Building the Ultimate Baby Registry

Hey there, future parents! Congratulations on the exciting journey ahead. As you prepare to welcome your little bundle of joy, creating a comprehensive baby registry is a crucial step in ensuring you have all the essentials ready. You likely have one, or maybe several baby showers on the horizon. Or you may have friends or coworkers asking “where are you registered”? Because let’s be honest, everyone wants to shower a new little baby with love! If you are like me, you might be overwhelmed with where to begin! What do little babies even need? From nursery must-haves to adorable tiny outfits, let’s dive into the world of baby essentials and build the ultimate registry that suits your needs.

First, I recommend creating a baby registry on Amazon. Here’s why:

1. It’s super easy and convenient.
2. Amazon will honor returns and full refunds up to 6 months after your due date.
3. If there are items from your registry that you do not receive as a gift that you purchase for yourself, you will receive a 15% discount. So load up your registry with things like diapers and wipes!
4. For people who are unable to make it to your shower, they can easily choose something from your registry and have it shipped to your home!

If you are morally opposed to Amazon, not a problem! Use whatever store YOU love. Target, Walmart, or other registries. This list is just a suggestion of items you will want to stock before that little one comes! Now, let’s build that baby registry.

1. Nursery:

• Crib and mattress– You may want to purchase one new, or consider looking for a crib on Facebook marketplace! Whether you get one new or used, I always recommend buying a new mattress for your little one.
• Bassinet– Many parents choose to have a bassinet in their bedroom for the first several months, and then transition baby into his/her own room around 6-12 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends baby be in a room with their parents in their own bed (ie bassinet) for at least the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Changing table– These are seriously so handy you might want one for the baby’s room, and a common space you frequently spend time as well.
• Dresser- You can often find changing table-dresser combos. Here is my favorite dresser/changing table combo on Amazon.
• Rocking chair or glider- I have an entire post dedicated to choosing the perfect glider here.
• Baby monitor- Many parents prefer a video baby monitor, but if those are out of your price range there are many inexpensive audio monitors that work just as well.

2. Feeding:

• Bottles and nipples– Choose a brand that works for you. Most people I know have used the Doc Brown bottles with success, as this decreases the instances of reflux and colic.
• Bottle drying rack– This one is not completely necessary, but very convenient.
• Breast pump (if breastfeeding)- Here is a more detailed post including the 10 best breast pumps on Amazon.
• Formula (if not breastfeeding)- This is another trial and error. Normally pediatricians will recommend starting with Enfamil Neuropro, or Similac Advance. But your baby may be sensitive to formula. Get some samples from your pediatrician to see what formula works best for your baby before you stock up.
• Nursing bras and pads
• Burp cloths
• High chair- Here is another detailed post about how to pick the right high chair, including the best 10 high chairs on Amazon.

3. Clothing:

My recommendation- DON’T BUY ANY BABY CLOTHES! If you are having a baby shower, people LOVE to buy baby clothes, so don’t waste space on your registry for clothes. You can of course buy some cute outfits if you feel you don’t get enough. But babies grow so fast, your little one will likely not wear even half their outfits before they outgrow them.

• Onesies- A pack of white onesies for every size is a good idea.
• Sleepsuits/ sleepsacks.
• Socks and booties- always get a pack of white socks, you will inevitably lose many socks, so buying special socks that need a pair is tedious.
• Hats- For night-time, winter, and that newborn period when your baby’s little head is recovering from the trauma of birth.
• Swaddle blankets– I prefer the stretchy swaddles over the muslin swaddle because they are much easier to wrap your baby tight. But again, you might add both to your registry and see which you like more!

4. Diapering:

• Diapers (cloth or disposable)- Personally, my favorite diaper brand is Huggies. We were gifted many diapers, so I won’t complain about any free diapers. But I noticed my little would have blowouts more frequently in Pampers diapers. Our preferred brand is Huggies! Really they are the best, with hardly any blowouts! I will 100% endorse Huggies. If you want to use cloth diapers, wonderful! This brand is recommended by all my cloth diapering friends.
• Wipes– for these, any brand will do. They all work about the same.
• Diaper rash cream- I love both Desitin and Boudreaux’s butt paste. Be sure to get some butt paste spatulas so you don’t have to get your hands all dirty!
• Changing pad- One for when you’re on the go, and one for your changing table.
• Diaper bag- Here are my top 5 diaper bag recommendations.
• Diaper pail– Yes, yes, yes this you need! It’s my #1 recommendation for your baby registry.
• Diaper pail refill bags

5. Bathing:

• Baby bathtub– you will be grateful you have this for the first 6 months. Bath time was always one of our best times.
• Baby shampoo and soap
• Soft washcloths
• Hooded towels
• Baby lotion– this is 100% my favorite lotion. You will die over how good it smells!
• Baby brush and comb

6. Health and Safety:

• Infant car seat- more info on how to choose the best baby car seat here.
• Stroller- check out this post for the top 10 strollers on Amazon.
• First aid kit- having a newborn can be scary. I recommend having this first aid kit, it’s amazing and fits in the diaper bag! For more info on essentials to keep on hand for a healthy baby, check out this post.
• Thermometer- Yes, you’re going to want this. You don’t want to be driving to get a thermometer when your baby is screaming and sick with fever.
• Baby nail clippers- You absolutely need these. Baby nails grow WAY too fast. I prefer the electric nail file, but this nail care set is also amazing and gentle for little ones.
• Outlet covers– you might not need these immediately, but you will definitely want these around the 7-9 month mark when that little baby is moving.

7. Playtime and Development:

• Playmat– I love this one, it has great toys and makes tummy time much more fun.
• Toys (rattles, soft toys)
• Books- I love reading books to my little one. But remember, your local library is also a great place to visit!
• Baby swing or bouncer– You are going to want a place to put your baby down while you cook or fold laundry, or just to have some time to yourself. A swing or bouncer usually keeps your little one entertained and happy. So definitely add this to the registry.
• Baby mirror– another fun toy for tummy time.

8. Traveling:

• Baby carrier or wrap- Here are my top 3 favorite baby carriers, a wrap, and a ring sling.
• Sun hat and winter gear- especially if you love the great outdoors. Make sure you are prepared for all weather.
• Portable crib or travel system.

9. Miscellaneous:

• Pacifiers
• Laundry detergent for baby clothes
• Baby hangers
• Storage bins or baskets- these are great for the changing table, to store lotions, diapers, and all baby items.
• Diaper caddy
• White noise machine- the Hatch white noise machine is my preferred noise machine.

Creating a baby registry is a personalized experience, so feel free to add items that resonate with your style and preferences. Remember to include various sizes for clothing and diapers, as babies grow faster than you can imagine. As you embark on this exciting journey into parenthood, let your baby registry reflect the joy and anticipation you feel. Happy parenting!