Baby Registry Guide
It can be so much fun to picture your baby in your arms, rocking them to sleep in your home or their nursery, and dressing them in the cutest onesies and little PJs. Registry-making is a fun process, but also one that needs to consider needs vs wants, your budget and your friends/family’s ability to purchase, how many showers you may for people to purchase, and many other factors.
Registries usually start in the second or third trimester and are completed before your first baby shower. You can build a registry online for most stores/brands, and there are even registries that aggregate multiple stores’ registries into one place for easy management. You can build a registry directly online or go to a physical location and walk around a store to put items on your list. Registries can include actual items, but also include gift cards and open funds for meal delivery services, babymoons, and many more.
Evaluate Your Needs/Wants and Style
- Account for your home space and daily travel needs to help you decide the size and portability of equipment.
- Prioritize “needs” that help you care for your baby on a daily basis.
- Choose products that meet the latest safety standards (e.g., car seats with updated regulations), research recalls, and avoid hand-me-downs for critical items like car seats and cribs.
- Consider multi-purpose gear, like convertible furniture or strollers that adapt to different needs.
- If you already have children, evaluate any items you’ve stored and see if you’d like to replace anything. Make sure to check for recalls for any of your used items to make sure you should still use them.
- Once you’ve gotten the essentials on the list, think about items that make life easier, like bottle sterilizers, formula dispensers, and wipe warmers. Then, consider adding a few cute, fun, or unique items such as nursery decorations, personalized blankets, monogrammed pieces, etc., and items to help with postpartum personal care.
- Consider items for different stages (newborn, infant, toddler) so you’re prepared as your baby grows. Register for practical long-term items like convertible car seats or toddler feeding sets, and if you’re having multiples, items that can be used specifically for multiples.
- Read reviews and watch videos of the products you’re considering. If possible, visit stores to see or test items like strollers or car seats.
Remember:
- Consider the people buying for you. Include items across a range of price points so guests can choose based on their budget. Register for some “big ticket” items like a stroller or crib, as groups might pitch in together.
- Share your registry early and clearly with friends and family (e.g., on shower invitations).
Registry Categories
Make your registry list by thinking through these categories. This is not an exhaustive list, so make sure to ask other family and friends with children what they found most helpful and needed.
- Sleep Essentials:
- Crib or bassinet, mattress, and fitted sheet
- Swaddles and sleep sacks, baby monitor, sound machine, night light, rocking chair or glider (pacifier if you choose to give to your baby)
- Diapering:
- Diapers and wipes
- Changing table or dresser with changing pad and covers
- Diaper cream
- Diaper pail and bags
- Feeding:
- If breastfeeding:
- Nursing bras and tops or dresses, and nursing cover
- Breast pump and pump accessories
- Milk storage bags and milk storage containers
- Sterilizer and drying rack
- Nursing pads, nipple cream/lanolin, hot/cold gel pads, nipple shields
- Bottle feeding:
- Bottles and nipples
- Bottle brush and drying rack
- Bottle warmer and sterilizer
- Formula
- Breast pump and accessories
- Nursing pillow and burp cloths
- Stain remover (made for breast milk stains and other stains)
- If breastfeeding:
- Bathing:
- Baby shampoo, wash, and lotion/oil
- Washcloths and hooded towel
- Nail clippers of baby nail file
- Infant bathtub
- Health and Safety:
- Baby first-aid kit
- Baby thermometer
- Nasal aspirator
- Teething toys and remedies
- Outlet covers and cabinet locks
- Clothing
- Onesies (short and long-sleeve)
- Sleepers and footed pajamas
- Socks and booties, mittens to prevent scratching
- Hats (warmth or sun protection)
- Seasonal outerwear
- Baby-safe laundry detergent
- Travel and Gear
- Infant car seat and base, and car seat mirror
- Baby carrier or wrap
- Diaper bag
- Stroller
- Toys
- Rattle and teething toys
- Soft books and blocks
- Play mat, activity gym, or toy arch
