The big day is approaching – how exciting! Or maybe we should say nerve-wracking? Preparing for your little bundle of joy can be overwhelming. There are so many things to buy, from cribs to car seats, toys to diapers, and so much more. Luckily, baby registries are designed to take the load off.
But what should you add to your baby registry? This is a loaded question. Some people might prefer to purchase big items themselves and leave the “fun” stuff to the registry. Others rely on registries for extra essentials like clothes and wipes.
If you’re struggling to put together a baby registry, keep reading. Below you will find some of the very best things to have on your registry in every area of babyhood, big and small.
If you only have a few minutes, check out an amazing (and short) article we wrote listing 5 must-haves every expecting parent should have on their baby registry.
Free Printable Baby Registry Checklist
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Bedding
Plenty of expecting parents will add a crib to their baby registry, and that’s a-okay. Others might be pickier about their crib options and prefer to buy it themselves, which is fine too. Regardless of your route, you should add a mattress (firm), mattress protector, and fitted sheets to your registry.
Mattress (Firm)
It’s essential to have a firm mattress for your baby. Sagging, saggy crib mattresses are not only uncomfortable but can cause backache later in life. You want to prevent that!
Recommended Products
- Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress (Amazon)
- Dream On Me Twilight Coil Inner Spring Crib and Toddler Mattress (Amazon)
Mattress Protector
Typically, mattress protectors are waterproof. Therefore, they’ll prevent any accidents (yours or your baby’s) from ruining the mattress. However, there are other benefits to having a mattress protector as well.
For example, if you want to use your crib for more than one child (or a set of twins!), it’s wise to invest in a mattress protector. That way, you won’t have to buy another mattress for your little one (or babies) and can save money – yay!
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Fitted Sheets
For the same reasons as the mattress protector, adding fitted sheets to your baby registry is helpful.
You’ll be able to keep using your favorite crib for years to come. Plus, it makes cleaning the sheet simple after accidents happen. It will also spare you from having to buy new sheets – double yay!
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Bathing
Bathing your baby is essential (for obvious reasons). But babies cannot hop into the tub just yet. They’ll require a few things for the perfect bath experience.
Baby Tub
There are tubs for different age groups. Add a newborn tub and a tub designed for older babies to see you through the first year.
Look for tubs with temperature gauges, non-slip surfaces, and drain plugs. These will make your life so much easier!
A newborn tub helps the baby feel weightless in water. You’ll be able to soak off all that icky baby goo without worrying about your little one slipping and sliding all over the curvy surface of the tub.
A tub designed for older babies comes in handy for when they’re ready to sit up. It has a broader base and is safer to sit comfortably while you bathe them.
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Baby Shampoo/Body Wash
These are safe soaps that won’t hurt your precious baby’s eyes during bath time. Look for shampoos that are tear-free, made with natural ingredients, hypoallergenic, and have a neutral smell.
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Hooded Towels
Nothing is cozier (or more adorable) than a hooded baby towel. Once you wrap baby up in one of these, they’ll feel like a little burrito. Seriously. It’s the best!
Recommended Products
- Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Cotton Animal Face Hooded Towel, Pretty Elephant, One Size (Amazon)
- HIPHOP PANDA Bamboo Hooded Baby Towel (Amazon)
Lotion
Your baby’s skin will be pretty sensitive and can dry out fast. Reduce the chance of dried-out baby skin with a baby-safe lotion. Look for smooth and gentle lotions that are made specifically for the baby’s skin.
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Necessities
Diapers and wipes? Yeah, they’re not so inexpensive. Buying enough necessities for your baby can be overwhelming cost-wise. Take the edge off and add the following essentials to your baby registry.
Diapers
Don’t add just newborn diapers to your registry. Most babies outgrow newborn diapers within the first week or two. Instead, have options for sizes 1-3 to accommodate several stages of babyhood.
Wipes
Needless to say, you’re going to go through many wipes during your baby’s first few years of life. Be prepared for any diaper explosions by adding wipes to your registry.
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Breastfeeding Items
If you’re planning to breastfeed, items such as a breast pump, milk storage containers, nursing pillows, bottles, and nipple cream are great registry options.
According to the Happily Ever Mom blog, breast pads and nursing bras are also must-haves for breastfeeding.
Recommended Products
- Haakaa Manual Breast Pump (Amazon)
- Philips AVENT Breast Milk Storage Cups And Lids (Amazon)
- Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner (Amazon)
- Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding (Amazon)
Formula Items
Add bottles, formula, and bottle drying racks to your registry for those planning to formula feed. You’ll need a few extra bottles in case one or more get lost, and you’ll want a drying rack to wash them in.
