What to Put on Your Baby Registry: My Master List with Reviews

First and foremost:

Registering for a new baby (especially if it’s your first baby!) can be stressful. I recommend that you bookmark or Pin this page and take it in chunks at a time. Or, if you feel overwhelmed, use one of my other links below:

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links meaning, at no cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. All items are products that I have personally used and believe in

Registry tips:

I highly recommend registering on Amazon (You can create a new registry by clicking here). You’ll note all but a few of the items that I link below are Amazon registry items, so if you create the registry you can add off of everything that I linked below. Easy peasy.
I personally wish I had only registered on Amazon and not with Target or Buy Buy Baby. It’s easier to manage only one page, the pricing is always the cheapest option anyway and the rewards are amazing!
If you register on Target, make sure you register under an email that you check. Apparently, people can send you e-gift cards (which I didn’t know was an option so we almost lost out on $150!).

Here are the Amazon’s rewards:
- As of writing this, the registry completion discount goes into affect 2 months before your baby is born. If you have your shower sooner than that, after your shower, change your due date to a closer date. That way, you can cash in on the registry completion discount sooner to purchase the items that you didn’t receive.
- Welcome box: small little box but a bunch of free stuff!
- Discounts on baby goods: some of your registry items might be on here, so check out what’s eligible. We used our for HUGE boxes of diapers and wipes. I still had an almost full box of wipes with a 5 month old!
- If you get the 20% off coupons from Buy Buy Baby, make sure that the items that you want qualify for the discount prior to deciding to purchase there. The Owlet didn’t apply for the coupon and I missed out on a discount elsewhere because I was planning on the discount from BBB. Still haven’t purchased anything from them so I don’t have any further recommendations.

Baby Registry Section 1: Clothing

Clothing: Honestly, for all clothing items, let others gift them to you (and if someone offers hand me downs, TAKE THEM!!) this includes little things like hats, bows and socks. Unless there’s a specific outfit that you must have, no need to register for clothing.
Swaddles: definitely register for muslin swaddles. Aden + Anais is the most popular brand, but we have used quite a few different brands successfully. At the beginning, we used 1-2 a day depending on if she pooped or spit up on them. Two of the 4 packs should be plenty. Note here: a lot of babies are swaddled for the first 3 months, my Daughter ended up hating having her legs and arms constricted. She started sleeping better after we stopped them around 2 months. Go with your mom instincts, always!
Sleepsacks: we never used them. Muslin swaddles worked better for us, though I can see the draw in the sleep sacks. If you do decide to get them, know that they come in multiple sizes so get a few in each size.
Bandana bibs: Oh man, I wanted to love these. They’re so cute! But, they puddle up around her face and aren’t very effective. Now that we’re into starting solids as well, I recommend a more traditional bib like these ones.

Baby Registry Section 2: SLEEP!

Owlet Smart Sock: It’s expensive. My Daughter was 5lbs 3oz at birth and so small that we weren’t able to use it until she was about a month and a half. That wasn’t a huge problem because she was in the room with us. Now that she’s in her own room, we use it every night. It does help me to go to sleep when I look at her on the monitor and she’s still. I can just open the app, make sure all is well, and get some more sleep of my own. A friend referred to it as being “essentially an insurance plan” and I absolutely agree. You hope you’ll never need it but if you do need it, you’ll be glad you have it. We saved about $100 by buying refurbished on Amazon
Fischer Price Soothing Motions Bassinet: We got this to be next to our bed for the first few months. I would recommend just the Rock N Play (see below) instead. I wanted something that would play white noise, vibrated and rocked. This does all of those things but the rocking is manual which I didn’t like. My Daughter liked the Sound Bub white noise machine best. I will say that I like that it has a little night light on it so when you wake up in a “is the baby breathing” panic, you can turn it on but it’s not too bright to wake them up. But, I don’t think this is worth it.
Crib mattress: nothing specific to recommend here, just that you need one! The one that’s in the link is the one that we own and I will say she sleeps REALLY well on it!
Crib sheets: make sure to get a minimum of two so you can have one in the laundry and one on the crib (we’ve never been to a point where we’ve needed three even with blowouts and spitup)
Crib: Again, nothing specific to recommend here, just that you need one! I liked that ours turns into a toddler bed so we’ll have it for years
Waterproof mattress protector: For blowouts! We only got one and I do wish that we had two
Rock n Play: YES!!! GET THIS!!!!!!!!! One of my top 5 items. A note: make sure that you get the automatic one so it rocks on it’s own, that’s the most important part. This was magic for getting my Daughter to sleep and really helped us with sleep training. Please note: there was a recall of this item. If you do not wish to use a Rock N Play due to the recall, check out my 5 Alternatives to the Rock N Play List
Crib mobile: I thought mobiles were silly and unnecessary. I was so wrong. My Daughter LOVES hers even when it’s not moving, she sees it and her face IMMEDIATELY lights up. What I love about this one is that it’s easily transportable so if we go out of town we can bring it with us and put it on the Pack N Play, etc
Have something (whether it’s the Rock n Play, Pack n Play, or just a bassinet on wheels) where baby can sleep during the day and you can wheel them back and forth between rooms if you have multiple rooms. I did not expect to need this and she slept in the bassinet on wheels 99% of the time during the day for the first two months. If the mattress pad is smaller, always make sure to have additional mattress pads in case of spit-up.

