The Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist for Expecting Parents

A baby registry is essential in preparing for your little one’s arrival. However, with countless products and gadgets available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. When curating your baby registry, consider investing in must-haves such as a high-quality stroller, a comfortable and safe car seat, a reliable breast pump, and durable clothing basics like onesies and sleepers.

Additionally, don’t forget about the more minor details like a bathtub, a sound machine, and a diaper pail—these seemingly minor items can simplify your life exponentially. With careful consideration and guidance, your baby registry can ensure you’re fully prepared for your new bundle of joy.

This blog post will provide essential tips and advice on effectively picking out items for your new arrival. We hope that with this guide, you can create a suitable baby registry list quickly!

Contents:

• What is a Baby Registry?
• When to Make a Baby Registry?
• Where to Register for Baby?
• Baby Registry Checklist
  • Necessities for Baby’s Nursery
  • Feeding
  • Diapering
  • Clothing
  • Bath Items
  • Health Products
  • Other Gear and Accessories
• Second Baby Registry
• What Not to Register For?
• FAQs

What is a Baby Registry?

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A baby registry is a helpful tool for expectant parents and their friends who want to buy them gifts. It is a list of items that the parents-to-be have selected as essential to care for their new baby.

These can range from practical necessities like diapers and wipes to luxuries like high-end strollers or designer clothing. Not only does a baby registry make it easier for others to choose a gift that the parents will appreciate, but it also helps the parents-to-be keep track of what items they still need to purchase.

With the availability of online registries, the process is easier and more convenient than ever before. Overall, a baby registry is a valuable tool that can make the transition into parenthood easier.

How Do Baby Registries Work?

When it comes to a new addition to the family, many parents turn to baby registries as the perfect solution. Baby registries allow parents-to-be to create a wish list of items that they need for their baby, which friends and family can use to purchase gifts that will be both helpful and appreciated. This takes the guesswork out of gift-giving and ensures that new parents receive items that are not only practical, but also enjoyable.

Baby registries can be created online or in-store and offer a wide variety of items to choose from, including essentials like diapers and blankets, to fun items like toys and clothing. The process of creating a registry is straightforward, making it accessible to everyone.

When to Make a Baby Registry?

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Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming to prepare for the arrival of the little one. One task you’ll likely want to tackle early in creating a baby registry is to get organized and ensure you have all the essentials you need for your baby. But when should you make a registry? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the timeline for creating a registry so that you can be confident and prepared.

First Trimester: Search and Start a List

During your first trimester, you’ll likely be adjusting to the new reality of pregnancy, and it may feel early to start planning for your baby. However, this is a great time to begin researching baby gear and making a list of what you’ll need.

Some parents like to wait until they know the baby’s gender before starting a registry, but this isn’t necessary. Begin by looking at baby gear guides from reliable sources and speaking with other parents about their must-have items. Make a list of what you need and save it in a digital tool that can easily add and remove items as needed.

Second Trimester: Start Building Your Registry

Once you’ve reached your second trimester, you’ll likely feel more settled into your pregnancy and may have even started buying some items for your baby. This is a great time to start building your registry.

Begin by choosing the stores where you’ll register. Many parents register with multiple stores to give their friends and family a range of options. Add the items you’ve already purchased to your registry and begin adding items from your list.

Be sure to add a range of items at different price points, so that guests with different budgets can find something they can afford.

Third Trimester: Finalize Your Registry

As you enter your third trimester, your due date is getting closer, and you may begin to feel more about preparing for the baby’s arrival. Take this opportunity to finalize your registry, making sure you have all the ensuring you need.

Be sure to add any items you need for postpartum care and breastfeeding, as well as any items you may have forgotten. Share your registry with friends and family so they have plenty of time to purchase items before the baby arrives.

After Baby’s Arrival: Make Adjustments

Once your baby has arrived, you may realize there are some items you didn’t need, or others that you wish you had added to your registry. Don’t panic! This is normal, and you can make adjustments to your registry after the baby arrives. You can also continue to use your registry for future milestones, like birthdays and holidays.

