Deciding what to choose for your baby registry can be absolutely exhausting. There are soooo many products out there to choose from! Plus, having to decide what you TRULY need for your baby before baby even arrives is tough!
There were a lot of items I couldn’t survive without but there were also a few items I had to take back for gift cards because they weren’t of any use. But I am here to help 🙂
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
Here is the baby registry checklist I would now use AFTER having a baby of my own:
Baby Gear
Stroller-
- This is a piece you actually want to invest in because it is something you are going to use for a lot of years to come. Your baby is not going to grow out of it quickly (like shoes)!
- The UPPAbaby Vista Stroller is definitely on the pricey side of things but what I do like about this stroller is its versatility. It comes with so many pieces like a bassinet, there are so many positions you can choose from (inward or outward facing), and it is even possible to adjust the stroller to a second seat when you have a second child in the future! If you see yourself using a stroller often, I would definitely add this to your list!
For my running mommy’s!
- I registered for a jogging stroller and I still use it to this day (my kiddo is about to be 3)! After you get the okay from your doctor, get on out there for a nice long walk, a jog, or a run. Jogging strollers aren’t made just for running or jogging. I use mine mainly for nice long walks. What is nice about them is they are made to withstand rough terrain, so even though you are going up and down hills, on soil, grass, or rocks, the ride still feels smooth which is amazing for you and your baby!
- I would look into the Thule Urban Glide 2.0 Jogging Stroller mainly because of how light it is. Many jogging strollers (like mine) are really heavy and bulky which is a hassle at times, trust me. So if you are looking into getting a jogging stroller make sure it is one you can open, close, and travel with ease.
Carseat-
- An infant car seat is an essential piece you must include in your list and make sure you have before heading to the hospital.
- I would HIGHLY suggest getting the matching infant car seat to whichever stroller you decide to register or purchase. For example, for the stroller above there is its matching UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat, that way there is no confusion and the car seat should click on to the stroller of your choosing with ease.
- I would also suggest getting an additional car seat base if your family owns more than one car so the car seat can easily click on to whichever car when needed. This will save you A LOT of time. Taking out and reinstalling car seats is a process to say the least.
Convertible Car Seats
- You can add one to your list if you want to be ahead but it is not necessary yet. The infant car seat should last you a few months before baby grows out of it. However, if you are interested in getting one I would look into something like the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat. I am all about buying items that will last you and your child a long time and this Graco Car Seat does the trick. This is the seat I am currently using for my son and we love it!
Other Car Accessories-
- These are two things I completely forgot on my registry but are definitely needs.
- A back seat mirror is super convenient especially when traveling alone with baby. With the mirror, you can see what is going on and you will feel a lot better driving without worrying about your newborn while your baby is rear facing.
- A Baby on Board sign for your car! Let drivers know the precious cargo you are carrying!
Baby Carrier-
- This is an item I thought I would not need so I didn’t register for it but I ended up purchasing one myself once my son was born. I don’t know what I was thinking.
- The BABYBJORN Baby Carrier One was a life saver!!!
- When you have to grocery shopping alone for a lot of items (so you can’t use your stroller since you need a cart from the market) and your baby is either sleeping or is fussy and wants to be on your chest to calm down this BABYBJORN carrier is perfection.
- You can even use it when your baby wants to be on you to sleep at home but you want to multitask and fold clothes as another example. It is just overall handy! A MUST HAVE!
Bouncer/Swing-
- This item isn’t necessary if you have a small bassinet like this one, that you can easily move around from room to room.
- If you do not have a small bassinet I would recommend getting a small bouncer or swing so you can place your baby in to relax while you are in different rooms besides the bedroom.
- That way you can take your baby with you if you go to the bathroom for example, while not disrupting their relaxation with all the settings these products have to offer.
Play Mat/Activity Gym-
- This is entertainment for your new baby. Having a play mat/activity gym is useful because your baby will spend a lot of its awake time on one discovering different sounds, looking at different colors and pictures. It is also a great place to exercise by placing them on their belly!
Sleep Time/Nursery
Crib-
- As you may have already guessed, I am going to recommend a crib that should last you YEARS.
