Baby Registry Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves: What You Actually Need

If you’re building your first baby registry, it can feel like everyone is telling you that you need everything. The expensive stroller. The smart monitor. The bottle sterilizer. The wipe warmer. The perfectly decorated nursery. Suddenly, preparing for a baby starts to feel like preparing for a small army.

After having two babies, my biggest advice is this: factor in your lifestyle and what is best for you, not what an influencer, friend, or someone else tells you that you need.

I’m very much a less-is-more person when it comes to baby gear. There are absolutely products I’ve spent more money on and loved, but that doesn’t make them necessities. There are also things you’ll eventually need that you absolutely do not need sitting in your house before your baby is born.

So instead of giving you another enormous baby registry checklist, I’m breaking this down into what I consider true baby registry must-haves, what’s nice to have, and what I think you can skip.

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What Are the True Baby Registry Must-Haves?

Before getting into individual products, I think it helps to change the way you think about a baby registry.

A must-have doesn’t necessarily mean you need the most expensive or popular version of that product. Your baby needs a safe place to sleep. That doesn’t mean you need a SNOO. You need a way to transport your baby safely in the car. That doesn’t mean you need a Doona. You need somewhere to put your baby down safely while you make breakfast or use the bathroom. That doesn’t mean you need a specific $200 bouncer.

Think about the function first and the product second.

And remember that some things become must-haves later. Your newborn doesn’t need a high chair on day one. Your baby will eventually need one, but there is no reason to feel like everything needs to be purchased, assembled, and ready before you go to the hospital.

Sleep Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

Must-haves:

A safe bassinet or other safe sleep space in your room is a must-have for me. Your baby will likely be sleeping near you initially, so you really don’t need to have an entire nursery finished before they arrive.

I also consider swaddles and a sound machine must-haves. I personally love the Hatch and have gotten so much use out of ours.

A crib and crib mattress will eventually become must-haves, but you don’t necessarily need them immediately. And while I love products like the Newton mattress, you don’t have to buy a particular premium mattress. Choose a crib mattress that meets current safety standards and works for your family.

Nice-to-haves:

The SNOO is a nice-to-have, not a necessity. I loved having one, but your baby does not need a SNOO to sleep safely.

A baby monitor is also a nice-to-have in my opinion. I personally like having one and use the Nanit, but I know parents who don’t feel the need to monitor their baby the same way.

A rocking chair or glider is another nice-to-have. It can make feeds and bedtime more comfortable, but you can absolutely survive without one.

Sleep sacks are useful once your baby is ready for them, but they are not something I would consider an immediate newborn must-have.

Feeding Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

Must-haves:

I would have bottles on hand even if you’re planning to breastfeed. Feeding doesn’t always go exactly as planned, and I liked knowing I had bottles ready if I needed them.

I’d also register for a bottle drying rack, bottle brush, and plenty of burp cloths. Babies spit up a lot, and burp cloths are one of those boring items you’ll probably use constantly.

If you’re breastfeeding, nursing bras become a must-have. If you’re planning to pump, you’ll also want milk storage bags.

A high chair and bibs become must-haves once you get to the solids stage, but those are great examples of things you can wait to use.

Nice-to-haves:

Formula at home can be nice for peace of mind, even if you’re planning to breastfeed. However, the hospital can typically provide formula if supplementation is medically needed or desired, so I don’t consider stocking formula a registry necessity.

A nursing pillow is nice to have. So is a bottle sterilizer/dryer.

I also love the convenience of the Baby Brezza Formula Pro, but it is absolutely a nice-to-have. You can make a bottle without a machine.

Skip:

I don't think you need a bottle warmer. Some babies are perfectly happy drinking room-temperature bottles, and this is one of those products I would wait to buy unless you discover you actually need it.

Diapering Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

Must-haves:

Diapers and wipes are obvious must-haves. I would also have diaper cream ready because diaper rashes can get gnarly, and you don’t want to be scrambling for cream once one starts.

I also recommend having a changing pad and a portable changing mat. You don’t need a dedicated changing station immediately because, realistically, you’re going to be changing a newborn everywhere. In your bedroom. In the living room. On the floor. Wherever you happen to be.

I also always have doggy bags or similar disposable bags around for blowouts, dirty clothes, and diapers, especially when we’re out of the house.

Nice-to-haves:

A diaper caddy can be really convenient for keeping everything together and moving supplies from room to room. A diaper pail is also a nice-to-have for some families, but I don’t consider it necessary.

Skip:

Skip the wipe warmer. Babies can handle a room-temperature wipe.

I also wouldn’t go crazy with extra changing pad covers or an elaborate changing-table setup before you know how and where you actually like changing your baby.

Baby Clothes: What Do You Actually Need?

Must-haves:

Zipper footies are one of my biggest clothing must-haves. Buttons might be adorable, but when you’re changing a diaper in the middle of the night, you’ll appreciate a zipper.

