Baby Registry Essentials – A First Time Parent’s Guide

Creating a baby registry can be overwhelming for first-time parents. Today there are so many baby products on the market that it can be nearly impossible for a first-time parent to distinguish between baby essentials, items that are nice to have, and items that are not truly needed or even dangerous to a newborn. After the birth of my first child, I created a list for friends and family to help them navigate through the process of creating their own newborn baby registry. With the recent birth of my second daughter, I thought I would update it and share it to help other first-time parents that are struggling to determine what are baby registry essentials and what items are not.

When creating your baby registry, there is one thing you will need to decide. Typically, it is recommended to register for anything you might need in the first year. The plus side to this is you could end up with everything to get you through the first year. The downside is you have to store a ton of stuff until that day comes and you may end up with a lot of stuff that your baby won’t use for quite a while and not get the stuff that you will need in the first 6 months. Only you can make the decision as to what will work best for your family. Once you make that decision, create your registry accordingly.

Where To Register – Best Baby Registries

There are lots of places to create your registry, but sticking to one or two will make it easier for both you and your family and friends.

Amazon

The nice thing about an Amazon baby registry is that you can pick and choose items from multiple retailers and across multiple product lines, giving you endless options. Once your registry is set-up, you can request a welcome box that contains various baby products. As you get close to your due date, Amazon will give you two completion discounts that can be used to order any items that you still need at a discount. If you have Amazon Prime, you will receive a larger discount and free shipping as well! For a detailed breakdown of Amazon’s Baby Registry, check out What To Expect’s Amazon Baby Registry Review.

Target

Target offers a huge selection of baby products and their brick and mortar stores give your friends and family members that may not be comfortable with online shopping (or are severe procrastinators) the option to buy your gifts in person. They also offer a welcome box and a 15% registry completion discount. For a detailed breakdown of Target’s Baby Registry, check out What To Expect’s Target Baby Registry Review.

Pottery Barn Kids

If you are looking for higher end nursery decor including boho-inspired or organic collections, than Pottery Barn Kids is definitely an option. They give you the option to personalize many of their items including diaper bags, bedding, etc. Additionally, through their registry, you can add items from Pottery Barn, William and Sonoma, and West Elm. As you approach your due date, they offer you a 20% discount off the remaining items on your registry. For parents expecting multiples, Pottery Barn Kids Multiple Kids discount will give you 10% or more off when purchasing multiples of the same nursery or bedding items. For a detailed breakdown of Pottery Barn Kid’s Baby Registry, check out What To Expect’s Pottery Barn Kids Baby Registry Review.

Babylist

Babylist allows you to add registry items from a ton of different stores and coordinate them all in one spot. Additionally, Babylist has a “Help and Favors” section where you can list non-material items that you may need with (i.e. cooking, cleaning, help with older children, etc). Like other registries, Babylist offers a 10% completion discount on your registry. For a detailed breakdown of Babylist’s Baby Registry, check out What To Expect’s Babylist Baby Registry Review.

Nursery – Baby Registry Essentials

Crib

A crib is a definite baby registry must-have as it is one of the more expensive items that you will purchase in preparation for your sweet baby. If money is tight, you do have the option of using a second-hand crib; however, this is typically not recommended as many older cribs do not meet current safety regulations. When buying a crib, look for ones that convert from a crib to a toddler bed and then into a twin size bed. You may have to buy some additional accessories (like a small railing for the toddler bed or the rails and a twin size mattress when converting into a twin). Either way, you will save money in the long run by having a bed that grows with your child.

Crib Mattress

It’s important to have a well fitting and firm crib mattress. There are lots of options out there from various mattress makers. When mattress shopping for our first child, it was important to us that we had a mattress that was free of flame retardants and PVC chemicals, and was made with organic cotton. We choose to go with a Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress. It definitely is a more expensive mattress option and if money is tight, there are other options out there that are available. No matter what you choose, it is important that have a good mattress in order to provide a safe sleeping space for your little one.

Fitted Crib Sheets

You will not need flat sheets for your baby during their first year. You only need to register for fitted sheets. I recommend that you register for 2-3 fitted sheets as they will get dirty and you will rotate through them frequently!

