, and food messes. I like treating stains as soon as I notice them for the best chance of getting them out. We loved using Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray and found it works really well on all kinds of baby stains, including spit up, blowouts, and stains from food.
Bath Time Essentials
Bath time quickly becomes part of your routine, and thankfully you don’t need a ton of products to make it enjoyable. These are the bath time essentials I’d recommend adding to your registry.
Bathtime Basics
Infant Bathtub
An infant bathtub makes those first few months much easier by providing a safe, supportive place to bathe your baby before they’re ready for the regular tub. We actually used the AngelCare Baby Bath Support from day 1 with a Bath Cushion on top for extra support when they were newborns. But, if you prefer the more traditional kind, I think the Frida Baby 4-in-1 Grow-with-Me Baby Bathtub is a great choice.
Hooded Towels (Optional)
You don’t necessarily need towels marketed specifically for babies, but I will admit that hooded baby towels are adorable and do a great job keeping little heads warm after bath time. Definitely not a need, but a cute addition if you want to include 1 or 2 on your registry.
Washcloths
A stack of soft baby washcloths is something you’ll reach for constantly. I always really liked the Burt’s Bees Baby Infant Washcloths because they’re 100% organic cotton and just the right size.
Baby Soap & Shampoo
I prefer using a gentle baby wash and shampoo that’s fragrance-free or lightly scented and designed for sensitive skin. A little goes a long way, so one bottle usually lasts quite a while. If you like the scented stuff, Noodle & Boo 2-in-1 Baby Shampoo & Body Wash smells heavenly!
Soft Rinse Cup
A soft rinse cup makes washing shampoo out of your baby’s hair much easier while helping keep water out of their eyes. I like the Frida Baby Control the Flow Bath Rinse Cup. It transitions with your baby and can be used two different ways.
Bathtime Accessories
Bath Toys (Later)
You won’t need these right away, but once your baby is sitting independently, a few simple bath toys can make bath time a lot more fun.
Bath Kneeler (Optional)
A bath kneeler and elbow rest set definitely isn’t a necessity, but your knees might disagree after a few months of kneeling next to the tub. 😂 If you have hard bathroom floors or know you’ll be the one handling most bath times, it’s a nice little luxury.
Bath Spout Cover (Later)
Once your little one starts standing, climbing, and inevitably trying to bonk their head on everything, a bath spout cover adds a little extra peace of mind during bath time. It’s also pretty cute!
Bath Thermometer (Optional)
A bath thermometer can be reassuring during those first few baths if you’re nervous about the water temperature. We mostly used our elbow to test the water, so I don’t think it’s a must-have, but some parents appreciate the extra peace of mind.
Health & Safety
There are dozens of baby health products on the market, but you don’t need to stock an entire pharmacy before your baby arrives. These are the items I think are actually worth having on hand.
Medicine Cabinet
Digital Thermometer
A reliable digital thermometer is one item I wouldn’t skip. We use the Frida Baby 3-in-1 Thermometer, and it’s been great for checking temperatures quickly and accurately.
Nasal Aspirator
If I could only recommend one health product, it would be an electric nasal aspirator. Babies can’t blow their noses, so when congestion hits, this thing is a lifesaver. We love the Frida Baby Electric NoseFrida because it’s quick, effective, and much easier than the traditional bulb syringe.
Saline Spray
A simple saline mist helps loosen mucus before using a nasal aspirator. It’s something we’ve reached for during every cold.
Gas Drops
I like having a bottle of infant gas drops on hand just in case. You may never need them, but if your baby is struggling with gas at 2 a.m., you’ll be so glad you already have them. This is one of the few “just in case” items I actually do recommend buying ahead of time. They’re inexpensive and don’t take up much space. And if you do end up needing them, it’s not something you’ll want to run out to the store for in the middle of the night.
Gripe Water (Skip)
Personally, I skipped gripe water. While plenty of parents swear by it, we never felt the need to use it. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend it as a routine treatment for babies. I’d save your money unless your pediatrician specifically recommends otherwise.
Infant Nail File
Instead of clipping tiny newborn nails, I highly recommend using an electric infant nail file. We used ours constantly. It made trimming little nails so much less stressful because I never had to worry about accidentally nicking their fingers.
Nail Clippers (Skip)
I personally wouldn’t bother registering for baby nail clippers. We used our electric nail file from day one and never felt like we needed anything else.
