Looking for the ultimate baby registry checklist?
We’ve got you covered.
Babies come with a lot of paraphernalia.
For such little beings, they certainly need an entourage of items to get them through the day.
And, in the spirit of the old proverb of it takes a village to raise a child, friends and family will likely want to jump in and help you get the stuff you need together.
So what should be on your wishlist?
We’ll take you through our ultimate checklist of baby registry must-haves for 2024.
In this article: 📝
- What to put on your baby registry
- What do you actually need on a baby registry?
- How much should you put on a baby registry?
- What should you not put on your baby registry?
- Is it rude to buy a gift not on the baby registry?
- When in pregnancy should you start a registry?
- What is the most popular baby registry?
- 73 must-have baby registry items
What to put on your baby registry
A baby registry is a list of things that you need for your baby.
It’s typically organized and managed at one store or marketplace — either online or locally — and the process is facilitated by the retailer.
So once you’ve put your list together, you can step away.
There are many benefits to having a registry.
The first is that you will get gifts you actually need.
It also takes the stress out of shopping for your baby shower guests.
Plus, because the registry will keep track of what’s already been bought, you can avoid a situation where you have duplicates.
And there’s another bonus here.
Many registries offer a bunch of perks.
Hello, discounts, price matching, freebies, and easy returns!
What do you actually need on a baby registry?
The wonderful thing about a baby registry is that it can cover your full range of needs.
From small essentials like diapers and diaper pins to larger items like high chairs, there’s so much choice here.
And all of it will be useful.
How much should you put on a baby registry?
That’s totally up to you, but again, try to separate the wants from the needs.
If you’re living in an apartment, you may not have enough space for a giant stuffed gorilla. 😬
And too many “things” can also be overwhelming.
You can feel like you’re drowning in “stuff” that you think you’re then supposed to use.
Remember babies need to be fed, loved, and kept warm.
That’s all.
But if there’s space for it, we’re totally on board with the gorilla. 😉
What should you not put on your baby registry?
There are no exact rules here — but there are some items worth thinking twice about.
Consider what you actually need.
There’s so much marketed at new mamas that it can be hard to separate out what is essential and what is just the product of good marketing.
Things like baby wipe warmers and baby cologne (yep, it exists) are perhaps best left off the list.
And the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using baby powder as it can cause breathing problems.
And while breast pumps are more on the essential side, health insurance plans must cover breastfeeding equipment.
So it’s probably not necessary to put these on the list.
Also, try not to go overboard with luxury, expensive items.
Strollers, car seats, and cribs are necessary, but they come with a hefty price tag.
Unless you have family and friends who want to put their money together to buy these big-ticket items, they can be quite an ask!
You also may want to note that your registry doesn’t have to only include new items.
Babies are babies for a pretty short period of time.
So passing items from one mama to the next can be a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
Plus, they come with a story.
And consider going beyond newborn items.
Again, the time flies by and you’ll soon be needing to upsize.
Is it rude to buy a gift not on the baby registry?
Are you the one attending a shower?
Is it rude to get a gift that’s not on the official list? Nope.
But remember to be conscious of the mama-to-be’s preferences.
If she’s said she’d like to use cloth diapers, don’t arrive with a jumbo pack of disposable diapers.
If she’s told you of her wish to formula feed, you may want to put that breast pump back on the shelf.
While you may be trying to be helpful, she might feel undermined.
And preferably only go off-list if you really know the person or believe in a specific product.
If you’re a three-time mama and you found the perfect lovie that ALL your babies cuddled till their toddler years, by all means.
Gifts based on experience are always welcome.
When in pregnancy should you start a registry?
If you’re having a shower or sprinkle, it’s a good idea to set up the registry before you send the invites out.
That will give your community ample time to shop.
And while there’s no one way to do this thing, showers are generally held early in the third trimester — usually, it’s the sweet spot when symptoms are not too bad and you’re not too close to your due date.
So working back from there, sending out invites about a month to six weeks before your shower should give your guests enough time to prepare.
And all going well, your registry will be set up by then so that you can get the details to your guests.
(Don’t stress if it doesn’t work out exactly like this. You can always send them a note about the registry down the line.)
For some, the excitement of a coming baby is too much to contain, and they get to work on their registry immediately.
Others choose to wait until the second trimester to start creating their list.
Those who have previously experienced early pregnancy loss or pregnancy complications may want to wait until they’re further along.
