Baby Registry Checklist

Congratulations! You’re pregnant. Hopefully you’ve made it out of the first trimester with your dignity intact, and you’re starting to feel better.

So, your registry. Do you need one? Well, most people do. Loved ones and friends are going to buy you stuff, whether you have a shower or not. So it’s best to have a list for them to buy from, instead of having them go rouge (this is also my advice re: wedding registries).

Keep reading to find out what you do and don’t need on your registry. We’ve also compiled all this information into a spreadsheet, so head over there to see our advice in all its tabulated glory. This post will summarize the essential items, but the spreadsheet has the whole kit and caboodle. Please feel free to download the spreadsheet and make it your own!

Where to register

We don’t have a strong opinion about this. Most of the links you will find in this post and our spreadsheet are Amazon links (we do get a small kickback if you purchase anything after clicking these links!). You can create a wishlist on Amazon. You may also (or instead) want to have a registry at a brick-and-mortar store, for those not-so-computer-savvy relatives. Buy Buy Baby or Target are both good options. You aunt will probably appreciate that she can use her Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons at Buy Buy.

What you need

Again, this post summarizes essential items. Check out the spreadsheet for everything.

Bath Time

You’ll need a small tub of some kind and a baby wash/shampoo combo.

Clothes

We do list some favorites on the spreadsheet, but honestly, you don’t need to register for clothes. People will buy you all manners of clothes, whether you register for them or not.

Diaper Stuff

We both used and liked Pampers, but this is a personal decision that involves lots of factors. But don’t fall down the rabbit hole too hard! Here’s a good comparison of diaper options. Decide what’s most important to you (cost, the environment, skin sensitivity) and go from there. We do not know anything about cloth diapers, sorry.

If you register for diapers, ask for Size 1. You do not know if your baby will be small enough to fit into Newborn size. You can buy one small pack of Newborn size to have on hand in case, and then buy more if needed.

You also need a place to change the baby and a place to dispose of diapers.

Feeding

Even if you plan to breastfeed, you should have some bottles on hand, to give pumped milk or formula in a pinch. Only get one or two of any kind of bottle, though. Some babies are particular about bottles. When you find one your kid likes, get more.

We like cloth diaper inserts as burp clothes. They’re cheap and super absorbent.

Register for a high chair, even though you won’t use it for 6 months.

Medical

You should have a few essentials on hand.

Stroller/Car Seat

We both have and like the Britax system. This can be an overwhelming decision. Don’t fall down the rabbit hole too hard! This is a great research item to assign to dad. Lucie’s List has a run down of your options. We don’t list an umbrella stroller as essential, but a lot of people like to have one. Check the spreadsheet for our recommendations.

Sleep

You need a crib, crib stuff, and a baby monitor. Make sure to get at least two mattress covers and sheets. Since cribs are a standard size, you don’t need to fret about the size, as long as it says “crib sheet”.

We also both loved the Fisher Price Rock n’ Play for the early days, but that’s not an essential item. Some folks spring for a bassinet, basically helpful if 1) your child’s crib isn’t in your room already and 2) doesn’t fit in your room if it isn’t. In the early days, newborns wake so often you’ll want to keep them in your room even if you formula feed and if you breastfeed you may not want to kick them out until they stop waking multiple times a night. If you can find a nice friend, borrow one from them. Caitlin likes the Arms Reach Co-Sleeper and if money were no object, we’d have gotten a Snoo.

Misc

Here some other stuff we recommend registering for!

What you don’t need

You won’t find the following items on our list, even though they’re typically found on baby registry checklists. You don’t need them!

• Baby medicine dispenser/spoon/dropper – Infant meds come with them.
• Baby shampoo – Get a wash/shampoo combo. You don’t need both.
• Baby washcloths – Your adult washcloths are perfectly fine
• Books – You will receive plenty of these as gifts. No need to register.
• Bottle sterilizer – It’s called a dishwasher.
• Diaper wipe warmer – Come on.
• Formula – If you plan to breastfeed, keep one of the free samples you will inevitably receive in the mail.
• Hooded towel – Yes, they are super cute. But a regular towel will do.
• Infant mittens – They don’t stay on. If you’re really concerned about scratching, get onesies with the convertible mitten on the sleeve. Like this.
• Insulated bottle carrier – Most diaper bags have insulated pockets or come with one.
• Kid hangers – You’re not hanging that kid’s shit. If you do, you’ll already be choking on tons of Carter’s hangers.
• Lovies/blankets/stuffed animals – Again, you will receive plenty of these as gifts. No need to register.
• Mobile – Not needed. Unless you want one for aesthetics.
• Nipple shields – You may not need them. I was given one in the hospital by my lactation consultant when it turned out I did.
• Nursing cover – Whip it out! Or use a scarf. If you are EXTREMELY modest, Caitlin used something like this one…for a few weeks. These things get massively annoying when you’re trying to breastfeed a hungry baby.
• Receiving blankets – Not even sure what these are.
• Stroller/Car seat travel bag – If you’re prolific travelers, sure. Otherwise you don’t need it.
• Toys/rattles/Sophie the Giraffe – Again, you will receive plenty of these as gifts. No need to register.
• Tub thermometer – Your elbow will do just fine.