When you are getting ready for a baby there are a bunch of different stores to register at and they will provide you with a helpful checklist of everything you should register for. Which store to pick is beyond the scope of this article. However, my husband and I wanted a store we could actually go to because we had very limited knowledge of baby stuff, so the thought of bumbling through setting up a registry online seemed way too difficult. When we went to register, we were handed a list of everything we should register for.
The list plus both of us have no idea what we really needed resulting in a confusing 4 hours of selecting a bunch of items with little reason behind our selections. Some things we ended up with are great, and some are pointless. What follows is my review of what items are worth having and which are a waste. If you want to skip my narrative, you can get the checklist here.
I suggest setting up a baby registry on Amazon here. We did ours at Babies R Us, but a lot of people bought gifts off Amazon because it was more convenient and they had the best prices. This resulted in a bunch of duplicate items because nothing was actually getting checked off of my registry. Everyone uses Amazon, so this is a super convenient way to create a registry!
Well-wishers want to gift you with the items you want for your new baby. They rely on your registry to see what you like and want. Therefore, when you build your registry decide what you really want. I also found it helpful to use my registry as a shopping list, so after my showers, I could remember everything else I needed to get. Below is a list of items with my thoughts on each. There is also a PDF checklist here without all the added details. The Real Baby Registry Checklist
You can start setting up your registry here.
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Items for the baby registry checklist for the first 4 Months
Travel
- Car seat: You can choose between convertible, travel system or infant, but you will need one of them. I recommend a travel system (see next bullet)
- Extra car seat base: You only really need one car seat while baby is tiny, but you will want to be able to use it in all of your cars. If you have a second car, you will need a second base. Car seats can be used without a base, but for your regular cars, you want a base installed because it makes it much easier.
- Car mirror: When you are driving it’s nice to be able to see what baby is up to in the back seat. A car mirror is designed to be attached to the seat, so you can keep an eye on what baby is doing through your rearview mirror.
- Car window shades: Unless you have really dark windows, you will want at least one window shade. I have one on both of my back windows because the window on the far side from baby still allowed sun to shine on Paxton without the second shade up.
- Travel system stroller that can be used without a car seat for larger kids: Find a stroller you can attach your car seat to. For the first few months, it will be easier to keep baby in the car seat. However, after 5 months or so, the baby will be strong enough to sit in the stroller without the car seat, so you will get more use out of it if you can use the stroller without a car seat. Check out the one I have: Baby Trend Jogger Stroller. I LOVE it!
- Stroller hooks: You will want to attach your diaper bag to the stroller in some way. I have chains with snaps that clip to rings on either side of my diaper bag. I also have a hook that I can hang things from.
- Baby carrier: If you have friends with little kids, try out their carriers prior to purchasing one. Most good baby carriers are pricy and different people like different ones. I actually have two. I have a Lille Baby Carrier which is good for carrying Paxton all day, but I also have a Seven Everyday Sling sling style that puts him on my hip for short periods. I like keeping this one in my diaper bag for quick access when I’m out.
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Sleep
- Crib: You will need one for once baby outgrows a bassinet. I suggest making it one that converts into a toddler bed and a full-sized bed. Otherwise, you will be left with a crib that you don’t know what to do with.
- Crib mattress: Babies don’t need super fancy mattresses. Just make sure it fills the crib and is firm.
- Mattress cover: Get at least 3 waterproof liners. You always want to have one on so that the mattress doesn’t get ruined. If one gets wet during the night you want to have a fresh one ready to put on.
- Crib sheets: At least 3 of these for the same reasons as above
- Bassinet and sheets: Paxton slept in his nursery from night one, but the AAP recommends babies sleep in your bedroom for the first 6 months. If you are going to do this, a bassinet is good for keeping baby close by. You will also want at least two sets of sheets for the bassinet.
- Baby monitor: Invest in a good quality video monitor. I thought WiFi was a must-have feature of a baby monitor, but in reality, I use that feature very little. Invest in high-quality video. You will appreciate being able to see details such as baby breathing.
- Rocking chair/ glider and ottoman: A rocking chair is wonderful for feeding and soothing and reading. You will also want a footstool so that you can put your feet up. I have the Windsor Glider and Ottoman one and it has been a lifesaver.
- Nightlight: Lights can keep baby awake, but at first it was nice having one, and it didn’t seem to bother Paxton for the first couple of months. We have the Skip Hop Baby Soother, Moonlight that is a dual noise machine/night light.
- Noise machine: Baby is used to hearing noise in the womb. A noise machine can help mimic that and help baby sleep. It also helps block out noises around the house to keep baby sleeping soundly. Here is some great information for deciding on a noise machine.
