The Only Baby Registry Checklist You Need [Free Printable PDF]

Inside: A handy-dandy baby registry list of necessities for your family and friends! Plus, a free printable checklist of all the baby essentials to register for!

Are you preparing for a baby? This “no-baloney” baby registry checklist ensures you don’t forget anything essential!

“A baby is something you carry inside you for nine months, in your arms for three years, and in your heart till the day you die.”

~Mary Mason

Let’s be honest! Preparing for a newborn baby can be stressful! It comes with enough emotional and financial pressure!

One way to ease the transition and get the support you wish for as an expectant mom is by sharing a baby registry with your family and friends.

Our loved ones are always ready to help when we are clear about what we need from them.

Through sharing a baby registry, they will have a checklist of several things to choose from without feeling lost in a sea of adorable and shiny little things.

What should you register for your baby, you ask? Leave that to me! Below is a practical list of baby registry must-haves ideal for the minimalist.

Everything you need to know about the Baby Registry

What is a baby registry?

A baby registry is a place (mostly online) where you can list baby products you wish to stock up on before your little one arrives.

This list will help you be prepared and organized to avoid product duplication.

What are the benefits of creating a baby registry?

When you create a baby registry with most online stores, you get a free welcome box and approximately 10–15 percent off whatever is left on your registry.

When should you start creating a baby registry?

Most new parents prefer to begin their baby registry as soon as possible. They will not, however, share them until the 12th week of pregnancy for safety and personal reasons.

Where can you create a baby registry?

There are several to choose from out there. Here are some of the best baby registry sites:

• Amazon Baby Registry
• Target Baby Registry
• Babylist
• BuyBuy Baby Registry
• Walmart Baby Registry
• Pottery Barn Kids Baby Registry
• Bed Bath and Beyond Baby Registry
• Kohl’s Baby Registry

However, all you need is that one place where you can find everything without getting stressed out over not finding that newborn necessity.

My favorite, by far, is Amazon’s baby registry. Amazon is packed with everything you could ever want!

Create your Amazon baby registry! You get a free welcome box, a completion discount of up to 15%, and more! If you don’t like the product, don’t worry. They have an extended free 90-day return policy you can avail of!

That is why I am so thankful to the person who came up with the idea of a baby registry!

Related article: Hospital Bag Must-Haves [Plus The Practical Checklist]

Newborn Baby Registry Must-Haves for the Nursery

Don’t forget this list of items for the baby registry so your little one can enjoy a soothing environment:

Blackout curtains

Your tiny newborn is used to the warm and dark environment in your belly. Mimic that environment by putting up blackout curtains for the nursery windows.

These thermal-insulated blackout curtains are smart energy savers. They maintain a good room temperature equilibrium for the changing seasons.

Crib and crib mattress with fitted sheets

The crib is undoubtedly the most essential piece of nursery furniture. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends we use a crib as our babies’ sleeping surface.

Studies and research showing that cribs are among the safest places for newborns to sleep support this guideline.

Both of my kids used this top-notch economical crib.

This brand has been in the industry for 50 years, and “safety is at the heart of everything they do.”

If you must use another brand, ensure it meets all safety standards. After all, it is for your little ball of happiness. Am I right? (*winks)

Mobile

This take-along mobile is a practical choice. It is easy to attach to the crib, the play yard, the bassinet, or more.

In other words, your baby can have fun with it wherever he goes.

Bassinet

A bassinet is also a good choice when you prefer to co-sleep and don’t have ample space in your bedroom. (Take note: Co-sleeping is different from bed-sharing.)

Glider or rocking chair

The womb-to-world transition is never easy. Your baby will constantly crave the warmth and security of being held close and may cry when left alone.

We are mere humans, and that responsibility alone can be overtaxing, especially for someone who just gave birth.

Thankfully, this swiveling glider rocker can help alleviate that stress. It is meticulously designed with comfort and safety in mind, creating a gentle and soothing place for you to relax and for your baby to escape the pressures of the outside world.

Ottoman

Nursing your baby or rocking him to sleep while sitting on your glider for a prolonged period can make your lower limbs fall asleep.

With the help of an ottoman, you can position your legs as comfortably as possible so your nerves are not compressed, ultimately preventing your legs from falling asleep.

This ottoman right here doesn’t only serve that purpose. It also doubles as a stylish piece of storage container where you can stash anything you want for your baby-feeding station.

Night light

A night light can help you avoid stumbling and tripping during late-night feedings or diaper changes.

✔️ By the way, you’re probably not sleeping well anymore. I know it’s not easy carrying a baby in the tummy (I was there myself), and it gets uncomfortable, especially at bedtime. So, you would want to grab this pregnancy pillow to help with sleep. It sure was a lifesaver for me when I was pregnant. I am positive it will do wonders for you too.

