When deciding what to put on your baby registry, there are endless options, and it can feel extremely overwhelming. I remember being totally lost, unsure of where to start. To help simplify things, I’ve created a list of baby registry must-haves — everything you need, without the fluff. Bonus: all of these items are affordable, ensuring you’re getting great value for your money.
Big-Ticket Baby Registry Items
Mini Crib
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you room-share with your baby for the first six months to reduce the risk of SIDS. Many people suggest getting a bassinet, but I advise against it. Most babies can roll around by four months, making bassinets unsafe. Instead, I recommend opting for a mini crib. It’s larger than a bassinet and allows your baby to safely roll while still room-sharing.
Crib
Once your baby transitions to their own room, you’ll need a full-sized crib that they can grow into. I chose a crib that converts into a toddler bed, which is a great long-term investment.
Crib Mattress
For peace of mind, I went with a Newton mattress. While it’s on the pricier side, this mattress allows you to breathe right through it, making it safer if your baby becomes a stomach sleeper.
Car Seat and Stroller
When I saw car seats and strollers priced over $1,000, I couldn’t believe it! However, I don’t recommend spending that much because all car seats must pass impact tests. Additionally, your baby will outgrow an infant seat within a year, unless you purchase a convertible car seat right away. For this reason, I chose the Evenflo Travel System — it’s comfortable, comes with a newborn bassinet, and transitions into an upright stroller as your baby grows. And it’s way more affordable than $1,000!
Diapers and More
Diapers
I recommend registering for one box of newborn diapers and two boxes of size 1. Trust me, babies grow fast, and I ended up returning diapers that didn’t fit. Here are my top diaper picks:
Best Diapers:
- Rascals: The top pick for comfort and absorbency. No leaks or blowouts, even overnight.
- Millie Moon: Great fit with good absorbency, though not quite as good as Rascals.
- Dyper: A 100% plant-based option that’s free of harmful chemicals. Plus, you can have them delivered monthly!
Diapers to Avoid:
- Honest: These did not absorb. That’s all I’ll say.
- Pampers: The big name in diapers, but they use perfumes and lotions that I prefer to avoid for my baby.
Other Baby Essentials:
Gripe Water and Gas Drops
I had no idea how much newborns suffer from gassy tummies, but these two items were a lifesaver for soothing upset stomachs.
Burp Cloths
Babies spit up a lot! Therefore, having burp cloths handy makes cleanup much easier and helps you avoid smelling like spilled milk.
Sound Machine
The womb is a loud place, and a sound machine mimics those sounds, helping your baby sleep longer and drown out background noise in the house.
Swaddles
Swaddles help your baby feel secure, mimicking the sensation of the womb and supporting longer sleep stretches. My go-to brands were Love to Dream and SwaddleMe by Ingenuity.
Need more infant sleep tips? Check out my post on getting your newborn to sleep here!
Bottles, Wipes, and Clothes
Baby Bottles
I highly recommend glass bottles for your baby registry. Microplastics in plastic bottles can harm your baby’s health, and Harvard Medicine notes that these plastics may even affect reproductive health. Therefore, choose bottles that pass the lactation consultant “triangle test” to ensure smooth transitions from breast to bottle and support oral development. My top glass bottle brands are:
Wipes
I only use water wipes on my baby. Hello Bello offers strong wipes that won’t tear, and they’re also affordable. A pack of 720 for $25 on Amazon is a great deal!
Clothes
Don’t overdo it on clothes! Babies grow fast, so stick with 5-10 newborn sleepers and 10-15 0-3 month sleepers. Babies sleep most of the time in the first couple of months, and family members will likely shower them with cute clothes, so don’t feel like you need to buy a lot.
You can add these essentials directly to your Amazon Baby Registry—check them out here!
Final Thoughts on Your Baby Registry
I hope this list helps you feel more confident in selecting the best items for your baby registry! Don’t forget, you don’t need to overcomplicate things—stick with the essentials, and you’ll be set for the first few months.
For more tips and helpful guides, sign up for my email list here and get updates delivered straight to your inbox!