Where to Register for Baby?

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Preparing for a newborn can be overwhelming especially if you are a first-time parent. One of the most exciting parts of the journey is registering for your baby’s essentials. It can also become a bit intimidating as you figure out where to start and which store or website to register on.

Amazon

Amazon has become the go-to website for everything. With Amazon, you can create a baby registry and get instant access to millions of products, personalized recommendations, and easy returns. The best part is that you can add items from any website to your Amazon registry using the universal registry function. This means you are not limited to Amazon products only, but you can add items from other websites to your Amazon registry.

Target

Target is another great store to register for baby essentials. They offer a wide variety of products, including nursery furniture, baby gear, feeding essentials, diapers, and toys. Target also offers a unique feature where you can easily manage your registry list from your smartphone using the Target app. This way, you can add items on the go and keep track of what has been purchased.

Buy Buy Baby

Buy Buy Baby is another store that offers an extensive selection of baby essentials. They have a team of experts that can help you create and manage your registry. They also offer a registry completion discount of 15% off for any items not purchased from your registry, and free standard shipping on any purchase over $39.

Babylist

Babylist is a website that allows you to create a registry with any items from any store. They offer a unique feature where you can add a ‘cash fund’ where your friends and family can contribute towards big ticket items like your stroller or car seat. Another feature is group gifting, which allows multiple people to contribute to a single item.

Walmart

Lastly, Walmart is another popular store to register for babies. They offer a wide selection of items, including baby clothes, bedding, car seats, strollers, and more. Walmart also offers easy returns, free shipping on orders over $35, and a 15% discount on items not purchased from your registry.

Baby Registry Checklist

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You don’t want to forget anything essential or waste money on things you don’t need. We have created this ultimate baby registry checklist to help you get started!

Necessities for Baby’s Nursery

The nursery is where your baby will spend a lot of time. Make sure you have these things on hand:

1. Crib or Bassinet: You’ll need a place for your baby to sleep. Make sure it meets safety standards.
2. Mattress: A firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the crib is essential.
3. Bedding: Soft and cozy bedding for the crib, including at least two fitted sheets.
4. Dresser: A dresser or another storage solution to hold baby’s clothes and accessories.
5. Changing table: A designated changing table where you’ll change your baby’s diaper.

Feeding

Feeding is one of the essential things you’ll do as a new parent. Here are the things you’ll need to feed your baby:

1. Bottles and nipples: Whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed, you’ll need at least six bottles and nipples.
2. Burp cloths: 10-12 absorbent burp cloths to have on hand.
3. Formula (if necessary): If you plan to formula-feed, you’ll need to have formula on hand.
4. Breast pump (if necessary): If you plan to breastfeed, you may want to invest in a breast pump.
5. Nursing pillow: A nursing pillow will aid you in breastfeeding your baby.

Diapering

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Newborns go through a lot of diapers—up to 12 a day! Here’s what you’ll need to stay clean and organized:

1. Diapers: Try a few different types to see what you like best.
2. Wipes: A stockpile of wipes will come in handy.
3. Diaper rash cream: You’ll need a cream for diaper rash prevention and treatment.
4. Diaper pail: A designated diaper pail keeps your nursery smelling fresh.
5. Changing pad and covers: A changing pad and covers to keep your changing station clean.

Clothing

Your baby will need a lot of clothes, and they won’t stay in one size for long. Here are the basics you’ll need:

1. Onesies and bodysuits:At least 10 onesies, which snap at the bottom or have zippers, will do the trick.
2. Sleep sacks: 2-3 wearable blankets to keep your baby warm at night.
3. Hats and mittens: A few hats and mittens to protect your baby’s delicate skin are necessary.
4. Socks: A dozen or more socks will keep your baby’s feet warm and cozy.
5. Swaddles: 4-5 muslin or cotton swaddles for when your baby needs to feel snug and secure.

