Baby Registry Checklist: The Complete Guide for New Parents (2024)

We're here to assist you understand everything so you can confidently build your registry. Many congratulations on your new baby! You might have some questions about what your baby will need once they enter the world. You could feel overwhelmed by the amount of supplies you need to gather for your child, including adorable baby outfits, nursery decor, nappy bag, and bath time essentials.

We'll first discuss the what, when, where, and why of a baby registry before diving right into the baby registry checklist and breaking it down into several categories, such as clothing, sleeping etc.

What Is A Baby Registry?

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A baby registry is a list of things you'd like to buy for your infant. The baby registry allows attendees at your future baby shower know what you want and need. Even though your baby is small, you'll still need a few essentials once they're in your arms and at home.

Why Do I Need A Baby Registry?

There's more to a baby registry than just making a list of necessities so you'll know what you need. It also allows your loved ones to join in the excitement! They can quickly see what you still need, want, and have by looking at your baby registry.

You will host a baby shower sometime during your second or third trimester. During this period, you can spend quality time with your loved ones while enjoying your pregnancy and the impending birth of your child. The guests often give you gifts to assist you prepare for the new baby at this period.

The items on your baby registry act as a guide for your visitors. They can select a present from the registry after carefully considering what you want and need.

The cashier will scan your registry once a friend or family member makes a purchase to indicate that it has been made. You won't get multiples of the same gift in this method.

What if you're throwing a baby shower online? Making a registry is still a smart move. There are inventive ways to receive and open the gifts so your guests can join in on the festivities, even though you can decide not to do so during the video chat.

When Should I Create A Baby Registry?

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If you’ve decided to find out the gender of your little one, it’s best to wait until your 20-week appointment to fully create your baby registry list.

However, some items that you’ll put on your registry are not gender-specific, so you can go ahead and start your list as soon as 12 weeks. After all, every baby — whether boy or girl — will need a crib to sleep in and diapers to do their business in.

If you’ve decided to wait until delivery to find out the gender of your little one, you can start your registry around 12 week’s gestation. Throughout your pregnancy and before your baby shower, you can always go back and add to the registry as needed.

Where Should I Register?

Where you register will be decided by you and your partner. Registering can be done in person, online, or both. You can browse and register online from the convenience of your home.

Alternatively, if you'd rather inspect the things in person before adding them to your registry, head out to the shops and take your time browsing.

To determine which baby registry services are the most suitable for you and your baby, review and investigate the specifics of retail businesses and internet sites. Remember that there is nothing wrong with registering at many locations if one store doesn't offer all you need for your child.

You can also opt for an online registry service that allows you to choose items from many different stores and have them on one registry. Talk about convenient!

The Complete Baby Registry Checklist

After all of that, let's move on to the fun part: selecting the items on your register. To do this, you'll need to day-dream about your future child, picture them, and organise their nursery.

Your requirements and preferences may differ from those of other expectant mothers because this baby and situation are unique to you.

Talk to other parents to get their advice, suggestions, and must-have baby supplies, but keep in mind that every family is unique, so you might choose different baby products.

Be specific on your registry so that the attendees of your baby shower will understand exactly what you need. Give your family and friends a lot of options so they can choose from.

Each list below will give you a good idea of where to start, but feel free to add or remove items as you see fit.

Baby Registry Checklist: Clothing

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Your newborn will change their clothes frequently over the first year of their life. Make sure you're organised and have enough outfits on hand so you can change as necessary.

If you have hand-me-downs from a friend or if this is your second (or third, or fourth!) kid, you may not need to include everything you need for the baby on your registry.

Check out the following list for must-have clothing items:

  • At least 10 onesies

  • 3-5 pairs of pants

  • 2-4 footed pants

  • 5-7 one-piece pajamas

  • 3 blanket sleepers for a winter baby

  • 1-2 buntings for a winter baby

  • Hat that covers ears for a winter baby

  • Mittens for winter babies

  • Light sweater or jacket

  • 4-6 swaddle blankets

  • 4-6 receiving blankets

  • 1-2 sleepsack wearable blankets

  • 2-3 dressy outfits

  • 3-4 casual outfits

  • Gentle laundry detergent

Baby Registry Checklist: Nursery

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When you are expecting, setting up the nursery increases your excitement. When it comes to paint colours and other decor, the possibilities are endless!