Water Proof Mattress Pad

It’s imperative to have a good waterproof mattress pad to protect your baby’s mattress from diaper explosions, spit up, throw-up, etc. I recommend registering for 2 waterproof mattress pads as you will rotate through these often throughout your baby’s first couple of years. You have multiple options when it comes to mattress pads. For 100% cotton and Vinyl, PVC & Phthalates free pads, look into the Naturepedic Waterproof Fitted Crib Pad.

Short Dresser

You will definitely need a dresser to store your baby’s clothes, diapers, burp cloths, blankets and other accessories in. You can buy a dresser as a part of a larger furniture set for your child’s room or you can find a separate piece that fits your space. In order to save money and maximize your space, buy a short/low 6-drawer dresser and use the top as your changing table (instead of buying a separate changing table).

Hamper

Your precious baby will create an impressive amount of laundry. In order to help contain the mess, make sure you have a hamper to place all of the dirty onesies, burp cloths, and blankets in.

Baby Monitor

A baby monitor is a definite baby registry essential. It’s important that you are able to hear your baby when they need you and a good monitor can be used for the first couple years of your child’s life. There is a wide range of monitors available on the market to choose from. You have the option to stick with the old school version that only gives you audio, but I personally recommend that go with a video monitor.

Video monitors allow you to check-in on your baby without having to physically go into their room (and possibly disturbing them). Additionally, some video monitors will let you take still photos of your child and others will allow you to watch your baby on your phone or from any device with internet. Keep in mind, the more your monitor can do, the more expensive it will be. Additionally, make sure if you go with a Wifi capable monitor that you set it up so that it can not be accessed by unscrupulous third parties.

Glider/Rocking Chair

A glider or rocking chair may not seem like an essential nursery item; however, the majority of parents will tell you that they spend countless hours in their rocker or glider during the first year. Whether it is used as a place to sit during nightly feedings or as a tool to help lull your baby to sleep, you will be glad to have a comfy and supportive chair to use.

Nursery – Nice to Have But Not Essential

Bassinet

It’s likely that your child will spend the first couple of months in your room. In order to make things easier on yourself and to provide baby a safe place to sleep, it is recommended to use a bassinet during the first couple of months. There are a wide range of bassinets available.

For those that are trying to minimize the number of items they are purchasing or for those on a tight budget, look into registering for a Graco Pack ‘n Play with Napper. The benefits of registering for a Pack ‘n Play is that you can use it as your child grows to provide a safe space for them to play or sleep when traveling. Additionally, if you live in a large or multi-story house, you can use it on a different level of your house to provide a safe place for baby to sleep/play during the day.

Black Out Curtains

Everyone sleeps better in a dark room. Blackout curtains are not a necessity, but they can help your baby (or even toddler) sleep in later in the mornings, sleep better during the day, and go to sleep easier at night (especially in the summer when the sun stays up late).

Noise Machine

White noise, lullaby’s or gentle rhythmic music can oftentimes help calm your baby or help them fall asleep. Although not a necessity, a noise machine can be a nice addition to your nursery. If you are looking for a noise machine, night light, time-to-rise combo, check out Hatch Baby’s Rest Sound Machine.

Baby Hangers/Closet Dividers

Although not a necessity, if your baby receives a lot of clothes that need to be hung-up (i.e. jackets, nice dresses, etc.) or if you do not have a lot of storage room for folded clothes, you will need baby hangers as regular adult hangers will not work well for baby clothes. Additionally, you may want to invest in closet size dividers to help you keep your babies clothes organized by size.

Changing Table Items – Baby Registry Essentials

Changing Pad

A changing pad provides a comfortable, safe, and easy to clean place to change the thousands of diapers that your child will go through during their first year. If you live in a multi-story house, it is recommended to set-up two changing stations if your child’s bedroom is not on the main floor. This will keep you from having to run up and down the stairs for every diaper change. When looking at changing pads, it was important to us that our changing pad not contain fire retardants or other chemicals such as vinyl/PVC, phthalates, or formaldehyde; therefore, we choose to go with the Naturepedic Organic Cotton 4-Sided Contoured Changing Pad.

Changing Pad Cover

A simple cotton based cover that fits over the changing pad will keep your baby happy as they won’t have to lay on a cold changing pad. I recommend that you register for 2 changing pad covers as they will get dirty! If you have two changing stations in your house you will want to register for more. If you choose to go with the Naturepedic Organic Cotton 4-Sided Contoured Changing Pad mentioned above, the same company has an organic changing pad cover designed specifically for their changing pad.

