The Most Comprehensive Baby Registry Ever for 2023

Hey new mommas, poppas, family, and friends of the new bundle of joy!

First off, congratulations! A new baby is a wonderful gift in anyone’s life, and we are excited to help you along this journey.

There’s a lot of preparation to be done when it comes to welcoming a new little one into the world, and sorting through all the latest and greatest baby products can take a whole lot of time. We’ve compiled a baby registry list that includes all the essentials, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything when it’s time to bring that little ray of sunshine home!

What is a baby registry?

A baby registry is basically a list of products you’ll need and/or want for baby. You can send your registry to family, friends, and baby shower guests, so they know exactly what you want, and can keep track of what others have already gotten you.

Why do I need a baby registry?

A baby registry makes it a breeze for other people to help you celebrate your baby. New babies need a decent amount of gear, and gifting can take away some of that financial burden. Registries help prevent getting multiples of things you don’t need more than one of, and they can also serve as a personal list to help you keep track of what you have and don’t have as you’re preparing for baby.

Where should I make my baby registry?

There are a ton of different options when it comes to making your baby registry. This includes store-specific registries, universal baby registries, and even baby registries for cash that let people gift you money.

Be sure to check out the perks of each registry. These can include completion discounts, extended return periods, free samples, group gifting, and more. Make sure you look into your options and see what benefits will help you out the most — and it doesn’t hurt to sign up for more than one!

Here are just a few popular baby registries:

When should I make my baby registry?

Feel free to start your baby registry whenever you want. A lot of registries let you set your list to “private”, so you can start getting prepared even before you’ve made your announcement. Most future moms start diving in when they’re around 12 weeks along. Building a baby registry can take a good amount of work, so it never hurts to start early. You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to research your new purchases. Plus, you’ll want to allow your guests enough time to pick out the perfect gift.

What should I put on my baby registry?

We’ve compiled a list of everything you’ll need for baby — and left out the inessentials.

Bathing

Baby tub
2-4 soft hooded towels
Soft washcloths
Baby-safe body wash and shampoo
Baby-safe body lotion
Simple bath toys
Faucet cover
Baby hairbrush

Bedding

Keep blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, and stuffed animals out of baby’s bed – these items pose safety hazards.

Waterproof mattress protector
2-4 fitted sheets
1-2 washable crib mattress pads
4-6 soft, light receiving/swaddling blankets (for when baby is being held, not during sleep)
1-2 heavier blankets (cold climates — again, only for when baby is being held, or to cover baby in a stroller or car seat)

Clothing

Make sure to register for plenty of different clothing sizes. Most babies outgrow newborn sizes pretty quickly, and some babies won’t even fit in a newborn size off the bat. Also keep the weather and seasons in mind.

10 leggings or elastic-waist trousers
4-10 pairs of footed pajamas
4-10 pairs of socks or booties
4-8 short-sleeve onesies
4-8 long-sleeve onesies
4-8 snappable undershirts
8 pairs of non-footed pajamas
3 light sweaters or zip-up hoodies
3 sleep sacks
2 sun hats (summer baby)
1-2 bathing suits (summer baby)
1 snowsuit, bunting bag or fleece suit with mittens and booties (winter baby)
1 soft hat
1 outfit to come home from the hospital in
Baby-safe laundry detergent
No-scratch mittens
2 blanket sleepers (winter baby)

To wash all of this, you’ll also need to grab some baby-safe laundry detergent, and stain remover. You’ll also want to wash and set aside a full newborn outfit for your birthing bag to bring baby home in.

Diapering

Diaper pail and liners
Diapers
- 6-10 dozen cloth diapers and 6-8 diaper covers
- 2-3 large boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers
Baby wipes
Diaper cream
Cotton balls and swabs
Changing table or changing pad with safety strap
Diaper bag
Washcloths

Feeding

Breast pump
- Check to see if your insurance covers one
Extra pump parts
Breast milk freezer bags / milk storage bags
Nursing pillow
Nursing bras
Nipple cream
Nursing pads
Nursing cover
10-16 Baby bottles and nipples
- 4-ounce and 8-ounce
Several bottle brushes
Bottle drying rack
Highchair
Dishwasher basket for small items
4-8 bibs
Burp cloths
2-4 pacifiers
Formula
Highchair
Pacifiers and clips

Medical

Baby nail clippers
Thermometer
Thermometer
Suction bulb
Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care)
First aid kit

Nursery & Furniture

Crib, Cradle, or Bassinet
Crib mattress
Rocking chair, glider, or armchair
Night light
White noise machine
Baby monitor
Baby books
Baskets or bins for storage
Cool mist humidifier (warm mist breeds bacteria)

Playtime

Swing, seat or bouncer
Activity mat
Soft baby book
Soft or wooden stacking blocks
Teething toy
Rattles or maracas
Organic cotton stuffed animals
Blanket
Play yard with bassinet

Travel

Infant car seat or convertible car seat
Stroller
Stroller bunting for cold or rainy weather
Baby carrier or baby wrap
Portable changing pad
Travel crib or playard / pack ‘n’ play
Travel sound machine

What should I not put on a baby registry?

Don’t let marketing fool you – there are plenty of things you don’t actually need for your little one. Here are some baby products you can skip.

Crib bumpers: Crib bumper pads are often found in baby bedding sets, but the AAP strongly advises against them. They can lead to suffocation, strangulation, and SIDS. Your baby only needs a single fitted sheet in their crib or bassinet — that means no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals either.
Wipe warmer: Instead of using a wipe warmer, you can always hold the wipe between your hands to warm it up a little. Your baby's bottom will be clean whether the wipe is warm or not.
Dressy clothes: Babies are messy. Like, really messy. It’s better to stick to basics that are easily washed and that you aren’t super attached to.
Drop-down cribs: The CPSC banned the manufacturing of drop-down cribs in 2011. If you’re getting a secondhand crib, make sure it follows these safety standards.
Lots of toys: Your baby has plenty of time to collect toys and trinkets. It’s nice to have a few things, but there’s no need to go overboard. Plus, you’ll probably get a lot of toys as future gifts during the holidays.
Baby shoes: Ugh, they’re so cute! But your baby doesn’t really need shoes until they start to walk. Plus, they’re pretty difficult to get on their tiny feet. It’s better to stick with booties and socks at the beginning, unless you really want one pair of cute baby shoes for pictures.

Don’t Worry, You’ve Got This!

Hopefully we’ve helped quell some of your anxieties when it comes to preparing for baby. Just remember, you already have the most important item in your toolbox — you!

For more new parent life hacks, head over to our Instagram!

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your sleep or your baby, please contact your healthcare provider.