Creating a baby registry can feel like a full-time job when you’re expecting—trust me, I’ve been there. You’re excited, maybe a little overwhelmed, and suddenly everyone has an opinion on what you “must have.” I wanted to share a simple, realistic guide to building your baby registry with all the essentials you’ll actually use.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your growing crew, here are the baby registry must-haves that made life easier for me.

Diapering Must-Haves

• Diapers and wipes (stock up in multiple sizes!)
  • Love these natural wipes
    
• Diaper cream (you’ll be grateful during that first rash)
  
• Changing pad or a portable changing station
  • Be sure to measure your changing space! I liked this as a cheaper option but didn’t fit my changing area so ended up going with this one.
    
• Diaper pail – worth every penny to keep the nursery smelling fresh
  • Save your research, highly recommend this one!
    

Feeding Essentials

• Bottles (even if you’re planning to breastfeed)
  • In my opinion, they go through the smaller ounce bottles so quickly, feel free to start with the full 8oz. bottles. We found these to be a great plastic option. If you’re looking for glass, here is what we use!
    
• Burp cloths and bibs – you’ll go through a lot
  • Especially if your baby has reflux (which most do), you’ll go through plenty of bibs. We still use these for our daughter almost daily.
    
• Breast pump (check if insurance covers it!)
  • While I did get a free hands free pump through insurance, I ended up purchasing this one and it ended up being my primary pump. Personally, I didn’t find the hands free to be what worked best for me (ask me that in a few months when baby #2 comes)!
    
• Nursing pillow – this saved my back during those long feeding sessions
  • While there are more high tech options, I preferred a simple nursing pillow like this one.
    
• Bottle warmer – especially handy for those middle-of-the-night feeds
  • This was our saving grace!
    

Sleep Gear

• Bassinet or crib (whatever works for your space)
  • So many great options however I love this bedside bassinet.
    
• Swaddles or sleep sacks – lifesavers for soothing baby
  • Hot take, we swear by the Love to Dream brand. The baby is able to keep their hands by their head to soothe themselves and it worked wonders for our daughter who only wanted to break out of the swaddle!
    
• Crib mattress + waterproof cover
  • You can go down a long dark hole of reading about mattresses- is it breathable enough, who knew there was a baby side and a toddler side, etc. I found this one to be a winner, middle of the road in terms of price but still felt totally confident about the breathability.
    
• Sound machine – white noise is magic
  • While we do have a Hatch, I’ve never actually used the white noise feature for sleeping. I’ve always used and preferred a more natural fan sound like this one. Lastly, I never leave the house without this portable sound machine!
    
• Baby monitor – peace of mind when you’re not in the room
  • I have to give my husband credit for this one, we wanted to find a non wifi monitor and couldn’t be happier with our choice.
    

Clothing Basics

• Onesies in various sizes
  
• Zippered sleepers (skip the snaps!)
  • Pro tip: ALWAYS make sure to get the ones that have dual zipper for those middle of the night changes.
    
• Socks, mittens, and hats depending on the season
  

Bath Time Favorites

• Infant tub
  • Simple and just what you need: here.
    
• Gentle shampoo + body wash
  
• Soft towels and washcloths
  

Travel Essentials

• Infant car seat (a non-negotiable)
  • See my note below before starting with a car seat and a stroller.
    
• Stroller – I loved having a travel system
  • Specifically, for the newborn stage we LOVED The Doona. It doubles as a car seat and a stroller so for the first several months while you’re navigating parenthood, it helps simplify one area. See our full review on the Doona here before making your decision if it’s right for you.
    
• Diaper bag with lots of compartments
  
• Baby wrap or carrier – perfect for hands-free snuggles
  

A Few Tips

• Start your registry early—friends and family will ask.
  
• Pick a mix of price points so there’s something for everyone.
  
• Don’t feel pressured to add everything. Focus on what fits your lifestyle.
  
• Universal registries like Babylist are great for combining items from different stores.
  

Creating your baby registry should be exciting, not stressful. Keep it simple, trust your gut, and know that what works best is what works for you and your baby.

You’ve got this!

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