Seriously, a baby registry checklist of everything you need. Here's what I actually used from my baby registry, what I returned and what I wish I had included.
Updated: July 17, 2023 with my tried and true, latest and greatest products for baby!
Perhaps the most overwhelming process in pregnancy is figuring out what you need to keep this newborn baby alive and thriving, and what’s necessary to keep you, Mama, sane! There are so many baby product categories and thousands of options within each. I referenced blogs and so many new mom friends' personal baby registry checklists to figure out what I needed to include on my own baby registry.
But gosh there are just so many questions with a first baby and as a first time Mom! Do I really need that? What’s the difference between all these products? How many of each do I need?
I wanted to avoid overstocking on gadgets and other things like toys, but my friends with kids told me my original baby registry was too short and I in fact did “need that bottle warmer”… so I ended up bulking up my checklist, and well, I’m glad I did.
Use this guide as your all-encompassing must have purchase list for baby – even if you are buying items yourself it's super helpful to have a running list of everything you need. Don’t just think of your baby registry as something you need for your baby shower. Instead, think of it as your own personal pregnancy purchasing checklist to make sure you have everything you need for newborn baby’s arrival. Even if you are purchasing most of these on your own, just mark items as purchased on your baby registry so you have a complete baby checklist and feel prepared!
Let’s get started: What is the best baby registry?
I preferred to have a single link for my baby registry vs. setting up multiple options. Babylist is a universal baby registry just like Zola is for wedding registries. Of course you can do individual baby registries: Amazon Baby Registry, BuyBuyBaby, Target, Walmart, etc. but I wanted to take the simplistic approach.
Reasons I chose Babylist:
- Babylist button extension on your web browser makes it quick and easy to add items
- 15% baby registry completion discount
- 9 month return policy for items purchased directly from Babylist
- Add items from any store including Etsy
- Ask for favors like home-cooked meals or babysitting
- Set up cash funds for childcare, doula, diapers or even takeout meals
When should you start?
I am the queen of checklists. Writing down what I need to do keeps me calm. If you’re like me, I wanted to get started right away. There is not a “too early” to start your baby checklist, but there certainly is a “too late.”
Because of first trimester anxieties and wanting to make sure my pregnancy was healthy, I started my baby checklist in the beginning of my second trimester.
How far out should you plan for?
I recommend 6 months. Why? A few reasons: One, while some stores like BuyBuyBaby have great 365 day return policies, others have more limited return options. Two, there are plenty of items you’ll need to get you started with your baby for the first 6 months so you should prioritize stocking up on these first. Three, you need to get to know your baby and what preferences he or she has, not to mention your own preferences will evolve and change over the first months of your baby’s life as you get the hang of this Mama thing.
Think of the milestones you’ll encounter over the first 6 months of baby’s life and pick items that you’ll need to get through them. The exception to this would be clothing, since your babe may outgrow 6 months clothes before actually turning 6 months, I think it’s safe to stock up on some essential 6 to 9 month clothing options.
What big ticket items should you include?
There are a few newborn baby items that are worth the splurge. Invest in a good every day stroller, compact travel stroller, travel crib, infant car seat, diaper bag, soft-structured carrier (maybe even one for Dad and one for Mom), the Keekaroo changing pad, baby monitor, Bjorn bouncer, Lovevery play gym, and the Ollie Swaddle.
The items I’d skip if I did it again:
- Bottle sterilizer (takes up so much space and you don't actually need to sterilize anything!)