Diaper Pail

A diaper pail is a baby registry essential! If you have more than one changing station in your house, make sure to register for a diaper pail for each station. Additionally, make sure to register for several refills of the bags designed to work with your diaper pail. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can use an ordinary kitchen garbage bag in your diaper pail in order to save money. It will NOT contain the smell! As with many other baby items, there are several different options when it comes to diaper pails. Research them and decide what features are most important to your family, such as, containment of smell, the capacity of the diaper pail/how often you have to empty it, cost of refill bags, etc. (Ex. Dekor Plus Hands-Free – High capacity, but doesn’t spin each individual diaper in a plastic wrap, Diaper Genie – Spins each diaper in a plastic wrap to contain the smell, but has a low capacity/has to be empty often).

Diapers

Diapers are another baby registry must-have! These days, parents can choose to between disposable diapers or cloth diaper. This is a personal decision that will vary with each family. No matter which route you choose, make sure to register for the associated items. For disposable diapers, register for one (1) pack of newborn diapers and up to three (3) packs of size 1 diapers. When deciding which disposable diaper brand to go with, make sure to take into consideration the cost of the diapers, as well as, how they are made/ what they are made with. For our family, we choose to go with disposable diapers, but we wanted a diaper that was environmentally friendly, did not contain harmful chemicals, and did not leak. We found that with Earth and Eden Baby Diapers and Andy Pandy Bamboo Disposable Diapers. For cloth diapers, check out this article on Cloth Diapering Basics.

Wipes

Wipes are a definite baby registry essential as you can never have too many wipes! If you get a gentle wipe like Water Wipes, you can use it for more than just diaper changes such as cleaning up baby spit or snotty noses. When registering, make sure to register for at least two (2) mega or large pack boxes of wipes to help get you through the first couple of months.

Cream/Ointment

It’s inevitable that your baby will end up with a diaper rash at some point. If your child has consistent or recurring rashes or rashes that turn into blisters, look at changing diaper and/or wipe brands. There is a large variety of diaper creams and ointments; however, we’ve personally had the best results with Earth Mama Diaper Balm and Aquaphor.

Changing Table Items – Nice to Have But Not Essential

Wipe Warmer

This is definitely not a necessity, but it is nice to have! Your baby will appreciate warm wipes, especially in the winter. If you have multiple changing stations, make sure to register for an additional warmer.

Changing Table Organizer/Caddy

Changing table organizers or caddies are not a baby registry essential, but they can come in handy to help you organize your diaper changing stations. If you do choose to register for one, you have several options including tabletop organizers, diaper caddies (portable solution good for cars or additional changing stations), or hanging changing table organizers.

Bath Time – Baby Registry Essentials

Baby Bathtub

Your baby may not be playing out in the dirt but they do spit up a lot of milk. Additionally, more often than you like, you’ll run into an explosive diaper or other situation that warrants a bath ASAP! Having a safe place to wash your baby definitely makes a baby bathtub a baby registry essential! There are a couple of different options available depending on the set-up of your house and your overall preference. If you have a bathtub in your house and plan on washing your baby there, look into an infant tub like The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub or AngelCare Baby Bath Support. If you don’t have a tub or plan on washing baby in the sink check out Blooming Bath or Puj Flyte.

Baby Soap

Not all soaps are created equal! Adult soaps are typically not the best option for babies as they can dry out and irritate their delicate skin; therefore, it’s best to register for a gentle soap made especially for babies. We’ve tried several and so far our favorite is Earth Mama’s Calming Lavender Body Wash.

Lotion

The same premise holds true for lotion as it does for soap. Baby skin is delicate and you don’t want to lather it in lotions containing artificial scents or parabens. We love using Earth Mama’s Calming Lavender Baby Lotion after baby’s bath or to help calm them down during colicky sessions.

Bath – Nice to Have But Not Essential

Baby Towels/Washcloths

Baby towels and washcloths are the perfect size and super cute, but they are not a baby registry essential. If you are looking to minimize the amount of baby stuff or if money is tight, this is one item that you can live without.