Baby Registry Section 3: Feeding & Pumping

Spectra Pump- S1: I registered for this because our insurance only covered another brand. It was WELL worth buying outright instead of doing the insurance pump. I used the pump in the hospital and it was bulky and slow. The Spectra is super quiet, fast, and has great settings to help get the most milk. The S1 is also rechargeable so you can bring it with you anywhere and not be stuck plugged into a wall. I’ve had to pump in my car before and it’s so worth the extra price to have the battery vs. the plug! The S2 is a little cheaper and the only difference is the battery.
Extra pump parts: I highly recommend having at least four of each pump piece (bottle, flange, cups etc.) so you aren’t constantly doing the dishes. I’m at about 6 now and it seems like a great balance. Amazon has excellent options for these parts that aren’t the official pump parts but are cost effective
Honest Co Nipple balm: Real talk time, momma. A lot of moms have pain at the beginning of breastfeeding. I got through it with not much at all because of this balm and the hydrogel pads. I registered for two of the almost 2oz size and only really needed one. I did like having one in each room where I nursed, but now that I nurse primarily in the nursery, I have two half full containers. This is a must have (and bring to the hospital to start using right away!)
Medela Hydrogel Pads: Another must have for the beginning and to bring to the hospital (see my hospital packing list). Start using after the first nursing even if you’re not in pain. They come in packs of two (so four pads- one for each breast) and are reusable a few times. I’d recommend having 1-2 weeks worth, about 7 packs.
Manual breast pump: when you’re feeding on one breast, the other will leak. The manual breast pump will collect that milk that you can store for later. I’ve saved/ frozen quite a bit of that milk- it really helped me to build up my stash!
Lanisoh Hot and Cold Therapy: I didn’t use this until about 2 months in (lots of friends used right at the beginning) but MAN am I glad I had it when I needed it. If you end up with engorgement or mastitis any of the other problems, it’s amazing to have
Brest Friend Pillow: Moms swear by this too. It’s an arm saver if you’re nursing in any of the standard positions and is portable for all rooms of the house
Boppy: I didn’t register for this, but my mom got it for me. As a breastfeeding pillow, I think the Brest Friend is better but the Boppy was great to use as a barricade when I was nursing her on the bed. I don’t think it’s worth registering for separately from the Brest Friend
Kiinde Breast Milk Storage Twist Starter Kit: Definitely get this! You just need the pump and this kit and you’re ready to store milk. This will provide an attachment to fit your pump so you can pump into storage bags (30 or so included) that you can then refrigerate or freeze. The bags are single use but not terribly expensive to purchase later.
Nursing pads: I have tried pretty much every option. I personally lean towards the disposable ones. I used reusable/ fabric ones and they simply didn’t provide the same coverage. I also purchased LilyPadz nursing pads so I can sleep without a bra from time to time. I was not prepared for nursing bras to stain from breastmilk at the beginning. If your bra isn’t very thick, just make sure to have something in between the bra and breast to protect your clothes
Burp cloths: We got so. many. burp. cloths. and thank goodness! We go through 3-5 a day so STOCK UP! I haven’t had a problem with any of the many brands that we have used.
Dr Browns Bottle Cleaning Brush: I didn’t realize that I needed these until I started using the bottles! The bits of bottles are so little that you really need a special brush to clean them. This is for all bottle types, not just the Dr Browns
Grass drying rack: Good to have a place to dry bottles off and keeps them looking semi organized in their own little space on the counter. I personally only needed the small size but do dishes almost every day.
Bottles: a friend recommended to me that I register for one set of each (Dr. Browns, Mam, Comotomo, Advent) and then purchase whichever she ends up liking in a bigger set. My Daughter doesn’t have a huge preference, but I like the Latch the best.
Baby Bottle Microwave Sterilizer: I don’t think this is necessary
Bottle warmer: I dont think this is necessary. We just heat a small bowl of water for two minutes in the microwave and then put the bottle in it for a few minutes.

