The Only Baby Registry List You Actually Need (From a Postpartum Pro!)
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Let’s be real, baby registries can spiral out of control fast. Between your cousin’s must-haves, the TikTok trends, and the forty-seven bottle brands, it’s no wonder new parents are overwhelmed! That’s why I’ve created this simple, practical, and non-overwhelming baby registry checklist based on what I actually see families use (and love!) in the first few months.
As a postpartum doula and newborn care specialist, I’ve supported hundreds of families through those early days, and these are the tried-and-true essentials that earn their keep.
I’ll break this down by category to keep it simple - let’s dive in!
FEEDING
Whether you’re nursing, bottle-feeding, combo-feeding, or just figuring it out one hour at a time, here are the basics:
Nursing Pillow: For support during feedings. I like the Boppy pillow, but My Breast Friend is kind of elite. It’s worth it.
Haakaa or Manual Pump: Great for catching letdown or relieving pressure if you get a little engorged.
Burp Cloths (multipack): You’ll want a small mountain of these. Listen, the ones I have linked are not cute or aesthetic. BUT they are the best!
Bottles (4-6 to start): Don’t overcommit to one brand until you know what baby likes. However, I’ve seen most babies take well to Dr. Brown’s bottles - yes, even breastfed babies!
Bottle Brush: You’ll use it daily, promise! You can get any ol’ bottle brush from Target or Amazon, but I’m kind of obsessed with this one & kind of salty that I never got to use one with my own babies
Formula Mixing Pitcher: If formula feeding, this makes life easier. And I’m going to go ahead and ruffle some feathers here - I’m not a fan of the Brezza (AKA Baby Keurig). In my experience, it can get clogged easily - which throws off formula to water ratio (dangerous!) and if you don’t clean it between every single use, it’s a breeding ground for mold (big yikes!). Better to just make a pitcher of formula as needed and have peace of mind IMO!
SLEEP
Sleep is survival in the newborn days. Here’s what actually helps:
Bassinet or Co-Sleeper: Safe, accessible sleep space for baby. If you really want to go the route of a smart crib, my favorite is the one with Cradewise (sorry, not a Snoo fan either! I’m not here to make friends, apparently). I like that Cradlewise doesn’t require your baby to be strapped right to the whole thing and your baby isn’t going to out-grow it within a few months.
Swaddles (Velcro or zip): Save your sanity at 3 a.m. You can learn to use a muslin swaddle (we teach you how in our newborn care class), but there are some easy peasy ones! You’re learning enough skills at this point - make things a tiny bit easier for yourself.
Sound Machine: Helps drown out house noise and creates a cozy sleep cue. (Pro tip: if you have Overnight Support, get one for your room too!)
Night Light: Soft lighting for overnight feeds and diaper changes. And honestly? A good old fashioned Himalayan Salt Lamp is a great option because it means no sleep-disrupting blue light! This is actually our Sleep Coach’s favorite option and she recommends it all the time. Don’t tell her that I’m spilling her secrets!
Portable Crib or Travel Bassinet: Optional, but useful for travel or daytime naps.
DIAPERING
Babies are basically diapering machines. Here’s what you’ll actually need:
Newborn + Size 1 Diapers: Don’t stockpile too many of one size! But if you get buried in an avalanche of a certain size of diapers, you can totally take unopened boxes to Target and swap them out for the size you need!
Sensitive Wipes: Less irritation = happy baby bums.
Diaper Cream: Look for something zinc-based or petroleum-free. I like this one - it’s an oldie and a goodie! And before you ask - NO, you don’t need one of those diaper cream spatulas! Just wash your hands after changing your baby’s diaper (obvs).
Diaper Caddy: Keep one upstairs and one downstairs for sanity. Are there more functional/roomier ones than the one I linked? Yes, probably. But it’s also not a crime to want to be aesthetic ok? I’m just a girl.
Changing Pad: With extra covers for when the inevitable happens.
BATH TIME
Keep it simple and snuggly:
Baby Bathtub or Sink Insert - I like this one, but I’m mostly a fan of the brand in general.
Bath Rinse Cup - for making bath time less stressful for the years to come.
Hooded Towels: For full-body baby burritos. And yes, you do need the ones with panda ears! I promise you won’t regret the cuteness.
Washcloths - there’s just something extra bougie about babies having their own washcloths, right?
Fragrance-Free Baby Wash - I’m a fan of this one because I’m a clean ingredient girlie and love knowing what’s in my products!
Bath Thermometer: If you're anxious about water temps (totally normal!) And look how cute this little otter guy is!
CLOTHING
Babies grow fast. Like, FAST fast. Here’s what to have on hand:
5–7 Zip Pajamas: Skip the snaps. Trust me. If you’re feeling extra bougie, get these magnetic ones! They’re my faaaaaaavorite!
4–6 Onesies: Great for layering or warm days
2–3 Baby Hats: Especially for those early days out and about.
Socks or Booties: They disappear like dryer gnomes got them
1–2 Soft Blankets: For cuddles, tummy time, and stroller naps
Pro tip: If you are questioning how many layers your baby should wear remember this: whatever you are comfortable in, add one layer.
HEALTH + SAFETY
You won’t need much, but having a few essentials on hand helps you feel prepared:
Nasal Aspirator - yeah you can get a bulb or electric one, but why, when you can get a Frida Baby Nose Sucker (such a gross name)? It’s worth the hype, it’s been around awhile and is strangely not as gross as you would imagine.
Baby Nail File or Clippers - Ok, let’s be so for real - I’m convinced that there are 2 types of moms: the unicorn moms that experience no stress around clipping their baby’s nails and us anxious mom who will avoid it for as long as possible. Also, this may not be for everyone, but it’s very… ancestral? You can bite your baby’s nails. I know I know! But if the clippers freak you out, that is an acceptable option. You’re the parent! You can make that choice.
Basic First Aid Kit - you know, for after you clip your baby’s nails 🙈 (omg, the STRESS!)
Pro tip: Sign up for emails from the Consumer Product Safety Commission! There are recalls happening all the time and every once in awhile I see products that I know our families have bought. Definitely worth staying in the know when it comes to the safety of your kiddos!
OPTIONAL BUT AWESOME
Wrap Carrier or Sling: Snuggles + hands-free life! There are many options, but I like the Solly Baby Wrap. It can take some time getting used to, but once you get it - game changer! Here is their tutorial on how to use one. Pro tip: Baby wearing counts as tummy time! So if tummy time is a struggle because your baby hates it and cries, you can have your snuggles and tummy time too.
Stroller + Infant Car Seat Combo - When it comes to car seats, expensive doesn’t equal safer or better because they all have to pass the same safety standards! But what does matter is if it fits your family’s needs and if it has the extras you would like.
Diaper Bag Backpack. No notes.
Floor Play Gym: Encourages tummy time and sensory play
Baby Monitor: Especially if you’ll have baby sleep in another room. I like the Nanit, but there are a lot of great options out there.
I hope this list helps you get a great head-start on your baby registry! Remember, you don’t have to have all the gadgets and stuff to be a good parent. You’ve got this!
Want to download this list to refer back to later? I’ve got you! Click the link below to download your own list.