Bath Toys

Your baby won’t need bath toys until they can fully sit-up on their own (around 6 months). Depending on what route you take when creating your registry (stuff for the first 6 months vs. the first year) you may not need to or want to register for them. If you do choose to register for bath toys, Boon makes several kid favorites including building bath pipes, floating water bugs, and stacking boats. Parents love them as well as they are BPA, phthalate, and PVC free. Plus Boon makes a Whale Storage Pod and Scoop to store all of the toys in.

Faucet and Drain Cover

Once your baby gets older and starts taking baths in the bathtub, you may want to purchase a faucet cover and drain cover. Although not a baby registry essential, it is nice to have down the road as your toddler at some point will hit their head on the bathtub faucet.

Baby Care – Baby Registry Essentials

**NOTE: Baby care items are not cute or fun, but they are essential to helping you make it through the first couple of weeks. Nothing is worse than having a newborn baby screaming at you in pain due to gas and having to make a run to the store to get gripe water. The items below are true baby essentials. It is up to you as to whether you choose to place them on your registry or not. If you don’t, make sure to pick them up at the store before your baby comes.**

Gripe Water and Gas Drops

Babies often have delicate and undeveloped digestive systems that can cause them to develop painful gas and colicky symptoms. Gripe water and gas drops are baby registry essentials although they are often forgotten by first-time parents. Keep in mind there are day-time and night time gripe water drops, so registering for both or a combo pack is the best way to cover your bases.

Saline Drops

A stuffy nose can make it hard for your baby to eat and can lead to general unhappiness. Saline drops can help loosen and clear baby’s stuffy nose and are a must-have for newborn babies.

Boogie Wipes

These gentle wipes are made to help wipe boogers and mucus off of sensitive skin. We always keep a package of Boogie Wipes in the diaper bag and in the car as we used them often in the first couple of years.

Nasal Aspirator

Since your baby can’t blow their nose, mucus can buildup and make it difficult for them to breathe. Often times the hospital will give you a suction bulb to help clears baby’s nasal passages, but a Nose Frida Nasal Aspirator will give you much better results and is preferred by most parents.

Nail Clippers

Baby nails grow quickly and can be sharp enough for baby to accidentally scratch themselves. When trimming babies nails you will want to use nail clippers designed specifically for baby’s tiny little nails.

Tylenol

You will definitely want to have infant Tylenol on hand the first time your baby gets sick. Make sure you follow the dosing instructions and contact your doctor before giving it to a baby younger than 2 months old.

Thermometer

It is recommended to take your child’s temperature rectally until 6 months of age. The results are typically more accurate than from an under-arm or ear thermometer reading. No matter what route you choose, a good thermometer is crucial to have on hand the first time your baby gets sick.

Brush and Comb

Baby brushes are not like adult brushes. They are made of soft bristles that can help with cradle cap and will not irritate baby’s sensitive skin.

Pacifiers

Some baby’s love them and some don’t. You won’t know until your baby arrives. Overwhelmingly, doctors and parents seem to prefer the Philips Avent Soothie pacifier. For the first couple of months, you will want to use 0-3 months size.

Infant Toothbrush

Once your baby’s teeth start coming in, you will need to try and brush them. Using a silicone toothbrush will not only help your baby get use to good oral hygiene habits but it will also give your baby a safe toy to chew on to help their sore gums.

Cool Mist Humidifier

Humidifiers are a must have when your child gets congested or sick, or if you live in a dry climate. Cool mist humidifiers are preferred to warm mist humidifiers as the warm mist humidifiers can harbor bacteria and are seen as a safety/burn risk if a child touches it.

Sunscreen

Everyone needs sunscreen, including babies; however, not all sunscreens are made for little ones. Don’t use spray sunscreens on your baby! Make sure to get an infant sunscreen that is non-toxic and formulated for their delicate skin.

Laundry Detergent

When it comes to laundry detergent, the general recommendation is to use a laundry detergent that is free of dyes and perfumes as baby skin is very sensitive. Dreft is specifically made for baby laundry, but it is expensive and some babies still react to it. Most major brands have a “Free and Clear” formula that typically is okay to use for your baby’s laundry. We like Method Free and Clear Laundry Detergent as it is biodegradable, plant-based formula, is phosphate-free, dye-free and hypo-allergenic.

Vitamin D Drops

If you plan to exclusively breastfeed your baby, your doctor will most likely recommend you give your baby Vitamin D drops (formula contains Vitamin D) to help their growth and development.

