Having a Baby? Baby Registry Must Have Items

Congratulations!!

It doesn’t matter if you are adopting, fostering, or pregnant. Having a baby is exciting! Knowing what you need and what is helpful for your baby registry can be challenging, especially if you are a first-time parent or guardian. Here are my recommendations for your baby registry with the must-have items of the essential things you will need for your baby.

Nursing

I was lucky enough and determined enough to want to nurse my daughter. I know that not everyone can produce enough milk or can nurse their babies. If you are having trouble nursing, remember that a fed baby is a healthy baby whether you nurse or formula feed. If you are like me and want to nurse, these items helped me through my nursing journey with my daughter.

Haakaa Breast Pump

If you are breastfeeding, this pump will be your best friend. I used it to relieve pain because I produced too much milk. But it can also help if you do not produce enough or help you create a stash for times when someone else is watching your baby and your baby needs to be fed. It is easy to use and does not need electricity, which makes it travel-friendly. It is also small and easily fits in a purse or diaper bag. Find it here on Amazon.

Nursing Bra

I love Kindred Bravely nursing bras. Not only were they comfortable, but they were easy to use for nursing and pumping. I loved them so much that even though it has been two years since I last nursed my daughter, I still use them. I will also add that I love their pajamas and maternity and postpartum clothes. Click on Kindred Bravely to see their site. They are worth checking out. (FYI, I have no affiliations with this website.)

Nursing Pads

If you are a new mother, I should tell you if you breastfeed. Your breasts will leak from time to time. To keep myself from having accidental leaks on my shirts, I used these nursing pads that came in handy. I also liked using these reusable pads from Kindred Bravely for home. However, if you are working or on the go, the disposable kind stays in place better and is easier to carry.

Nursing Pillow

Whether you breastfeed or formula-feed feed, the Boppy nursing pillow is a must. You can use it to prop your baby to sit on the couch or bed next to you while you give them a bottle. If you are breastfeeding, it makes it so much more comfortable to breastfeed, especially at night when you are exhausted. Find it here on Amazon.

Madela Breastmilk Storage Bags

These breast milk storage bags are excellent and easy to use. You can freeze them to store milk for extended periods, and they work with the  Haakaa and my Madela breast pump. Find it here on Amazon.

Nipple Cream

Again, this is a must; you should have it on your nightstand or by your bed to make sure that your nipples don’t crack or bleed. Putting it in your hospital bag is excellent; you will need it from day one. You can buy it here on Amazon, but you can also find it at Walmart, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, etc.

Feeding

Bibs

I am going to be honest. Bibs are only needed once the baby starts to eat solid food at around six months. This is an item that can wait until after the baby is born. However, these silicone bibs are great if you want to add them to your registry.  They come in neutral colors as well. The bibs are dishwasher and come in handy for spaghetti night. Find it here on Amazon.

Burp Cloths

This is something that I thought I did not need, and I realized I needed it. Babies spit and throw up. You will need a burp cloth whether you formula feed or nurse. Babies make messes, and this set was great. I highly recommend it for your baby registry or to give as a gift to a new parent or caregiver.  Find them here on Amazon.

Munchkin® Bristle™ Bottle Brush, Grey

I love this bottle brush so much that even though I do not have to wash baby bottles anymore, I still use it for my daughter’s water bottles. It is fantastic, and it has a smaller brush for baby bottle nipples or small parts you need to clean. Find them here on Amazon.

Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle

I breastfed my daughter but was also a working mom and had to pump at work. This is the only bottle she would take to drink my breast milk while I was at work. It was also the bottle other parents used with formula that their fuzzy babies would take. I highly recommend it. Find it here on Amazon.

Amber Teething Necklace

I know there is little research on the effects of amber teething necklaces. However, I noticed a difference with my daughter when she was teething. Even my husband, who was not a believer at first, began to search like a madman for the necklace when we thought we had lost it after a bath one day. Also, others who have recommended this amber teething necklace have noticed a difference. Here is the link to Baltic Essentials, where I bought my amber teething necklace, and I highly recommend them.

Munchkin® High Capacity Drying Rack

This was gifted to me at my baby shower, and it was great. I used it often; it took up only a little counter space beside my sink. Even though I breastfed, I occasionally gave my daughter breast milk in a bottle. Once she got older, I still used it for her sippy cups and water bottles. You can find it here on Amazon.

Philip Avent Soothie Pacifier

My daughter did not like pacifiers very much, but when she did, these were the pacifiers that worked for her. Again, every child is different. Some love pacifiers, while others, like my daughter, don’t care for them. But I did try a few, and these were the ones that she liked. Find it here on Amazon.

Nuby Nananubs Banana Massaging Teether

Like with the pacifiers, my daughter was particular about the teethers she liked; the one that made the cut was this banana massager teether. And now that she is older, she still uses it as a toy in her play kitchen. Find it here on Amazon.

