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So you’re pregnant and ready to start creating your baby registry? Congratulations!
There are SO many decisions to make like … Where to start, what to get, and who to listen to. It can be overwhelming.
That’s why I created the ULTIMATE Baby Registry Checklist – to simplify the process so you get only the essentials plus a few unexpected items you didn’t even know you needed. 😍
➡️ JUMP to: Registry Freebies | Essentials List | Printable Checklists
Get Started: Your Baby Registry Checklist
Step One: Choose a Baby Registry
The first decision is WHERE do you even register? I recommend choosing a universal registry such as Amazon or Babylist. The benefits of a universal registry is that you can combine all your registries into one central place – it’s so convenient!
I like Babylist because friends and relatives can compare prices across stores and see if local pick up is an option. But many are more comfortable with Amazon because of their large variety of products plus free shipping!
So I recommend choosing BOTH Amazon and Babylist for your registries … plus they offer free baby registry welcome gifts you just can’t pass up!
Check them out:
FREE Hello Baby Box from Babylist ($300 value!)
The Babylist box is jam-packed with over $300 worth of freebies like blankets, onesies, diapers, plus lots of baby samples and high-value coupons. Learn how to get your free Hello Baby box here!
FREE Amazon Baby Box ($35 value!)
Your free Amazon baby welcome box has over $35 worth of products including; a baby blanket, diapers + wipes, baby samples, nursing pads, and lots more to sample. Read how to score your Amazon baby box here!
So not only will you get awesome freebies, having both a Babylist and Amazon registry is a sure way to get ALL the baby essentials. Speaking of …
💡 Want even more free baby stuff?
I’ve put together a full list of baby registries that offer free baby boxes, samples, and perks here:
11 Best Baby Registries That Offer Free Baby Stuff
Step Two: Select Your Baby Registry Essentials
What to you absolutely NEED to put on a baby registry? Not too much honestly.
There are some baby essentials you can’t live without plus a few items I think make Motherhood a little easier.
To make it simple, I’ve broken the checklist into categories. Use the quick links below or just keep scrolling.
➡️ JUMP TO: Feeding | Sleeping | Diapering | Baby Gear | Health & Safety | Bathing | Clothing + Toys | Nursery | For Mom
Feeding: Baby Registry Must Haves
Bottles
Whether you’re breast feeding or formula feeding, you will want bottles on hand. Introducing a bottle early helps you prepare for being away in case of appointments or your return to work. Dr. Brown’s bottles are highly recommended for their shape and design to reduce colic.
TIP: You can get 19 free baby bottles to try out first!
Sterilizer
While not a true essential, a sterilizer like this one makes life extremely easier.
When you make bottles as a formula feeding or pumping Mama, being able to sterilize bottles or pumping parts and have them dried will be a lifesaver.
This is an item you could have eligible for group gifting or even purchase yourself with your 15% registry completion discount.
Bottle Drying Rack
An alternate option is this drying rack which saves counter space with its vertical design.
The entire rack is dishwasher safe so you don’t have to worry about cleaning anything extra. You will be grateful for that fact down the line!
Bowls and Spoons
I registered for dishes because I knew eating solids would come sooner than it seemed.
The Munchkin brand suction bowls are great at preventing little ones from chucking their entire dish on the floor. These spoons also turn white to show you if their food is too hot!
High Chair
My two requirements for a high chair are that it is easy to clean and can be folded up. This Chicco one fits the bill and can be used as a chair and table when your baby grows.
Sleeping: Baby Registry Necessities!
Blackout Curtains
Sleeping when you have tiny humans at home is a precious thing! Blackout curtains like these travel ones can help keep your little one’s routine no matter where you are.
They are an easy way for your baby to learn it’s nap or night time when you draw the curtains closed. Check out 8 Best Blackout Curtains for the Nursery to see which ones would work best for your little one’s room!
Sound Machine
A sound machine is the one essential I always recommend to new parents!
I love the Hatch because you can customize colors and sounds. I have a certain color and sound for nap and one for bedtime so my littles learn the difference.
It’s nice for older children too since you can schedule a color and sound at a designated time to let your toddlers know when to start the day.
Video Monitor
I love these video monitors because they allow me to breathe easy during nap and bedtime.
They don’t have WiFi, have a 1000 foot range, and allow you to use the audio button to directly talk to your child.