You may choose to start planning your registry before telling family and friends you’re pregnant.
Know that most registry services have a privacy setting for just such cases.
Do what feels right for you.
And know that if you’re feeling anxious in any way and need some support (at any time), you can check in with the mamas in the Peanut community. We’ve been there, and we’re here for you.
The only practical thing to consider is to have your registry done by the time the invites for your baby shower go out.
That way, guests can make their selections in good time.
It also means that once your shower is over, you’ll be able to see what essentials you still need. And have the time to sort them out.
It’s common to have a baby shower between 24 and 32 weeks.
You’ll be over the worst of the first trimester symptoms but far enough away from your due date.
So you might want to aim to have your registry ready by around 24 weeks to fit in with this.
It’s then just one less thing you have to worry about in the last busy months of pregnancy.
(But again — there’s no one way to do this thing.)
Another thing to consider is that you may want to wait until you find out the sex of your baby before creating your registry.
This usually happens at the 20 week scan.
But rest assured — there are plenty of gorgeous unisex items out there to carry you through if you want to keep it a surprise.
What is the most popular baby registry?
Right, now it’s time to choose your baby registry.
There are various options here, depending on your needs.
Here are some of our top picks:
Babylist
A popular choice for many moms-to-be.
You can add anything from any store, you get a free baby box (with goodies for you and baby), and you get 15% completion discount on the Babylist store!
Plus, one of our favorites is that you can add things you can’t buy in stores, like vouchers for house cleaning, home-cooked meals, walking the dog, and loads more – so it’s budget-friendly for everyone.
Just download the app and get adding!
Amazon
When it comes to easily ticking off all the essentials in a way that’s convenient for your friends and family, it’s hard to beat Amazon.
It also means that your guests can easily get their gifts delivered to you even if you’re having a virtual shower.
MyCrib
For our UK moms-to-be, MyCrib is our top pick!
It’s super simple, stress-free, and, best of all, totally free, perfect for your baby prep budget.
Adding products from any site? Piece of cake.
Buying assistant to help you figure out exactly what you need? Of course.
Group gifting option for big-ticket items? Yep!
And you can compare the costs of all products, with the real-time selling price, so you can bag the best bargain.
Yeah, it’s no wonder MyCrib is our favorite for UK baby registries.
The Tot
If you go for this option, you’ll be looking at some well-curated items that teams of experts have tested.
Plus, they’re an eco-conscious platform.
The site is also very easily navigable, and the registry easy to set up.
73 must-have baby registry items
Ready to get your list together?
Decide which of these baby registry must-haves you’d like to include.
Wearing
One of the best parts of having a baby: dressing them up!
But you have to be practical first, mama.
(Although we know it’s tempting when there are adorable outfits for your mini-me!)
Here are the essentials — you can get the fun bits afterward:
- Onesies: Both long- and short-sleeved ones — baby’s going to need something to wear, and onesies are so versatile.
- Socks: Not just because they’re super cute, but they also help keep baby’s teeny feet cozy. But don’t fret if you find baby just pulls them off straightaway — some babies just don’t like them.
- Pajamas: Both footed and non-footed PJs are the way to go, since baby’s going to be spending so much time sleeping for a good few months!
- Leggings: One of the easiest things to dress baby in, perfect for all seasons, depending on how thick they are.
- Sweaters: From cute cardigans to cozy pullovers, baby sweaters are a versatile and stylish way to keep your babe warm and comfy.
- Sun hats: Baby’s skin is very sensitive to the sun, so it’s up to you to protect them from UV rays, so a baby sun hat is a baby registry must.
- Winter hats: Did you know that babies lose a lot of head from their heads? It’s true, and it’s why you should make sure there’s at least one winter baby hat added to your registry. But make sure to keep tabs on baby’s temperature with their hat on, they can easily get too hot if the temperature’s not that low.
- Bathing suits: Baby swimming is great for their motor development, they can move in ways they wouldn’t be able to on solid ground. Just make sure they’re supervised at all times if they’re in or even near any bodies of water, and practice safe swimming guidelines.
- Snowsuit or winter coat: Only for the colder months. And make sure you take off baby’s coat before you put them in a car seat, since they can reduce the effectiveness of the car seat safety and security.
- Booties: Sure, baby’s not going to be walking any time soon, but they’re too cute not to!
Feeding
One of baby’s favorite things to do: eating, sleeping, and pooping!
And you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need, whether you choose to breastfeed or formula-feed, or a mix of the two.