Recommended Products
- Dr. Brown’s Options+ Anti-Colic Baby Bottle (Amazon)
- Earth’s Best Organic Baby Formula (Amazon)
- Munchkin Fold Baby Bottle Countertop Drying Rack (Amazon)
Care Kit
Have you ever heard that babies get incredibly sharp, long nails? It’s true. Add a baby care kit for these issues and crazy hair days.
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Health items
Your poor baby doesn’t know how to blow its nose, so having a suction bulb is handy. You might consider other health items, too, such as a thermometer or diaper rash ointment.
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Clothing
Don’t forget clothing! Most people enjoy buying baby clothes because it’s just so cute and fun. So make sure you’re adding an assortment of baby clothing to satisfy all of your child’s needs. Here’s a quick list to get you started.
Onesies
Purchase long-sleeved and short-sleeved options to handle any weather thrown your way.
As you probably guessed, onesies are one-piece baby jumpsuits. They’re comfortable, easy to put on and take off, and don’t have any pesky snaps or buttons. Onesies are also great for the diaper area because
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Outfits
Outfits for the season are ideal. For example, add warm outfits for 3-6 months for a baby born in winter. But also add some summer outfits in larger sizes to accommodate these months.
Swaddlers
Newborn and young babies love to be swaddled and believe me, you won’t want to try and wrap on your own. Have plenty of convenient Swaddlers on your registry.
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Sleep Sacks
When baby gets a little older, they can transition to sleep sacks. These are safe and cozy options since babies can’t sleep with a blanket until they’re at least a year old (or older).
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Bibs
Babies drool, spit-up, and more. Be prepared every step of the way with plenty of bibs.
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Toys
Your baby isn’t going to come out of the womb and be ready for hopscotch, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some fun playthings they can still enjoy. Some of the top “toys” for a baby registry include:
Swing
A swing is undoubtedly a fun and cozy spot for new babies to relax. Some come with music and mobiles that will entertain a newborn too.
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Teethers
Some babies break teeth within the first few months after birth. Help them to relieve some of the tension with a high-quality teether.
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Stuffy
Stuffed animals or “lovey” blankets with a stuffed animal attached can be a great snuggly toy for young babies.
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Soft Toys
There are plenty of soft, newborn-friendly toys on the market, such as books and blocks.
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Nursery Decor
Some people (myself included) dream of a lavish, perfectly decorated nursery. Sound like you? Then adding nursery decor of your choosing to your baby registry is a great idea.
Here, you can add everything from adorable wall art to blankets (that hang on your rocking chair – not in the baby’s crib), rugs to mobiles, and more.
We created an exciting post that will tell you how to decorate your nursery – feel free to grab some things from it and include them in your baby registry.
Still, need decor ideas? I know it is not an easy task to visualize that perfect nursery. But, I can’t stop thinking about all the details if you’re like me. So, as I was brainstorming, I wrote an article on nursery decor ideas (check it out – you’ll be surprised what I found).
Traveling
Last but not least, don’t forget the travel options! There are a few items that you’ll need to travel with your brand new bundle of joy.
Stroller
There are many stroller options, from travel systems to umbrella strollers. I would recommend putting full-sized and lightweight picks on your registry. You’re going to need both.
If you wonder how to choose the right baby stroller, we wrote a how-to guide that will make you an expert.
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Car Seat
You don’t need a car seat if you add a travel system. But you will need one if you don’t go with a travel symptom combo.
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Diaper Bag
You won’t ever want to leave the house without this gem! A diaper bag holds all of your baby essentials (including extra outfits!). You can also find bags that are waterproof, lunchbox-sized, or stylish.
Recommended Products
- RUVALINO Multifunction Travel Back Pack (Amazon)
- Diaper Bag Tote with Pacifier Case and Changing Pad (Amazon)
Baby Carrier
Some people swear by baby carriers as they allow you to hold your child securely while keeping your hands free. As a result, baby carriers are used quite often at home. (Hello, finally being able to do dishes again!)
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Final Words
Your baby registry can be as comprehensive, fun, or a combination of both as you’d prefer. It depends on things you want as well as need. Take your time to find items you’re genuinely going to use once your baby is born, and have a blast picking out items. Have fun!
Hi – I’m Alina and I am a soon to be mom going through the journey of becoming a parent. I am a writer at heart and I love sharing about pregnancy tips and other busy mom hacks.