Baby Registry Checklist for First-Time Moms: What You Actually Need
- Mom 411
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
Building a baby registry as a first-time mom can be incredibly overwhelming. There are hundreds of bottles, dozens of strollers, entire aisles of tiny gadgets...and somehow you're supposed to know what your baby is going to need before you've even met them.
After having two babies, my biggest piece of advice is simple: start with less.
You don't need to prepare for every possible scenario or buy everything your baby could potentially use during their first year. Focus on the things you'll use every day, spend more where it genuinely makes your life easier, and remember that you can always order something later.
Most importantly, build a registry for your lifestyle, not someone else's. The products that make sense for a mom who travels constantly might be completely different from what makes sense for someone who rarely leaves home.
Here's the baby registry checklist I would give a first-time mom.
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Baby Registry Checklist: The Absolute Essentials
If you want to strip your registry down to the basics, start here:
• A safe place for baby to sleep
• Swaddles
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Diaper cream
• Burp cloths
• Double-zip footie pajamas
• Bottles
• Feeding supplies based on how you plan to feed
• Baby monitor
• Sound machine
• Infant car seat
• Stroller
• Diaper bag
• Baby carrier
• Changing pad
• Baby bathtub or bath seat
• Gentle baby wash
• Washcloths
• Nail file
• Thermometer
• Nasal aspirator
• Baby bouncer
• Play mat
You can build from there depending on your budget, lifestyle and preferences.
Sleep Essentials
Safe Sleep Space
Your number-one priority is having a safe place for your baby to sleep. We used the SNOO, but you absolutely don't need a SNOO. A bassinet, crib, portable crib or play yard that meets current safety standards works too.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs on a firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface with only a fitted sheet...no pillows, blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals or other loose items.
Swaddles
Register for a few easy-to-use swaddles. I strongly prefer zip-up or Velcro versions over trying to recreate a perfect hospital blanket swaddle at 3 a.m.
Once your baby starts showing signs of trying to roll, the AAP recommends stopping swaddling.
Sound Machine + Monitor
Our Hatch sound machine is a must-have for me. A baby monitor is another item I would absolutely register for, although you may not use it immediately if your baby sleeps in your room. We love our Nanit.
Blackout curtains are more of a personal preference. They're helpful, but I've always gone back and forth on making a baby's room completely pitch black because I don't necessarily want them to only be able to sleep under perfect conditions.
Feeding Essentials
Feeding is one category where I wouldn't buy absolutely everything before your baby arrives because you don't know what your feeding journey will look like.
Bottles
I've used Dr. Brown's bottles with both of my kids and love them. If you plan to breastfeed but want bottles available too, I would have a slower-flow nipple option on hand rather than assuming the nipple included with the bottle will be right for your newborn.
I actually brought my preferred bottles and formula to the hospital. My feeling was that if feeding didn't go according to plan, I wanted an option I had already chosen available to me.
Breastfeeding Supplies
Before spending hundreds of dollars on a pump, see what your insurance covers. I registered for an Elvie but ultimately didn't use it because my feeding journey went differently than expected.
I'd also have:
• Nursing pillow
• Milk storage bags
• Nipple balm
• Cooling nipple pads
Bottle-Feeding Supplies
If you end up regularly using bottles, a bottle washer is a must for me. I'd also register for a drying rack and bottle-cleaning supplies.
The Baby Brezza Formula Pro is more of a nice-to-have than an absolute necessity, but it can make life much easier if you're formula feeding.
Diapering Essentials
You obviously need diapers and wipes, but don't stockpile diapers before your baby is born. You have no idea what size they'll need or how quickly they'll move up.
My first baby was 7 pounds, 9 ounces and started in newborn diapers before quickly moving into size 1. My second was born prematurely at just over 4 pounds and needed preemie diapers first. Buy enough to get started, then stock up once you know what works.
I also recommend:
• Wipes
I loved having a diaper caddy because everything was in one place and I could move it from room to room. It's especially helpful when your baby is sleeping in your bedroom and you aren't walking to the nursery for every middle-of-the-night diaper change.
What I'd skip: a wipe warmer and diaper pail. We never needed a wipe warmer, and I think diaper pails eventually get gross. A regular trash can works just fine for us.
Baby Clothes
You don't need an elaborate newborn wardrobe. Babies spit up, have blowouts and grow incredibly quickly.
My preference is double-zip footie pajamas. Buttons may look adorable until you're trying to line up 14 snaps during a middle-of-the-night diaper change while sleep deprived.
I also love Magnetic Me pajamas. We used them with my daughter, including during our NICU stay, and the easy closures were incredibly convenient.
Stock up on practical, washable basics, but don't go crazy buying one size. Depending on your baby's birth size and the season, you may barely use some of them.
Bath + Health Essentials
Keep this section pretty simple too. I'd register for:
Baby towels are adorable, but you don't actually need them. Your regular towels work.
I also like having basic infant medication at home so I'm not running to the store when I need something, but always ask your pediatrician which medication and dose are appropriate for your baby's age and weight before giving it.
Stroller, Car Seat + On-the-Go Essentials
This is where I think you need to stop copying other people's registries and really consider your lifestyle.
Doona
I'm obsessed with our Doona because the car seat converts directly into a stroller. If you're constantly running errands or traveling, that convenience is incredible.