Related article about what to stock up on before baby arrives: 29 Necessities to Stock up on Before Baby Arrives

Baby Registry Essentials for Feeding

Whether you’re planning to breastfeed or bottle-feed, you will need the right accessories to be prepared to feed your little one all day, every day.

Here are the top baby feeding necessities to add to your registry, along with your nursing mom essentials:

Baby bottles

To be honest, bottle-feeding is unavoidable.

You will be away from your baby, no matter how much you dislike it. Prepare yourself for that tear-jerking moment.

With baby bottles, it will be more manageable for the person left with your baby to feed him (either with breast milk or formula).

My little girl used Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow baby bottles for daycare, while my little boy had a Tommee Tippee.

Nursing pillow

A nursing pillow eases the baby-feeding experience. It can tremendously save your back, neck, and shoulders since it can bring your baby up to the right height.

It can also be a good accessory for tummy time, and you can even teach your baby to sit up with the help of a nursing pillow.

Bandana bibs

Avoid getting your baby’s shirt soaked while feeding. Use a bandana bib that can absorb all the dribble.

Burp cloths

Up until a certain age, your new baby will need help burping. Burping is frequently followed by spitting up!

That is why you will need enough burp cloths for your little one.

Assuming you plan to wash every other day, I suggest you get at least ten burp cloths.

High chair

Experts recommend you wait until your baby can sit with adequate head control before utilizing a high chair. That typically happens around six months.

Newborn Baby Registry Essentials for Diapering

I vividly remember how I used to change my firstborn’s diaper. Slow and awkward… That was how it went! Now, you ask?! I can do it in my sleep!

You, too, will get there with the help of these diapering essentials:

Diapers

Diapers will be your most-used essential. Your little one will be using it for a few years (unless you decide to utilize cloth diapers), so never forget to put this on there and do it now! (*winks)

You can start a diaper stockpile as early as possible.

I have to warn you, though. Never overdo it until you learn your baby’s skin sensitivities.

These disposable diapers are what my kids used to wear. They’re fantastic, especially at nighttime, because leakage is minimal to none at all. If your baby falls into the larger end of the size scale, these disposable diapers will be perfect for them.

Wipes

Second to diapers, wipes should never be forgotten.

Just remember to choose the unscented ones for now, as they are best for sensitive skin.

Diaper rash cream

It is best to choose a diaper rash cream that is not harsh on a newborn baby’s sensitive skin.

My kids tried 4-5 different brands before we decided on this diaper rash cream altogether. It is pediatrician-recommended and hypoallergenic.

Hand sanitizer

As a medical laboratory scientist, it is only natural that I get so obsessed with a clean environment.

I always ensure my hands are unsoiled before touching or giving anything to my children.

While thorough handwashing with soap and water is advisable, you won’t always have access to both (especially when you’re traveling).

Hand sanitizers are lifesavers!

Changing pad and table

This really is a personal choice.

Many parents prefer to leave out the changing table and just settle for an affordable changing pad.

Diaper-changing tables are, in my opinion, undeniably beneficial. It will save your back and hips as it prevents you from bending forward over and over again (unless, of course, you are very tall).

We have to admit that newborn babies are pooping and peeing machines! We will be doing this task a hundred times a day!

Hands-free trash can

You will need a durable garbage can to dump those dirty, smelly wipes and diapers. A hands-free, easy-to-open bin is all you need to reduce the spread of germs!

I suggest you invest in this touchless trash can. With more than 60,000 reviews, you can never go wrong with this hygienic and convenient choice. It can open automatically with just a motion of your hand, and it has an odor-control system to keep your home smelling clean.

Baby Registry Must-Haves for Travel

Infant car seat

I place great emphasis on this: You can’t take your baby home in a vehicle without a car seat!

All states require that an infant or child ride in a safety seat at all times. Though non-compliance fines vary from $10 to $500, all state laws are in unison when it comes to your child’s safety. [Source: Governors Highway Safety Association]

Stroller or Baby carrier

If you prefer wearing your baby, this baby carrier is perfect for your baby’s early months. It is hands-down the best I have ever used.

Diaper bag

Go for function over fashion when choosing a diaper bag.

Also, consider Daddy. Find something that both of you can use without feeling awkward about it.

As a recommendation, this diaper bag right here is perfect for all those reasons!

Portable play yard

This portable play yard features a removable full-size bassinet and changing table.

As it is compact, you can use it as a mini-crib alternative when you’re traveling with your infant.

Baby Registry Basics to Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep

Sleep sacks, swaddle blankets, or swaddles

I love this award-winning sleep sack by Love To Dream. It’s an easy (and better) way to swaddle your baby.