Nursery

Crib

I will be honest: when I bought this crib for my daughter, I was positive she would sleep in it every night. However, we ended up co-sleeping because that is what worked best for our family. I used the crib as a safe place to put her down when she would nap while I did chores or showering.  It can also be converted into a toddler or child’s bed when your child ages. So, if you are considering getting a crib, I highly recommend this one. Find it here on Amazon.

Bassinet

I was given a bassinet to put my daughter in as a newborn in our room. Again, she hardly slept in it, and we mainly used it as a diaper-changing table. However, if I did it all over again, I would try this basinet to safely have her right next to me, or I would only have a changing table in my room. A bassinet is an optional item that you could do without. Find it here on Amazon.

Changing Table

I did not buy a dedicated changing table, and this is an item that I consider optional. However, if I were to have another baby, I would put this changing table in my baby registry instead of a bassinet since I ended up using the bassinet primarily as a changing table. Find it here on Amazon.

Changing Pad

I found a changing pad helpful at home and in my diaper bag, although I had an area to change diapers in the nursery and our room. We lived in a two-story house, and sometimes you need to change the baby right now, whether you are on the couch or the floor, and this pad saved the day many times. Find it here on Amazon.

Diaper Caddy

I used a backpack as a diaper bag, and it was super convenient, and even my husband liked it. If I were to have another baby, this would be the diaper bag I would like to have because it has a small playpen. Find it here on Amazon.

Diaper Bag

I used a backpack as a diaper bag, and it was super convenient, and even my husband liked it. If I were to have another baby, this would be the diaper bag I would like to have because it has a small playpen. Find it here on Amazon.

Hiccapop Baby Wipe Dispenser

I love this wiper dispenser; we still use it with my 4-year-old daughter. You use refillable wipes, which helps reduce your carbon footprint. Wipes do not dry up, and it has a large capacity. Find it here on Amazon.

Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes Clutch N Clean Carrying Case 

I love this wipe dispenser for the diaper bag. After having it for four years, it is still going strong. It is perfect for the diaper bag. Since it comes in a pack of 2, I usually put one in the diaper bag and one in the car because messes and accidents always happen. Find it here on Amazon.

Ubbi Diaper Pail

This was one of the best purchases I made. I kept it in the nursery next to where I changed my baby, and It kept the smell of dirty diapers contained. It is an optional item that you can live without, but I highly recommend it. Find it here on Amazon.

Health

Humidifier

For this recommendation, I rely on “The Best Humidifiers for Baby” article in The New York Times. I tried looking for the one I bought on Amazon but could not find. According to the article, the LEVOIT LV600S Smart Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier is the top humidifier. It is rated at 4.5 stars on Amazon, and Good Housekeeping and Buyers Guide also recommend it.  Find it here on Amazon.

The second humidifier recommended in the article is the Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier. It has 4.5 stars on Amazon and is more affordable. Find it here on Amazon.

Humidifiers are unnecessary; however, they are optional items that can help your baby’s health.

Thermometer

A thermometer is essential with a baby; I consider this a must-have in your baby registry. The Dr.meter forehead thermometer allows you to take your baby’s temperature from their forehead or ear, making it easy to take the temperature of a fussy, sick baby. Find it here on Amazon.

Baby Monitor

This is an item that some parents feel is a must-have, while other parents think that it is optional. I had the Babysense New Video Baby Monitor, and it worked great. However, I did not use it often because I was always close to my baby, so I did not need it repeatedly. Find it here on Amazon.

Ready for Baby Deluxe Nursery Kit

You can buy the items separately, but this bundle worked perfectly for me because I used everything it has. This is a must-have on a baby registry. I found the baby nail clippers and brushes super helpful. I also put the thermometer in my diaper bag for emergencies and used it several times. Find it here on Amazon.

Bath

Diapers

Baby diapers are a personal preference. I like Pampers, and they worked well for my daughter. However, some parents say that Huggies worked better for them. I can tell you that you will need them when you come home from the hospital, and it will be essential to have newborn and preemie sizes just in case your baby is born small. I also used Cloth Diapers, not as much as I would like, but when we were home and not going anywhere. These are cute, and they worked great.

Butt Paste

I tried a couple of different butt pastes, and I can tell you that the one that worked the best was Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. You can buy it on Amazon, but they also sell it at Target, Walmart, CVS, etc. I also gifted it to my sister-in-law, who has three children and raves about it.

Wipes

Just like diapers, this is a must-have item. I recommend Huggies Natural Care Sensitive wipes because they work great for my daughter’s delicate skin; however, any brand you like will do. You can buy these wipes here from Amazon. I have them in my subscribe and save for my Prime account for convenience. However, you can also find them at Target, Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, etc. You can also find other brands at grocery stores, convenience stores, and Costco.

Munchkin® Arm and Hammer Diaper Bag Refills

These bags are optional; however, having them in your diaper bag is super convenient. If your baby needs a diaper change, you will have a place to put a dirty diaper or clothes and not contaminate other items. I like these bags because they do not smell. You can find them on Amazon and other stores like Walmart, Target, etc.