Probiotic Drops

These drops are typically recommended by doctors, especially if your baby is colicky or has issues with gas or excessively spitting up. There are a ton of options out there. Talk to your doctor or local health food store for a recommendation.

Eating – Baby Registry Essentials

Breast Pump

If you choose to breastfeed, check with your insurance first to see if they will provide a breast pump for free or a small nominal fee. Most insurance companies will, although the brands/models they provide will vary between each insurer. If your insurance does not provide a breast pump, then definitely register for one, as the good pumps can be fairly expensive. Also don’t forget that you will most likely need to purchase or register for additional pump parts such as extra bottles, flanges, etc.

Breast Milk Freezer Storage Bags

These bags are specifically created to store your breast milk without leaking. Medela and Lansinoh are the most popular. The other option is to go with a storage system like Kiinde.

Breastfeeding Pillow

Save your neck, shoulders, and back by investing in a breastfeeding pillow. These pillows will help support your baby’s weight while you are breastfeeding to keep you from getting sore arms and shoulders, and causing you back issues down the road. The two most common pillows are the Boppy Pillow and My Breast Friend. Both have their pros and cons. The Boppy is more versatile as it can be used for more than just a nursing pillow. It can be used to help support your infant as they learn to sit up or it can be used to help prop babies up during bottle feeding. My Breast Friend Pillow seems to be more preferred during the first several weeks as it’s flat surface keeps baby from rolling into you and its wrap-around design helps it stay in place better than the Boppy. No matter which one you choose, make sure to get an extra cover.

Bottles and Nipples

There are a ton of different bottles on the market. We choose to go with Dr. Brown’s Glass Bottles because we didn’t like the idea of heating milk or formula in a plastic bottle. If that is not a concern of yours or if you prefer not to use glass bottles, then you have lots of options to choose from. For a breakdown of the top bottles and their pros and cons, check out 9 Bottles What To Expect Mom’s Recommend Most. When registering for nipples, you will only need Level 1 and possibly premmie nipples in the beginning.

Bottle Brush

You will need a good bottle brush to clean bottle parts, pumping parts, etc. Although not glamorous, a bottle brush will make cleaning all of your baby feeding parts easier and it will help you get them cleaner than your regular sponge or dishwasher.

Burp Cloths

Burp cloths are a baby registry essential as every baby spits up and drools. You will go through burp cloths like water, so make sure to register for several. We’ve found that we prefer the terry burp cloths over others as they absorb well and are easy to wash.

High Chair

Depending on the type of high chair you purchase, you may be able to use your high chair from a couple of months up to a couple of years. For small babies, a high chair can be used for bottled feeding (when in a reclined position), as a safe place for infants (that can sit-up) to play, and eventually for your sweet baby to take their first bites of food. Our favorite is the Fisher-Price Space Saver Highchair as it can be attached to most dining room table chairs. It also reclines for smaller babies and can be converted to a toddler booster as your baby gets older. We actually like this highchair so much that we choose to purchase two more to keep at the grandparent’s houses.

Silicone Bibs

Silicone bibs will become important once you start introducing solid foods to your baby (around 6 months unless your doctor says it’s okay to introduce them earlier). These bibs will make the messy ordeal of eating easier to clean-up. The bibs can also be rolled up and easily stuck in your diaper bag for on the go eating.

Sippy Training Cups

Babies and toddlers have to learn how to drink out of a cup without spilling all of its contents. In order to help facilitate this process and eliminate/reduce the mess, you can use sippy training cups. This is something that you will not need until 6 months at the earliest. If you are trying to limit the amount of stuff you have to store in the beginning, this is something you can wait to purchase until once your baby is a little bit older.

Eating – Nice to Have But Not Essential

Bottle Drying Rack

Although not a baby registry essential, a bottle drying rack will make your life easier when washing all of your baby bottle and pumping parts. The “grass” is designed to help bottles and other parts stand-up while they dry. This keeps the bottles and all the other small parts from rolling around your counter, which is always a plus. The Boon Bottle Drying Rack comes in two sizes and in two colors, green or white.

Sterilizer

It is generally recommended to sterilize your babies bottles and your pumping supplies. It is possible to buy sterilization bags that can be used in the microwave or you can purchase a countertop sterilization unit. With our first baby, we just used the bags; however, with our second baby, we bought the Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer to sterilize both our bottles and pumping parts. If money is not an issue and if you have space on your countertop, I definitely recommend going with the countertop sterilizer.