- Dresser: I store jackets in the closet, but the rest of Paxton’s clothes in a dresser. I recommend one that matches the conversion bed, so baby can use it for years to come.
- Humidifier: This is probably good to have on hand, but I wouldn’t say it’s a necessity. I keep Paxton’s on a low setting all the time. I’m not sure if it helps, but it doesn’t hurt. The one we have is a cute elephant, so it looks nice with the nursery décor. We have the Crane Adorables Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier.
- Pack N Play: This is great for spending time outside with baby or traveling.
- Pack N Play sheet: If you have a Pack N Play, you need a sheet to put on it. Two sheets aren’t a bad idea, so you have a spare.
- Swaddles: Babies have a startle reflex for the first 4 months or so. Swaddles help them feel snug and keep them from jerking awake. They are wonderful for helping baby sleep during those initial months. The nurses in the hospital will teach you to swaddle with a blanket, but when you are home and sleep-deprived, just go with the swaddles that only require a zipper and Velcro, it will save your sanity.
- Wearable blankets: You don’t want anything in the crib with the baby for the first year. However, you don’t want to swaddle the baby once he starts rolling over. Therefore, if you are afraid baby will be cold overnight, wearable blankets are good to have. These can also be helpful to keep baby from climbing out of the crib. We didn’t use these much and instead dress Paxton in pajamas with pants year-round and keep our house a consistent temperature.
- Baby sleep book: One of the best gifts I received, which I didn’t even know I needed, was a sleep book recommended by my aunt that is raising 4 kids. There are tons of sleep books. They make good reading while you are up with the baby in the middle of the night. I love the Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, 4th Edition.
Feeding
- Bottles: Even if you are planning to breastfeed, at some point you will want to give the baby a bottle. For the first 4 or 5 months 4-oz bottles are a good size. After that, you will want 9-oz bottles. While you will want a lot of bottles in both sizes, I recommend not getting a bunch right away. There are so many types of bottles and some babies need anti-colic or are just really picky, and you will like some styles more than others. Instead, I suggest polling friends on which types of bottles they liked. Then get a couple of them to try. After a few weeks of using them, decide which ones you want more of. Once you know what you want, you can easily order off Amazon. We love the MAM Newborn Essentials “Feed & Soothe” Set.
- Bottlebrush: I haven’t used mine much, but it’s not bad to have. It helped to clean bottles when traveling.
- Bottle drying rack: Bottles are dishwasher safe, but I felt better soaking them in the sink before Paxton started eating solid food. The drying rack was wonderful during this time.
- Breast pump: You can usually get a free one through insurance.
- Pump accessories: Your pump will come with everything you need to use it. However, a second set of the parts is helpful. See my post on pumps and accessories.
- Pump bag and cooler bag: If you are planning to travel at all or work while pumping, you will need a bag to carry your pump and all the accessories as well as a cooler bag for any milk you pump.
- Breast pump cleaning wipes: These make cleaning pump parts way quicker when on the go or at work. You could also go with steam sterilizer bags, but I had a pump that said not to steam the parts. The Medela Quick Clean Breast Pump and Accessory Wipes work great for work and travel.
- Breastmilk storage bags: Having a box on hand is helpful. If you don’t, these can be ordered from Amazon prime and arrive the next day. Any brand will work. However, I use the Lansinoh ones. These have double zippers in case one fails.
- Nursing pads: Even if you are not planning to breastfeed, you will leak milk. I suggest the washable pads but disposable work too. I really like these Bamboo Nursing Pads. They are super absorbent and easy to wash. They even come with a cute bag to store them in.
- Nipple cream: If you are breastfeeding, you will want this.
- Nursing pillow: I wasn’t sure I really needed this. The day after coming home from the hospital, I sent my husband to the store to get me one. It made breastfeeding much easier at first. As Paxton got older, it was good to prop him up and then as a balance when he was learning to sit up. For something I thought I didn’t need, I have sure used it a lot. I got a Boppy. There are some fancier ones out there, but this one served its purpose.
- Bibs: You will want small soft ones for the first few months and silicone ones once the baby starts eating solid food. With solid food, dishwasher friendly is a big plus. I really like these PandaEar Set of 2 Cute Silicone Baby Bibs with a pocket to catch dropped food.
- Burp cloths: The first few months will require a lot of these. You will want to have multiple ones on hand everywhere. Eventually baby will outgrow the need for burb clothes, but for the sake of your sanity, get a lot for the beginning.
Bathroom
- Baby bathtub: You will want one for the first few months. The fancy spa-style ones are nice for the person giving the bath, but baby will outgrow it before they really enjoy the extra features. You will likely be fine with a basic one that includes a slanted sling for baby to lay on.
