Building a baby registry is serious business. Alot goes into taking care of a baby and it can be difficult to navigate all the options out there in terms of baby gear, clothing, and essentials. Expectant mamas want to be prepared but are often left wondering if they have everything they need on their baby registry.
I vividly remember how I felt the first time I walked into a big box baby store to build my registry. I had my registry gun in hand, and had ZERO idea what I was doing. I ended up having to leave the store and go home to do research before I could make any decisions.
I am here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you! I have built the ultimate baby registry checklist. Plus, I’ve done a ton of research on the easiest ways to build your baby registry as well!
If you have not already started your baby registry, you can do so TODAY at many stories! Basically any store that sells baby items. I have noticed that Amazon & Walmart have THE largest selection of baby items and their online system makes it easy to build and manage your registry. Plus, they have great tools to help you make sure you have all the essentials added to your list.
Let’s jump into the essential items needed to build your baby registry!
Baby Clothes
This is probably the thing I was most excited about buying when I first found out I was pregnant! But it was probably also the area I went most overboard in. When it comes to a newborn, they do not need much in terms of clothing. Sleepers are the most used item (and always go with zip up options, buttons are a pain!).
I suggest having 6 onesies, 6 pants, 6 shirts, socks, hats and mittens on hand. Of course, if you live somewhere colder, you may need more weather appropriate clothing. Having various sizes on hand is wise as well. Most babies move out of the Newborn size clothing quickly.
I like to have clothing up to 6 month on hand when bringing home baby. My son was in 6 month clothing by the time he was 3 months!
Baby Sleep
Prepping to help your baby get the best sleep possible is vital for parents to get the best sleep possible.
First off, you will obviously need a crib (Milk Street has tons of incredible options). Next, you will need a safe mattress for baby. In order to reduce the risk of SIDS, your baby’s mattress will need to be firm.
You will need 1-2 waterproof mattress covers as well as 3-4 sets of crib sheets.
When it comes to baby monitors, I cannot recommend the Owlet Baby Sock ENOUGH! The Owlet baby sock tracks your baby’s oxygen levels and heart beat and alerts you if something is wrong. Talk about peace of mind! Owlet also has a great baby camera that streams right to your phone. There are also other amazing options for monitoring systems! Feel free to do your own research to find what works best for you and baby.
To help baby sleep for longer stretches, a good swaddle and sound machine are key. A sound machine will mimic the noise your baby heard in the womb and will also help drown out any noises throughout the house that may wake your baby.
Baby Gear
Some of the largest expenses when preparing for a baby come from baby gear. When it comes to selecting what you will splurge and what you will save on, I suggest always going for the best car seat you can afford to keep baby safe.
A crib may be another large expense, but if you select one that converts to a toddler bed and eventually to a full size bed, you will save money in the long run! The bed you purchase could be used for the next 18 years!
As for a high chair, there are alot of great options out there, but you want to select the one that works best for your home set up.
A good stroller is also key. There are so many options available, so it’s best to choose what fits your lifestyle.
Speaking from experience, I spent ALOT of time in a rocking chair those first few months nursing baby and putting them to sleep. A good glider that is comfortable for both mom and dad is a must-have.
One of the most used items in our day-to-day life aside from the ones I’ve already mentioned is a baby carrier.
Feeding
Aside from the high chair, baby will need bottles, spoons, forks and bows, I have both the Como Tomo Bottles and the Dr. Browns Options Bottles. You will want to register for a variety of nipple flows (slow, medium and fast). There are a few cleaning items to register for as well: bottle brushes, drying rack, and sanitizing bags. While it may be a few months before baby uses them, register for sippy cups as well.
Don’t forget the burp clothes and bibs! I always recommend going with silicone bibs and they are easy to clean and don’t hold stains like a cotton bib would.
If you plan to make your own baby food, you will want to register for a baby food maker. I highly suggest the Baeba Baby food maker. It allows you to steam, puree, and heat all in one machine!
Breastfeeding
If you plan to breastfeed, there are so essential items you will need. First off, a great breast pump is key. I recommend the Medela Pump In Style Double Electric Pump. If you have not already, reach out to your insurance company about getting a free breast pump. In my experience, my insurance company has instructed me to purchase the pump and send in a receipt for a refund.
You will also need milk storage bags, nipple cream (you WILL have pain in those first few days), a breastfeeding pillow, nursing bras, and a breastfeeding cover if you choose to use one while feeding in public.
Diapering
Creating a diaper stockpile prior to baby arriving will ensure you are not left running out to the store in the middle of the night for a diaper run. You will want to have plenty of wipes and diaper rash cream on hand as well. When it comes to a diaper pail, go with the best! The last thing you want is your house smelling like a dirty diaper. I recommend the Playtex Diaper Pail (the awards this product has received speak for the quality!). Be sure you register for refill bags as well!
Medical Supplies
While I hope and pray for baby to never be anything but healthy, you will want to have some supplies on your registry in case they do get sick. A good thermometer, nasal aspirator (nothing beats the Nose Frida), and humidifier are the basics and you can add more items if you’d like to give you peace of mind. I always like to suggest having some gas relief items as well, like the Windi.
Bathing Baby
You will want to register for a few essentials for baby bathing. A baby bath tub, spout cover, hooded towels, wash cloths and gentle baby soap and shampoo. Be sure to get some bath toys too to make bath time fun! You can also register for a water thermometer to ensure the water is not too hot for baby.
Baby Proofing
While it may be hard to imagine that the little baby in your tummy is going to be crawling around your home and getting into just about everything, it will be happening before you know it! Baby proofing essentials to add to your registry include: baby gates, pinch guards, outlet covers, anti-tip hardware for tv’s and furniture, knob covers and cabinet locks.
Hope you enjoyed reading!
Be sure to leave some of your must-have items down below!