This is your go-to guide for baby registry must haves!
Wondering what you actually need for baby #1 or looking for baby shower gift inspo? We’ve got you covered!
Baby registry items you’ll actually use…
I’m actually writing this post as I’m 30 weeks pregnant with baby girl #2!
As I’m putting together my registry for our newest addition to the family, it got me thinking: if I was expecting baby #1, what would my absolute baby registry must haves be?
Below is a checklist of all essential baby registry must have items along with some nice-to-haves.
These are the baby registry items I’m so thankful I regiested for along with the baby products I wish I would have registered for. I also included the tried and true products my friends swear by too!
How I decided on my baby registry must haves
I loved the process of putting together my baby registry for my daughter.
But it was also overwhelming!
One clear memory I have was when I got to deciding which baby monitor to register for. There. Were. So. Many. Options.
And I was surprised by how expensive baby monitors are!
Where do you even start at narrowing down your options?
Luckily my mom ordered this one for her house, and I saw how well it has worked for the last 2.5 years so now it’s my go-to recommendation.
My criteria for what to put on my baby registry…
With that said, I found it helpful to have some criteria in helping me pick and chose what ended up on my registry.
- I wanted my baby registry to be on the minimal side – truly filled with the must haves. I also didn’t want a bunch of stuff.
- I preferred to have organic, non-toxic products as much as possible.
- I didn’t want to spend a ton of money if I didn’t need to. With that said, I also knew I would also spend more money or register for higher priced items where it was a priority for us.
- For example, I was more than fine with a $20 changing pad, but I knew I wanted a non-toxic, natural, and organic mattress, which was going to cost more than the budget-friendly options.
- We were more than okay with spending a little bit more money on products that will last. We figured that although we may have to spend a little more up front, in the long run we would save because we didn’t need to upgrade/buy a second (or third!) one.
- For example, we spent more on our dresser and crib/bed – both that will last a really long time.
Tips for saving money on baby registry must-haves
- Check your area for Children’s Resale Shops! You can get everything from pajamas to baby carriers to strollers for the BEST prices!
- Don’t forget Facebook Marketplace!
- We got our high chair we use at home and the one we keep at my parents’ since they live close by for a fraction of the cost.
- We also got our baby carrier here and paid a lot less for it.
How to set up a baby registry
There are a few websites you can use to set up your baby registry.
Once you select an online baby registry, each website offers easy-to-follow instructions for setting up your baby registry along with a shareable link.
Here’s is a list of popular ones.
- Amazon
- Target
- Babylist
- Zola – Great option if you want to curate a baby registry using multiple stores/brands.
- Pottery Barn Kids Baby Registry – Features high-end, beautifully made baby registry items.
On-The-Go Baby Gear
- Stroller – This one is such a personal choice! Here’s what we landed on and our reasoning behind it, along with thoughts on it now that we’ve been using it for 2.5 years…
- My family is active so we went with this one.
- It does take up a decent amount of room, and there are lighter ones out there, but overall we’ve loved it! We would 100% use it again.
- In fact, we’re going to get the double stroller for baby #2.
- This stroller has carseat attachments and can be used with major brand carseats.
- Also has a 75 pound weight limit, so you can use it for years!
- I would maybe consider getting a second, budget-friendly smaller stroller for travel. Here’s a link to this stroller + carseat system.
- Carseat
- We picked this one for its safety ratings and because you can use it from newborn to booster seat!
- That’s one carseat for 10 years of use! We also purchased this carseat to keep in my husband’s car. We went with a more budget-friendly option since we don’t all ride in his truck very often.
- And, in our opinions, having a carseat in both cars is totally worth it!
- Car mirror for rear facing carseats
- Baby Carrier – Here are some of my top recommendations based on what my friends and I used…(also may be worth checking Facebook Marketplace or a Children’s Resale Shop)
- Ergobaby Omni Deluxe Baby Carrier – my personal pick along with a good friend of mine
- A friend of mine swears by this one
- I’ve heard good things about this carrier and this one has fun and pretty patterns
- I know a lot of moms who are big fans of this one and this one, but I couldn’t figure out how to comfortable wear baby girl #1 with either of them.
- Baby swing or bouncer – We found ours on Facebook Marketplace for a steal, and I see these at Children’s Resale Shops all-the-time!