- Baby soap: A basic baby body wash/shampoo is all you need here.
- Baby washcloths: Baby is tiny, and it really is easier to wash with a soft thin washcloth designed for babies.
- Soft hooded towels: Robes are a pain until baby can stand. A hooded towel works well. You will want tiny ones for the first few months, and a larger one designed for toddlers once baby gets a little bigger.
- Baby lotion: At first babies don’t need lotion on their skin, but eventually they will start drooling and getting dry skin from all the drool. The lotion will be necessary. I use Eucerin.
- Baby first aid kit: When baby gets sick (it will happen eventually) you don’t want to be running to the store. Get one of these which should include a baby thermometer and a nasal bulb. You also will want to have baby Tylenol or Motrin and Benadryl on hand.
- Baby nail clippers: Babies have nails that grow freakishly fast, and these nails are sharp on their soft skin (and yours). You will want to keep them clipped short to prevent scratches on baby (and you).
- Baby nail file: Along with the need for nail clippers, you will need a tiny baby nail file.
Changing
- Changing table: You need a place to change baby. However, you don’t need a table dedicated only to this purpose. We have a the Little Seeds Changing Table Topper for the dresser. This is wonderful, doesn’t take up any floor space and works great for diaper changes. Once we don’t have to change diapers, the topper easily detaches from the dresser, and the dresser is still great.
- Changing table pad: You will want a pad to put on top of whatever you decide for a changing table.
- Changing table pad covers and waterproof liners: You will want a cover for the changing table pad as well as a waterproof liner that sits on top. There are many times I’ve tossed the waterproof liner in the laundry but not had to change the entire cover.
- Cloth diapers (if using): I didn’t use these, so I can’t add much here.
- Diaper rash cream: An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of treatment. Get a generic diaper rash cream and apply it with each diaper change. We have done this with Paxton and have kept diaper rash at bay so far.
- Diaper paste spatula: This is the item you never knew you needed. Getting diaper rash cream on your hands is a thing of the past with this. The Diaper Rash Cream Brush is an item you will be so glad you have!
- Diaper pail and liners: The Diaper Genie has been around since I was a baby, but it’s still popular because it works. It’s simple and effective for disposing of diapers.
Play
- Activity mat and tummy time mirror: A newborn doesn’t need many toys, but after a few weeks you will decide you want a toy that baby can play with when only a couple of weeks old. An activity mat is great for this. There are a bunch to choose from. When selecting one, consider that baby will be able to see black and white best at first. A mirror designed for tummy time is also great for when baby starts to like looking at themselves.
- Baby swing/bouncer: Newborns like to move. Most of the time they will be in your arms, but a swing or bouncer is nice to give you a little break. I wouldn’t get the most expensive one though because the baby will outgrow it quickly, and there’s no guarantee that the baby will be a fan.
- Books: Reading to baby from the start is highly recommended. Baby doesn’t care what you read or if you read the same thing over and over. However, you will care. I heard an idea about having everyone give you a book for your shower with a message in it instead of a card. I really wish I had heard of this before my showers. Books will get read to baby for years; cards gather dust.
- Mobile: I suggest one that plays for an extended period of time versus one of the cute crank ones that matches the nursery décor. An extended runtime will be way more useful. We had a cute nursery décor-matching one and eventually swapped it out for something more practical. We have gotten a lot of use out of the Tiny Love Meadow Days Soothe ‘n Groove Baby Mobile.
Other
- Receiving blankets: You don’t need a lot of these, but a couple are good to have. I keep one in my diaper bag for when I want to put Paxton on the floor to play in a public place.
- Diaper bag: Take my advice and get one for you and one for your husband. You can each fill it with what you need (see my post on what to put in a diaper bag). This bag will go with you everywhere, so make sure you get one you like. I have this Petunia Picklebottom Backpack which I love.
- Baby laundry detergent: Baby has sensitive skin. Prewash clothes before baby wears them for the first time and do all of baby’s laundry with it. Baby laundry detergent is an easy change to make to prevent eczema.
- Pacifiers: These are like bottles. You will want a bunch, but the baby may only like a specific kind. Get a variety to try. Paxton only likes these MAM pacifiers. Also, pacifiers come in different sizes. You will want newborn ones initially, and then use larger ones as baby gets older. The right size pacifier makes a big difference.
- Pacifier straps: Pacifiers never seem to stay in baby’s mouth. Straps are wonderful.
- Laundry hamper: Babies go through a lot of clothes, burp rags, and bedding. You need a place to put all the laundry.