- Getting a Convertible Crib that can change into a toddler bed and a big kid bed in my opinion, is more economical and just easier because you do not have to worry about buying another bed later on.
Bedding-
- Getting a comfortable mattress is an important purchase for your little one, you want to make sure it feels good and is water resistant!
- Fitted crib sheets (2-3), swaddling blankets or sleep sacks (4-6). My absolute favorite swaddle blankets are Aden+Anais Soft Swaddle Blankets. They are so soft and large which is great for swaddling, plus since they are so big you can use them if you ever need to place baby on the ground to play.
White Noise-
- I found that getting a humidifier or an air purifier had there benefits but also served as great white noise to block some noise from the rest of your home.
- I went with this air purifier and I still use it every time he sleeps to this day!
Other Items for Nursery-
- Changing table or a dresser with a changing pad (that’s what I did).
- A glider or a VERY comfortable chair that rocks would be ideal. I did not do this and completely regret it! You are going to spend a lot of time sitting on this chair, make sure it is comfortable.
- Hamper
- Diaper pail (MUST HAVE! … really I thought I did not need one and boy was I wrong)
- Storage for baby closet
Feeding Supplies
Bottles-
- Whether you are breastfeeding, pumping, using formula, or a mixture of all it is wise to get a set of bottles. That way others can help feed baby and bond with them when you deem appropriate. I particularly enjoyed Avent bottles, but read on different brands and see what sticks out to you most.
- Drying Rack: to store all the little pieces of bottles or your pump pieces after cleaning.
Pacifier-
- If you choose to have your baby use one I would suggest the WubbaNub Pacifier because it gives baby something to touch and look at while also having a tiny weight on their chest which may help in keeping the pacifier in place.
High Chair-
- You will not use a high chair until later on when baby starts eating solid so it is not an absolute must before baby arrives but it is an essential eventually.
- Click here to look at this one, super cute!
For my breastfeeding mommy’s:
- If you choose to breastfeed these are the items I would recommend as someone who breastfed their son until he was two and half years old
- Breast Pump: I loved Medela products for anything breast pumping related
- Single, Portable Breast Pump: This is good when you are on the road, at your job, or in a restroom trying to pump out your milk without having to carry the larger machine around.
- Breast Milk Storage Bags: Great way to save milk in the freezer!
- Nursing Pads: A MUST, you will be leaking in the beginning (it’s okay it will become normal I promise)
- Nursing Pillow: Makes things so much easier! I couldn’t imagine breastfeeding without it and I used it for over a year.
- Nursing Bras
- Burp Cloths: things can get messy sometimes 🙂
Bath Time + Diapers
- Infant Tub
- Hooded Towels (3-5)
- Washcloths (5-8)
- Baby Shampoo, Body Wash, and Baby Lotion: Only get one of each because your baby’s skin may react to certain brands and you may have to end up switching brands until you find the right fit (you can see what worked for my son’s hair here)
- Diapers: You definitely want to register for newborn size but also include size 1, size 2, and size 3. I loved having different sizes in stock, it was one less thing I had to shop or worry for when the time came to switch.
- Wipes
- Wipe Warmer: Not absolutely necessary but it will make things easier when changing your baby while they are sleeping
Health Related Things for Baby
- Baby Monitor
- Healthcare Kit
- Fragrance and Perfume Free Detergent
Clothing
- This is something you do not have to necessarily register for because people regardless give you clothes all the time since they are too darn cute to resist!
- However, I will say to get very, very few newborn size pieces since a fully matured baby will grow out of it pretty quickly. I started with size 3 months and I do not regret it. Things fit him a little loose the first couple of weeks but it wasn’t unmanageable.
- But if you have mommy brain (trust me, I get it!) I will quickly list some essential pieces: short and long sleeve onesies, pajamas/ sleeping gowns, pants, socks, mitts, hats, coat/jacket (depending on weather and where you live)
I hope this helped you get a better idea of what you may or may not need to register for! Let me know if you have ANY questions at all! Congratulations 🙂
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
Love this checklist!!
Thanks Jane!!!