The time has come to put together your baby registry, but where do you even begin?! Our comprehensive checklist has you covered.
The baby registry checklist can quickly snowball between equipment, toys, and clothing. It’s a lot to figure out and decide!
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Creating a registry helps new parents narrow down everything they’ll need while giving friends and family a chance to show their love and support.
A well-curated baby registry can make the transition into this new phase of life a lot smoother and less stressful.
We’re here to guide expectant parents through creating a practical baby registry checklist, covering everything from the essentials to items that will come in handy as your baby grows.
When should I start my baby registry?
Personally, I started making my baby registry when I was 14 weeks pregnant with my first. I couldn’t wait to get started!
It was a good way – for me – to distract myself from the anxiety I experienced throughout pregnancy. It helped me feel educated and well-prepared (little did I know I needed to prepare for postpartum, too).
Pro tip: Use Babylist to add items from any website to your baby registry.
Of course, everyone’s different in when they want to start their baby registry. For some, starting it later, closer to delivery, is preferred, mainly due to religious beliefs or a history of loss, or they just have too much on their plate to start in the early days.
For others, you might start when you find out you’re pregnant, and there’s nothing wrong with that, either! As with everything in parenthood, you have to make choices that work best for you and your family, not what everyone else suggests you do.
Your ultimate baby registry checklist
Here’s a quick checklist you can copy and paste into your phone’s notes to reference as you build your registry. For more details on each section, keep reading!
- Diapering essentials
- Crib and mattress
- Clothing
- Swaddles
- Feeding essentials
- Nursing pillow
- Postpartum essentials
- Stroller
- Car seat
- Baby monitor
- Pacifiers
- Burp cloths and bib
- Diaper bag
- High chair
- Changing table and pad
- Bathtime essentials
- Baby swing or bouncer
- Travel crib
- Books and toys
- Baby carrier
- Miscellaneous items
Where to make your registry
There are many websites to help make your online baby registry, and most major retailers (like Amazon and Target) offer their own registries and a completion discount and free new mom sample boxes as an added bonus.
If you need to create a baby registry for a second baby, we outline the steps in this helpful article about creating a second Amazon baby registry. It’s totally possible!
Also, if you want to add items from any website to your baby registry, check out Babylist or MyRegistry, which makes it easier to create a universal baby registry.
Tips to keep in mind
- Be practical
- Consider your family’s lifestyle
- Balance must-haves and wants
- Choose items that reflect your preferences
- Include a variety of price points
- Use a comprehensive registry builder
There’s no right or wrong way to build your baby registry – every family is different, and what you need might vary significantly from one family to another.
When you come around to putting it together, it’s helpful to be practical and make choices with your unique family situation in mind.
First of all, take some time to consider your lifestyle and living space to determine what will best suit your needs. Try to find a balance between must-haves like diapers and clothing and items that reflect your personal preferences and parenting style.
It’s also a good idea to keep in mind the generosity of family and friends who may want to contribute to your registry and include a variety of price points to accommodate different budgets.
Plus, many baby registry websites and apps (like Babylist, for example) make it simple for groups of people together to split big-ticket items, so don’t be shy about adding some “big asks” to your registry!
Flexibility is also crucial, as your needs may evolve, so begin crafting your baby registry checklist early enough – 20 weeks is generally a good time – and be open to updating it as your due date approaches.
Building a baby registry is an opportunity to cater to your baby’s needs and make your journey to parenthood a little more manageable.
Important registry items to add
1. Diapering essentials
You can hardly ever have enough diapers, wipes, and diaper cream – it’s helpful to ask for a variety of diaper sizes to accommodate your growing baby, as well as gentle wipes and diaper rash cream so you’re prepared for the first several months.
If you’re using cloth diapers, make sure to add enough covers and inserts to your registry, too.
A container to dispose of dirty diapers, such as a Diaper pail, is a practical addition you’ll be so thankful to have!
2. Crib and mattress
A safe and secure crib and crib mattress can be pricier, but these make for good big-ticket gifts that multiple people can pitch in and buy together as a group.
3. Clothing
Who doesn’t love picking out adorable baby clothes?
Add some pieces in various sizes in a style you enjoy, including onesies, t-shirts, pants, shorts, and warm and cold weather clothing, so your little one is prepared for all the seasons.
Also, don’t just ask for newborn sizes; take advantage of people’s love of buying baby clothes and ask for various sizes to keep your little one’s closet full for months to come.
4. Swaddles
Whether you prefer to swaddle your baby the old-fashioned way with a tightly wrapped blanket or with the ease of Velcro or snaps into place, having a few different brands of swaddles is ideal for providing comfort and security.
