Have you started your baby registry? I know it can be both exciting and overwhelming. I’d love to share tips about when to begin your baby registry, what baby items are “must-haves,” and which ones to skip!
As you think about registering for all of the physical items you’ll need to take care of your baby, don’t forget about the less tangible things you might need. In my newborn class, I’ll walk you step-by-step through the strategies you need to confidently navigate the first few months of your baby’s life: how to read your baby’s cues, calm your fussy baby, set up a flexible schedule, work towards longer stretches of sleep at night, and truly love the newborn stage.
Where to register for your baby shower: anchor
Registry apps like Zola and Baby List are great options because they allow you to pull from different websites and stores to have one registry. You can also create registries at stores and sites like Target, Walmart, or Amazon. Specialty stores like Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel have registry options as well.
Expert Tip: You may consider registering at multiple stores or for more items than you expect to receive. Why? Many baby registries offer a completion discount so that you can purchase any remaining items at a reduced price (usually around 15% off).
When to start making a baby registry:anchor
You can start your registry as soon as you feel ready, but you’ll want to keep in mind that creating a baby registry can take time. Starting in the second trimester will give you time to research so that you feel confident in the products you need.
Baby registry must-haves and favorites:anchor
Baby diapering anchor
Plan to have at least two diaper changing stations in your home; one in your baby’s nursery and a diaper caddy in the main living area where you spend most of your day. Find some of my favorites here.
Newborn diapers (1-2 boxes)
Size 1 diapers (2-3 boxes)
Wipes
Diaper rash cream (2)
Diaper cream applicator (2)
Diaper caddy
Changing pad
Baby feeding anchor
These baby feeding products are things you’ll use now and as your baby transitions to solid food. Find some of my favorites here.
Baby bowls and spoons
Burp rags (5-10)
Bibs (5-10)
Feeding support pillow
Bottle feedinganchor
Here are products to consider adding to your registry if bottles are part of your feeding plans. Find some of my favorites here.
2-3 different types of bottles
Bottle brush and soap
Bottle drying rack
Bottle warmer
Automatic formula dispenser
Breastfeedinganchor
If you plan to breastfeed and/or pump, these are items that you will find especially helpful. Find some of my favorites here.
Nipple cream
Silver nursing cups
Pumping/nursing bras and tanks
Nursing pads
Breast massager
Burp rags
Breast milk collector
Microwavable sanitizing bags
Breast pump and accessories (Check with your insurance as most plans cover one hospital-grade pump per pregnancy.)
Breast milk storage bags
Bottles
Expert Tip: No matter how you plan to feed your baby, be sure to have a couple of bottles on hand. If you pump, you’ll need them to offer expressed breastmilk.
Even if you don’t think you will ever use formula, I do encourage you to keep a small supply for your own peace of mind. Consider a small canister of powdered formula or a few bottles of the ready-to-feed formula to keep for an emergency. Maybe you won’t need them, but if you do, you’ll be so glad you have them.
Baby bath anchor
Bath time will become an activity both you and your little one enjoy! Since newborns have sensitive skin, it’s important to have supplies and products specifically for babies. Find some of my favorites here.
Infant bathtub
Baby soap
Lotion
Bath toys and toy storage
Infant towels (2)
Washcloths (6-8)
Bath water thermometer
Spout cover
Kneeling pad
Baby health anchor
While you won’t use these items on a regular basis, you’ll want to have them on hand for when your little one is sick. Find some of my favorites here.
Rectal thermometer
Cool mist humidifier
Medications (Infant or Children’s Tylenol, Mylicon drops, etc)
Nasal aspirator
Infant brush or comb
Fingernail clippers or file
Sensitive skin laundry detergent
Baby sleepanchor
Having a great sleep environment will help set your new baby up to be a great sleeper, and these items will help! Find some of my favorites here.
Sound machine
Swaddles (2-3)
Sleep sacks (2-3)
Pacifier sampler pack
Bassinet, play yard, portable crib, or crib*
Video monitor
Taking Cara Babies newborn class
Want tips to help set your mind at ease about baby sleep before your little one arrives?
I have a free download called 5 Things Every Expectant Parent Needs to Know about Baby Sleep.
Baby play anchor
Before you know it, your sweet little one will be able to stay awake longer and will need age-appropriate play items. These are some essentials for young babies. Find some of my favorites here.
Play mat
Board books
Developmental toys (rattles, sensory toys, etc.)
Contrast cards
Baby gearanchor
These are the “bigger” items that your baby might need throughout their day. Find some of my favorites here.