Baby Registry Section 4: BATH TIME AND HYGIENE

Nail file and Nail Clippers: Every “baby hygiene” package has the little nail clippers but not a nail file. The file is great at the beginning and the safety clippers as they get older
Forehead thermometer: Highly recommend this one. It’s fast, easy, and does give the option for an ear reading if needed.
Nose Aspirator: I tried the Nose Frida and I didn’t like it (it was too big for my Daughter’s nose). BUT someone got us the Munchkin one and it’s great!
Hooded towels: We got a ton of these, you need a MAX of 7 (but honestly closer to 4)
Washcloths: I use two of these per bath time. You maybe need 8-10.
Fisher Price 4-In-1 Bath Tub: YES!!! The infant sling is perfect and it grows as baby does. She hated the Puj, but the second we switched over to this, bathtime has been a happy event
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste: Good to have on hand and works right away!
Soap, shampoo, lotion: I like these kits as it makes it easier. Brands you can play around with unless you have a preference for organic, etc.
Aquaphor: definitely get this! Baby skin is dry and peely, it helps a LOT
Baby Tylenol: Good to have on hand. You never know when teething or a fever can strike
Baby hair brush (soft one) and tooth brush: not need at the beginning, but come in a lot of baby hygiene sets
Bath spout cover: We got it to protect her head during bath time, but haven’t used yet. I don’t think this is necessary (At least not for the first few years)
Tear free waterfall rinser cup: I thought this would be a necessity, but the 4 in 1 Bathtub came with a little squeeze water bottle that has been doing the job just fine
Carlson Babys Vitamin D Drops: If you’re planning to exclusively breastfeed, they’re going to tell you that you need to give your baby a vitamin D supplement. I had NEVER heard of this but in researching it is something you should do. I bought a container of it from Kaiser and it was a MASSIVE vial that needed to be administered to her daily and she threw everything up plus it was causing her to have worse sleep. I found these drops online and it’s only a single tiny drop per day instead of a vial. Amazing.

Baby Registry Section 5: SAFETY

Cabinet locks: Super easy to install and work well!
Corner protectors for sharp cornered tables/ furniture
Furniture Mounts: Kids like to climb. These will make sure that your little one stays safe
“Pinch guards” : Designed to keep doors from slamming on little fingers. So far, we haven’t needed these and I personally like to be able to close doors so I don’t think I’d recommend them.
Anti-slip mat: for under any rugs. Just a good thing to have in your house either way! Ikea sells this for super cheap as well
Blinds Cord Holder: Super important if you have blinds and simple to set up
Outlet covers: If you’re in a new home, you might not need these! It’s a requirement in new homes to have the new tamper resistant covers that little fingers can’t get into.
Baby Gates: We have used a LOT of these (mostly for our dogs!) The Regalo is definitely the best one that we have used. It’s by far the simplest latch, setup and fits in different spaces well.

Baby Registry Section 6: ON THE GO

Stroller: We got both a stroller and a jogger. The jogger is SUPER smooth but a little heavier. The stroller is just as great, I honestly don’t see a difference so I would recommend only getting the jogger.
Baby K’tan: I love this so far for me. Wearing her you can tell that she definitely feels like she’s right back in the womb. It frees up my hands, and soothes her to sleep. You’ll get this based on your clothing size at 6 months pregnant
Ergobaby 360: we got this one as one that both of us can use (as the K’tan is size specific). We also got the infant insert for it to use when she’s small. She likes this as well and I think it will grow better with her than the K’tan
Carseat: We got the Graco Snugride Clickconnect which has great reviews and is cost effective. It’s also super easy to purchase additional parts (like the strollers) because they’re a big brand
Diaper bag: we got one that’s a backpack and neutral colored so we can both use it. So far, so good. See my list of items to put in your diaper bag
Additional car seat base: If you have two separate cars
Arm and hammer bags for dirty diapers in the diaper bag
Portable changing pad for the diaper bag: you can also use this for your bedroom for the first little bit if you’re feeding and baby is sleeping in there instead of walking to the nursery in the middle of the night. I use this almost every time we go out with her. Highly recommend it!
Nursing/ car seat cover: I use it more as a carseat cover than a nursing cover. The one time I’ve nursed in public, I’ve just put her under my shirt