Basic onesies are also must-haves.

I’d have a few newborn-size outfits and more 0–3 month options, but I would not go overboard. I have an entire article on newborn clothing if you're interested in reading more.

Nice-to-haves:

I love Magnetic Me outfits because they’re incredibly easy, but they’re definitely a nice-to-have rather than a necessity.

Pants, socks, hats and mittens will depend on the season and what your baby is wearing. If they’re living in footed pajamas, for example, you probably don’t need socks.

Skip or limit:

Baby shoes. Expensive sweaters. Tons of elaborate newborn outfits.

If cute outfits and newborn photos make you happy, absolutely register for them. But from a practical standpoint, babies spit up, have blowouts, stain clothes, and grow incredibly quickly.

People also love gifting baby clothes whether they’re on your registry or not. I’d rather have fewer clothes in the smallest sizes and save some of the fun outfits for when the baby gets a little older.

Bath and Health Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

Must-haves:

I like an infant bath seat rather than a separate bulky baby bathtub. You’ll also want washcloths and baby shampoo/body wash.

A nail file, thermometer, nasal aspirator or nose sucker, and saline spray are all products I like having at home.

I also think it’s important to have age-appropriate basic medications at home when your pediatrician says they’re appropriate, but I personally wouldn’t put medicine on my baby registry. That’s something I’d buy myself.

Nice-to-haves:

Hooded baby towels are cute and convenient, but you don’t need special towels for your baby. A humidifier and baby grooming kit can also be nice to have.

Skip or wait:

You don’t need a special medicine syringe because medication typically comes with the appropriate dosing device. I also wouldn't stock up on teethers before your baby is even born. You can buy them when you actually reach that stage.

Stroller, Car Seat and On-the-Go Gear

Must-haves:

A car seat is obviously a must-have if you’ll be transporting your baby by car. A stroller is also a must-have for my lifestyle, and this is one category where I think it can make sense to invest.

I walk a lot, so my stroller gets used constantly. Think about cost per use rather than automatically assuming expensive equals unnecessary.

I also consider a baby carrier a must-have because being able to have your hands free can be incredibly helpful.

A diaper bag is another must-have for me, although it certainly does not have to be an expensive one.

I also like having a car seat mirror so I can see the baby from the front seat.

Nice-to-haves:

The Doona is one of my favorite baby products, but it is still a nice-to-have. Whether it makes sense for you depends entirely on your lifestyle. I love that it functions as both an infant car seat and stroller, especially for travel, but not every family needs one.

The UPPAbaby stroller is another product I love, but you do not need an UPPAbaby specifically. Invest in the stroller that makes sense for how you live.

A stroller fan, stroller organizer, car seat cover, stroller rain cover, portable sound machine, travel stroller, and travel crib are all nice-to-haves that become more or less useful depending on your lifestyle.

This is exactly why I don't think there is one universal “perfect” baby registry.

Playtime and Somewhere to Put the Baby

Must-have:

You need somewhere safe and appropriate to put your baby down while you use the bathroom, drink your coffee, make breakfast, or simply need your hands for a few minutes.

The function is the must-have. The specific product isn't.

Nice-to-haves:

I love the BabyBjörn bouncer, and my babies have loved bouncers, but you certainly don't need that particular brand.

The Lovevery Play Gym is another product I think is amazing. But can a baby do tummy time on a blanket on the floor? Absolutely.

Play gyms, toys, rattles, books and subscription play kits are all nice-to-haves. Newborns really don't need an enormous collection of toys.

Baby loungers are also optional awake-time products, not safe sleep spaces. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and current safe-sleep recommendations.

Skip:

I don't think you need a swing. Some babies love them and some barely use them, so this is something I would wait on rather than automatically adding one to your registry.

Do You Need to Finish the Nursery Before Baby Arrives?

No. You don't even technically need a nursery.

A friend of mine had her second baby sleep in a Pack 'n Play in an office when that was the space that worked for their family. Babies don't care whether they have a Pinterest-perfect nursery. They need an appropriate safe sleep space and a comfortable environment.

If finishing the nursery makes you feel happy, organized, and prepared, then absolutely do it. Preparing for a baby is emotional too, and there is value in doing things that make you feel ready.

But don't feel pressured into thinking your baby needs a fully decorated room waiting for them when you come home from the hospital. Eventually, I think having a dresser or somewhere organized to store clothes is important. A changing table becomes useful too. A bookshelf, baby hangers, and laundry hamper are all practical things I like having.

Storage baskets, nursery decor, mobiles, rugs, and other decorative pieces are nice-to-haves. Blackout curtains can be helpful for sleep, although every family approaches sleep environments differently. A night-light isn't necessary for me because I use the red light on our Hatch.

I also don't think you need special “baby” laundry detergent. I prefer looking for a fragrance-free detergent that works for the whole family.

