Overwhelmed with all the baby registry checklist compilations and looking for a quick hack? We Understand! It’s both exciting and extremely emotional but one must also know that compiling a list of essentials is quite crucial especially when the time is just around the corner.
However, this is necessary as a list for a baby registry must have. is equally easy which makes things easier in the long run. Why do you ask? This list would help friends and family to know exactly what gifts would be the most and provides a place of tracking baby gear before the arrival with all the must-haves from big-ticket items to everyday essentials.
How does a Baby Registry Work?
A baby registry checklist of items parents-to-be would like to receive as a gift and also ensures everything they need to welcome their new family member. They are typically organized by stores set up for an online registry or a physical one while some allow a combination of lists for multiple retailers.
Various popular baby registries offer perks like returns, price matching, a welcome box of freebies, and discounts on select items. While others feature a gift tracker for thank-you notes or apps that help monitor the registry making it quite helpful.
Choosing a Baby Registry
We’re sure with the wide options available the next question that might cross your mind is where you register? This perhaps depends on your needs like the budget, product brands you are comfortable with, or on whether you prefer to register online or in-store.
Listed below are a few popular baby registry essentials that might be helpful to start signing up for now.
- Amazon Baby Registry
- Babylist Baby Registry
- Bed Bath & Beyond Baby Registry
- Kohl’s Baby Registry
- Pottery Barn Kids Baby Registry
- Target Baby Registry
- Buy Buy Baby Registry
- Costco Baby Registry
- Crate & Barrel Baby Registry
- IKEA Baby Registry
- Walmart Baby Registry
When should you proceed with the baby registry ?
One should register as early as they’d like it too. Many online baby registries allow you to have your portal set on a “private” mode that lets you discreetly add items in the first months of your pregnancy where you haven’t even announced the news to your friends and family. As per your convenience, you may choose to register on multiple online platforms so you get to entail the advantages of being a freebie and get samples in welcome boxes provided by the retailers.
It is always advisable to get your registry list completed at your baby shower so even the guests have time to choose a gift for you.
What Do I Put on a Baby Registry?
This registry baby registry list will help you keep focused as you gear up. Here is a list of products you’ll want to use as your little one gets home.
Bathing
- Baby tub
- Soft hooded towels
- Simple bath toys
- Washcloths
- Baby-safe body wash and shampoo
- Baby-safe body lotion
- Faucet cover
Bedding
For safe sleep practices, it is advisable to stick to a fitted sheet in the baby’s crib without bumpers, pillows, stuffed animals, and blankets.
- Crib mattress
- Waterproof mattress protector
- 2 or more fitted sheets
Clothing
It’s always better to register for baby clothes in different sizes as most babies grow out of their newborn-size clothing while others fit in size 0-3. Also, don’t forget to consider the season the baby will be born in.
- Ten leggings or elastic-waist trousers
- Ten short-sleeve onesies
- Ten long-sleeve onesies
- Ten pairs of footed pajamas
- Ten pairs of socks
- Eight pairs of non-footed pajamas
- Five swaddling blankets
- Five bibs
- Five burp cloths
- Three light sweaters or zip-up hoodies
- Three sleep sacks
- Two sun hats (for a summer baby)
- 1-2 bathing suits (for a summer baby)
- One snowsuit with mittens and booties (for a winter baby)
- One soft hat
- One outfit to come home from the hospital in
- One pair of soft-soled baby shoes (these aren’t essential, but you might want them for photos)
- Baby-safe laundry detergent
Diapering
- Diaper pail
- Diapers, either cloth or disposable
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Baby wipes
- Diaper cream
Feeding
- Breast pump
- Breast milk freezer bags
- Nursing pillow
- Nursing bras
- Nipple cream
- Extra pump parts
- Nursing cover
If you choose not to breastfeed:
- Baby bottles and nipples
- High chair
- Several bottle brushes
- Bottle drying rack
Medical must-haves
- Baby-safe nail trimmer
- Suction bulb
- Thermometer
- Rubbing alcohol pads
- Saline nasal drops
Nursery furniture and gear
- Crib
- Bassinet
- Rocking chair or glider
- Baby books
- Baskets or bins for storage
- Changing table
- Light dimmer or night light
- White noise machine
- Baby monitor
Playtime
- Swing, seat, or bouncer
- Activity mat
- Organic cotton stuffed animals
- “Lovey” blanket
- Soft baby book
- Soft or wooden stacking blocks
- Teething toy
- Rattles or maracas
Travel items
- Infant car seat
- Stroller
- Portable changing pad
- Stroller bunting for cold or rainy weather
- Baby carrier
- Diaper bag
- Travel crib or Playard
What NOT to add to the baby registry essentials
- Baby wipe warmer
In case your list is too long already, you can let this go. It isn’t a necessity and most parents might not use it for a long time even if they registered for it. - Crib bumpers
The bassinet or baby’s crib must have a fitted sheet in them which itself means you don’t need crib bumpers, pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals. - Dressy clothes
Babies need clothes that would withstand their daily spit-up and diaper blowouts. Until and unless you have an event to attend in the first months you could stick to cute basics. - Drop-down cribs
The manufacturing of the drop-down cribs for babies was ended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) back in 2011, you might only encounter them if gifted or is a secondhand one. But, make sure the crib you choose has safety standards. - Tons of toys
Parents! It is advisable to not go overboard with toys for your baby. They have a lifetime to accumulate toys and despite it, all your smiling face is what they need and will entertain the baby in the room.
To Conclude:
Combining a Baby Registry into a list could be an overwhelming process and work. We have helped you with the list above, and hope to see parents ready to kick-start their new journey of parenthood.
FAQs -Baby Registry Checklist: Exactly What to Put on a Baby Registry
1. When should you start a baby registry list ?
2. How long does a baby registry last ?
3. Why are baby towels necessary ?
Reviewed By -
Esha Chainani - Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Dr. Esha Chainani is an Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and laparoscopic surgeon who aims to break the stigma around women’s health by advocating an inclusive and open practice of obstetrics and gynecology and an author of several internationally published research papers and health articles in the media like the Swaddle.
She also founded Premaa, a non-profit to reduce maternal morbidity and eventual maternal mortality by providing lower-income pregnant women living in urban areas with cell phone access through an app that can feature an entire section about contraception as well for a whole gamut of reproductive health.
A panel for multiple health sessions including with the UN, USAID, BMC, gender at work, and multiple non-profit organisations, and is on the advisory panel of the South Indian medical students association.