Baby Registry Section 7: NURSERY

Nightstands with drawers: It’s been SO useful to have the extra storage right by the rocking chair for burp cloths and nursing items (plus a place to put a water bottle for me). I ended up buying a second to put a humidifier on
Lamp with charging ports: Not a necessity, but I’m able to plug in her monitor, sound machines, Owlet etc and it looks really nice on top of it
Reclining chair/ rocker/ glider: I was originally looking at a glider with an ottoman and am glad that I went with the reclining glider. It takes up less space and the reclining itself makes breastfeeding in different positions easier
Dresser: This is the one thing we got from Ikea. Not because I don’t love Ikea (I really REALLY do!) but their registry was difficult to manage. I really wanted soft close drawers to keep my Daughters little fingers safe. We have the changing pad on top of it
Laundry bin with removable bag: make sure it has a top in case things are stinky, the removable bag is great to just toss their clothes in the wash
Changing pad: get one that’s waterproof! Make sure it has a strap to connect to the dresser if you’re putting it on a dresser (or you can purchase something to contain it on the dresser so baby and pad don’t go sliding off)
Changing pad sheets: we have four and it’s balancing out well to have some in the laundry at the same time as on the changing pad
Diaper pail: We ended up getting the Decor Plus and it’s really great! Make sure to read the instructions on how to remove the liners because I didn’t and messed the whole thing up 🙂
Diaper pail refillable bags: hey, if you don’t need to buy them, don’t! The person who bought us our diaper pail also bought the bags and we’ll be covered for a good long while. As of my Daughter being 5 months, we have yet to run out of this box.
Baby monitor: At first, I wished that ours linked to our cellphones/ wifi. But, after hearing horror stories about them being hacked, that thought quickly went away. I’m very happy with the one that we chose. I like that it’s 360 degree coverage and that it has night vision. I personally love having the video but there are cheaper options that are sound only
4moms mamaRoo swing: It’s expensive but WORTH IT. It’s a Magic swing that puts baby to sleep! However, if I HAD to choose between this and the Rock N Play, I would choose the RNP. Having both has been wonderful, so I recommend adding to the registry to see if someone gets it for you!
Crib skirt: not necessary but nice
Baby Bjorn Bouncer: It’s almost $200 for a bouncer, you think. No way I need that, you think. You’re wrong. It’s amazing. If no one gets it from the registry, check out Facebook marketplace or Craigslist (we got ours almost new for $75). It’s great for a baby who spits up to put in after feeding, to keep them with you when they start to wake up but don’t have neck control yet, and especially to put them in when you need to take a shower but don’t have help for the day. Pop baby in it in the bathroom and hop in the shower.
Sound bub white noise machine: I love this little guy. It only has three white noises but they’re the best of all of the white noises that come from any product. It is also portable so can go wherever I need her to sleep and it has bluetooth for playing her favorite bluegrass music 😉 The second she hears the white noise from this, her whole body relaxes. This sounds silly, but the biggest comfort in our first out of town trip is that I know bringing this little guy will help her to sleep.
Activity mat/ tummy time mat: Love ours so far. She’s not using it with all of the toys etc but it’s a nice place to start tummy time and as she gets bigger she’ll grow with it and into liking the toys. You can certainly use a blanket if you prefer
Pack n Play: This is going to be great for out of town travel. I love that it has a little changing table. Will also be great to put her in with some toys while I’m working from home
Heated wipes dispenser: certainly not necessary, but it’s nice
Books: no need to register for a single one people will buy regardless!
Baby hangers: I don’t personally think they’re necessary as I put everything into drawers but it’s your preference!