Plus, you won’t know what type of swaddle your baby prefers until they’re home (arms out, arms in, half out/half in, etc.), so having a few at home is very helpful (especially when it’s in the middle of the night).
5. Feeding accessories
Whether you plan to breastfeed or are formula feeding, you’ll want some bottles on hand! If you plan to feed with formula, add some canisters to your registry to ensure you’re always stocked up.
If you’re breastfeeding, add some nursing bras, nipple balms, a wearable pump, or other support items you might need.
6. Nursing pillow
Another great item, whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, is a supportive nursing pillow, which can significantly enhance comfort during feedings.
7. Postpartum essentials
Make sure to add some postpartum essentials to your baby registry. With so many gifts focused on the new baby, it’s more than okay to add some things for yourself, too.
8. Stroller
Pick out the stroller that works best for your family’s needs – whether it’s a jogging stroller, one compatible with your car seat, a double stroller, or a travel version. A good-quality stroller is a must for future outings with your little one!
This decision is a good moment to reflect on your family’s lifestyle and future travel plans. You’ll want a stroller that is versatile and can keep up with the demands of your daily life.
9. Car seat
An infant car seat can be another hefty investment, but it’s a super necessary one and something that multiple friends or family members can join together to buy to show their love!
10. Baby monitor
Monitors with video and sound capabilities are quite the norm, allowing parents to keep a close eye on their little ones as they sleep and providing unmatched peace of mind.
Do your research and find one that works for you, and consider if you want one that requires wifi to work or works without a network connection.
11. Pacifiers
Not all babies take pacifiers, but it’s still helpful to add a few to your registry to have on hand for comfort and soothing when they need it.
Read next: Best Pacifiers for Breastfed Babies: A Comprehensive Guide
12. Burp cloths and bibs
Between the spills, drools, and spit-ups that come with having a baby, having plenty of burp cloths and bibs on hand is a must!
13. Diaper bag
Any bag you prefer will work, but the ones that are specifically made to be diaper bags are great because they often come with additional features like insulated pockets for bottles on the go, a portable changing mat, and extra pockets for all the different things you’ll need to stash.
14. Highchair
A highchair is essential once your baby is around five or six months old and can start trying out some solid foods. Features like adjustable height and easy cleaning are great to consider.
15. Changing table and pad
Keep diaper changes easy and organized with a changing table with a designated area and drawers for diapers, wipes, and extra clothes. You can also use a dresser with a changing pad on top!
Pro tip: If you use a dresser as your changing area, make sure to secure the dresser to the wall with a simple mounting kit. Your baby will grow up quickly, and having it secured to the wall will provide peace of mind.
16. Bath time essentials
Items like a portable baby tub for safety, soft rags for washing them up, gentle shampoo and soap, and hooded towels are much needed!
17. Baby swing or bouncer
Many parents love having a baby swing or bouncer seat to give their little ones a comfortable place to relax so they can have a few hands-free moments.
18. Travel crib
Travel cribs make overnight stays and naptimes away from home incredibly convenient – pack it in your car, and you’re ready to go!Add a SlumberPod (a portable blackout pod) to complete your travel sleeping set.
19. Books and toys
It’s never too early to start reading and playing with your little one. Add some baby books, simple toys, teethers, and even a playmat to your registry to stimulate your baby’s development and keep tummy time fun. Consider adding an activity gym, too.
20. Baby carrier
Baby carriers are fantastic for when you need a free hand but want to keep your baby nuzzled up to you.
There are several varieties, such as soft wraps and ones with structured frames, that can adjust as your little one grows, so decide which you think meets your preferences more.
21. Miscellaneous
Some additional items you can add to your registry that are novelty or will come in handy as your baby gets older include a first aid kit, a mini crib, bath toys, toddler plates, utensils, sippy cups, personalized clothing, a baby blanket, and baby memory boxes.
Building your perfect baby registry
With all the baby gear designed to make parenthood safer and easier today, it can be daunting to know where to begin building your registry.
Hopefully, this comprehensive baby registry checklist is your perfect starting point and removes any stress you may have felt about crafting your list.
You’ll likely find certain things you could’ve done without or additional items you realize would be helpful, which is perfectly normal!
The items on your registry go way beyond baby gear; they represent the anticipation, love, and immense care surrounding your bundle of joy.
Whether it’s one of the many packs of disposable diapers (you’ll inevitably need so many) or the invaluable safety of a car seat, each item gifted from your registry contributes to caring for and loving parents and babies alike.
Other baby articles you might find helpful
- Practical Tips for Making Travel with an Infant Easier
- Best Pacifiers for Breastfed Babies: A Comprehensive Guide
- 15 Must-Have Postpartum Items to Add to Your Baby Registry