Medicine Dispenser Syringe
You can skip registering for a medicine dispenser syringe, too. Most infant medications, including Infant Tylenol, already come with a dosing syringe, so we never found ourselves needing anything else.
I will give one caveat, though. If you end up needing to give your baby medication frequently, or you have a baby who really fights the syringe, the Frida Baby MediFrida Pacifier might be worth having. It attaches to a standard oral syringe and delivers the medicine through a familiar pacifier shape toward the side of baby’s cheek. This helps bypass some of the taste and makes it harder for them to immediately spit everything back out. Definitely not something I’d consider a registry must-have, but I can see it being very handy if giving medicine becomes part of your regular routine.
Baby Proofing (Later)
You won’t need to baby proof your home right away, so I wouldn’t worry about registering for everything before your baby arrives. Once your little one starts rolling, crawling, and pulling up, you’ll have a much better idea of what your home actually needs.
Cabinet Locks
Once your baby becomes mobile, cabinet locks help keep curious little hands away from cleaning supplies, medications, and anything else you’d rather they not explore. We use magnetic cabinet locks on most of our kitchen and bathroom cabinets. We have found them really easy to live with, especially on cabinets we open multiple times a day. For drawers and cabinets where the magnetic locks wouldn’t work, we use adhesive safety latches instead. Between the two styles, we’ve been able to baby-proof pretty much every cabinet and drawer we needed to without making them a pain for the adults to open, too. 😂
Outlet Covers
Outlet covers are an inexpensive way to make your home a little safer as your baby becomes more curious.
Corner Guards
If you have sharp coffee tables, TV stands, or other furniture with pointed corners, corner guards can help soften those inevitable bumps and tumbles.
Baby Gates
A few baby gates are one of the best investments you’ll make once your baby starts crawling. We use ours every single day to keep certain areas of the house off limits.
Playpen
Our play pen got so much use. Whether I was making dinner, folding laundry, or just needed to run to the bathroom. It gave me a safe place to set my baby down for a few minutes without worrying about what they might get into.
Furniture Anchors
One item I would never skip is furniture anchors. Dressers, bookshelves, and other heavy furniture should always be secured to the wall to help prevent tip-over accidents.
Door Pinch Guards
Door pinch guards help prevent little fingers from getting caught in closing doors. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and something I wish I’d discovered sooner.
☀️ Second-Time Mom Tip: Don’t feel like you need to baby proof your entire house before your baby is born. We baby proofed in stages as our kids became more mobile. It saved us money because we only bought what we actually needed.
Sleep Essentials
Helping your baby sleep safely and comfortably is one of the biggest priorities during those early months. These are the sleep products I’d recommend adding to your registry.
Swaddling Your Newborn
Swaddles
If I were building my registry all over again, I’d absolutely register for the Swaddelini. We didn’t discover it until our second baby, and I wish we’d had it from the beginning. Unlike traditional swaddles, it slides on like a sleep sack, making middle-of-the-night diaper changes and bedtime so much easier. It gave our daughter that snug, secure feeling without the hassle of wrapping and rewrapping blankets.
Velcro Swaddles
Not every baby likes the same style of swaddle, so I’d also recommend having a couple of velcro swaddles on hand. They make it easy to get a snug fit without having to master the art of blanket swaddling.
Beyond the Newborn Stage
Sleep Sacks
Once your baby starts showing signs of rolling, it’s time to transition out of swaddles and into a sleep sack. We used sleep sacks every single night for years. I recommend registering for a few so you always have a clean one available.
Our absolute favorites after two kids are the gunamuna and Kyte Baby sleep bags. They’re definitely an investment, but their softness and quality are hard to beat. Both feel incredibly cozy against baby’s skin, and hold up well through all the washing that comes with babyhood. They come in different sizes and TOG ratings so you can choose the right option for your baby’s room temperature. Since your little one may sleep in one every single night, this is one baby item I personally think is worth spending a little more on.
Pacifiers
If you plan on offering a pacifier, I’d recommend trying a couple of different brands. Just like bottles, babies can be surprisingly picky, and you may find they prefer one shape over another.
☀️ Second-Time Mom Tip: Don’t feel like you have to choose one type of swaddle before your baby arrives. Every baby is different. Some love traditional swaddles, some prefer velcro swaddles, and others (like my daughter!) slept best in the Swaddelini. Having a couple of different options made it much easier to figure out what worked for us.