Swing

Baby swings are ideal for napping! My kids used to doze off in this baby swing when they were younger. They slept the most on this.

Here are a few more options for you to check out!

Baby Registry Essentials for Baby’s Health and Safety

As the adage goes, “Make preparations in advance—you never have trouble if you are prepared for it.”

I am with Theodore Roosevelt on that!

Let’s be practical, though. No matter how hard we try to protect our little ones, circumstances beyond our control happen.

Gather the following essentials to prevent or treat what’s bound to happen. You better be prepared than sorry!

Nursery First Aid and Grooming Kit

• Nail clippers
• Blunt scissors
• Baby hair brush or comb
• Cotton balls
• Gum brush
• Thermometer
• Medicine dispenser
• Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator
• Saline nasal drops (drug-free)
• Baby gas spray and drops (natural and alcohol-free)
• Infant Acetaminophen (consult your doctor before giving to babies under three months old)

Cool Mist Humidifier

To provide your baby with optimal breathing conditions, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends a relative indoor humidity of between 30% and 60%.

In the winter, the air tends to be harsh and dry. For that reason, everyone experiences sore throats and dry sinuses.

A baby is more susceptible to these side effects. Thus, a humidifier is recommended in your little one’s nursery.

Baby Registry Needs for Baby Bath Time

Bathtime with my little ones is a special bonding moment I always look forward to. The following essentials help us create a comfortable, pleasant, and safe bathtime routine for our babies:

• Baby bathtub
• Body wash and shampoo
• Scalp massaging scrub
• Rinsing cup
• Baby Washcloths
• Hooded towels

Important: Check out my comprehensive guide on Baby Bath Time and learn how to bathe your baby properly.

Baby Registry Nice-to-Haves for Bath Time

• Bath toys: The American Academy of Pediatrics states that young infants do not need bath toys as they find the experience of being in water fascinating enough. However, once your child is old enough for the bathtub, bath toys can be a fun and exciting addition to their bathtime routine.

Baby Wardrobe Essentials to Add to Your Baby Registry

• Baby clothes of various sizes
• Onesies (short and long sleeves)—about 7 to 14 for the first three months
• Footed sleepers
• Sweaters or jackets
• Dress-up outfits
• Hat or cap (weather-dependent)
• Snowsuit (weather-dependent)
• Socks

What should you not put on a baby registry?

You can get through your baby’s first year without these products. If you are a minimalist, save your baby registry for the more expensive, big-ticket items. (Believe me! 99% of your relatives and close friends won’t find it rude. Don’t worry!)

However, be aware that some of these specific items can make life with a newborn a little easier.

Breast pump

I strongly recommend that you get a pump. However, do not put it on your baby registry, as most providers (if not all) will cover the cost of your breast pump.

Call your health insurance company for more information about this now.

Wipe warmer

Though I used this for my winter baby, you can absolutely skip this for yours.

Diaper pail or diaper genie

I prefer a good-quality trash can over this.

Bottle warmer

I got this as a gift and tried it out for a few weeks before deciding to stop using it.

Sterilizer

I used this for a bit and found it tedious. I then just settled for the good old hot, soapy water.

Pacifiers

This opinion can be triggering for other moms. They believe this is necessary, but my kids were never fans.

Mittens

My kids were never fans of these either.

Baby shoes

Until your baby is walking, don’t even bother getting a pair. They will only inhibit growth and movement.

Crib bedding sets

Although some will tell you to get crib bumpers and skirts, all you really need are fitted crib sheets.

White noise machine

They say a sound machine helps your baby sleep better at night. I don’t disagree at all, but I never had one. I just logged into YouTube and played soothing nature sounds. My kids loved it!

Bouncer

If you have a swing, you won’t need this. If you would rather have a bouncer, then skip the baby swing.

Baby Monitor

Instinct teaches a mother to sleep with one eye open. Unless you have a huge house, you won’t need this.

Your Free Baby Registry Checklist Printable

Related article to prepare for baby: 13 Items Not to Put on Your Baby Registry (No Regrets)

My Final Thoughts on the Baby Registry Essentials

Every parent’s opinion differs when it comes to what is really needed for their baby.

Nevertheless, we can all agree on one thing: Whatever our little ones need, we will do anything (and everything) to provide it!

There you have it, Mama! Check all the boxes on your baby registry list before your planned baby shower, and don’t forget to share it with your friends.

I hope you find this article helpful.

Talk to you soon,

Another Free Version of the Practical Baby Registry Checklist Template

Did I miss some baby registry essentials?

Please leave a comment below with your favorite baby essentials! I’d love to hear what you think. Thank you for stopping by!

P.S. Have you named your baby yet? Check out these baby name suggestions:

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