The Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist for First Time Moms

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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?

1. 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. 
   
   

2. Hand Sanitizer

   • You will want a few portable sizes and at least one large size.
   

3. Crib

   
4. Crib Mattress
5. Crib Sheets - Multiple
6. Crib Waterproof Pads - At least 2

7. 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.) 

8. 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).

9. Milk Storage Bags - If you're breastfeeding

   

10. 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).

    

11. Bassinet

    
12. Graco Pack 'n Play Portable Playard 
13. Baby Shampoo, Soap, & Lotion
14. Baby Towels

15. Baby Bather

    

16. Baby Comb

17. Washcloths

    • 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. 
    

18. Baby Bottles

    • 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.

19. Bottle Drying Rack

    • You want to keep your baby bottles and pumping equipment separate from any family dishes.

20. Baby Bottle Brush

    

21. Portable Diaper Changing Kit

22. DockATot Deluxe+

    • 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!)
23. Infants' Tylenol Pain - For teething time
24. Diaper Rash Ointment
25. Portable Diaper Bag Dispenser with Bags
26. Baby Wipes
27. Diapers

28. Diaper Bag

    • I recommend ordering a unisex bag so dad feels comfortable carrying it around. 

    

29. Diaper Pail or Diaper Genie

30. Nursing Pads

    • Whether you are nursing or not, you will have leaking breasts!
31. Lanolin - If you're breastfeeding
32. Baby Car Mirror - Ask for 2 if you're using 2 cars
33. Baby Burp Cloths

34. Bibs

    

35. Video Baby Monitor

36. NoseFrida

    • It's a baby nasal aspirator AKA a miracle worker.

37. Pacifiers

    • Make sure you get newborn sizes.

38. Teether

    • Sophie la Girafe Teether has the best reviews!
    
39. High Chair or Hook-On Table Chair

40. 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."
41. Baby Thermometer

42. 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.

43. Bottle Warmer

    • 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. 

44. Nursing Pillow and Positioner - If you're breastfeeding

    

45. Humidifier

46. 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:
    • Babybjörn Baby Carrier
    • Moby Baby Wrap

    

47. Developmental Entertainer Walker
48. Portable Baby Swing or Rocker
49. Bumbo Floor Seat

50. Infinity Nursing Scarf - If you're breastfeeding

    • This is good for the nursing mom who still wants to cover up in public. 
51. Shopping Cart Seat Cover and Seat Positioner

52. Baby Plates, Bowls, & Silverware

    

53. Pacifier Clips

    • 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.
      
54. 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).

55. Mobile for Crib

    

56. Blankets

57. Stuffed Animals

    

58. Clothes

    • Socks, shoes, mittens, onesies—people can't resist buying you this stuff, even if you don't ask for it. 

59. Baby Books

    

60. Rocking Chair

61. Nursery Decor

    • Worry about the baby essentials. You can always decorate later.
    

62. 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!

63. Night Light

    
64. Hamper
65. Headbands, Hats, and/or Bows

Where To Start A Baby Registry?

Start your baby registry on Amazon!

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