Bath Items

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1. Baby bathtub.
2. Baby shampoo and body wash.
3. A few baby towels.
4. Baby hairbrush or cradle cap brush.
5. Soft washcloths or body sponges.
6. Simple bath toys.
7. Faucet cover.

Health Products

1. 2-4 pacifiers and pacifier clips.
2. Baby nail clippers or emery boards.
3. Baby thermometer.
4. First aid kit.
5. Rubbing alcohol pads.
6. Saline nasal drops.
7. Suction bulb.

Other Gear and Accessories

There are a few other things you may want to consider putting on your baby registry:

1. Car seat: You’ll need a car seat to take your baby home from the hospital and for all car trips.
2. Stroller: A designated stroller for taking walks with your baby.
3. Baby carrier: A baby carrier frees up your hands while you keep your little one close.
4. Bouncer or swing: A bouncer or swing helps to soothe your fussy baby.
5. Playard or pack ‘n play: A travel crib your baby can sleep in when visiting family and friends.

Second Baby Registry

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Preparing for the arrival of your second child is an exciting time, but it can also bring some unique challenges. One of those challenges is figuring out what items you still need and what you can reuse from your precious baby.

Creating a second baby registry can help you stay organized and ensure you have all the essentials for your growing family. From double strollers to baby carriers designed for two, there are plenty of products on the market tailored to the needs of families with multiple children.

Don’t forget to register for items that are not specific to a certain child, such as diaper bags or nursing pillows, as these items will still come in handy for your second baby. As you prepare for this new chapter in your life, take the time to create a registry that meets the unique needs of your growing family.

What Not to Register For?

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Diaper Pail

While a diaper pail seems like a great investment to prevent your nursery from smelling like dirty diapers, it’s not a necessity. A regular trash can with a lid can do the same job. Plus, diaper pails require specialty refills that can be costly in the long run.

Wipe Warmer

We get it—cold wipes against a baby’s skin can be shocking. However, a wipe warmer isn’t essential. You can always warm the wipes by rubbing them between your hands for a few seconds.

Baby Shoes

As cute as they are, baby shoes are unnecessary. Babies don’t start walking until around 12 months old, so they don’t need shoes until then. Plus, socks and booties will keep their little feet warm just fine.

Bottle Warmer

While a bottle warmer can be convenient, it’s not a must-have. You can warm up a bottle by placing it in a mug of hot water or running it under warm water.

Changing Table

A changing table can help keep all your diapering supplies in one place, but it’s not essential. You can change your baby on the bed, couch, or floor with a portable changing pad. Plus, you can use the dresser you already have and save some money.

FAQs

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What month should you start your baby registry?

When it comes to starting your baby registry, figuring out the right time can be a daunting task. Many parents-to-be may be tempted to start early or wait until the last minute, but what is the ideal timeframe? We recommend starting your registry around your fifth month of pregnancy.

How many items are acceptable on a baby registry?

When creating a baby registry, you may wonder how many items there are too many. While there is no set number of items deemed ‘acceptable,’ it is essential to remember that the purpose of baby registry items is to provide friends and family with an idea of what you need or want for your new arrival.

As a general rule, try to balance necessities and thoughtful luxuries. Prioritize essentials such as a car seat, diapers, and bottles first, and then consider adding items like a baby carrier or activity gym. Ultimately, the goal is to create a list of items that will make your life easier and less stressful.

Final Verdict

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Making a baby registry is one of the most important steps in preparing for a critical bundle of joy. With this Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist, hopefully, you can feel confident in your decisions and have time to simply soak in all the excitement that comes with being expecting to register for all the essentials, but also keep inboxes open for ideas from family and friends that can help make that new nursery perfect.

Continually update and refine your baby registry checklist with new products coming out each year and seek advice from others who have been through this process before. And if you ever need more information or insights on what goes into a successful baby registry, contact us today, we’ll be more than happy to get back to you!

The picture on the front page: Natalia Deriabina/Shutterstock.com