Baby Registry 101: Essentials You’ll Actually Use

First, take a deep breath!

Creating a baby registry can feel overwhelming, especially with all the options out there. What do you actually need, and what will end up collecting dust in a closet? To save you time and stress, I’ve put together a no-nonsense guide to the essentials that I couldn’t live without as first time mom.

1. Sleep Must-Haves

Sleep is precious for both you and your baby, so start with the basics:

• Swaddles or Sleep Sacks: These are lifesavers for soothing newborns. Velcro or zippered options make swaddling and middle of the night changes a breeze.
• Shusher: We used this instead of a white noise machine to drown out household noises to keep baby sleeping soundly.

2. Feeding Essentials

Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or both, here’s what you’ll actually use:

• Nursing Pillow: Supports your arms and baby during feeding sessions and can double as a tummy-time prop.
• Bottles (Even if You Plan to Breastfeed): It’s good to have a few on hand, just in case. Look for slow-flow nipples for newborns. We didn’t have enough and ended up having to make an emergency run to the store for more!
• Burp Cloths: Trust us, you’ll need plenty. These catch spit-up, spills, and more.
• Breast Pump (If Applicable): Many insurance plans cover this, so check before adding one to your registry. If it’s in your budget to upgrade to a wearable/portable option – DO IT! If your insurance doesn’t give you the option, there are some good and affordable ones on Amazon.

3. Diaper Basics

You’ll be changing a lot of diapers, so stock up on these essentials:

• Diapers and Wipes: Start with a few newborn sizes and some size 1 packs in case your baby grows quickly.
• Diaper Cream: We love the spray options because it’s easy to apply!
• Portable Changing Pad: Handy for on-the-go diaper changes. We have a hard surface one that was so easy to move around the house and clean up when we had the occasional mess!

4. Bath Time Necessities

Make bath time safe and enjoyable with these basics:

• Baby Bathtub or Bath Seat: Look for one that fits in your sink or tub for easy bathing.
• A Bathtub Thermometer: They make it easy to know if the water is a safe temp for the baby and they double as a bath toy!
• Soft Hooded Towels and Washcloths: These make drying off your little one extra cozy. We stay away from the extra fluffy ones as we’ve found they don’t dry as well!

5. On-the-Go Gear

For errands, walks, and outings, these items are essential:

• Car Seat: A non-negotiable for safety. Most hospitals won’t let you leave without one.
• Stroller: Choose one that matches your lifestyle, whether you want something lightweight or ready for off-road adventures. We went with a carseat/stroller combo for the first 10 months and while it was a splurge it was SO worth it!
• Diaper Bag: Look for one with lots of compartments to keep you organized. Backpack style has worked best for us because we do a lot of baby wearing!

6. Clothing Basics

It’s tempting to go overboard, but start with these essentials:

• Onesies and Footed Pajamas: Go for comfy, easy-to-change options with zippers. Double zippers? Even better!
• Drool Proof Bibs: Regular bibs didn’t cut it for us and everything in the house was soaked. We opted for the ones with an absorbent lining and find those work much better!

7. Health and Safety Essentials

Keep these basics on hand for peace of mind:

• Thermometer: A must-have for monitoring your baby’s health. For the first year, drs recommend using a traditional thermometer vs an ear or forehead one.
• Nail Clippers or Files: Baby nails grow fast and can be surprisingly sharp!
• First Aid Kit: Include baby-safe items like a nasal aspirator, saline drops, gas drops, and baby Tylenol.

8. Bonus Items Moms Swear By

• Baby Carrier or Wrap: Great for keeping your baby close while freeing up your hands. We have tried a lot of carriers/wraps so this will be a separate post on it’s own!
• Play Mat or Activity Gym: A safe and engaging space for tummy time and early play is important for baby’s development and your sanity!
• Bouncer or Swing: Provides a safe spot for your baby to rest or play while you grab a moment to yourself, make dinner, or take a shower!

Keep It Simple

Focus on the essentials, and remember that you can always add items later if you find you need them. Your baby doesn’t need everything right away, and many items can be purchased as they grow.

Ready to create your registry? Start with these tried-and-true basics, and you’ll feel confident knowing you’re prepared for the journey ahead!

Check out my Amazon List for your registry essentials – *this is an affiliate link and I earn a small commission if you purchase through it.