Baby Registry Checklist

Feeling totally overwhelmed by the process of setting up a baby registry? That’s understandable — babies need so much stuff, and it can be tough to know where to begin when compiling your list of essentials for your future bundle of joy.

But setting up a baby registry can also be fun, and will ultimately make your life easier in the long run. Why? A baby registry tells your eager friends and family exactly which gifts will help you out the most. A registry also provides you with a place to keep track of baby gear before your little one arrives. That’s why What to Expect has created the ultimate baby registry checklist — a definitive list of baby registry must-haves, from big-ticket items (like the crib and stroller) to everyday essentials (think diapers, wipes and burp cloths).

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How does a baby registry work?

A baby registry is a list of items that parents-to-be would like to receive as gifts. This ensures that future moms and dads get everything they need to welcome home their new addition. Typically, baby registries are organized by store and can be set up either as an online baby registry or physical one. Some registries allow you to combine lists from multiple retailers.

Many popular baby registries also offer additional perks, such as free returns, price matching, a welcome box of freebies and a completion discount on select items. Certain online features, like a gift tracker for thank-you notes or an app that lets you monitor your registry on the go, may also be helpful. 

How to choose the best baby registry

Wondering where you should register? The best baby registry for you depends on your specific needs, such as your budget, the product brands you’re considering and whether you’d prefer to register online or in-store.

Here’s a brief overview of the most popular baby registries out there; check out What to Expect’s list of the best baby registries for more detailed information about each.

When should you make a baby registry?

You should feel free to create your registry as early as you’d like. In fact, many online baby registries now allow you to set yours to “private” mode — this feature lets you discreetly start adding items in those first few months of pregnancy, before you’ve announced your news to friends and family.

If you’re having a baby shower, it’s a good idea to complete your baby registry before invitations are sent out so guests have plenty of time to choose a gift. You can continue adding items to your registry leading up to the shower.

What to put on a baby registry

This fail-safe baby registry checklist will help keep you focused as you gear up. It includes every product you’ll actually use when your little one comes home — and none of the extras you’ll never need.

Bathing

• Baby tub
• Soft hooded towels
• Washcloths
• Baby-safe body wash and shampoo
• Baby-safe body lotion
• Simple bath toys
• Faucet cover

Bedding

To follow safe sleep practices, stick to just a fitted sheet in baby’s crib without any crib bumpers, pillows, stuffed animals or blankets.

• Crib mattress
• Waterproof mattress protector
• 2 or more fitted sheets

Clothing

• 10 leggings or elastic-waist trousers
• 10 pairs of footed pajamas
• 10 pairs of socks
• 10 short-sleeve onesies
• 10 long-sleeve onesies
• 8 pairs of non-footed pajamas
• 1 snowsuit with mittens and booties (for a winter baby)
• 1 soft hat
• 1 outfit to come home from the hospital in
• 1 pair of soft-soled baby shoes (these aren’t essential, but you might want them for photos)
• Baby-safe laundry detergent

Feeding

If you are not breastfeeding, you’ll only need the items with a star next to them.

• Breast pump
• Extra pump parts
• Breast milk freezer bags
• Nursing pillow
• Nursing bras
• Nipple cream
• Nursing cover
• Baby bottles and nipples*
• Several bottle brushes*
• Bottle drying rack*
• High chair*

Medical must-haves

• Baby-safe nail trimmer
• Thermometer
• Rubbing alcohol pads
• Saline nasal drops
• Suction bulb

Nursery furniture and gear

• Crib
• Bassinet
• Rocking chair or glider
• Changing table
• Light dimmer or night light
• White noise machine
• Baby monitor
• Baby books
• Baskets or bins for storage

Playtime

• Swing, seat or bouncer
• Activity mat
• Soft baby book
• Soft stacking blocks
• Wooden stacking blocks
• Teething toy
• Rattles or maracas
• Organic cotton stuffed animals
• “Lovey” blanket

Travel items

• Infant car seat
• Stroller
• Stroller bunting for cold or rainy weather
• Baby carrier
• Diaper bag
• Portable changing pad
• Travel crib or playard