Baby Registry Essentials: What We Actually Used — and What We Skipped
Building a baby registry is overwhelming. Every brand has a “must-have” list, every friend has an opinion, and the baby store is designed to make you feel like you need everything. When I started ours I had seventeen tabs open and a running list of 200 items.
Then I closed all the tabs and asked myself one question: what do I actually need to keep a baby safe, fed, clean, and rested?
The answer was a lot simpler than the internet would have you believe. Most registry guides tell you to register for 150 things. We landed on about 50 — not because we were unprepared, but because we were intentional. Fewer, better things that would actually get used. This is that list.
diapering
Many things with a new little one depend on the baby – certain diapers just fit better, certain wipes work better with their skin, etc. These are our favorites but I recommend registering for a few different brands of both diapers and wipes to find out what works best for you and your little one (+ you can always return the ones you don’t use).
Overnight Diapers
you won’t need these right away but they are life savers when you get to this stage
feeding
We ended up primarily bottle & formula feeding, so this list is geared towards that (remember, fed is best!). I’m also including some starting solids basics because it comes faster than you think!
Dr. Brown’s Bottles
these were our favorite but register for a few different types – every baby is different
Dr. Brown’s T Nipples
if you end up using Dr. Brown’s bottles, these are the secret for the right slow flow
Portable Formula Containers
if you’re doing formula these are a must have – premeasured bottles for on the go
Silicone Bibs
for the really messy foods – just rinse them off when you’re done (or throw in the washer!)
Transition Straw Cups
we tried all the cups – these were the clear winner (easier to clean than others)
Reusable Dish Cloths
perfect for wiping down high chairs (and your little one) and not using 1000 paper towels
sleep
Sleep is where I stray from my usual rule of “don’t buy things you’ll only use for 3 months” – because 3 months of sleep, especially the first 3 months postpartum, is worth every penny. Some of these you’ll only need for a few months but I still consider them essential – pass them on to a friend or sell them when you’re done!
Bassinet Sheets
even though bassinet life is a short period, it’s worth having a few of these to change out
bathing
Baby bath gear is one of the most over-registered categories. You don’t need a cabinet full of products — just a tub that works, towels that actually dry, and a gentle wash you’ll use on repeat. Here’s our essentials!
Baby Bath Tub
I didn’t know this existed when our little one was born – takes up so much less space!
clothing
Nobody tells you that baby clothes are simultaneously the most fun registry category and the most wasteful one. We kept it simple — a few great onesies, bamboo sleepers that actually keep baby comfortable, and mittens so they stop scratching their own face at 3am. That’s it.
Baby Mittens
my little one’s newborn pictures feature a very scratched face – trust me, you need these
health & other
Stock these before the baby comes. Seriously. The first time your newborn has gas at 2am or a stuffy nose and you have nothing on hand is a special kind of panic. These aren’t glamorous registry picks — they’re the ones that will save you.
Saline Nasal Mist
this stuff is magic to help clear your little one’s nose (and they don’t seem to mind it!)
NoseFrida Sucker
easy to clean and works great – I have an electric one too but always reach for this one
Thermometer
skip the infrared one until they’re older – this is the one you need when they’re little
Cradle Cap Brush
I still use this brush when giving my little one a bath – it works great beyond cradle cap
play
People love to pick out toys as gifts so I don’t recommend registering for too many – just a few essentials for tummy time and early development.
Blocks Bucket
this became a favorite toy at around 6 months (and a great way to learn shapes & colors)
The goal was never to have less — it was to have exactly enough. A home that runs simply, a baby who has everything they need, and a life with room left over for travel, connection, and the things that actually fill you up. That’s what a thoughtful registry makes possible.
One last thing: your registry will evolve. Add things, remove things, change your mind. The best registry isn’t the most complete one — it’s the one that actually reflects how you want to live with your baby. Come back to this page as you have questions, and don’t hesitate to reach out.
50 items. One year. No regrets. You’ve got this.
Quick Note: This is my “must have” list – if you want to check out my “nice to haves” and what I’d skip all together, check out my post here!
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