- 4moms rockaroo (Caden wasn't a fan, Willow is. Find one on FB Marketplace instead)
- Car seat cover (use a muslin swaddle)
- Portable changing stationkit (use a changing pad and travel wipes dispenser)
The items I’d include if I did it again:
- First Aid essentials: Nose Frida with saline drops, baby Tylenol, nail file
- Mini diaper bag (budget-friendly, splurge)
- Artipoppe Baby Carrier Click the link to receive €50 (~$50) off your purchase
- Bamboo Sleep Sack/Bag Tog 1, 6-18 months
- Mushie stroller blanket Get 20% off Mushie
- Coterie Diapers Get 20% off with code: BARBARANMM
Your Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist
Swaddles, Sleep Bags & Blankets
- Ollie Swaddle click the link for 10% off – used for 0 to 3 months
- Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit – used for 4 to 6 months
- Kyte Baby Sleep Bag Tog 1.0 – used from 6 to 18 months
- 2x muslin baby swaddle blanket
- Stroller blanket Get 20% off Mushie
Baby Gear: Loungers, Carriers, Bouncers & Bassinets
- Snuggle Me Organic Lounger + cover
- BabyBjorn Bouncer
- Solly Baby Wrap
- Sakura Bloom Scout
- BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Air
- Infant Bassinet for your bedroom
Travel: On-the-go necessities
- Travel wipes dispenser
- Portable sound machine + nightlight
- Insulated bottle cooler
- Wet dry bag
- Car window shade
- Backseat mirror
- Inglesina Fast Table Chair
- Travel Crib (budget-friendly, splurge) + Bassinet for infants
- Stroller – UppaBaby Vista V2 or Nuna Demi Grow
- Stroller travel bag
- Stroller organizer
- Infant snug seat
- Infant Car Seat
- Baby Bjorn Bouncer Carrier Bag
Check out my 9 tips for newborn baby’s first road trip + how to pack for it
Clothes & accessories
- Drool Bibs
- 6x Pacifiers
- 2x Pacifier Clips
- 2x Loveys
- Newborn
- 2x zipper footies
- 2x onesies
- 2x hats
- 0-3 Months
- 3x gowns
- 3x zipper footies
- 1x zipper romper
- 4x short sleeve onesies
- 6x long sleeve onesies
- 4x leggings/pants
- 6x Socks
- 2x Snap booties
- Hat
- 3-6 Months
- 4x zipper footies
- 4x zipper romper
- 4x short sleeve onesies
- 6x long sleeve onesies
- 4x leggings/pants
- Hat
- Socks
- Snap booties
One of my favorite brands is Kyte Baby! Their bamboo onesies, rompers & footies are so buttery soft. Get $10 off your purchase.
Feeding
- Breastfeeding pillow (I chose the SnuggleMe Feeding Pillow for it's moon shape, most popular option is the Boppy)
- 2x Breastfeeding pillow cover
- 5 oz Bottles (start with 2 different kinds i.e. Tommee Tippee, Dr. Browns, Comotomo)
- Haakaa Manual Breast Pump
- Willow Breast Pump
- Willow Breast Pump Milk Bags
- Burp cloths (these are so soft!)
- Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer (be sure to get the “fast” warmer, not the original, it's worth the extra $10)
- Boon Grass Drying Rack
- Bottle brush
- Self-feeder
- Lalo High Chair
- Lalo First Bites Full Kit – these are the only silicone bibs to buy, trust me I've tried several
- Under high-chair mat
- Trainer cup
- Baby food storage containers
- Baby formula & snack containers
Bath Time
- 2x hooded towels
- Baby bath support
- Washcloths
- Baby soap/shampoo
- Bath rinser
- Baby cream
- Brush
Diaper Changing
- Changing caddy
- Diaper Pail
- Keekaroo Changing Pad
- Wipes Dispenser
- Diapers in size Newborn and Stage 1 (see why I'm obsessed with Coterie diapers and get 20% off)
- Wipes
Nursery & Decor
- Crib
- Crib Mattress
- 2x Crib Sheets (love Mushie Get 20% off Mushie)
- Lovenest pillow
- Glider Chair
- Changing Table/Dresser
- Mobile
- Hatch Sound Machine
- Baby Monitor (this one comes with 2 cameras and a parent monitor that can be split screen plus an app for your phone)
- Lovenest pillow
- Kyte Baby Lovey Get $10 off Kyte Baby
- Monthly Milestone Markers
- Hangers
- Closet Dividers
First Aid
- Thermometer
- Nose Frida
- Frida Windi
- Nail File
- Baby Tylenol
Toys & Books
- Soft Blocks
- Activity Mat + Play Gym
- Activity Jumper
- Stroller Toy
- JellyCat Stuffed Animal
- Teethers & Rattles
- Soft Crinkle Baby Book
- Board Books
For the Parents
- Full size diaper bag
- Mini diaper bag (budget-friendly, splurge)
- Weekender bag
- Baby’s First Year Book
- Food Delivery Gift Cards
That’s a wrap. Reminder: this is not your “minimalistic” baby registry checklist, this is everything you need to feel settled in your pregnancy knowing you are prepared for your newborn baby. That said, I tried to keep this as simplistic as possible for the first 6 month necessities. So go on Mama and get that baby checklist going, you’ll feel better once it's all in one spot, I promise!