Travel Essentials
Whether you’re heading home from the hospital or running errands around town, these are the travel essentials I’d recommend having ready before your baby arrives.
Car
Infant Car Seat
An infant car seat is one of the few baby items you’ll need before leaving the hospital. Look for one that’s easy to install, fits your vehicle well, and works with your lifestyle. We used the Nuna PIPA Lite LX, which has since been discontinued and replaced by the Nuna PIPA Aire series. It was incredibly lightweight, and with the right adapter, we could easily click it into our stroller. We didn’t have to unbuckle or wake a sleeping baby every time we got out of the car. That made quick trips to the grocery store, pediatrician appointments, and other errands so much easier.
Convertible Car Seat (Future)
Your baby will eventually outgrow their infant seat, so I wouldn’t register for a convertible car seat right away unless you know you won’t be using an infant seat. It’s something you’ll likely purchase around your baby’s first birthday, depending on when they reach the height or weight limits.
Car Seat Mirror or Camera
Whether you choose a car seat mirror or a car seat camera comes down to personal preference. We personally love using a mirror. It’s simple, affordable, and lets us quickly check on our little one while they’re riding rear-facing.
Portable Fan
If you’re due during the warmer months or live somewhere hot (hello, Florida!), a portable fan is one of my favorite travel accessories. I recommend having more than one so you can keep one in the car and one clipped to the stroller. I really like this Pinch Proof Baby Fan to protect tiny fingers from getting hurt.
Stroller
Stroller
Choose a stroller that fits your lifestyle, budget, and the type of outings you do most often. There are so many great options, so focus on the features that matter most to you instead of trying to find the “perfect” stroller.
Travel System
A travel system is essentially a car seat and stroller combination that allows you to click your infant car seat directly onto the stroller frame. We found this especially helpful during those sleepy newborn days when we didn’t want to wake the baby just to run a quick errand or pediatrician appointment.
We used the UPPAbaby Vista stroller with the Nuna PIPA infant car seat. Since they aren’t sold as a traditional travel system, I simply purchased the Nuna PIPA adapter for the UPPAbaby stroller, which let the two work seamlessly together. If you already have your heart set on a particular stroller or car seat, I’d definitely check to see if an adapter is available before ruling out the combination. You might be surprised by how many brands are compatible.
Another option that’s become incredibly popular is the Doona All-In-One Travel System. Instead of being a separate stroller and car seat, it’s both in one. The wheels fold out directly from the car seat, so there’s no stroller frame to load or unload. It’s definitely an investment, but if it’s within your budget and you plan to travel frequently or spend a lot of time in and out of the car, I can absolutely see why so many parents love it. The convenience is hard to beat.
Parent Organizer
A stroller organizer is one of those accessories I didn’t realize I’d use so much. It’s perfect for keeping your phone, keys, snacks, and other essentials within easy reach. I’ve been using the Momcozy Universal Stroller Organizer and recommend it. It has a lot of great features but my favorite is the little pouch in the front that’s detachable. There have been several times where I’ve used it to hold my car keys, card wallet, and phone while we run into a play place or the playground.
Whichever one you decide to register for, make sure it’s compatible with the stroller you decide on. If you’re looking at a universal one like the Momcozy, look at the way the straps attach and see if they would be compatible with your stroller’s handle.
Baby Wearing
Baby wearing can be such a helpful way to keep your little one close while still having your hands free. Whether you’re around the house, shopping, or out for a walk, it’s something I found myself doing often.
Soft Wrap
A soft baby wrap is especially nice during the newborn stage. It creates a cozy, snug fit that many babies love and is perfect for those early contact naps. Our favorite was the Solly Baby Wrap. The fabric is incredibly soft, lightweight, and stretchy. It felt comfortable for both me and baby without being overly bulky. I also loved how easily it folded up to toss into the diaper bag, which made it convenient to bring along when we were out. There is definitely a little bit of a learning curve when you first figure out how to wrap it. But once I got the hang of it, it quickly became one of my favorite ways to wear my babies during those early months.
Structured Carrier
As your baby gets bigger, a structured baby carrier offers more support for both you and your little one. I found this style much more comfortable for longer outings and once my babies started getting a little heavier.