- Bibs: More for when baby’s a bit older, but it could be the thing that stops all their clothes from getting covered in milk and baby food.
- Breast pump: You can sometimes get breast pumps through your health insurance, so it’s worth checking your coverage.
- Nipple cream: Because breastfeeding and pumping can be pretty tough on your nipples.
- Nursing cover: Not a necessity at all, but ideal for moms who prefer a little more coverage when breastfeeding.
- Nursing pillow: To save your aching arms!
- Nursing bras: For added support and easy access when you need it, nursing bras are a must.
- Baby bottles: You’ll want to stock up on baby bottles and nipples no matter what, because they’re so useful whether you’re pumping or formula feeding.
- Bottle brushes: To keep those baby bottles squeaky clean.
- Bottle sterilizer: Because baby’s immune systems are pretty delicate, so sterilizing their bottles before use is hugely important.
- Bottle drying rack: You might not need this, but it can be handy if you need somewhere sterile and safe to dry babe’s bottles.
- Bottle warmer: So useful if you’re reheating breastmilk or preparing formula.
- Breast milk storage: You can start pumping as soon as your milk comes in, so get your hands on some breast milk storage now and thank us later!
- Baby formula: Even if you’re planning to breastfeed, it’s worth getting a few tubs of baby formula, just in case. You can always donate it if you don’t end up using it, as long as it’s still in date.
Sleeping
Sleeping is going to be your baby’s favorite pastime for the next few months.
So you’ll want to make sure you have all you need for their much-needed snoozing.
- Baby monitor: We love the Owlet Duo Baby Monitor, with a Smart Sock to track baby’s heart rate, oxygen level, and sleep trends, right from day one. And it comes with an HD camera with sound, motion, and cry detection — everything a new mom needs for peace of mind.
- Swaddling blankets: So baby’s snug as a bug in a rug. Plus (when done correctly), swaddling can apparently help baby to sleep longer and wake up less often — win-win!
- Sleep sacks: A great alternative to blankets, since the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against loose blankets in baby’s sleeping area.
- Crib: Well, baby needs somewhere to sleep! But it’s up to you whether you opt for a crib or a bassinet — both are great for newborns, as long as they fit all the recommended safety regs.
- White noise machine: Things are pretty noisy in the womb, so baby’s used to background noise while they sleep — a white noise machine could help them drift off faster.
- Crib mattress: Make sure it’s nice and firm, since the AAP advises against soft crib mattresses.
- Waterproof mattress pads: Some crib mattresses are made to be waterproof, but others aren’t. Check which one you have, and grab some waterproof mattress pads if yours has the chance to get… soggy.
- Fitted crib sheets: Opt for sheets that fit snugly on the mattress and are 100% cotton or a bamboo-cotton combo, for breathability.
- Blackout curtains: To help block out light and create a dark environment for sleep, a must-have for when baby’s sleeping during the day.
- Portable crib: A lifesaver if you’re planning to go traveling with baby.
- Humidifier: Recommended for relieving congestion, because a newborn sniffle is inevitable. Also useful if baby’s born in the winter months or if you live in a dry climate.
Cleaning and grooming
Sorry to say, mama, but babies can get messy.
Spit-up, sniffling noses, and, yes, poop.
So you’ll need a complete arsenal to keep baby clean:
- Bath tub: A great way to bond with your baby, the stuff of beautiful memories. There are lots of options for baby bath tubs out there, so make sure you get one that best fits your needs.
- Nail trimmers: Because those baby nails can get sharp! They can easily scratch themselves or others with those super-thin, kitty-cat claws, so a baby nail file or nail trimmers are a must.
- Baby-safe laundry detergent: Not all laundry detergents are created equal, and some that are made for adults and big kids can be heavily fragranced, which can irritate baby’s sensitive skin.
- Hooded towels: Practical and adorable!
- Washcloths: Make sure you pick washcloths that aren’t too rough, because they can scrub too hard against baby’s delicate skin.
- Baby bath products: To get them squeaky clean — most baby-safe bath products are packed with all sorts of good things for baby’s skin, too.
- Bath toys: You might not need these till a few months in, but they’re great for getting baby’s mind whirring and their motor skills motoring while they’re in the tub.
- Baby toothbrush and toothpaste: Another one you might not need until later, when baby’s teeth start peeking through.
- Baby lotion: A great way to keep their skin baby-soft and to work into a bedtime routine for more consistent sleep.
