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Build the perfect baby registry checklist with this all-in-one guide covering every essential from safe sleep to feeding. So you can get everything you need, without overspending on unnecessary items.
The first time i had a baby, I remember looking at a baby registry checklist, and it was a crazy long list. So being a first-time mom, I went through the list getting almost every item, and to no second-time mom’s surprise, I didn’t need most of them.
That is why i put together a minimalist baby registry checklist with only the items that you will use, no gimmicks, like a stupid diaper cream spatula.
Download Your Baby Registry Checklist
Baby Sleep Essentials
Sleep space
- Bassinet: I know this is a common purchase, but it’s not my favorite. Once they start rolling, it is no longer safe, and my son hated every bassinet I bought (and i bought quite a few). Plus, he rolled on the early side of normal. This is not my first choice.
- Mini crib: I bought a mini crib after trying multiple bassinets, and this option worked out much better for us. The mattress was softer, and the one i have linked folds up, so it was perfect for travel.
- Pack and play: This is another great option for those first few months, and after they start rolling. My son actually slept in there, and it’s another portable option.
- Full-sized crib: You will eventually need one of these. I bought a simple and affordable crib that converts to a toddler bed later. It’s pretty sturdy. I’ve crawled in there to assist my son to sleep and have had no problems (you gotta do what you gotta do).
Sleep accessories
- Sheets: You’ll need sheets for any of the options you select. Make sure you buy at least 2 sets because accidents WILL happen. I have linked the ones i own below, they have held up great for almost 2 years.
- Mattress: Im not going to lie, I splurged here. The peace of mind i have from the Newton mattress is just something i could not live without. You can literally put your face in it and still breathe. If it’s out of your budget, you can, of course, buy a more affordable option.
- Swaddles: Swaddles are so important for newborns. They have a Moro Reflex which makes them feel like they are falling. A receiving blanket works great for swaddling, or you can splurge and buy a velcro swaddle or the Love to Dream Swaddle.
- Sleep sack: Once they start rolling, you have to transition out of a swaddle and into a sleep sack so they remain warm. I like this affordable bamboo sleep sack from Amazon.
- White noise machine: A noise machine serves two purposes: it reminds them of being in the womb, and it drowns out the noise from the house, so you move freely. Please don’t spend $100+ on one!
- Baby monitor: Do not, under any circumstances, buy a Wi-Fi baby monitor. People can hack into them, watch, and even talk to your child.
- Rocking chair: You’re gonna put that new baby down a million times a day, you’ll need something comfy to do that.
- Dresser
Feeding Essentials
Breastfeeding
- Bread pump: You can usually get one of these through insurance. Please check before purchasing.
- Haaka: You leak A LOT when your milk comes in, this catches all of that, so it doesn’t go to waste, and so you dont smell like spoiled milk.
- Milk storage bags: This is not an essential, but it did give me a lot of peace of mind having frozen milk, just in case.
- Nursing bras: A normal bra will not cut it, trust me.
- Nursing Pads: Again, you leak a lot.
- Nipple butter: Those first few days of breastfeeding are brutal. I tried getting away with vaseline, and it didn’t cut it. I’ve never personally used silverettes, but lots of women rave about them.
Bottle or combo feeding
- 8-13 glass bottles: Plastic is horrible for our bodies and the environment. Most major baby bottles come in glass. You also want a nipple that passes the triangle test for the best oral development. Below i have linked some options that pass the test.
- Formula
- Bottle brush
- Drying rack
- Burp cloths: Buys lots of these!! Dont underestimate how many times a new baby can spit up.
- Burp cloths
Older baby feeding essentials
Something i forgot to register for is items for once the baby is out of the newborn stage. I regret that because if other people are willing to buy it, why not?
Diapering Essentials
- Diapers: I wish i could help you more here, but every baby is different, and we had to go through a few brands to get to one that fit our baby well. Just start with 2 boxes of the newborn size. We love Racals and Millie Moon. If you go with the honest brand, you might as well not even put a diaper on the baby.
- Wipes: You can’t have enough wipes. We use the Hello Bello wipes, which are made with clean ingredients and are affordable.
- Diaper cream: Just buy 1 tube. To this day, we have not needed this. ‘
- Changing pad: One for their dresser and one for travel.
Bath and Health
- Infant tub: Doesnt matter which one, honestly.
- Baby body wash and lotion: I’m very particular about what i put in my baby’s skin, so i used the
- Nail trimmer
- Rectal thermometer: I know it’s gross, but you get the most accurate temperature from a baby’s bottom.
- Pacifiers: This is another hard one; your baby will likely choose the type they like. Just like the bottle nipple, it is best to choose one that passes the triangle test.
Travel
- Infant carseat: All infant carseats are safety tested, so buying an expensive one simply is a vanity metric. Graco, me all day, baby.
- Stroller: I did splurge a little here, with an Evenflo, but Graco works here too.
- Diaper bag: Any bag you have lying around works great here.
- Baby carrier: A LIVE SAVER. Babies do not like to be put down, so a baby wrap or a carrier is a must.
- Baby blankets: I wasn’t sure what section to put baby blankets in, because they are not safe for sleep, but then I remembered how much we used them when we were out and about with a tiny baby.
Development & Play
- Floor mat: I spent months on the floor with my son, so this padded mat was so necessary. I also taught my dog not to go on it, so it became a clean safe space to set the baby.
- Kick and play mat: My son was obsessed with this for like the first 6 months of his life.
- Tummy time toys: I just linked to the search result on Amazon, there are lots of great options!
- High contrast cards: You’d be surprised how long a little baby can stare at these cards.
- Baby bouncer or swing: I would buy a bouncer first since they are cheaper, and there is no guarantee they will like it. If they tolerate being put down (my son did not), you can always go back and get a swing.
- Teething toys
- Toy storage
Clothing and Laundry
This is an area that I really overspent on, and you don’t need to. You only need about 2 weeks’ worth of clothing for each size. You likely have a washing machine, so if push comes to shove, just wash the clothes. Keep it simple, remember, they are literally always asleep.
- Sleepers: My son lived in sleepers for his first 10 months. Make sure you get the ones with two-way zippers for easier
- Onsies
- Pants: I bought some jeans, but they just seemed so uncomfy. They were really cute for pictures, but impractical.
- Laundry hamper
- Free and clear detergent: Anything scented is not great for a baby’s endocrine system.
Download Your Baby Registry Checklist