If you’re in any mom groups online, you’ve probably seen the Artipoppe recommended as the ultimate structured baby carrier. While they’re beautiful, I personally have a hard time justifying spending $400+ on a carrier when there are so many other great options out there. Especially for something you’ll only use for a relatively short stage. Many of Artipoppe’s current carriers start around $400 and go up significantly from there.
If you’re looking for a high-quality alternative without quite that price tag, the MABE Monarch Carrier is a great option to consider. It has that same elevated, minimalist look I love while still prioritizing comfort and support for both you and baby. I especially like the supportive waistband and adjustable fit, which help distribute baby’s weight more comfortably as they get bigger. It’s one of those baby products where I think you can absolutely get the quality, comfort, and aesthetic you’re looking for without necessarily buying the most expensive option.
Baby Gear
There are so many baby gear products on the market. It’s easy to sometimes feel like you need every single one. The truth is, many of these items serve a similar purpose. I recommend choosing the ones that best fit your space and lifestyle rather than buying one of everything.
Places to Set Baby Down
Baby Swing
A baby swing can be a great place to soothe your baby when you need your hands free for a few minutes. Some babies absolutely love them, while others couldn’t care less. I wouldn’t stress if this isn’t one of your bigger registry priorities.
Baby Bouncer
We got so much use out of our baby bouncer. It was one of my favorite places to set the baby while I showered, cooked dinner, or spent time with my toddler. Since it doesn’t require electricity, it was also easy to move from room to room.
Our absolute favorite is the BabyBjörn Bouncer. It’s lightweight, has several adjustable positions, and uses your baby’s own movements to create a gentle bouncing motion. No batteries or cords required. I also love that the fabric seat is removable and machine washable because, well… babies. 😂
But one of the biggest reasons I recommend it is how easy it is to fold completely flat. We always brought ours along on trips when our babies were little. It took up hardly any space compared to a traditional swing or bulky baby seat. After buying way too many baby “containers” with my first, this is the one thing I wish I had just bought from the beginning. It was easily one of our most-used pieces of baby gear.
Baby Lounger
A baby lounger can be nice for supervised lounging (not sleeping) around the house. We found ours handy during the newborn stage for spending time together in the living room.
Of course, it can also be used to take adorable monthly milestone pics!
Play & Development
Activity Gym
An activity gym is such a great little play space during those early months. With my first baby, we had a simple wooden baby gym with different toys hanging overhead. He loved lying underneath it, reaching up, batting at the toys, and exploring all the different textures and sounds. It was a simple way to give him some sensory play before he was really able to do much else independently.
When our second baby was born, we upgraded to the Lovevery Play Gym, and I loved how much more there was for her to explore as she grew. In addition to the hanging toys for reaching, batting, grasping, and teething, the mat itself has five different developmental zones with things like textures, colors, sounds, high-contrast images, and a hiding-and-finding pocket. It also comes with interchangeable cards and a mirror that were great for tummy time.
One of my favorite things about it is that it isn’t something they outgrow after the newborn stage. It’s designed to be used throughout baby’s first year, and the included cover can even turn the gym into a little play fort as they get older. The mat is machine washable too, which is always a win when we’re talking about baby gear. 😂
Play Mat
This is where you’ll start to notice a little overlap in baby gear. A play mat is really just another option for creating a soft, comfortable place to lay your baby down. It can be for tummy time, rolling, reaching for toys, and eventually practicing those early movements before they start crawling. If you already have something like the Lovevery Play Gym that we just discussed, you can absolutely consider the padded mat underneath it your play mat too. You don’t necessarily need to register for both.
That said, we really loved the Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym. It gave our babies another fun place to play, with hanging toys overhead and a piano they could kick with their feet. It also continued to be entertaining as they got a little bigger. And, of course, there’s the Purple Monkey song, which I believe is basically a rite of passage for parents at this point. IYKYK. 😂 It’s an absolute banger that will randomly get stuck in your head for years to come.
Multi-Purpose Gear
Pack ‘n Play
A Pack ‘n Play is one of the most versatile baby items you can own. Whether you use it for travel, naps, or as a safe place to play, it’s something many families continue using well into the toddler years.
Which Type of Playard Is Right for You?
