Creating a baby registry is an exciting part of pregnancy, but it can be a lot to figure out. What baby products should you register for, and where? This baby registry checklist will help you decide exactly what to put on your registries, and answer your registry questions.
What is a baby registry?
A baby registry is a wish list of all the things you'd like to receive as gifts for your new baby. Creating a registry helps you plan for all the gear and supplies you'll need and want for your little one. It also gives you a polite way to steer your friends and family toward the baby products you love (and away from the things you don't).
How does a baby registry work?
You can start a baby registry at many different online and offline retailers, and you're not limited to one. Some parents-to-be create registries at multiple retailers to take advantage of different perks. The best baby registries offer incentives, such as a free welcome box, price matching, extended return periods, registry completion discounts, and more. Some baby registries are universal registries, meaning that you can add items from any retailer to your registry and keep track of everything in one place. Before you start your registry, check out these baby registry dos and don'ts. And to find the best registry for you, head to BabyCenter's Baby Registry Builder, which gives you personalized recommendations.
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What to put on a baby registry
Don't be shy – go ahead and add everything you'll need for your baby's first year (and beyond!). There's no downside to registering for a lot of things, and it's nice for gift-givers to have lots of options at different price points. If you don't receive all the must-have items on your registries, you can take advantage of registry completion discounts to buy them yourself.
You'll want to include basic necessities on your baby registry – such as diapers, wipes, toys, and clothing – as well as big-ticket items such as a car seat, a stroller, a highchair, a bassinet, a play yard, and a crib. Some registries allow for group gifts, which helps with the more expensive items. See below for our complete list of what to put on your registry. In addition to suggesting the best registries for you, ourRegistry Builder comes with a personalized checklist of baby gear to add to your registries – so you'll want to make sure to check it out.
What not to add to your baby registry
We told you to register for everything – but there are some caveats. Use caution when registering for:
Single-purpose gadgets: Baby-wipe warmers aren't necessary, according to many moms and dads. And instead of a dedicated baby-food maker, a regular blender or food processor can do the job.
Impractical baby clothes and shoes: As cute as those teeny-tiny cowboy boots and frilly gowns can be, you probably won't get much use out of them.
Crib bedding sets: Crib bumpers, pillows, and quilts aren't safe for babies.
Too many toys: Watch out for large baby toys that serve similar purposes, such as jumpers and activity centers, or bouncers and swings. You may not need them all – or want to store them.
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When to start a baby registry
Many expecting parents create their baby registries at 12 weeks, as the first trimester comes to an end. Others start a registry after finding out their baby's gender, or create the registry a month or two before their baby shower. There's no such thing as too early when it comes to registries, but you can be too late. Give your gift-givers plenty of time to consider their options and make purchases.
Some good news: Starting a registry online is simple. Here are three popular registries we've partnered with:
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Get a free welcome gift valued at $100, and a 15 percent discount on everything left in your registry.
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Add items from any site using Amazon's Universal Registry. Prime members get a 15 percent completion discount on eligible items.
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Get access to online registry tools and a 15 percent completion discount.
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Must-have baby registry items
Click on items to see the BabyCenter Love It Award winners – the best baby products chosen by BabyCenter parents and editors.
Nursery
- Changing table or pad
- Crib
- Crib mattress
- Bassinet
- Glider or rocker
- Mobile
- Nursery organizers and storage
Baby gear
- Baby wrap or sling
- Baby carrier
- Baby backpack
- Everyday stroller
- Jogging stroller
- Travel system
- Infant or convertible car seat
- Play yard
Diapering
- Cloth or disposable diapers
- Baby wipes
- Diaper rash cream
- Diaper bag
- Diaper pail and liners
Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding
- Nursing pillow
- Nursing pads
- Nipple cream
- Nursing bras and tops
- Nursing cover
- Manual or electric breast pump
- Breast milk storage bags
- Burp cloths
- Bottles
- Bottle warmer
- Formula
- Bottle-drying rack
- Bottle brushes
- Dishwasher basket for bottle parts
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Solid feeding
- Highchair
- Bowls and plates (3 to 5)
- Baby spoons (2 or 3)
- Sippy cups (3 to 5)
- Bibs (3 to 5)
- Baby food maker
Bathing
- Baby bathtub
- Baby bath towels (2)
- Washcloths
- Baby shampoo or body wash
- Baby lotion
- Bath toys
Clothing
- Newborn clothing
- Sleepers or pajamas (10 per size)
- Bodysuits (7 per size)
- Stretchy pants (7 per size)
- Outer layers (2 per size)
- Socks and baby shoes
- Sun hats (2)
- Winter hats (2)
Sleeping
- Wearable blankets (2 or 3)
- Swaddling blankets (3)
- Sound machine
- Nightlight
- Crib sheets (3 to 5)
- Waterproof mattress pad (2)
- Pacifiers
Baby toys and entertainment
- Baby bouncer or rocker
- Baby swing
- Baby jumper
- Play mat
- Activity center
- Books
- Toys
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Health and safety
- Safety gates
- Childproofing products
- Baby monitor
- Baby first-aid kit
- Baby grooming kit
- Baby thermometer
- Baby humidifier
- Nasal aspirator
- Colic relievers
- Teething toys
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