Pooping and peeing
Yeah, we weren’t lying when we said things were going to get messy.
So when it comes to changing baby’s diapers, you’ll have to be prepared:
- Diapers: Pretty obvious, but it’s up to you whether you’re going cloth or disposable.
- Baby wipes: To keep that baby butt clean! Make sure you get baby wipes, not ones formulated for adults, because they could irritate baby’s skin.
- Diaper cream: To keep diaper rash at bay (it’s scientifically proven!).
- Diaper pail: Okay, so you don’t actually need a diaper pail, but if you’re living somewhere you can’t dispose of diapers quickly and safely, it can be a lifesaver.
- Diaper bag: If you’re getting out of the house with baby (which can do wonders for both of you), a diaper bag is the fashion accessory.
- Changing pads: Even if you don’t want to invest in a full-on changing table, a changing pad is a must, so you’re not contaminating other furniture while changing baby’s diaper.
Healing and comforting
Whether baby’s got a sniffle, they’re teething, or they just need to self-comfort, these are good to have to hand:
- Pacifiers: It’s totally up to you whether you decide to use a baby pacifier — it’s a controversial topic, since they’ve been linked to early weaning and dental problems later on, but they have also been associated with a decrease in SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), and can be useful to help them self-soothe.
- Thermometer: The best way for you to check their temperature if they’re under the weather, or if you think they could be too warm or too cold.
- Saline nasal drops: When used properly, saline nasal drops can help with baby congestion, to stop the sniffle in it’s tracks!
- Suction bulb: A little gross, but great for sucking out baby’s boogers.
Playing and learning
Because baby’s learning about the world as soon as they arrive in it.
- Baby books: Studies show that reading to your baby early can have a great impact on their language learning, so get your hands on all the baby books!
- Toy storage: You’re gonna need somewhere to put all of baby’s toys, after all!
- Activity mat: A baby play gym can help baby’s motor skills develop, and their social skills.
- Baby toys: Stacking blocks, rattle, stuffed animals… the sky’s the limit! Just make sure not to put any toys in baby’s crib when you put them down for sleep, since they can be a safety hazard.
- Baby swing: Great for comforting fussy babies, but it’s worth remembering that they’re not safe for babies to sleep in.
- Baby bouncer: Great for keeping baby entertained, but baby jumpers or bouncers can also cause injuries if not used properly.
Traveling
Getting out of the house with baby early is great for your mental health and baby’s development.
So you’ll want to get everything you’ll need for the great outdoors:
- Car seat: If you have a hospital birth, they likely won’t let you leave unless you have a car seat safely set up, so get one early and get familiar with it!
- Baby carrier: A must for getting out of the house with baby — and if you’re not sure which baby carrier to get, our Peanut moms love how the MiniMeis G4 baby carrier, which strengthens baby’s core while taking the pressure off mama’s back.
- Stroller: Another one that’s great to get early, so you get used to using it. Strollers can be expensive, though, so it might be an option for a few people to go in together.
- Stroller bunting: For the winter months, to keep baby snuggly and cozy in their stroller.
- Portable changing pad: Because those restaurant changing facilities are usually pretty solid.
- Car window shade: Another way to keep baby’s skin safe from UV rays.
Memory making
Every moment is precious, mama.
But there’s a lot to remember, so these keepsakes can keep those moments in your heart.
- Photo albums: Sure, we have albums on smartphones, but it’s just not the same!
- Photo frames: Whether you go for classic photo frames or digital ones that flick through every precious memory is up to you.
- Baby’s first year book: For milestones in baby’s life, a baby memory book is a definite must for your baby registry.
Services
Pretty much the best way to help mama, postpartum.
If you’re not sure what to get the mama who has everything, these are great additions to a baby registry:
- Doula: To help lighten the load, a doula can help with household chores, looking after baby, and looking after mama.
- Newborn photo shoot: Because they won’t be that small for long!
- Help with cleaning and tidying the house: If your budget is tight, any help around the house can be such a thoughtful gift for a new mom.
- Home-cooked, prepared meals: Having time to prep and cook meals is pretty tricky when there’s a newborn in the house.
- Babysitting: Maybe while mama sleeps, while she’s having a bath or shower, or just whenever she wants!
All the best, mama!
Exciting times ahead.
Share your gifting wins (and gifting fails) with us.
Even if it’s that giant stuffed gorilla! 🦍
