What I’d Put on My Baby Registry After Having Two Kids

Building a baby registry is incredibly overwhelming. There are a million baby products, a million recommendations, and everyone seems to have a different opinion about what you absolutely “need.”

My biggest advice? Find a source you trust and stick with it.

And before you start adding products, think about your actual lifestyle. Do you live in a small space? Walk everywhere? Travel often? Plan on having more kids? Those answers matter way more than whatever product happens to be trending on Instagram.

I’m a mom of two, and after actually using baby gear through the newborn stage and into toddlerhood, there are certain products I would put on my registry again in a heartbeat.

If you want the complete list, I also put together my free Baby Registry Guide, organized by what you actually need, what’s nice to have, and what can wait until later.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use, love, or would recommend to a friend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Start With Your Lifestyle, Not Someone Else’s Registry

There isn't one perfect baby registry.

If you live in a small apartment, you probably don't want your home filled with bulky baby gear.

If you walk everywhere, investing in a larger stroller with plenty of storage underneath might make sense.

If you travel frequently, something like the Doona can make getting through airports, Ubers and taxis so much easier.

And if you think you may have another baby relatively soon, I'd look at products that can grow with your family.

That's actually one of the reasons I've loved our UPPAbaby VISTA stroller so much. I originally used it with one baby, but now, with two kids, I can add adapters and another seat.

Instead of buying what's supposedly the “best,” buy what's best for the way your family actually lives.

The Baby Registry Items I'd Buy Again

There are a handful of bigger-ticket products I'd register for again without hesitation.

Doona Car Seat & Stroller

If you travel frequently, the Doona is one of my favorite baby purchases. Having your car seat and stroller in one is incredibly convenient, especially for airports, travel and getting in and out of cars.

It's expensive, but this is where I think about cost per use. If you're going to use something constantly, spending more can make sense.

We also have more tips on traveling with a baby here if you're interested.

UPPAbaby VISTA

This is another place I'd splurge.

Rather than buying a million strollers, I'd rather invest in one really good everyday stroller that can grow with your family. The large storage basket is also a huge plus if you're someone who walks a lot.

The fact that mine has now transitioned into a stroller I can use with two kids has made the investment even more worthwhile.

Dagne Dover Diaper Backpack

Your diaper bag isn't something you use for six weeks. You're going to carry it constantly, and it can easily follow you into the toddler years.

I'd choose one you genuinely like carrying and that works for your lifestyle.

SNOO

The SNOO was another registry item I loved. It's definitely a splurge and isn't an absolute necessity, but it was worth it for us. Renting can also be a good option if you don't want to purchase one outright.

If you're looking for more sleep tips, check out our sleep resources.

Lovevery Play Gym

This is one of those products that gets used over and over again. You can start using it when your baby is tiny for tummy time and continue using it as they become more interested in playing and exploring.

BabyBjörn Bouncer

A safe place to put your baby while you eat, shower or just need your hands for a minute is one of those things you don't fully appreciate until you have a newborn.

Our BabyBjörn bouncer was one of those products.

The Product I Wish I'd Had With My First Baby

The MomCozy bottle washer.

I didn't have one with my first baby, and washing bottles was one of our least favorite parts of the newborn stage.

I have the bottle washer with my second and I swear it saved my marriage.

If you're going to be using bottles frequently, this is exactly the kind of product I mean when I talk about spending money on convenience and sanity.

If you're formula feeding, I'd also register for the Baby Brezza Formula Pro. Being able to make a bottle quickly during those middle-of-the-night feeds can make life so much easier.

A Few Smaller Things I'd Absolutely Add

Not everything needs to be a major purchase.

I love Dr. Brown's bottles and would register for both bottle sizes. I also used the preemie nipples when introducing bottles early.

I'd add the Woombie swaddle too and I'd actually pack one in your hospital bag. Trying to recreate the nurses' perfect swaddle with a hospital blanket is HARD. Having a zip-up swaddle made things so much easier for me. Check out our pregnancy resources for more hospital bag ideas.

I also love the BabyBjörn Mini carrier for the newborn stage and the Artipoppe carrier (yes, it's expensive but it is so comfortable and worth every penny).

For the nursery, I'd add the Newton mattress, Nanit monitor, Hatch sound machine, Keekaroo Peanut Changer and a crib you love. We have a Serena & Lily crib.

Don't Only Register for the Newborn Stage

This is one place my advice might be different from some minimalist registry lists.

I'd actually register for quite a lot.

People want to buy you gifts right now. Take advantage of it!

That doesn't mean adding random baby gadgets you'll never use. It means thinking ahead to things you know you'll eventually need.

I'd consider adding a high chair, Inglesina Fast Table Chair, travel booster seat, playpen, Skip Hop Activity Center, YOYO travel stroller and even things like a wagon.

You won't use them on day one, but babies grow incredibly quickly. My full registry guide actually has an entire section dedicated to things you'll likely want around four months and beyond.

And don't be afraid to add expensive items. Put plenty of toys and smaller gifts on your registry so there are different price points, but I found that people were also happy to go in together on some of our larger items.

What I'd Skip

There are still things I don't think you need.

I skipped a wipe warmer and bottle warmer and never regretted it. I also wouldn't go crazy buying newborn clothes. You're likely going to receive plenty of clothes as gifts, and babies grow out of newborn sizes incredibly quickly.

Pacifiers can also be baby-specific, so I wouldn't stock up on one particular kind before you know what your baby likes.

The goal isn't necessarily to have the smallest registry possible. It's to avoid buying a bunch of versions of the same thing and spend your money on the products that will actually make your life easier.

My Biggest Baby Registry Advice

You could spend months researching every product on your registry. Don't.

There will always be another review, another mom who swears by something different and another new baby product you're suddenly convinced you need.

Choose people you trust. Think about your lifestyle. Invest in the things you'll use constantly. And remember that you won't know exactly what works for your baby until they're here.

If you want a place to start, download my free Baby Registry Guide. I broke everything down by category, including what you actually need, my favorite products, what you can skip and what you'll want as your baby gets older.

Baby Registry FAQs

What should I put on my baby registry?

Start with the basics: a safe place for your baby to sleep, bottles and burp cloths, diapers and wipes, a changing pad, zip sleepers, a car seat, a stroller and somewhere safe to put your baby while you're awake and need your hands free.

How many items should be on a baby registry?

There's no perfect number. I recommend including plenty of options at different price points and even adding products you won't use until your baby is older. Friends and family may also choose to go in together on larger gifts.

Should I put expensive items on my baby registry?

Yes. I absolutely would. Some of my most-used baby products were bigger investments, and friends and family may want to contribute toward a larger gift together.

What should you not put on a baby registry?

I personally wouldn't bother with things like a wipe warmer, lots of newborn clothes, fancy newborn outfits, baby shoes or multiple versions of the same convenience item.

Should I put a stroller on my baby registry?

Absolutely. I'd choose your stroller based on your lifestyle rather than simply picking the most popular one. Think about how much you walk, whether you travel frequently, how much storage you need and whether you may eventually need it for more than one child.

Should I register for things my baby won't use right away?

I would. High chairs, travel gear, feeding products and later-stage play items can all be worth adding. Your baby will need them sooner than you think, and your registry is a great opportunity to receive some of those future essentials.