Two options worth an honorable mention are the Guava Lotus Travel Crib and the Graco Day2Dream Travel Bassinet Playard, but for very different reasons. If you plan to travel frequently with your baby, the Guava Lotus is designed with portability in mind. It’s lightweight, folds into a compact backpack-style carrying case, and has a side zipper that makes it easy to reach your baby while they’re inside.
On the other hand, the Graco Day2Dream is more of an all-in-one setup for those early months. It includes a portable bassinet you can move around the house, a diaper-changing station, and a full-size playard that can continue to be used as your baby grows. We actually had a similar setup in our bedroom with our first baby, and it was so useful. Having a safe place for baby to sleep plus a changing station and extra baby gear all in one spot made those middle-of-the-night newborn days much easier.
This is definitely another category where I’d think about how you plan to use it before registering. If travel is the priority, I’d lean toward something lightweight and portable like the Guava Lotus. If you’re looking for something that can serve multiple purposes around the house during the newborn stage, a playard with the bassinet and changing attachments may make more sense.
☀️ Second-Time Mom Tip
You don’t need every container on the market. A swing, bouncer, lounger, activity gym, and play yard all have different purposes, but they also overlap quite a bit. Think about your home, your budget, and how much space you have before registering for all of them.
☀️ If I Could Only Pick 3…
If someone told me I could only register for three baby gear items, I’d choose a Pack ‘n Play, baby bouncer, and an activity gym without hesitation. Those are the three products we reached for over and over again with both of our babies.
…Okay, four. 😂 I’d also sneak a baby lounger onto the list because we got so much use out of ours during the newborn stage. It was the perfect spot to set the baby down while we were hanging out in the living room or moving from room to room throughout the day. Just remember that loungers are for supervised awake time only and should never be used for sleep.
Toys & Development
One thing I wish I’d known as a first-time mom is that babies don’t need a mountain of toys. A few thoughtfully chosen toys that encourage development go a long way. These were some of our favorites during the first six months.
0-3 Months
High Contrast Cards
Newborns are naturally drawn to high-contrast black-and-white cards because their vision is still developing. These are a simple way to encourage visual tracking and make tummy time a little more interesting.
Soft Books
Soft books are great for reading together from day one. They introduce different textures, colors, and patterns while helping build a love of books early on. A few of our favorites have been the Manhattan Toy Deer One Soft Activity Crinkle Book, the hahaland Crinkle Books, and the let’s make Montessori Baby Books. They each have unique and adorable illustrations and a sensory component to them. They crinkle, they have different textures,
Crinkle Toys
Babies seem to love the sound and texture of crinkle toys. They’re lightweight, easy for little hands to grasp, and provide lots of sensory stimulation. I like to go for toys that have multiple purposes, like these Itzy Ritzy crinkle toys that double as a teether and a rattle.
Tummy Time Mat
A tummy time mat creates a comfortable place for your baby to practice lifting their head, strengthening their neck, and reaching for toys.
3-6 Months
Teethers
Once teething begins, you’ll be glad to have a few teethers on hand. Different textures can help soothe sore gums. Babies often have strong preferences, so it’s nice to have a couple of options.
One of our favorites was the FridaBaby Not-Too-Cold-to-Hold Teether. Both of my babies were obsessed with it. It comes with two removable cooling gel inserts (four different textures total) that you pop in the refrigerator. When your baby is ready to use it, you simply pop one into the handle. This makes it so they can comfortably hold it without getting their little hands cold. It’s such a clever design, and one of those products where I immediately thought, “Why doesn’t every teether work like this?”
Rattles
Simple rattles help babies practice grasping, shaking, and tracking sounds while building hand-eye coordination. I love that this Itzy Ritzy Silicone Rattle Toy doubles as a teether, too!
Activity Cube
An activity cube grows with your baby and offers lots of opportunities to explore. They provide different textures and sounds and help develop fine motor skills.
Sensory Toys
A handful of sensory toys with different textures, colors, and sounds help keep little ones engaged as they become more curious about the world around them.
One last thing before we wrap up… don’t forget to take care of yourself.
Postpartum Essentials for Mom
It’s so easy to spend months preparing for your baby’s arrival that you forget that you are also about to go through a huge physical recovery too. Spend some time putting together a list of things to have ready for you for those first few weeks postpartum. Trust me, your future self will be so grateful.
