The Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist for First Time Moms

Sam C’s may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content.
BABY REGISTRY CHECKLIST FOR FIRST TIME MOMS
The feeling of creating a baby registry can either be extremely exciting or extremely overwhelming. There is no in-between.
I distinctly remember my sister (who was throwing my baby shower) becoming frustrated with me because I only registered for about 10 items and claimed to be done. She told me to ADD MORE, but I had no idea what I needed!
Now that I've lived through it, I feel confident I can share with you the items you'll need to feel ready for your baby's big debut.
Below, is the ultimate checklist that includes your must-haves, good-to-haves, and the non-essentials.
WHAT TO PUT ON BABY REGISTRY?
-
Infant Stroller Travel System - Including infant car seat
- If you get a whole travel system, you will get a car seat, matching base, and stroller all-in-one. If you and your partner have two cars, I recommend registering for an extra car seat base.
-
- You will want a few portable sizes and at least one large size.
-
- Crib Mattress
- Crib Sheets - Multiple
- Crib Waterproof Pads - At least 2
-
Changing Table Pad - Everyone will need a changing table pad, but not everyone will need a changing table
- Some moms buy a new dresser with a built in changing table.
- Some moms buy a changing table tray and place it on top of an existing dresser, and then the pad goes in the tray.
- Some moms buy only the changing table pad and place that on top of an existing dresser. (Because I'm a saver, I went with this option. The tray isn't really necessary, but looks nice.)
-
Changing Table Pad Covers - Multiple
- Make sure you look for the covers with the wipeable material in the center and the soft cotton panels on the sides (skip the 100% cotton covers because they get dirty much faster).
-
Milk Storage Bags - If you're breastfeeding
-
Swaddles - Pick the kind you prefer
- My number one choice is the SwaddleMe Original Blankets. They are velcro and make swaddling super easy.
- Next, I like the SwaddleMe Pods. These are also simple to use, but they are not as tight. They zip up the middle which is extremely convenient when changing diapers because you don't have to completely unswaddle the baby.
- Muslin Swaddle Blankets are also popular because the material is light and breathable. This is a safe choice for babies because they are less likely to overheat. However, they are large in size and thus more difficult to get the perfect swaddle (practice makes perfect).
-
- Graco Pack 'n Play Portable Playard
- Baby Shampoo, Soap, & Lotion
- Baby Towels
-
- Baby Comb
-
- The first couple of weeks, your newborn will still have his/her umbilical cord. This means you will need to give your baby a sponge bath until it falls off. You can buy a sponge or use baby washcloths.
-
- Whether you are breastfeeding or using formula, you'll want infant bottles. Not all babies take the bottle graciously, but if yours will, it will... ONE: give your nipples a break, and TWO: give dad or whomever an opportunity to bond with the baby.
-
- You want to keep your baby bottles and pumping equipment separate from any family dishes.
-
- Portable Diaper Changing Kit
-
- You can pick any baby lounger you prefer, but honestly, the DockATot has proven to be the best in our household. (We prefer it to the Boppy!)
- Infants' Tylenol Pain - For teething time
- Diaper Rash Ointment
- Portable Diaper Bag Dispenser with Bags
- Baby Wipes
- Diapers
-
- I recommend ordering a unisex bag so dad feels comfortable carrying it around.
- Diaper Pail or Diaper Genie
-
- Whether you are nursing or not, you will have leaking breasts!
- Lanolin - If you're breastfeeding
- Baby Car Mirror - Ask for 2 if you're using 2 cars
- Baby Burp Cloths
-
- Video Baby Monitor
-
- It's a baby nasal aspirator AKA a miracle worker.
-
- Make sure you get newborn sizes.
-
Teether
- Sophie la Girafe Teether has the best reviews!
- High Chair or Hook-On Table Chair
-
Baby Formula - If you are using formula
- You don't want to register for too much formula though because you never know if your baby will have sensitivity issues to certain kinds, in which case you'll need to change brands.
- Even if you're breastfeeding, it's not a bad idea to have just a little bit of formula in the house for supplementation or "in case of emergencies."
- Baby Thermometer
-
Breast Milk Saver - If you're breastfeeding
- When you breastfeed, BOTH breasts are stimulated, so whichever breast you're not nursing with will leak milk. A milk saver collects the milk from your non-nursing side. Save every drop!
- I used Milkies Milk-Saver Breast Milk Collector, but there are other brands out there that I'm sure are fine too.
-
- Not all babies will take the bottle, or it could just be that they don't want cold milk. My baby had no issues with the bottle after we warmed it up a little bit. A bottle warmer saves you valuable time opposed to waiting for a pot of water to boil.
-
Nursing Pillow and Positioner - If you're breastfeeding
- Humidifier
-
Baby Carrier
- There are many types of carriers out there. You may want to choose one that both you and your partner like, or get one of each! These are the two I own:
- Developmental Entertainer Walker
- Portable Baby Swing or Rocker
- Bumbo Floor Seat
-
Infinity Nursing Scarf - If you're breastfeeding
- This is good for the nursing mom who still wants to cover up in public.
- Shopping Cart Seat Cover and Seat Positioner
-
Baby Plates, Bowls, & Silverware
-
- These are so you don't have to worry about pacifiers hitting the floor! There are awesome clips out there that come with silicone teething beads attached.
- These are so you don't have to worry about pacifiers hitting the floor! There are awesome clips out there that come with silicone teething beads attached.
-
White Noise Machine
WHAT NOT TO PUT ON BABY REGISTRY
So when I say "not to," I don't mean that you won't need them, but you just don't need to add them to your registry because you'll either get them anyway or get hand-me-downs... and then some things are just best to buy for yourself (if you want them).
-
- Blankets
-
-
Clothes
- Socks, shoes, mittens, onesies—people can't resist buying you this stuff, even if you don't ask for it.
-
- Rocking Chair
-
- Worry about the baby essentials. You can always decorate later.
-
Baby Monthly Milestone Blanket
- How will you document your baby's milestones? Chalkboard? Felt Letter Board? Milestone blanket? There are a ton of adorable options out there!
-
- Hamper
- Headbands, Hats, and/or Bows
Where To Start A Baby Registry?
Start your baby registry on Amazon!
- Samantha Colandrea
Comments 0