Consider the following goods to keep you and your baby comfortable in their room as you decorate and organise everything to your heart's content:

  • Crib

  • Changing table

  • Changing pad

  • Changing pad cover

  • Dresser

  • Glider/recliner/rocking chair

  • Ottoman

  • Nightlight

  • Cool mist humidifier

  • Sound machine

  • Storage bin

  • Clothes hamper

  • Lamp

  • Mustela’s Musti Eau De Soin Spray for clothes and linens

Baby Registry Checklist: Crib Sleeping

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After a few months, you may decide to transition your little one to their own room. If this is the case, they’ll need a crib to sleep in, along with the following items:

  • Firm, flat mattress

  • 2-3 waterproof mattress covers

  • 3-4 fitted sheets

Baby Registry Checklist: Nappies essentials

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Your newborn will go through at least 5-8 nappy changes every day. At least. Whether you use disposable nappies or cloth nappies, you’ll soon become a nappy-changing pro.

Of course, with all these nappy changes, there can be some unexpected mishaps and messes. Make sure you have everything you need on-hand and in reach, such as:

  • Gentle wipes

  • Nappies

  • Nappy cream

  • Nappy bag with changing pad

Make to go for a natural and gentle nappy cream, like Mustela Vitamin Barrier Cream that will protect and soothe your baby’s irritated bottom.

Baby Registry Checklist: Bath Time

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Giving your newborn their very first bath might be intimidating! But soon, you’ll be a pro at handling a slippery baby in the tub.


The benefits of taking a bath are numerous. It can be a wonderful way for you and your infant to bond in addition to cleaning every nook and cranny. Just make sure to use gentle products that won't irritate your baby's skin while cleansing and hydrating it.

Take a look at the following checklist for bath time:

  • Mustela’s Foam Shampoo for Newborns

  • 4-6 soft washcloths

  • 4-5 soft baby towels or hooded towels

  • Bath toys

  • Storage for bath toys

  • Baby-friendly tub

  • Gentle baby soap-free wash soap

  • Faucet cover

  • Cradle Cap Cream

  • Mustela’s Cleansing Oil

You may also want to add Mustela’s Multi-Sensory Bubble Bath to your baby registry checklist to ensure optimal bath time fun once your little one gets a bit older!

Baby Registry Checklist: Breastfeeding

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Breastfeeding is a special time for mom and baby, but it’s not necessarily a walk in the park for every mother. Speaking with a lactation consultant is a good idea if you and your little one are struggling to get the hang of it.

While you can’t put a lactation consultant on your baby registry checklist, what you can include is an organic nipple cream.

Our Certified Organic Nursing Comfort Balm is a soothing and restorative nipple cream that keeps skin comfortable while breastfeeding.
Specially formulated to protect sensitised nipples, it soothes and helps to restore the skin, to enable new mums fully enjoy breastfeeding.

When breastfeeding, you’ll need the following items:

  • Breast pump

  • Breast pump bottle set

  • Bottlebrush

  • Breastmilk freezer bags (a few packs)

  • Disposable breast pads (several packs)

  • Washable breast pads (4-6 pairs)

  • Nursing Comfort Balm

  • Nursing pillow

  • 6-8 burp cloths

  • 2-3 pacifiers

Baby Registry Checklist: Bottle Feeding

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If you choose to bottle-feed, these are the essentials you’ll need:

  • Formula

  • 5-7 bottles

  • Various sized nipples

  • Bottle cleaner

  • 5-8 bibs

  • Bottle storage rack

  • Bottle warmer

  • Bottle bag

Baby Registry Checklist: Toddler Feeding

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Once your little one moves from milk to solid foods, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared by having the following essentials:

  • 4-6 sippy cups

  • Plates

  • Baby spoons

  • Baby forks

  • Rubber mat for the table to prevent slipping

Baby Registry Checklist: Safety

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Safety is a top concern when it comes to your baby. This includes keeping an eye on them while they’re snoozing, having first aid items on hand, and protecting their skin from the sun.

To help keep your baby safe inside as well as outdoors, you’ll want to have the right items, like:

  • Baby monitor

  • Outlet protectors

  • Baby gate

  • Baby first-aid kit

  • Sunscreen

When you go outside, keep in mind that you need to protect your baby's sensitive skin from the sun's rays. This includes wearing safety gear and using sunscreen that won't bother your child's skin.

Baby Registry Checklist: Health

Maintaining your baby's health is definitely your top priority, just after safety. The goods listed below can help you keep your infant healthy.

  • Baby-friendly nail clippers

  • Soft brush

  • Nasal aspirator

  • Thermometer

  • Q-tips

  • Medicine Dropper

Baby Registry Checklist: Baby Gear

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Despite the fact that your kid is small, they need a lot of large goods. The following items may actually be more for you, the parent, than for your child:

  • Crib

  • Full-sized stroller

  • Umbrella stroller

  • Car seat

  • Rear-facing car seat mirror

  • Bassinet

  • High chair

  • Bouncer

  • Swing

  • Pack n’ play

Baby Registry Checklist: Playtime

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You must remember to have fun! Before you realise it, toys will become necessities for your child. With the help of this suggested checklist of playtime objects, they will begin exploring and learning right in front of your eyes.