This comes in handy if you have more than one little! You can easily toggle between cameras on the monitor as well.
Swaddles and Sleep Sacks
Some tiny babies love to be swaddled and the zipper ones are definitely the easiest. Two way zipper swaddles prevent you from having to take them off for night diaper changes!
Once your baby can roll over they can graduate to sleep sacks. I find putting this one on for nap and bedtime helped my littles sleep longer and became another part of our sleep routine. You can find more tips for getting that precious sleep at 7 Simple Tips to Get Your Baby to Sleep More.
Diapering: The Top of Your Baby Essentials Checklist!
Diapers
Diapers are the most essential thing to register for! There’s no doubt you’re going to need them.
A diaper raffle where people get a ticket for every box of wipes or diapers they bring to your baby shower can help you get a stash going. If you’re going to use cloth diapers, you should register for these.
Wipes
This is another one of those baby necessities!
Many parents are choosing unscented wipes these days as we are more aware of what is going on babies’ skin. You can get a discount if you use the Subscribe & Save on these wipes from Amazon.
I got a FREE pack of these Amazon baby wipes in my free Amazon baby box!
Diaper Rash Ointment
You want to have diaper cream on hand for the inevitable diaper rash. Aquaphor is highly recommended since it tackles harsh rashes with its inclusion of zinc.
If you are using cloth diapers I recommend MotherLove diaper balm. It lasts a long time and won’t cause your cloth to repel.
Changing Pad
You will want to register for changing pads for your diaper bag as well as one to keep at home.
I love things for babies that can easily be wiped clean, so this is my favorite changing pad for the house. I also like to keep one in the car and my diaper bag.
Baby Gear: The Big Items on Your List
Don’t fret putting the bigger items on your registry! Some people will want to get you something more expensive, you can make items eligible for group gifting, or you can purchase them yourself with your registry completion discount later!
Stroller
There are several different types of strollers to choose from depending on your lifestyle. This Disney Baby umbrella stroller isn’t just cute – it’s also very lightweight and easy to maneuver. It works great as shopping cart when you wan to keep your hands free.
You can also choose from jogging strollers with all-terrain wheels if you have an outdoorsy family and strollers that have car seat attachments! I’d suggest trying some out in your local stores to see which one you enjoy and will fit your vehicle.
Pack and Play
It’s nice to have a safe place you know your baby can play while you get a quick shower or even having a portable crib when you travel! I loved using our our Pack and Play in our bedroom when our littles slept in our room until they were big enough to sleep in their own.
Diaper Bag
There are so many options for diaper bags!
My favorite is a backpack style with tons of pockets. This diaper bag has lots of compartments so you can have room for things for multiple children and yourself!
Car Seat
The first thing you will need when you leave the hospital with your new baby is a car seat!
We got this convertible car seat instead of starting with an infant car seat, but you can do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Many places will let you try them out in your car to make sure they fit and I highly recommend this!
Baby Carrier
Baby carriers are a great way to stay close with your baby and remain hands-free! Wrap carriers are great for newborns with just a little practice to figure out.
Structured carriers like Ergobaby give you more support when carrying your baby around. Ring slings are a nice middle ground and are great for when Baby constantly wants up and then back down.
Check your local community for a baby wearing group near you to learn about and see which carriers you prefer!
Health & Safety: Newborn Essentials
Medical Essentials Kit
I’d rather have everything I need and my baby never get sick than have to make a late night run to the store with a miserable little one. Request a pre-made newborn essentials kit if you don’t want to register for every item separately!
Health and Grooming Kit
I also registered for this Safety 1st bundle which includes grooming items like nail clippers and brushes (in addtion to a thermometer and nasal aspirator).
It’s nice to have everything in one place and be organized from the start. The only thing I swapped out was this no touch instant thermometer. Many Moms prefer the NoseFrida aspirator to the old-fashioned bulbs.
Childproofing Kit
The last kit I would recommend is this safety bundle.
It contains door knob covers, cabinet locks, and plug protectors. You have a while before your baby will get into everything, but register for this and you’ll be ready when the craziness starts!
Baby Gate
Depending on your house layout you may need baby gates. We used this walk through gate – it was very convenient. If your house has stairs you can check out special baby gates for staircases.
Gates are a safety item I’d recommend you register for, even though you may not need them for a while.
Bathing
Bath Chair
Skip the baby tub and go for a foldable bath chair like this one.