Cloth Spit-up Bibs

You will likely receive several cloth bibs whether you register for them or not. If your baby spits up a lot or drools a lot, you may find that you use them often. From personal experience, I can tell you that we rarely used bibs and instead just used burp cloths as needed.

Breastfeeding Cover

Although not a necessity, most women like to have some sort of cover for breastfeeding. The muslin swaddling blankets work as great covers or you can purchase a cover made specifically for breastfeeding.

Travel – Baby Registry Essentials

Infant Car Seat with Base

A car seat is a baby registry essential! It is a requirement in most if not all States that you can not leave the hospital after birth unless you have an infant car seat or rear-facing convertible car seat designed for infants. An infant car seat is by far the easiest of car seats to use during your child’s first year as taking your baby in and out of the car is as easy as unlatching your car seat from its base. The base will come with the car seat when you purchase it. Once installed in your car, the base makes correctly securing your babies car seat super easy. We love the Chicco KeyFit30 and have used it for both of our daughters. Graco Snuglock system has become popular among parents as well.

Extra Base

When you buy an infant car seat it will come with a base. If you have more than one car that you will be regularly transporting baby in (i.e. spouse, grandparents, nanny,etc.), you will want to get an extra base to use in those cars. The reason is once the base is installed, all you have to do is set the infant car seat in the base, hear it click, and you are good to go. You won’t have to worry about correctly installing your baby’s car seat each time. It is important to make sure to purchase the base that is designed for your car seat (i.e. a Graco base will not work for a Chicco car seat and vice versa).

Stroller/Travel System

There are a couple of options available that will work in conjunction with your infant car seat. The two main ones are a frame stroller and a convertible stroller. A frame stroller will be lighter, easier to transport and less expensive. We love the Chicco KeyFit Caddy Frame Stroller as it is lightweight and pairs well with our Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat. Once our oldest child outgrew the infant seat, we switch over to an umbrella stroller. We went with the Chicco Liteway Stroller and continued to use that stroller until our daughter was almost 5 (including taking it on a 2 1/2 week trip through Europe).

If a convertible stroller or travel system seems more your style, there are lots of options out there. Make sure you get one that is compatible with your car seat. One option is to buy a stroller/car seat system as a set, like the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System or the Britax B-Lively Travel System. The other option is to buy a convertible stroller separately and make sure that it is compatible (with attachments) to connect to your infant car seat. For more information on strollers, check out What To Expect’s Stroller Baby Stroller section.

Baby Carrier

A baby carrier can literally change your life, especially if you have a baby that wants or needs to be held for long periods of time. Not only will a good carrier keep your baby close and safe, but it will free up your hands to allow you to get things done around the house or give you added freedom when you are out and about. With our first daughter, we used an original Moby Wrap; however, I always struggled (even after watching YouTube videos) with the mile-long piece of fabric. When our daughter turned about 6-months old we purchased the Ergo 360 for a family trip. It was a life changer and we used it daily during our trip!

With my second pregnancy, we were gifted a Baby K’tan from another friend who had a baby several months before. It is perfect for newborns and so much easier to use than the original Moby Wrap. No matter which style of baby carrier you choose to go with, make sure to do your research. Some brands/styles of carriers have been linked to hip dysplasia in babies because of the way they have the baby sit (all of their weight is forced down on their hips). For more information on baby carriers, check out What To Expect’s Stroller Carrier section.

Diaper Bag

A good diaper bag is a baby registry essential! Investing in a good diaper bag will make your life easier when you are out and about. After trying out several bags over the last couple of years, our absolute favorite is the Skip Hop Diaper Bag Tote with Matching Changing Pad. It’s big enough to carry everything you need and it has lots of pockets to help organize it all!

Arm and Hammer Bags

These bags are crucial for containing the stink of a dirty diaper. You can use these to contain the diaper smell and mess when a trash can is not insight. You can also use them when you’re in public places and you don’t want to stink up the restroom with your child’s dirty diaper. Keep these bags in your diaper bag at all times! Also, don’t forget to register for the refills!