- BabyBjorn
- Ergobaby
- Baby Delight (budget-friendly!)
- Travel crib/Pack and play with bassinet (and very budget-friendly!)
- We got a travel crib and a separate bassinet with baby girl #1, but we’ve since sold the bassinet and will use the built-in bassinet that came with the travel crib for baby girl #2.
- Diaper bag – There are some really beautiful over the shoulder diaper bags out there, but it’s really convenient to have your arms free with a backpack!
- Portable Baby Changing Pad – Boy did I use this one so much in the first year!
- Wet Dry Bag for storing diapers or worn clothes when you’re on the go.
Nursery Items
- Crib
- This is the crib we went with because it transitions all the way up to a full-size bed!
- We also liked that it’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified.
- All in all I couldn’t be happier with this crib and I think it’s so beautiful. The exact same one is on my registry for baby #2.
- Here’s a link for a helpful baby crib guide link
- Crib mattress – Having an organic, non-toxic mattress was a high priority for us. Here are a few options that fit that criteria:
- 2 Mattress covers
- 2-4 fitted crib sheets
- Budget-friendly and organic cotton! (and tons of cute patterns!)
- These ones are great quality!
- Bassinet
- We got a bassinet, but after discovering the Graco Pack and Play with a built in bassinet, I’ve since sold our bassinet and we’ll just use the Graco one with baby girl #2.
- Glider chair
- I use our glider all the time. I’ve spent many hours nursing my daughter in it, and now we read books before bedtime every day.
- We went with this glider, and it’s great! I also like having an ottoman as opposed to a recliner. But it is on the narrow/small side. My daughter’s room is small, so I went with a compact one.
- If I were to do it again, I would consider registering for a slightly larger/wider one.
- Baby monitor
- Okay, there are tons of expensive baby monitors out there, and I’m sure they work like a charm. but honestly this one will do the trick!
- Sound machine
- Big fan of Hatch baby sound machine and night light (also brought this with me to the hospital to use for night feedings instead of the harsh overhead lights)
- This sound machine is great for traveling!
- And if you’re in a pinch, Spotify works has a sound machine playlist too 🙂
- Dresser
- My parents gifted us this one. Like everything from Crate&kids, it’s so well made. It’s definitely a piece of furniture we’ll have forever.
- We put this diaper changing pad and cover on it to use for diaper changes.
- And here’s a more budget-friendly one dresser
- Drawer organizer cubes
- Little clothes can turn to chaos so quickly, that’s why I like to use these. Also, I labeled the drawers to help keep things organized.
- Storage bins/baskets
- These are sooooo handy!
- I have a few of these around my house: one in my daughter’s nursery to toss clothes she’s outgrown until I can take them out to storage. Another one for toys. And then two more by our front door for outdoor stuff like shoes, coats, hats, blankets, baby carrier, etc.
Sleep Essentials
- 4-8 one-piece pajamas (highly recommend ones with zippers, ideally 2-way!). I love the selection, quality, and prices at:
- Old Navy
- Burts Bees (how sweet are these?)
- And these are more spendy, but they’re luxurious! They do have good sales!
- 2-3 pajamas with footies for Winter babies
- 2-3 Swaddles – We had to try a few different styles before we found one our daughter liked, but here are some options…
- 2-3 Sleep sacks
- Our go-to budget-friendly organic cotton sleep sacks
- Quilted sleep sack, perfect for colder seasons
- My friend gifted me this one, and I absolutely love it. Also, it’s made with merino wool and organic cotton so it works for all 4 seasons. I’d say it’s my favorite out of the list.
Feeding Basics
- Bottles
- Bottle brush
- Dry rack for bottles, etc.
- Haakaa – This catches your breastmilk on the side you aren’t nursing on. I managed to save up so much milk using this!
- Breast pump
- I used this breast pump, and it worked great! (use this resource to check what your insurance covers before you pay anything! It’s the best!)
- Milk storage bags – Loved these. I’ve heard of other brands leaking, but these never did. Also, I highly recommend getting one of these milk bag storage containers for your freezer.
- Travel bottle/breastmilk storage bag with ice packs
- Nursing pads
- Nipple cream
- Burp cloths
- 2-3 Bibs
- I like to have a combo of fabric bibs for when we’re out, and silicone bibs for at home.