- Wastebasket: I don’t find I end up with that much nursery trash. However, it’s nice to have one next to the dresser.
- End tables: We didn’t think about needing these, but they are nice to have next to the glider. Cheap ones work just fine and don’t take up too much space.
- Baby hangers: If you have a closet, you will want at least a few hangers. I found it helpful to hang sweatshirts and jackets.
- Storage baskets: A couple of baskets are helpful for decorative storage.
- Storage drawers: Put one or two plastic storage drawer sets in the closet to increase storage without sacrificing nursery appearance.
- Hand sanitizer: Get the cute little travel ones that you can attach to your diaper bag as well as a bottle for the changing area.
Items for Beyond Month 4
- Jumperoo: From about 4 months on Paxton has loved his jumperoo where he can jump out some of his energy. The Fisher-Price Jumperoo is the one we have, and it gets tons of use.
- Toys: As baby gets older you will want different types of toys. I suggest getting ones that don’t require batteries. Some that play music or make noise are okay, but you will get tired of listening to them eventually.
- Teething toys: Get a variety of types because the baby will likely want different ones at different times.
- High chair: You don’t want to chase around a wiggly baby at mealtime.
- Baby food bowls: You don’t want baby using your good bowls. You will eventually want ones that suction onto the high chair tray.
- Baby spoons: Hard plastic spoons that are thick are good for feeding baby. I suggest ones with longer handles to start so that both you and baby can hold on.
- Snack containers: These are great for traveling with snacks when baby starts eating finger foods. The Philips Avent Powder Formula Dispenser and Snack Cup has 3 compartments, so it works great for taking a variety of snacks with us.
- Sippy cups: Same as bottles – get a bunch of different styles to try.
- Baby toothbrush: Once baby has teeth you want to start brushing teeth. I suggest a toothbrush that is extra -long so that you and baby can hold on. Before baby has teeth, you can wipe the gums with a wet washcloth. I like the MAM Learn to Brush Set that has an extra-long handle, so baby can help.
- Baby toothpaste: To go with the toothbrush
- Childproofing products: We aren’t quite here yet, but you will definitely need these eventually. Paxton already wants to grab everything, so I can only imagine what it will be like once he is on the move.
- Umbrella stroller: Baby won’t be able to use this at first, but after 6 or 7 months, it will be an easy thing to keep in the car to move the baby around.
- Bath kneeler: Now that Paxton is using the real bathtub, I’m glad that I have this. He likes having someone play with him in the bath. I need to be on my knees to do this.
- Bath toys: Playing in the bath requires toys.
- Bath toy holder: When you get toys, you will want a way to contain them.
- Toy basket: Same as with the bath toys; you will want a place to store all the toys you collect.
Items You Need but Shouldn’t Register For
- Formula: If you aren’t planning to breastfeed for the entire first year or if you end up with milk supply issues like I did, you will need formula at some point. Wait until you need it to buy it. You don’t know what baby will like or need. In the meantime, register for the Enfamil and Similac sample programs. These send you free samples in the mail, so you can try out some different formulas before buying.
- Disposable diapers: If you aren’t using cloth ones you will need these. I highly recommend sticking with a brand name. In my experience, the generic ones just don’t work as well. You will need lots of every size except maybe newborn. Instead of registering for them at a specific location, I suggest just letting people that plan your shower know that you would love diapers of whatever brand you choose in any size.
- Wipes: You will need lots of these, but I suggest the same as diapers. Generic wipes are okay and work, but in my experience, generic ones stick together. Therefore, when you pull one wipe you get a handful.
- Nursing bras and clothes: You will need these if you plan to breastfeed, but likely want to pick them out yourself.
- Baby clothes: You need lots of these, but people will get you plenty even if you don’t register for them. If you see something you just have to buy for baby, get it in a larger size (6 months or larger). People will give you lots of tiny size clothes. However, you will find yourself in need of clothes when the baby reaches 6-month size.
- Baby blankets: You will get plenty of these that people make, and you really only need a couple. You don’t need to register for any store-bought ones.
Items You Don’t Need
- Bottle warmer
- Wipe warmer
- Crib Bumpers
- Bottle sterilizer
- Dishwasher basket
- Make your own baby food system
- Baby food cookbooks
- Bumbo seat
What are your must-haves and could do without baby items? Let me know in the comments.
Head over to Amazon and start setting up a baby registry now while all this info is fresh in your head!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Babs Rodrigus is the co-founder and main writer of My Favorite Job Title is Mom. Together with her wife, she’s the mom of a sensitive almost-6-year-old and any day now she’ll be giving birth to baby #2. As a business owner, she fully understands what it’s like to combine work with family and all the struggles that come with it.