Author
Barbara Mighdoll
I live in San Francisco with my husband, Jason, toddler, Caden, one year old baby, Willow, and Bernese Mountain Dog, Bear. I previously held multiple VP of Marketing roles at tech startups before deciding to take the leap to build New Modern Mom full time in an effort to find fulfillment and flexibility in my life. I also was a fitness instructor in an earlier life. I created this space to curate the best products and real advice on pregnancy, motherhood, cooking, travel and more to make doing it all for ambitious moms like me a whole lot easier.
See author's posts
You may also like...
Hospital Bag Checklist: A Minimalistic ApproachEverything You Need to Thrive in the Third TrimesterHigh Chair Showdown: Lalo vs. StokkeThese Are the Best Mom Backpacks for Travel
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or opinions, but I can provide you with information on the concepts mentioned in this article. Here are some key concepts related to baby registries and pregnancy:
-
Baby Registry Checklist:
- A baby registry checklist is a list of items that expectant parents create to help friends and family know what they need for their baby.
- The checklist typically includes essential items such as clothing, diapers, feeding supplies, nursery furniture, and baby gear.
- The purpose of a baby registry is to ensure that parents receive the items they need and avoid duplicates or unnecessary items.
-
Baby Registry Platforms:
- Babylist: Babylist is a universal baby registry platform that allows parents to add items from any store, including Etsy. It offers features like a browser extension for easy item addition, a completion discount, and the ability to set up cash funds for various purposes.
- Amazon Baby Registry: Amazon offers a baby registry service where parents can create a list of items from the Amazon store.
- BuyBuyBaby: BuyBuyBaby is a retail store that also offers a baby registry service.
- Target and Walmart: These popular retail stores also provide baby registry services.
-
When to Start a Baby Registry:
- There is no specific "too early" time to start a baby registry, but it's recommended to start planning and creating the registry during the second trimester of pregnancy.
- Starting early allows parents to research and make informed decisions about the items they need, as well as give friends and family ample time to purchase gifts.
-
Big Ticket Items:
- Big ticket items refer to more expensive and significant purchases for the baby, such as strollers, car seats, cribs, and baby monitors.
- Some recommended big ticket items mentioned in the article include an everyday stroller, compact travel stroller, travel crib, infant car seat, diaper bag, soft-structured carrier, changing pad, baby monitor, bouncer, play gym, and swaddle.
-
Essential Items by Category:
- Swaddles, Sleep Bags & Blankets: Items like swaddles, sleep bags, and blankets are essential for keeping the baby warm and comfortable during sleep.
- Baby Gear: Loungers, Carriers, Bouncers & Bassinets: These items provide a safe and comfortable space for the baby to rest, play, or be carried around.
- Travel: On-the-go necessities: Items like wipes, portable sound machines, car window shades, and travel cribs are essential for traveling with a baby.
- Clothes & Accessories: This category includes clothing items like onesies, footies, hats, socks, and bibs.
- Feeding: Breastfeeding pillows, bottles, breast pumps, bottle warmers, high chairs, and baby food storage containers are some of the items needed for feeding the baby.
- Bath Time: Bathing essentials like towels, soap, shampoo, washcloths, and a baby bath support are necessary for maintaining hygiene.
- Diaper Changing: Items like changing pads, wipes, diapers, diaper pails, and diaper caddies are essential for diaper changing.
- Nursery & Decor: This category includes items like cribs, crib mattresses, sheets, glider chairs, changing tables, mobiles, and baby monitors.
- First Aid: Essential items for first aid include thermometers, nasal aspirators, nail files, and baby pain relievers.
- Toys & Books: Toys and books are important for the baby's development and entertainment.
- For the Parents: Items like diaper bags, weekender bags, and food delivery gift cards are mentioned as useful for parents.
Please note that the information provided above is based on the content of this article.