- The fabric ones typically need to get thrown in the wash after one use, whereas you can conveniently wipe down silicone. In general, I’m all for convenience!
- 2 Bowls
- 2-3 Spoons
- High chair – Main thing to consider, IMO: can you wipe it down easily?
- Honestly, I think this one gets the jobs done. I’ve heard only good things about it – I mean at $20, you cannot beat the price (unless someone gives you one for free)! It’s also a great option if you need a second high chair or to bring with you camping/traveling.
- Found this high chair on Facebook Marketplace for a fraction of the cost, and it’s pretty perfect.
- We picked this up off Facebook Marketplace for $25 and keep it at my parents’ house since they live close by. I don’t love the cushion for ease of wiping it down, but it’s just fine for intermittent use. With that said, I would pick the Ikea high chair over this one.
- A couple of my friends have this high chair and they all are happy with it!
Diapering Must Haves
- Diapers (cloth or disposable)
- Diaper cream – This diaper cream is the *best*.
- Wipes
- Changing pad
- Changing pad cover
- Diaper pail
- This diaper pail was recommended to me more than any other.
- My friend gave me the wise advice to go with a diaper pail that you can use your own trash bags with, rather than special plastic bags because that’s one more thing to buy/potentially run out of!
Baby Clothes
- 7-9 onesies (it’s nice to have some plain ones on hand, plus you’ll most likely get tons of cute clothes at your baby shower)
- 2-3 sweatshirts, sweaters, or jackets (helpful if has front button or zipper)
- 5-7 pair of pants
- 3-4 rompers or day outfits
- 5-7 pairs of socks
- Okay, these do cost a little more, but their quality is unbeatable! You can size up so they last a little longer too.
- 1-2 pairs of booties these are my absolute favorite and the only ones I’ve found that will stay on baby’s feet! (shoes aren’t necessary until baby starts walking)
- 2 hats or beanies (depending on what time of year you welcome your little one)
- 2- 3 receiving blankets
- Here are lightweight and heavier knit options. And this one is nice for on-the-go.
Bath Items
Health Products
- The best lotion! – Also works well on eczema, which my daughter unfortunately has.
- Also, Tubby Todd’s bath bombs are amazing!
- Pacifier and pacifier clip
- Baby nail clipper or electric nail file
- Baby thermometer
- Nasal aspirator – This thing is a lifesaver!
- Active skin repair – Works like a charm!
Toys and Books
- Board books – Cuddle Bug, Hello Ocean Friends, and Mo, Ba, La La La!
- High-contrast black and white soft foldable book
- Tummy time toys like these stacking cups, triangle ocean, easy grasp ball, or this squishy wooden rattle.
- Lovey (pro tip: buy 2 because your little one may become attached to it so you have a backup)
- Activity center that turns into a table! (my toddler now uses the table to do arts and crafts)
- Playmat
- Stroller toys like this one or this one
Nice-To-Haves
- Organizer caddy for all baby + mama essentials
- Wireless breast pump
- I love using these when we travel
- Portable bassinet
Postpartum Items for Mama
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of all of the registry must have items for baby, but it’s so important to not forget about Mom!
My top recommended items for Mama are a giant water bottle to stay hydrated, lots of help from family and friends (ask/let people do your laundry, hold baby while you shower, clean your house!), and nourishing meals (set up a meal train!).
Or better yet, hire a postpartum doula if you can!
I cannot overemphasize the importance of taking care of yourself! I know, as women we tend to try and do it all…
BUT when you’re a new mama (even if it’s for the second, third, or whatever time), taking care of a newborn baby and all that comes with it is more than enough to balance!
And it truly is a season.
Can you tell this is a topic I’m passionate about?!
With that said, here are my favorite essential postpartum products…
- If it’s in your budget, a postpartum doula is invaluable (also a birth doula too!)
- Some freezer meals like these Make Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches and Dutch Oven Lasagna
- Giant water bottle
- Electrolytes
- Easy-grab protein snacks, or protein powder and collagen powder
- This spray
- Herbal sitz bath and insert
- Comfy lounge wear and these Lulu dupes!
- Nursing bras
- Bralette
- Bra
- Love this nursing sports bra (especially if you’re busty!)
- Silverette nursing cups
What are your baby registry must haves? I’d love to know in the comments below!
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