How to Build the Ultimate Baby Registry

New baby on the way? After you’re done asking google every question imaginable from “what’s happening to my body?” to “what skincare products can I use?” the next question on every expecting parent’s mind is “what do I put on my baby registry?”.

Whether you’re a first time parent or not, you need to make sure you have the essentials covered before you welcome your new little one into the world, so you don’t end up wishing you for something when you already need it. Here’s a list of all the things you need to add to your baby registry (and the things you can leave off the list).

Where to Register

First, you need to have a registry. The most common baby registries are the Amazon baby registry and the Target baby registry. We suggest registering in both places to cover all your bases.

• Check out our ultimate guides on each registry here and here to learn everything you need to know — from how to find the registry page to the best baby products they offer.

When to Register`

Most parents-to-be start building their registries around week 12 of pregnancy. But, there’s no harm in starting earlier than that. Especially if it’s your first kid, your friends and family get excited and want to start gifting you right away, so you might as well nudge them in the right direction. The “deadline” to register would be around 2 weeks before your baby shower.

OUR BABY REGISTRY CHECKLIST

Baby Registry Must Haves

• Baby Diapers
• Bottom Wash
• Diaper Rash Cream
• Baby Wipes

Baby Essentials You’ll Need for the First Week

• Newborn Bottles
• Swaddles
• Nightlight for Late-Night Feeding
• Baby Clothes
• Infant Carrier

What You’ll Need for Baby’s First Bath

• Infant Tub
• Fragrance-Free Shampoo and baby wash
• Fragrance-Free Lotion

Baby Essentials for Bedtime

• Organic Cotton Mattress
• Fitted Crib Sheets
• White Noise Machine

Baby Feeding Essentials

• Nursing Pillow
• Bibs
• Breast Pump

Everyday Baby Essentials

• Portable Crib
• Nail Clippers
• Glider or Rocking Chair
• Boppy Lounger
• Nasal Aspirator

Nursery Necessities

• Changing Table
• Playard
• Infant Swing
• Diaper Pail

Travel Must-Haves

• Diaper Backpack
• Carseat
• Hand Sanitizer
• Stroller
• Portable Changing Pad
• Travel Wipes

What Mom Needs

• Mama-Safe Makeup
• High-Waisted Underwear
• Food Delivery Gift Cards

What Not to Put on Your Baby Registry

There’s no definitive answer on what not to register for because every family is different — some people love wipe warmers, some people can live without them.  But, there are three things that we feel like we can rule out.

• Baby Shoes

  • Your baby will probably grow out of them before they even wear them

• Expensive Bassinets

  • You’ll end up wanting something that’s sturdy over frilly

• Toys

  • People will give these to you anyway and they usually end up going rogue. We suggest asking for high-contrast books, which are great for keeping infants entertained