It has a non-slip seat and saves on storage space. Use it immediately for newborns and adapt it to fit as Baby gets older. It can be used in the sink or the bath tub.
❎ Don’t worry about registering for bath toys as they are a fun extra your baby shower guests usually give. If they don’t, you can select a few later when Baby is older.
Baby Wash and Shampoo
There are tons of baby wash and shampoo brands to choose from!
We always use Aveeno gentle baby wash which helps if you have a family history of eczema. You can register for several different brands to try and see what you like best.
TIP: Score 150+ free baby samples like baby wash, lotion, shampoo, more.
Towels and Washcloths
One of my favorite baby registry checklist items to gift are hooded baby towels!
Different animals and character towels make bathing fun. Choose sets that include washcloths and you’ll be ready to keep your little one clean and fresh.
Clothing and Toys
🚫 Although your little one will need clothes to wear and toys to play with, these don’t make the baby registry checklist. People love to gift these and you’ll probably get them spontaneously.
Keeping these off makes your registry minimal. You can also take advantage of hand me downs to collect gently used clothing and toys since babies outgrow things so quickly!
TIP: I DO recommend suggesting people bring baby books instead of cards – so you can quickly grow your baby’s library in a memorable way.
Nursery
Crib
Safe sleep is of the ultimate importance on this baby registry checklist!
Even if your baby sleeps with you at the beginning, having a crib in the Nursery can be used for naps and for when it’s time for them to have their own space.
This is often the key feature in a nursery, so have fun selecting yours! We chose this 4-in 1 convertible crib that changes into a toddler bed.
Crib Mattress and Protector
A Waterproof crib mattress combined with a mattress protector will help you on those nights your little one has accidents.
I got this TWO pack of mattress protectors and always make my baby’s bed in layers with sheet, protector, sheet, protector. That way you can go through one set in the middle of the night and still have a ready made bed!
Crib Sheets
While I’m minimalist with a lot of things, crib sheets are something I definitely have more than enough of.
Bedding is another way you can personalize your little one’s room so pick out some fun designs like this adorable sage sheet set.
People love to gift swaddle blankets and regular blankets so I’d just focus on sheets (which are the only safe thing baby can sleep with).
Chair
You’ll create so many memories rocking and feeding your little one in the middle of the night.
Choose a cozy glider like this one to help you through the long nights and then enjoy while playing in the Nursery with your older baby!
I’ve had friends repurpose comfy recliners instead of buying a new chair – so check your house to see if you have something that would work!
Decor
Time to have fun and select some decor for your nursery! Picking a theme and decorating is one of my favorite parts of preparing for a new baby.
You can register for personalized name signs, floating shelves, and so much more.
These aren’t required but are a FUN way to add a little extra to your registry.
Baby Registry Checklist Items For Mama
Postpartum Kit
It’s hard to focus on your recovery when your newborn is needing all of your attention! Make your own or grab a ready-to-go kit so you can heal easily.
Disposable postpartum underwear along with peri bottles, witch hazel iced maxi pads, and even chapstick are some little things to gather in a bathroom basket so you don’t have search for them.
Boppy
The Boppy pillow is not just for nursing! It’s also great for supporting your baby, especially if you’ve had a c-section.
It can also help you bottle feed and just makes it more comfortable when you’re constantly holding your new baby.
Nursing Pads
If you’re nursing, these reusable nursing pads are more comfortable than the disposable ones!
They’ll help keep you from embarrassing leaks plus they’re washable! It takes a while for your body to regulate, so these are an easy way to make you more comfortable.
Related: 57 Free Breastfeeding Supplies + Samples for Nursing Moms
How to Tackle the Overwhelm
Preparing to have a new baby (whether it’s your first or fourth) can be overwhelming. You have a lot on your plate Mama, so I hope this baby registry checklist can simplify at least one thing.
Remember to take it easy once in a while and enjoy this time! Soon you’ll have your new bundle of joy and all the baby essentials to take the best care them. 🥰
To further help tackle the overwhelm, I’ve created these printable checklists!
Free Printable Checklists
I’ve created 3 full size printable checklists in PDF format. They can be printed on a standard 8.5×11 sheet of paper.
Here are mini versions of what each one looks like:
I hope you liked my baby registry checklist. “Pin” this post for later and SHARE it with your friends!