Travel – Nice to Have But Not Essential

Jogging Stroller

Looking to step-up your stroller game? Jogging strollers are incredibly versatile and therefore more expensive. They are however great for going off-road (i.e. grass, hiking trails, basically non-concrete surfaces). They typically have better suspension to keep your little one more comfortable as well as larger storage baskets and adjustable handlebars. Most jogging strollers are compatible with newborn car seats as well. There are quite a few options on the market to fit your needs. For more information on strollers, check out What To Expect’s Jogging Strollers section.

Graco Pack ‘n Play

Pack ‘n Plays are very versatile and can be used in a multitude of ways. You can use it in your bedroom the first couple of months (in place of a bassinet) to give your baby a safe place to sleep. You can use it as your child grows to provide a safe space for them to play or sleep when traveling. Additionally, if you live in a large or multi-story house, you can use it on a different level of your house to provide a safe place for baby to sleep/play during the day. Although a Pack ‘n Play is not a baby registry essential, it is definitely a nice item to have around that you can utilize for the first couple of years of your baby’s life. If you do register for a Pack ‘n Play, make sure to also register for sheets.

Entertainment – Baby Registry Essentials

Play Gym

Babies need to be entertained just like adults. Play gyms are designed to help them start to develop their motor functions and to make tummy time more exciting. They also give you a safe place to lay baby down for a couple of minutes so that you can run to the bathroom or fix dinner. There are lots of play gyms to choose from. Our favorite is the Baby Einstein Play Gym; however, the Fisher Price Deluxe Kick ‘n Play Piano Gym is also a fan favorite.

Floor Seat

Most parents invest at some point in a floor seat; therefore, it might as well be included as a baby registry essential! These seats will help babies sit up on their own so that they can observe the world and play while you get stuff done. The Bumbo chair is a fan favorite, but babies often outgrow it quickly, especially if they are on the chunkier side. We preferred the Fisher-Price Sit Me Up Floor Seat. It comes in several different styles including the Citrus Frog, the Lion, the Crab, Panda Paws, Geometric, and more!

Baby Books

It is never to early to start a library for your baby. Reading to your baby early on will not only help them develop a love for reading, but it will also help them developmentally. Soft books that baby can chew on and grasp easily are best for early on. Also, books with high contrast (i.e. black and white) will capture baby’s attention the most. Keep in mind that it is not to early to start accumulating books for the first two years. Even though your baby may not understand the words or storyline, hearing a story’s rhythm and cadence over and over again will help them develop their speech later on.

Teethers

Teething hurts but there are some great teethers out there too help. A fan favorite is Sophia the Giraffe. Another favorite is the Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys that can be placed in the refrigerator to cool to help inflamed gums.

Soft Toys

Your baby will need a few soft toys to keep them entertained, to chew on, etc. A couple of favorites are the Lamaze Jacque The Peacock, Lamaze Freddie The Firefly, or the Baby Einstein Primary Pages High Contrast Book. All of these toys can be attached to a car seat or stroller to make them easy to take with you.

Other Toys

A good floor mirror can make tummy time a lot more fun and engaging. Soft stacking blocks and soft stacking rings will help your baby develop their hand-eye coordination as well as their fine and gross motor skills.

Entertainment – Nice to Have But Not Essential

Activity Jumper

This is an item that you will definitely want, so I’m sure you are wondering why it isn’t located under the baby registry essentials. It’s because the activity jumpers typically run close to $100 new, but can oftentimes be found for significantly cheaper through resell shops or Facebook market. If you don’t want to buy a used one then definitely put it on your registry. Our personal favorite is the Baby Einstein Neighborhood Friends Activity Jumper; however, there are several options available.

Swings

You are most likely going to want a swing. Swings can be magical at getting baby to sleep or entertaining them for a bit. The good ones can be very expensive and they can take up a lot of room if you are short on space. Babies typically only used the swings for the first 6-9 months; therefore, you may consider borrowing one or buying one secondhand. If you don’t want a used one, you can buy a compact version like the Graco Duet Glide or for a full-size swing, check-out the Fisher-Price Snugabunny Cradle ‘n Swing. If you are looking for a higher end swing, the 4 Moms MamaRoo4 is also very popular.

Baby Dome

If you spend a lot of time at the pool, the beach, outside, or at other people’s houses, you may consider getting a baby dome like the Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome. It provides the perfect space for baby to hang-out in the shade, take a nap, or play.