  • 3-4 learning activity toys

  • 3-4 rattles

  • 2-3 teethers

  • Playmat

  • Books

  • Doorway jumper

  • Soft blocks

We want to take a time to encourage you to add a few items to your register that are specifically for you. Despite the fact that it's termed a baby registry, you undoubtedly have a big say in the matter! Additionally, you are better able to take care of your child when you are healthy and happy.

Remember that your friends and family will want to pamper you in addition to your baby, whether it's a Stretch Marks Product, Nursing Comfort Balm, or something a little more adventurous!

Expecting a new bundle of joy is an exciting time in your life! So don’t get overwhelmed. Sit back and relax, knowing the baby experts at Mustela have you covered.

Baby Registry Checklist: The Complete Guide for New Parents (2024)

FAQs

What should be on my baby registry list? ›

What are baby registry must-haves for a first-time parent? Some essential items that you'll want are a comfortable and safe crib, a stroller that fits your lifestyle, a car seat that meets safety standards, a breast pump and bottles. Diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream are also must-haves for any new parent.

What is a normal amount of items to have on a baby registry? ›

How Many Items Should You Add to Your Baby Registry? First-time-mom baby registries typically include between 100 and 120 items. This should be more than enough to cover everything you will need for your baby.

What is the bare minimum you need for a baby? ›

We provide a detailed list of each category below, but in general, your baby must-haves for the first three months of their life should include: Nursery furniture and gear. Baby linens, including crib and bassinet sheets, baby blankets, and swaddles. Babyproofing gear.

How far in advance should you make a baby registry? ›

Totally up to you! You can start early or wait. 20 weeks is a good rule of thumb if you're planning on adding gender-specific things.

How many items is too many on a baby registry? ›

When creating a baby registry, it's essential to balance having enough items for your guests to choose from without overwhelming them. A good rule of thumb is to have various items at different price points, so guests can choose what they feel comfortable buying. Generally, 100 to 120 items is a good range.

Do you put expensive things on your baby registry? ›

It's Your Registry

Conventional wisdom says to put whatever you want on your baby registry and not to worry about what other people think. If someone wants to buy an expensive gift, let them. If they don't, they can purchase something less expensive.

Can a newborn wear 0 to 3 months? ›

Newborn baby clothes sizes

Whereas size 0-3 months should fit your baby up to 12 pounds, and you can always roll up sleeves and pant legs for a few weeks while baby grows into the larger size. If your baby is predicted to be petite, or you have a preemie, Newborn or Preemie sizes make a little more sense.

Is a crib or bassinet better for a newborn? ›

Bassinets are usually smaller and oval-shaped, whereas cribs are larger, rectangular nursery furniture that may convert into toddler beds down the line. With this in mind, bassinets are best for newborns up to 6 months, while cribs have a longer life in your home as nursery and kid's room decor.

What does baby need 4 to 6 months? ›

Around 4 to 6 months old, your baby will need four to six feedings of breast milk or formula a day and can start eating solids. Babies close to a year old can usually eat a variety of solid foods and have three to four bottles or breastfeeding sessions a day.

How many diapers to ask for on registry? ›

For a newborn, it's advisable to register for around 2-3 large packs of newborn size diapers, as babies can go through 8-10 diapers a day in their first weeks.

How can I get free stuff while pregnant? ›

While baby registries are no secret, some stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon welcome moms-to-be by including free baby samples and baby sample boxes when registering with their company.

How many newborn diapers should I put on my registry? ›

How many boxes of newborn diapers should you buy? As babies go through a lot of diapers, you might want to have about 280 newborn diapers for your first month (roughly 3 boxes if you're buying packs with about 100 diapers).

How much stuff should I have on my registry? ›

The number of items you should include on your registry depends on the number of guests you're inviting! The rule of thumb is to include a little more than 2 gifts per number of guests invited.

How many items should you have on your registry? ›

How many gifts should be on my wedding registry? This age-old question has couples scratching their heads and overthinking their lists, even consulting guides on wedding registry etiquette so they don't appear greedy. But a good rule of thumb is to multiply your guest list by two to get a rough number of gifts to add.

How do I optimize my baby registry? ›

Maximizing What's On Your List: Our Best Baby Registry Tips
  1. Get an early start. ...
  2. Create your registry online. ...
  3. Write a thoughtful baby registry greeting. ...
  4. Don't leave expensive items off the registry. ...
  5. Add items for yourself. ...
  6. Consider adding a diaper party to the agenda. ...
  7. Register for gift cards.
Jul 28, 2023

Should I put big items on baby registry? ›

Shying Away from Large Purchases

That said, it's totally acceptable to put some expensive items on your registry. You can list the things you need, including items like car seats and cribs. Pooling together for group presents is popular, and several friends might pitch in to get a stroller or crib.

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