If you rarely go anywhere, however, you may not need one. That's exactly why there isn't one perfect registry for everyone.
UPPAbaby Vista
I also love our UPPAbaby Vista Stroller. If you're hoping to have more than one child, I think it's worth considering because it can expand to accommodate two children with the appropriate seats and adapters. The storage is also incredible.
If you know you're only having one child, you may decide that you don't need such a large investment.
Other On-the-Go Favorites
A few more things I love:
• Artipoppe carrier for when baby gets bigger
For frequent travelers, I also love the YOYO stroller. But remember that your stroller and car-seat choices work together: a compact travel stroller may mean you still need to bring a separate car seat.
I don't think everyone needs to own a travel crib. We usually request one from the hotel or look for an Airbnb that provides one. Just confirm what's available (and that the sleep setup is safe) before you arrive.
If you love to travel and plan on traveling with your baby, check out our travel section with lots of tips and resources.
Nursery + Play Essentials
Here's something I wish more first-time moms heard: your newborn does not care if the nursery is finished.
Your baby may spend very little time in there initially. If decorating the nursery makes you happy and helps you feel ready, absolutely do it. But don't let Instagram convince you everything has to be perfect before your due date.
Two things we used constantly were the BabyBjörn bouncer and Lovevery Play Gym. The bouncer gave us a convenient place to put baby while awake and supervised, and the play gym was great for tummy time and play.
For a crib, I like thinking ahead. We chose a convertible crib that could eventually become a toddler bed, which has been incredibly useful now that my oldest has moved out of his crib.
A glider is nice if it's within your budget, but we never had one. I also wouldn't automatically buy a swing before knowing whether your baby even likes one.
Toys + Books
Start with less. Register for a few baby books and some simple toys, but your newborn doesn't need a playroom full of developmental toys waiting for them.
I loved the Lovevery subscription during the first year because toys arrived based on baby's developmental stage. As a new mom, I found it reassuring because I didn't constantly have to wonder what I should be doing with my baby or what toys I should buy next.
And eventually you'll discover the universal truth of parenthood: sometimes they'd rather play with the cardboard box anyway.
Don't Forget Mom
Your registry doesn't have to be exclusively for your baby.
Get yourself lightweight, comfortable pajamas or nightgowns that can be washed constantly and are breastfeeding-friendly if you plan to nurse. Postpartum night sweats are real, so breathable and washable beats fancy.
I also loved having high-waisted underwear after my C-section so nothing rubbed against my incision, and disposable postpartum underwear was much more comfortable for me than dealing with giant pads.
If you're breastfeeding, nipple balm and cooling pads can be lifesavers.
But one of my favorite postpartum gifts had nothing to do with baby gear: food delivery gift cards. When my daughter arrived early, friends and family sent us hundreds of dollars in DoorDash gift cards. Not having to think about cooking was incredible.
This is also a great time to stock your freezer or make easy snacks you can grab quickly, like my energy balls. I have an entire postpartum section if you're looking for more resources and product recommentionas.
The Biggest Baby Registry Mistake I See
Don't build someone else's registry.
It's incredibly easy to see a beautiful product on Instagram or watch an influencer say something is a “must-have” and immediately add it. Instead, stop and ask: Does this make sense for the way I actually live?
Do you need shoes for your newborn because they're adorable? Probably not. Will you travel frequently and run errands constantly? Maybe investing in a Doona makes perfect sense for you.
The goal isn't to have the most complete baby registry. It's to have the things that make your life with your baby easier.
Start with less. Stock up on the essentials once you know what works. And remember: you can still order things after your baby is born.
Baby Registry FAQs
What do you actually need on a baby registry?
Start with the essentials: a safe sleep space, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, simple clothing, feeding supplies, a car seat, stroller, diaper bag, basic bath and health supplies, and a few places for baby to safely play while awake. Everything else can be added based on your lifestyle and budget.
When should I start my baby registry?
You can start whenever you feel ready. Starting earlier gives you time to research the expensive items without feeling rushed, while smaller items can always be added later.
How many newborn diapers should I register for?
Don't stockpile newborn diapers. Babies are born at very different sizes and can move through diaper sizes quickly. Have enough to get started, then buy more once you know your baby's size and which brand works well for them.
How many newborn clothes do I need?
You need fewer than you think. Start with practical sleepers and onesies that are easy to wash and change. I especially like double-zip footie pajamas. Avoid buying a huge wardrobe in one size before you know how big your baby will be and how quickly they'll grow.
What should I not put on my baby registry?
Anything you're adding simply because someone else told you it's a must-have. You can also skip or wait on many specialty gadgets, newborn shoes, large quantities of clothing, wipe warmers and toys your baby won't use for months. We also have an entire post on this.
What are the most expensive baby items worth registering for?
I would prioritize the expensive items you'll use frequently. For us, that included our stroller, car seat, baby monitor and other everyday gear. But this is where lifestyle matters most: the expensive item that's worth every penny for one family can be completely unnecessary for another.
Should I put postpartum items on my baby registry?
Absolutely. Comfortable postpartum clothing, recovery supplies, breastfeeding essentials if applicable, and meal-delivery gift cards can all be incredibly useful. Your registry should make the transition easier for you, too.