Baby Wash Cloth

Washcloths are essential for bathing your baby in the first few months. I like these baby washcloths from Amazon, but you can get others at stores like Carter’s, Walmart, and Target.

Baby to Toddler Bathtub

This is also a must. I liked this bathtub because it was easy to use and grew with my daughter. However, your baby bathtub is up to you and is a personal preference. Again, you can find it on Amazon or in stores like Walmart and Target.

Baby Wash & Shampoo

Aveeno Baby Daily Moister Gentle Bath Wash and Shampoo work great for my daughter; we used it for years. It also worked for my nieces and nephews, who have delicate skin. You can buy it here on Amazon, but you can also get it at Target, Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, etc.

Baby Hooded Towel

You need to have a towel for the baby. You can have a regular towel, but I like having a hooded towel, and I still use hooded towels for my daughter. She is now starting to grow out of her towels, and I need to buy her one for older kids. You can buy them here on Amazon or at Carter’s, Pottery Barn, Nordstrom, Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, etc.

Clothing

Onesies

When my daughter was a baby, the clothes she wore the most were onesies. When I put this list together, I asked my mom, a foster parent of many babies, and my sister-in-law, who has three kids, and they both agreed that this is a must-have on any parent’s baby registry. You can find them here on Amazon, but they also have them in stores like Carter’s, The Children’s Place, Target, Kohl’s, Walmart, etc.

Baby Sun Hat

No matter where you live, you need a sun hat to help protect your baby from the sun. Again, you can buy sun hats on Amazon or at stores like Carter’s, The Children’s Place, Target, Kohl’s, Walmart, etc. I bought my daughter some cute ones from SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo.

Socks

Socks are also another must-have item. Your baby will only need shoes once they can walk. However, socks help keep their feet warm and protected; just like the above items, you can buy them from Amazon or other stores like Carter’s, The Children’s Place, Target, Kohl’s, Walmart, etc.

Mittens

Depending on who you are talking to, this item is optional to some or a must-have for others. Again, you can find mittens here from Amazon or at stores like Carter’s, The Children’s Place, Target, Kohl’s, Walmart, etc.

Footie Pijamas

I found that one of the things aside from onesies that my daughter wore a lot was these footie pajamas from Amazon.  Again, you can buy footie pajamas at stores like Carter’s, The Children’s Place, Target, Kohl’s, Walmart, etc.

Blankets

Even though they are not technically clothes, blankets are important to have. You also want to have at least two kinds: light blankets and thick baby blankets.

• Light Blankets: These baby blankets from Amazon are perfect for summer or when the weather is not too cold but a little breezy. You can also get personalized blankets with your child’s name from Audrey & Bear. I loved them so much that I had three made for her that I still have for a keepsake.

• Thick baby blankets: These baby blankets from Amazon are perfect for summer or when the weather is not too cold but a little breezy. You can also get personalized blankets with your child’s name from Audrey & Bear. I loved them so much that I had three made for her that I still have for a keepsake.

Supplies

Front-facing Car Seat

The most important thing you need to have before you can even be discharged from the hospital to take your baby home is a car seat. I like the GRACO SnugRide 35 Lite XL Infant car seat. This front-facing car seat fits perfectly with a click to connect with strollers such as Graco Jogger stroller. Find the GRACO SnugRide 35 Lite XL Infant car seat here on Amazon.

Stroller

I recommend  Bob Gear Jogger for strollers because it is easy to maneuver and great for running with your baby. We still use it for going on long walks or to go to the county fair, Disneyland, SeaWorld, etc. However, this Graco Jogger stroller is another good option that connects easily with your baby’s car seat.

Portable Play Yard

This is another item that depends on who you talk to. It might be a must-have or an optional item. I bought one and used it when we would go camping, to the park, and even at home while I did chores to have a safe place for my daughter to play in. It is easy to travel with and great if you are like us and travel on road trips with your baby. Find it here on Amazon.

Playmat

According to The US Department of Health and Human Services,  Pediatricians recommend that babies start getting tummy time a day or two after birth for 3 to 5-minute sessions twice to three times a day. However, once they are two months old, they need 15-minute sessions to help them develop strength in their neck, shoulder, and arm muscles. You will likely not need a baby playmat until the baby is two months old, but I recommend getting the Fisher-Price Baby Newborn To Toddler Playmat. Find it here on Amazon.

Graco Glider XL Baby

This is an item that I did not have for my daughter. However,  if I had another baby, I would put it in my baby registry. It is highly recommended by The New York Times, as well as by USA Today, Good Housekeeping, Forbes, etc. Also, my sister-in-law uses it with her 9-month-old baby, which works great. Find it here on Amazon.

To help you create your Baby Registry, here are some great videos.

If you haven’t set up your Baby Registry, you should try the Amazon Baby Registry.  I did mine with Amazon, and it was great. I got everything I needed, and it kept track of what was ordered and what was not.  Click on Baby Registry to create yours.

Here is a printable baby registry checklist with free links to download or print out.

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