It’s easy to feel overwhelmed as a first-time Mom when adding gifts to your baby registry. What do I need for my baby? What is helpful to have or completely unnecessary?
There are SO MANY items that you will need or want for your new baby.
This list should help. You can use this as you’re filling in your baby registry.
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A baby registry is a list of items that new parents would like to get for their baby. Many friends and family will buy gifts from that registry list. It also can help parents stay organized with what they need to purchase for their baby.
Universal baby registries are a very popular option right now. A universal baby registry (like Babylist, MyRegistry or Blueprint) allows parents to register for anything they want, from any store. Sites like Target or Amazon are both store-specific AND universal, so you can register for items at that store or from any other website.
Some parents want unique baby items or want to patronize small businesses. Universal baby registries allow parents to add gifts from Etsy or other specialty websites to their registry.
All babies are different, just as all parents are. What one family recommends, another doesn’t. Here are my suggestions:
Infant car seat travel system with stroller
Infant car seat base (one for each vehicle)
Convertible car seat
Umbrella stroller (lightweight and easy to use)
Baby carrier for infant (ring sling, Baby K’tan or similar)
Baby carrier for bigger baby (Ergo, Tula or similar)
Car seat canopy or cover
Car seat bunting (for cold weather climates)
Back seat car mirror
Stroller organizer
Large clip/hook for carrying (similar to this)
Crib
Crib mattress
Crib sheets (get multiples, you don’t want to have to do laundry in the middle of the night)
Mobile
Baby blanket(s)
Swaddle blankets
Changing table/dresser
Changing pad
Changing pad covers (get multiples, or you’ll be doing laundry all the time)
Bassinet/nest sleeper/co-sleeper or similar sleep situation for early infancy
Glider/rocking chair with ottoman
White noise/sound soother
Baby monitor
Hamper
Baby hangers
Baby swing
Play yard/pack n play
Baby gate(s)
Humidifier
Child proofing items (electrical plugs, door locks, etc.)
Diapers (check out this Diaper Sampler Package before picking which brand you want to register for)
Baby Wipes
Diaper caddy/basket/diaper and accessory storage for changing table
Diaper cream
Diaper genie or garbage for nursery
Diaper disposal bags
Diaper bag
Portable changing pad
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This sample pack is exactly what we needed to help us find the right diapers."
A Diaper Sampler Package from Diaper Dabbler gives new parents the ability to try a variety of diaper brands in one box side-by-side.
Some of these items are specific to breastfeeding or formula feeding. Make sure to feed your baby. You can choose to register for items for whichever feeding method(s) you prefer.
Breast pump (if your insurance does not cover this)
Breastmilk bags
Nursing cover
Feeding pillow (Boppy or similar)
Formula
Bottles
Bottle warmer
Burp clothes or cloth diapers
Countertop drying rack/bottle rack
Bottle brush
High chair
Portable table chair
Bibs
Bowls and utensils
Baby bath tub
Baby wash
Baby lotion
Bath toys
Bath toy organizer
Hooded towels
Washcloths
Thermometer
Brush
Comb
Nail clippers
Nose Frida (or alternate nasal aspirator)
First aid kit (a baby version or regular household version)
Baby medication (Tylenol etc. You don’t want to be without it when you suddenly need it)
Play gym
Stand up/chair activity center
Rattles
Teethers
Stroller toys
Books
Bodysuits/onesies (a mix of long sleeve and short sleeve, depending on season and weather)
Sleep gown
Sleepers/Sleep and Play/Cotton footie pajamas
Swaddles
Sleep Sacks
Baby hats and mittens
Socks
Baby shoes/crib shoes
Bows/headbands (for girls)
Parenting books
Baby book
Nursing-friendly clothing/bras
Milestone blanket or cards for photos
Swaddle or props for newborn photos
Registering before baby arrives is the fun part. Let loose, add all your favorites. Before baby arrives, don’t forget to go back through your registry and decide what else you need before the big day. Some things can wait until you need them (you won’t need sippy cups ready before baby is due, but you will need diapers).
Have any other suggestions? I’d love to add them to the list! Comment below.