Recovery
One more thing I want to mention before we dive into this list. Some of these postpartum items are a little more… personal. If you’re totally comfortable adding them to your registry, then absolutely do it! Your friends and family genuinely want to support you, too.
But if you’re anything like me and you’d rather not have some of these items visible on your registry, here’s what I did. I added them as private items so no one else could see them. Then, I used my registry completion discount to purchase everything before the baby arrived. It saved us money, and I had everything waiting at home when I needed it most.
Peri Bottle
The Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle was one of my favorite postpartum recovery products. The hospital will provide one for you, but the Frida bottle is much easier to use. It made going to the bathroom far more comfortable during those first few weeks.
Pads
Whether you choose postpartum pads or overnight pads, you’ll definitely want to have plenty at home before delivery. Postpartum bleeding is completely normal and often lasts longer than many first-time moms expect.
Disposable Underwear
I loved having disposable postpartum underwear during the early days of recovery. They’re comfortable, supportive, and one less thing to worry about when you’re healing.
Ice Packs
Those first few days postpartum can be incredibly sore, especially after a vaginal delivery. Perineal ice packs were an absolute lifesaver for me. I loved the Frida Mom 2-in-1 Ice Postpartum Pads because there was nothing to prep. Just pull one out of the package, give it a shake, and the cooling effect activates instantly. They also double as an absorbent pad, which meant one less thing to fuss with while recovering.
If you’re preparing for a vaginal delivery, don’t miss my guide on how to make DIY postpartum padsicles. I’ll show you my favorite “postpartum sandwich” recovery hack. Trust me… it’ll make sense when you see it. 😂
Stool Softener
No one really warns you about the first postpartum bathroom trip, but you’ll be glad you packed a stool softener. I recommend having it on hand before you deliver so it’s ready when you get home. Of course, always check with your OB or midwife before taking any medication, but mine recommended Colace Clear, and it worked really well for me.
Nursing
Whether you plan to breastfeed, pump, formula feed, or do a combination of everything, creating a comfortable feeding station makes those long newborn days so much easier.
Large Water Bottle
Breastfeeding made me so thirsty. Having a large insulated water bottle within reach at all times was an absolute must. I like the Hydrojug 40 oz Insulated Tumbler because it’s spill-proof, has a straw and a handle, and its large enough to drink for a while without worrying about refilling it.
Easy Snacks
You’re going to spend a lot of time feeding your baby, especially during those first few weeks. Keeping easy one-handed snacks nearby was one of the best things I did for myself.
Nursing Cart
Making a rolling nursing cart was one of the best decisions I made for those early nursing days. This 3-tiered rolling cart kept everything I needed in one place, including snacks, water, burp cloths, nursing supplies, chargers, and even extra outfits. It saved me countless trips across the house.
Nursing Pajamas
Comfort is everything during those first few weeks. I lived in button-front nursing pajamas because they made middle-of-the-night feeds so much easier.
Robe
A lightweight robe is one of those things you’ll reach for every day, whether you’re nursing, recovering, or just trying to stay comfortable while adjusting to life with a newborn.
Baby Registry Items I’d Skip (or Wait to Buy)
These are the items I personally didn’t use much, if at all, and would probably skip if I were building another registry. But remember, every family is different! One of the best examples that comes to mind is hooded baby towels. I mentioned to a few mom friends that we barely used ours outside of taking a cute photo, and my friend Megan laughed and said they were one of her most-used baby items. 😂
- Shoes for newborns
- Too many newborn clothes
- Fancy outfits
- Wipe warmer
- Too many blankets
- Stuffed animals
- Tiny mittens (zip sleepers have fold-over cuffs)
- Expensive changing table (a dresser works just as well)
New Mom FAQs
Q: Best diapers and wipes?
A: This is honestly subjective and will depend on your baby. Some babies have more sensitive skin and will react to certain brands. HOWEVER, after trying about a dozen different wipes brands, I found our favorite have always been Water Wipes. They’re effective, gentle on skin, are made with just water & a drop of fruit extract, and have just always been very consistent and reliable. They don’t leave a greasy film on the skin like some other brands we’ve tried.
As far as diapers go, we’ve always gravitated towards Pampers Swaddlers during the newborn stage and Huggies for the remainder. If you have a Costco Membership, we also love the Kirkland brand diapers. Did you know they’re made by the same manufacturer of Huggies?!