Other Important Items – Baby Registry Essentials

Swaddle Bags

Swaddling works like magic if you have a tired, upset, or grumpy infant. It makes them feel safe and secure and it helps them stay asleep by keeping them from throwing their arms around and waking themselves up. Swaddle Bags make it easy to swaddle your baby and come in multiple designs. As your baby gets bigger, you will want to move them to a sleep sack. Once your baby starts to roll over, you will want to keep them in a sleepsack, but you should not swaddle their arms.

Muslin Swaddling Blankets

Muslin swaddling blankets are a baby registry essential! These blankets are incredibly versatile and you will find that you use them constantly. You can use them to swaddle your baby, as a breast feeding cover, to place your baby on the floor, to keep them warm in their car seat, etc. I personally feel like you can’t have too many of these as they will get spit-up on, placed on the ground, a diaper or two will inevitably explode on them, etc. Basically, if you don’t want to be washing these daily, make sure to register for multiple.

All-in-One Stretchy Canopy

These canopies have become popular in the last couple of years. They are incredibly versatile and can be used as a breastfeeding cover, as a car seat cover, as a high chair cover, shopping cart cover, etc. They come in a ton of different patterns, so finding one to fit your style should be easy!

Momma Self Care – Baby Registry Essentials

**NOTE: It’s up to you if you want to place these items on your registry. If you choose not to, make sure to purchase them before your baby arrives!**

Nipple Cream – No matter how great of a nurser your sweet baby is, your nipples will hurt the first several days. Additionally, you can end up with cracked nipples which will hurt a lot and can sometimes bleed! In order to help combat the soreness and to help prevent cracked nipples, invest in good nipple cream. Our favorite is Earth Mama’s Organic Nipple Butter as it has no NO petroleum, parabens, or lanolin which means you don’t have to wash it off before nursing.

Breast Pads – If you are breastfeeding, you will find that you will most likely need breast pads to absorb milk that leaks from your boobs throughout the day. You have the option of using disposable breast pads or reusable breast pads (that will have to be washed). The choice is yours and it all depends on what works best for you.

Nursing Bra – If you are breastfeeding, make sure you invest in a couple of good nursing bras. These bras are specifically designed to make it easier to feed your baby as well as to hold breast pads to absorb milk that you will inevitably leak.

What Not To Register For

Baby Clothes and Shoes

Let’s face it, baby clothes and tiny shoes are downright adorable! Whether you register for clothes or not, people will gift them to you because they can’t pass up an adorable outfit as they are perusing the baby section in an effort to find you a gift. When it comes down to it, you need to remember that your baby won’t stay in any one outfit/size for too long as they will size up frequently in the first year. Additionally, stores rotate through clothing fairly regularly, so if you register for a cute outfit, chances of it not being there in a month are high. Also keep in mind, that if you have any family or friends that have previously had kids, they are likely to offer you hand me downs. If that isn’t the case, you can find almost brand new clothing for little ones at resell shops for a fraction of what you would normally pay for them.

Tip: When buying baby items (especially clothes) look to see how they have to be washed. You would be surprised how many baby items have to be hand washed and line dried. The last thing you are going to want to do is to spend your few free extra minutes handwashing all your baby items.

Bumpers and Other Decorative Bed Items

The AAP strongly advises against the use of bumpers, as they pose a risk of suffocation, strangulation or entrapment. Your babies bassinet or crib should only have a fitted sheet for at least the first year. That means no bumpers, stuffed animals, blankets, pillows, etc.

Lots of Toys

In the entertainment section, we gave you ideas of different toys to register for your baby. There are a ton of cute toys on the market, so make sure that you don’t overdo it. In the beginning, your baby only needs a few toys that can be rotated frequently. If you have too many toys, your baby can become overwhelmed or they just won’t play with them at all. Keep it simple, register for a few, and then buy more down the road if your baby seems to be getting bored.

Changing Table

When looking at nursery furniture, you will have the option to buy a table made specifically to be used as a changing station. Although it may seem like a great idea, it’s really just a waste of money. Once your baby is out of diapers, you will find that you have a useless piece of furniture. Save your money and just use the top of a low dresser as your changing station.

Did we forget something? Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments section! For more information, guidance and kid life tips make sure to check out our Products We Love page as well as our Kid Life page.