Don't Forget About Mom

Your baby registry does not have to contain only things for the baby.

Postpartum adult disposable underwear was a must-have for me, although it's something I would personally buy myself. The hospital will generally provide basics like postpartum pads and a peri bottle to get you started.

If a Frida Mom recovery kit makes you feel more prepared, put it on the registry. There is nothing wrong with that.

If you're breastfeeding, nipple balm and nursing bras are must-haves for me. Comfortable pajamas or nightgowns are also absolutely worth having, and I loved having a robe.

If you plan to pump, check your insurance coverage before adding an expensive pump to your registry because you may be eligible to receive one through insurance.

And if you have a C-section, high-waisted underwear that doesn't rub against your incision can be incredibly helpful during recovery.

One of the best registry categories people often overlook isn't baby gear at all: help. Meal delivery gift cards, DoorDash gift cards, house cleaning, or other practical support can be amazing gifts after having a baby. If you have friends and family who want to help, let them.

You need to recover and take care of yourself in order to take care of your baby. There is absolutely no reason to feel guilty putting things on your registry that make those first few weeks easier for you too.

Popular Baby Registry Products: Must-Have, Nice-to-Have or Skip?

Here is my quick take on some of the products you see everywhere:

Baby Brezza Formula Pro: Nice to have

Bottle sterilizer/dryer: Nice to have

Wipe warmer: Skip

Diaper Genie: Skip

SNOO: Nice to have

Nanit: Nice to have

Hatch: Must-have for me

Owlet: Skip

UPPAbaby stroller: Nice to have

Doona: Nice to have

BabyBjörn bouncer: Nice to have

Lovevery Play Gym: Nice to have

Baby swing: Skip

SlumberPod: Nice to have, especially if you travel

High-end diaper bag: Nice to have

Notice how many expensive products fall into the nice-to-have category. I own and genuinely love several of them. That's the point. A product can be amazing without being essential.

What Should You Actually Put on Your Baby Registry?

Start with the basics your baby will need for safe sleep, feeding, diapering, clothing, transportation, and everyday care. Then think about your own lifestyle.

Do you walk everywhere? It might make sense to invest more in your stroller.

Do you travel frequently? A Doona, portable sound machine, travel crib, or SlumberPod might be worth much more to you than they are to someone who rarely travels.

Are you short on space? You may want fewer bulky baby products and gear that can serve multiple purposes.

Are you planning to formula feed? Your feeding setup will look different from someone who plans to exclusively breastfeed and pump.

There is no universal baby registry that works perfectly for every family.

My biggest advice to a first-time mom is to factor in your lifestyle and what is best for you, not what an influencer or someone else tells you that you need. You can always buy something later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important baby registry must-haves?

Start with the basics: a safe sleep space, diapers and wipes, feeding supplies, basic clothing, a car seat if you drive, a stroller that works for your lifestyle, basic health and bath supplies, and a safe place to put your baby down while awake. The exact brands are far less important than having the basic functions covered.

What baby registry items can I skip?

I would personally skip a wipe warmer, baby swing, Owlet, bottle warmer, and Diaper Genie. That doesn't mean another family can't love those products. I just don't consider them necessary before you know your baby's preferences and your own routines.

What expensive baby products are actually worth registering for?

Think about cost per use. For me, investing in a good stroller makes sense because I use it constantly. Products like the SNOO, Doona, Nanit, BabyBjörn bouncer, and Lovevery Play Gym can be wonderful, but I still classify them as nice-to-haves rather than necessities. Check out my article about which expensive items are worth it here.

Do I need everything on my baby registry before the baby is born?

Absolutely not. Your newborn isn't going to need a high chair, teethers, a huge toy collection, or a closet full of larger clothes immediately. Some products become must-haves later, and you can buy them when you actually reach that stage.

Do I need to have the nursery finished before the baby arrives?

No. Your baby doesn't need a perfectly decorated nursery. Focus first on having an appropriate safe sleep space and the basics you'll need when you come home. If completing the nursery makes you feel happier and more prepared, do it, but don't let an unfinished nursery make you feel behind.

Should I put postpartum products on my baby registry?

Absolutely, if you want to. Recovery kits, nursing supplies, comfortable clothing, meal delivery gift cards, and even help around the house can be incredibly useful after giving birth. Your registry can support the person taking care of the baby too. Here are our favorite postpartum recovery products and resources.

The Bottom Line

A baby registry should make your life easier, not make you feel like you need to buy everything marketed to new parents.

Get the essentials. Add the nice-to-haves that genuinely fit your lifestyle. Skip the products you don't think you'll use. And remember that Amazon, Target, and your local stores will still exist after your baby is born. You can always buy something later.

Your baby doesn't care whether you bought the trendy bouncer, the expensive bassinet, or the perfectly coordinated nursery accessories. They need to be safe, fed, comfortable, and loved. Everything else should work for you.