Q: How many baby clothes do I actually need?
A: Probably fewer than you think! Babies grow incredibly fast, and you’ll likely receive lots of clothes as gifts. I recommend having enough for about a week’s worth of outfit changes, then waiting to buy more until you know how quickly your baby is growing. Also, don’t go overboard on newborn sizes. Some babies skip them altogether!
Q: What’s one baby item you didn’t think you’d use so much?
A: Burp cloths. I had them everywhere… the nursery, living room, diaper bag, car, and even tucked into the stroller. You really can’t have too many.
Q: What’s one item you wish you’d skipped?
A: Every family is different. But looking back, I realized there were quite a few “just in case” purchases that never got used. That’s one of the biggest reasons I created this guide. I’d rather recommend the products I actually reached for every day than the ones that collected dust. If I had to choose one thing, though, I’d say I wish I hadn’t felt like I needed so many different “containers” for my baby. Swings, seats, loungers, and every other place to set them down. I kept thinking, “What if they don’t like this one?” So even though a friend had already given us a baby swing, I bought a second one… just in case.
Guess what? 😂 My son pretty much hated both of them.
I also found myself buying extra seats and loungers because I thought we’d need different options for traveling or different rooms of the house. In reality, most of them barely got used.
If I could go back and replace all of those purchases with just one item, it would be the BabyBjörn Bouncer. We used it every single day. It’s lightweight, folds completely flat for travel, and was by far one of our most-used baby gear items.
This was Emma using it at an Airbnb. Looking back, I would’ve rather invested in one really great, versatile piece of baby gear than several products that all served basically the same purpose.
Q: What if I forget to register for something?
A: Don’t stress! You don’t need to have everything before your baby arrives. There are very few baby items that can’t be delivered within a day or two if you realize you need them later. I’d rather wait and buy something because I actually need it than fill my house with things “just in case.”
Q: What are the biggest baby registry mistakes?
A: Looking back, I think the biggest mistake is feeling like you have to register for every baby product you see online. It’s so easy to get caught up in the “must-have” lists. But the truth is, your baby doesn’t need hundreds of gadgets. Start with the essentials, leave room to figure out what works for your family, and remember that you can always buy something later if you need it.
Before You Go
Whew, that was a lot. If you made it all the way to the end, thank you for hanging out with me. 🤍 I know this was a long one, but if it helped take even a little bit of the stress out of building your baby registry, then my goal here was accomplished!
One Last Reminder
I still remember how overwhelming it felt when I was pregnant with my first. Every time I opened my registry, it seemed like there were a hundred more products I was “supposed” to have. It honestly felt impossible to know what was actually worth buying and what was just really good marketing.
Now that I’ve been through it twice, I can tell you this: your baby doesn’t need a perfect nursery or every trendy gadget on the market. What your baby needs most is you.
This checklist is simply a collection of the products that made life easier for our family. Some of them became everyday staples that I reached for constantly. Others are things I wish someone had told me about sooner. And I’m sure as my kids grow and new products come out, I’ll keep updating this guide with anything I genuinely love and recommend.
Whether This Is Your First or Fifth Baby…
If you’re expecting your first baby, I hope this list helps you feel a little more confident as you put your registry together. And if you’re adding another little one to your family, I hope it serves as a helpful refresher and maybe even introduces you to a few things you hadn’t considered.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you enjoy this kind of content, I’d love for you to stick around. Motherhood is a huge part of life around here, and I love sharing the products that have truly made our days a little easier, along with practical tips, honest reviews, and, of course, the best deals I can find.
Congratulations, Mama 🤍
Most of all, CONGRATULATIONS! Seriously. You’re about to experience something so magical that’s impossible to put into words until you’re living it. There will be long nights, moments where you wonder if you’re doing anything right, and days that feel like they last forever. But there will also be sleepy newborn snuggles, tiny fingers wrapped around yours, first smiles, and so many moments you’ll wish you could bottle up forever.
Try not to get too caught up in having everything perfectly checked off before your baby arrives. I promise your little one won’t care if the nursery isn’t Pinterest-worthy or if you forgot one random baby gadget. They just want to be close to you.
I am so excited for you, and I’m truly honored that you trusted me to be a small part of this season. Wishing you a smooth pregnancy, a safe delivery, and so many sweet memories with your newest little sunshine. ☀️
