Baby Registry Tips & Checklist: What to Add, What to Skip
Congratulations! Creating a baby registry is such an exciting milestone in your pregnancy. Preparing to welcome a new baby into your life and home can feel overwhelming—especially when your head is swimming with endless product recommendations. The good news? You don’t need everything on the market to be ready for your little one. This guide will help make the process fun, simple, and as stress-free as possible.
We’ll walk you through the true baby registry essentials: items that fit your lifestyle and budget. Yes, having a baby comes with expenses, but it doesn’t have to be unmanageable. Lean on your community, focus on what you’ll need in those first weeks, and remember: you can always add items later.
Ready to create a smart, practical registry without overspending? Let’s dive into the checklist!
HINT: If you want to skip the read below, you can jump straight to my full Amazon Newborn Registry here!
The Essentials: What You Need Right Now
First, focus on what's practical for your life, not just what looks cute. Babies grow fast, and so will your list of needs! Here's what to include:
Feeding Essentials
There’s no way to guarantee whether you’ll end up breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or doing a mix of both. It’s best to be prepared for all possible situations when it comes to feeding:
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Baby Bottles
Bottles: Start with a few of different varieties, and see what your baby gravitates towards.
Nursing Pillow: Your arms will thank you!
Pump: Keep this unopened and return if you don’t use it (just check the return guidelines to be sure!). You’ll also want Storage Bags to keep extra breastmilk for later.
Breastfeeding Essentials Kit: rather than buying everything separately, these kits have all the basics you’ll need!
Bottle Accessories: Such as cleaning brushes and drying racks
MY TWO CENTS: Skip the bottle sterilizing apparatus and just sterilize using a big pot of boiling water! Could be just me but I’m old school and I don’t love a single item taking up that much counter space.
Sleep Must-Haves
This is my bread and butter, and I could talk about this forever, but I’ll try to be brief! Add these to your list:
Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine
Crib: That can be converted as your child grows. You can skip the mini crib - they won’t be in it for long! If your stroller comes with a bassinet, consider a bassinet stand for use at home.
Lightweight Swaddles: I love these oversized ones because they are multi-use (lay them down for a diaper change in a pinch)! These swaddles are also great if you’re intimidated by the DIY version)
White Noise Machine: Besides drowning out noises that could wake your baby, white nose is a helpful sleep cue, and choosing a machine with a built-in okay-to-wake clock (like the Hatch) means your child will use it for years to come! There’s also options for white noise on the go.
A Pack-n-Play: If you’re planning to travel with your child in the early days, this is essential
Audio and Visual Monitor: Being able to see and hear your baby will ease your mind in the beginning, and it’s a game changer for sleep training down the road!
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: Your registry doesn’t need to be products only. Consider asking for help with postpartum support services, such as a lactation or sleep consultant.
Diapering Supplies
Aquaphor Baby Healing Balm Stick
You’ll need diapers right from the very first moment you bring them home! Pre stock for their arrival:
Diapers: I’ve used Pampers for all 4 of my kids, they’re easy to find and affordable
Wipes: No wipe warmer for you! Whatever you do at home, you’ll have to replicate on the go, so I recommend getting your baby used to a room temperature wipe.
Rash Cream: Nothing’s worse than running to the store after a rash appears, have this on hand and your future self will thank you!
Angelcare Baby Bath Support
Bath Time Basics
No need for rubber duckies and bath toys just yet, keep it simple with:
A Bath Lounger: Check measurements to ensure it fits in your sink or tub.
Gentle Baby Soap: Stay away from heavy scents (newborn baby smell is the best anyways)
Washcloths and Towels
On-the-Go Gear
Gaiatop Mini Portable Stroller Fan
Leaving the house with a newborn is hard - make it as easy as possible for yourself by having the right supplies:
Car Seat: Install this before the baby comes if possible, and practice getting it in and out of it’s base.
Stroller: Choose one that can grow with your child (these are easy to snag second hand)
Portable White Noise: For naps on the go
Stroller Fan: To keep air circulating and your baby cool on hot summer outings
Skip the Hype: What You Might Not Need
Not everything labelled "must-have" truly is. Here's a quick list of items you might want to skip:
Wipe warmers: Sure a warm wipe sounds luxurious, but get your baby used to them at home and you’re going to have to find a way to replicate it in a public bathroom on-the-go.
Any type of infant lounger pillow, they may seem convenient but they aren’t safe!
Overly niche gadgets like baby food makers or formula dispensers. These items are expensive, and you’ll outgrow them before you know it!
Expensive baby clothes—they'll outgrow them faster than you can say "photo op!"
REMEMBER: your baby’s needs are actually very simple. Don’t get caught up in the perfect nurseries or flawlessly dressed children you see online.
save Big Without Skimping
Baby gear doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here's how to stretch your budget while building the best baby registry:
Source from Your Community
Borrow big-ticket items like strollers and bassinets from family or friends. Babies outgrow these so quickly that gently used gear is often as good as new.
Check out local buy/sell groups or marketplaces for deals on popular baby registry items.
Hand-me-downs might require a bit of sorting
Prioritize Immediate Needs
Focus on the first 3-6 months and skip stocking up on things you won't use until later. You can always add more items to your baby registry as needed.
Create a Budget Friendly Registry
Add a mix of price points for gift-givers.
Take advantage of completion discounts offered by most baby registry websites.
If your registry is open during a sale (ex. PrimeDay for Amazon) send out a reminder to let folks know that they can take advantage of discounts (if this feels awkward you can always ask a trusted friend to give them the nudge for you)
STORAGE TIP: If you go the hand-me-down route, organize clothes into large ziplock bags based on age/size and season. This makes it super easy to find what you’re looking for, and keeps clutter out of your closet! (If you need help is this department, Jackie at Clarity Through Organization is worth every penny!)
Final Thoughts
I’m sure you know a mom who filled her registry with every gadget under the sun—only to realize her baby's favourite toy was an empty water bottle. The moral? Babies don't care about labels or trends. They care about love, warmth, and you.
Not sure what to add to your registry? Check out my curated Newborn Registery Essentials on Amazon, and don’t forget to add a Newborn Sleep Foundations Call with Me (Meg O’Leary) to your wishlist!
Wishing you and your baby a wonderful first few months together! And remember, I’m always here for a Complimentary Consultation Call should you need support in the future!
Meg O'Leary is an Infant and Child Sleep Expert and the founder of A Restful Night. Based in Westchester County, NY, she leads a team of certified sleep coaches to provide virtual support to families across the US and around the world.