Baby Registry Section 8: MISC

Baby book: I really didn’t want to do this but I’m glad that we got it. Look through the different options to see the things that are important to you. I wanted one that had a family tree, a letter from the parents, details on the pregnancy, and a place for a stamp of her feet and hands. [Note: they don’t do that in the hospital anymore, so you don’t need to bring the book to the hospital. Also, buy one of the “clean touch ink pads” to do this so you don’t turn your child blue like I did]
Swaddle/ receiving blanket for baby’s first picture: I don’t think it’s worth it to register for. Just choose your favorite swaddle that someone purchases for you
Purell wipes: I got these for guests coming to see her and never used them for that. But, they’re great to have in the diaper bag!
Car: if you’re looking into a new car, look into the carseat safety ratings. The one regret that I have with our cars is that they have the latch system (most new cars do and it’s SUPER simple to install the carseat) HOWEVER they don’t have it accessible via the middle seat, only the sides which are less safe than installing in the middle seat.
Toy box: We didn’t end up getting a toy box. It’s certainly something we will get in the future but hasn’t been a necessity for a baby
Laundry: you don’t need a special baby detergent, just one that’s non scented/ safe for sensitive skin. I learned that you shouldn’t use fabric softener or anything else, just detergent (that includes dryer sheets). For your milk stained clothes, get Oxiclean. Comes right out!
Pacifier clips: definitely! Keeps pacifiers from falling to the ground before baby has hand eye coordination
Pacifiers: get in different ages (0-3 months and 3+ months). We got the Philips Advent and also two of the Mam ones. Just depends on her mood!
Wubanub: The weight of these is great for newborns! Up until she was two months old, I required a wubanub in any room she slept in. They’re a little tough to clean, but worth it for the extra quiet time
Diapers: You don’t need to register for diapers, people will buy them for you regardless of being on a registry. I will say I’ve used Huggies, Pampers and 7th Generation, and the Huggies are far superior
Wipes: register for the giant pack of them!
Blankets: I wouldn’t recommend registering for blankets. People will buy you a million and bring you knitted blankets so you’ll be covered
Sit me up floor seat: So glad we have this. It’s really helping with her neck control and keeping her from always being something that can dent her head
Teether:It’s inevitable. This has really helped our girl and can be put in the freezer if needed.
Baby bouncing activity center: Some type of bouncer is great to have to keep baby occupied (and contained!)
High chair: The one in the link is the one that we have. It does the job. My husband keeps tripping over the legs because they’re wider than the top so that’s our one negative

Baby Registry Checklist Section 9: FOR MOM POSTPARTUM

Nursing bras: I got four from Target of different types to see what I liked best. You’ll need at least one per day. I personally like the ones that snap and unsnap so you don’t have to remove from your shoulder. Try to stay away from underwire as it can give you a lower supply of breastmilk. Keep in mind the shirts that you’ll be wearing re: the back of the bra if you’ll want raceback, traditional etc.
Pumping bra: if you plan to pump, you’ll want one of these. Double pumping is SO much more efficient and this way you can sit on your phone instead of holding the pump with each hand
Sleep mask: For those times when you need to sleep during the day 🙂
Nursing gowns: I bought several and wouldn’t recommend them. I had several people tell me “you’ll live in these” and I felt frumpy and unkept in them. I felt better/ more myself in my own clothes.
Dermoplast spray: Getting real here. This is a spray for your lady bits after delivery and REALLY helps. The hospital should give this to you, have someone buy it for you as soon as you deliver if not. I kept telling the nurses at shift changes that I needed more so I could stock up to bring it home
Ibuprofen: Just make sure you have some at home to take for after the baby arrives. I took it regularly for about 2 weeks
Tucks medicated pads: Say hello to your new best friend. These go with the dermoplast, they will probably give to you in the hospital so STOCK UP. They had me putting 2-3 on each pad and you obviously change the pad every time you go to the bathroom so you’ll need a lot of them. I tried to make those Padsicles that I saw on Pinterest and honestly these were easier, cheaper, and way better relief
Stool softener: …. You want this. Start taking a week prior to baby’s arrival
Pads: Stock up on long/ nighttime pads for when you’re out of the hospital sized ones. I’ve also had friends buy a big pack of adult diapers and swear by that because then you’re not swapping out underwear/ pads/ etc. I didn’t personally do it, but whatever sounds right to you. If you don’t buy the diapers, go to Target and buy a few packs of cotton brief underwear. Make sure that they are high enough on your belly that they would be above a c-section incision in case you get a c-section.
Water bottles: have at least two so you can have them with you whenever you’re nursing but can also have one cleaning. Get one with a straw because you won’t have two hands to open it. I really like the camelback ones because you have to bite to release the water which leads to less mess
Phone case with credit card storage: this has changed my life. I don’t leave the house with a purse anymore, just my phone and diaper bag if needed. Highly recommend! Just make sure to get the one that matches your specific phone 😉
Blue Dawn Dish Soap: For cleaning blowouts from your clothes and baby clothes. This and Oxiclean have kept our clothes from staining
Latex gloves: Get a pack of the latex drs gloves for cleaning up said blowouts

I hope this guide helped you to navigate the overwhelming world of registering for a new baby! Check out some of my other recommended posts for organization tips, what to bring to the hospital, and more.