Car seat
Stroller
High chair
Infant carrier for babywearing
Baby travel anchor
Whether you travel often or only plan to get out of the house for short periods of time, here are things that can be helpful on the go. Find some of my favorites here.
Diaper bag
Portable crib or play yard*
Portable crib or play yard sheets
Portable sound machine
Changing pad for diaper bag
SlumberPod
Portable/clip-on high chair
Lightweight stroller
Stroller fan
Nurseryanchor
Even if your baby doesn’t spend the first few months sleeping in the nursery, you’ll still want supplies for your nursery on your registry. Find some of my nursery favorites here.
Crib*
Crib mattress
Mattress protector
Crib sheets (2-4)
Changing pad
Changing pad covers (2-4)
Blackout curtains
Glider and ottoman
Receiving blankets (3-5)
Baby-sized hangers
Decor
Diaper pail and bags
Dresser drawer organizers
Night light for nighttime feedings
Storage bins for clothes and toy organization
Baby or memory book
Baby Clothinganchor
Register for baby clothes in a variety of sizes! You’ll be surprised how quickly your little one will outgrow their newborn clothes. Also, consider the season in which your baby is due, this will help make sure you have appropriate clothing to keep your baby comfortable. Find some of my favorites here.
Newborn onesies (at least 5)
0-3 month onesies (at least 5)
Newborn pants (at least 5)
0-3 month pants (at least 5)
Newborn footie pajamas (at least 5)
0-3 month footie pajamas (at least 5)
Socks (5-10)
Coming home outfit
Hair bows and headbands
Seasonal clothing (swimsuits, jackets, winter hat, coat)
Expert Tip: For your coming-home outfit, consider purchasing both a “newborn” size and a “preemie” size. Even babies born at 7-8 lbs may not fill out a newborn-size outfit. Carters is a brand with many preemie options. Old Navy and Baby Gap also have a wide selection of “up to 7 lb” outfits that are perfect for many babies in the first couple of weeks.
Twinsanchor
If you are expecting twins or triplets, you’ll want to consider having multiples of everything on this baby registry list. There are also some products designed for twins that will make life a little bit easier! Find some of my favorites here.
Double stroller
Separate sleeping spaces
Split screen monitor
Extra wide glider or rocking chair
Feeding pillow for twins
Baby carrier designed for twins
For Momanchor
Don’t forget to include items that you will need as well! Keeping yourself comfortable postpartum is also a priority. This may look different depending on the type of delivery you have. Find some of my favorites here.
Mesh underwear and pads
Witch hazel pads
Dermoplast numbing spray
Breast pads
Peri bottle
Robe and slippers
Leak-proof water bottle
Unsafe or Unnecessary Baby Products anchor
When registering, keep in mind there are some products you’ll want to avoid. Why? Some popular baby items are considered unsafe for infants.
Unsafe baby items to avoid:
Crib bumpers. Crib bumpers, even the mesh ones, are not safe for infant sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics(1) recommends nothing except a fitted sheet and a pacifier in the crib for at least the first 12 months. This includes crib bumpers, loose bedding, loveys, and stuffed animals.
Infant loungers. Infant loungers and pillow-like products are unsafe places for infants to sleep or lounge in unattended. Recently, there have been recalls on products such as these due to the increased risk of suffocation when used improperly.
Expert Tip: If you aren’t sure about a product, you can check my safe sleep checklist.
Baby Registry FAQanchor
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There is no specific number of items that you should have on your baby registry. When you bring your baby home from the hospital, there are only a few items that are true necessities. Things that I consider true necessities include diapers, wipes, onesies, bottles, swaddles, and a safe place to sleep. However, there’s no harm in putting extra items on your registry. Many registries offer a registry completion discount that can be applied to any items on your registry that you still need.
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Yes, absolutely! By including your baby registry on your shower invitation, you can share with friends and family the items you truly need and want for your new little one.
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You can share your baby registry however and wherever you would like! There are no rules here, so do what feels right for your family.
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Of course! When a more expensive item is included on a registry, you can often make it available as a “group gift.” This allows for friends or family to contribute to that larger item if they would like. Even if no one purchases or contributes to the more expensive items, many registries do offer a completion discount so that you can purchase any remaining items at a reduced price.
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You can absolutely make a baby registry for your second or third child. While you may still have most of the larger items from your first baby, some things do need to be repurchased. Even if you aren’t having a shower or sprinkle, creating the list for the completion discount can be a great idea!
*Safety Note: anchor
Please be sure that any sleep surface that you purchase is labeled “crib,” “bassinet,” “portable crib,” or “play yard.” These are specific labels indicating that the product is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for safe sleep. My safe sleep checklist has all the information you need.
References
1 Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment
