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21 Baby Registry Must-Haves You’ll Actually Use

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Baby registry must-haves for first-time moms

It’s common to have no idea what to put on your baby registry when you’re expecting your first child.

I remember going up and down allllll the baby aisles wanting one of every single thing I saw.

It’s funny how your perspective changes the second time around. With baby #2, I knew better than to splurge on baby products unless I knew we would use them for a while.

If it’s a baby item you really need, it’s main purpose won’t be to collect dust in a corner.

Related: 14 Unnecessary Baby Items You Can Live Without

Related: Manual vs Electric Breast Pump: The Pros and Cons

Top baby items needed (at a glance)

Where to register for baby

Now, if you haven’t created a baby registry, go do that now!

It’s so easy to create a baby registry. You don’t even have to put on pants and leave your house.

You can choose any store you’d like, but I think Amazon has the best baby registry.

With Amazon, you get a massive selection of baby items, easy 90-day returns, and you can manage everything straight from your phone.

Create your Amazon baby registry now!

What to put on your baby registry

A basic list of baby items you will need and are actually worth the money!

1. Bottles

Unless you are exclusively breastfeeding (and zero pumping), you will need a few baby bottles to get you started, but I don’t recommend getting a ton of them.

It can be tricky to find the right kind of bottle for your baby. Both of my boys spit up a lot as newborns and it took some testing to find a bottle they both loved AND one that helped with the spitting up.

That being said, it’s probably a good idea to have at least a couple just in case you need them.

Related: 7 Best Baby Bottles for Breastfed Babies

2. Bottle Drying Rack or Mat

Next, a bottle drying rack is so nice to have for all those little pieces you’ll be constantly washing and rinsing.

Here’s a unique counter top drying rack that has a 5-star rating:

3. Burp Cloths

Burp cloths will help keep you and baby dry.

These Burt’s Bees burp cloths are free from harsh chemicals and are super absorbent. (Make sure to pack a couple of these every time you leave the house!)

4. Diapers

Whether you choose disposable diapers or you decide to go the cloth diapering route, it’s best to have a stocked supply before baby comes home.

That being said, here are a couple things to keep in mind:

  • Don’t go crazy with the newborn sizes. Babies grow fast!
  • You don’t need to buy the most expensive name brand diapers. Unless it turns out that baby is sensitive to a certain brand, the less expensive diapers (like Luvs) work just fine.

5. Wipes

As a mom of 2, I can honestly say you will never have too many boxes of baby wipes. You can pretty much use them for anything!

I think any mom would agree.

6. Nursing Pillow

Plan to breastfeed? A good nursing pillow will come in handy during those first few days at home with baby. This is one thing I didn’t have (but wish I did).

I’ve been told by other moms that the Boppy and the My Brest Friend nursing pillows are great choices, but the My Brest Friend is the better choice if you’ll be recovering from a c-section.

7. Nursing Pads

I also recommend using reusable nursing pads. These are a huge money-saver since you’ll only have to buy them once.

8. Baby Bath Tub

We used a baby bath tub similar to this one for both of our boys, but a friend of mine LOVED this for sink baths.

9. Baby Towels

Some may argue that baby towels are not completely necessary. In fact, I’ve seen them on several unnecessary baby items lists.

Personally, I preferred having a few soft baby bath towels for my boys when they were babies. Mainly because they’re stretchier and easier to pat baby dry when they’re so tiny. They’re also more gentle on their sensitive skin.

Plus, the cute hooded ones make some really adorable pictures. I love the ones with ears!

Related: 6 Best Baby Towels That Are Soft and Absorbent

10. Washcloths

The same goes for baby washcloths. They are nice to have because they’re softer and stretchier than your typical washcloth.

Just don’t go overboard– You don’t need a ton of these!

(Not sure exactly how many baby towels and washcloths to buy? This post will fill you in!)

These baby washcloths are soft, moderately thick, and perfect for sensitive skin.

Related: How Many Baby Towels and Washcloths Do You need?

11. Diaper Rash Ointment

Diaper rash ointment is one of those baby items that you totally forget about until you really need it.

I recommend Boudreaux’s Butt Paste if you’re not sure which brand to go with. It’s free from dyes, parabens, preservatives, and talc and worked well for us.

12. Extra Sheets for Crib or Bassinet

From diaper explosions to spit-up puddles, extra bassinet or crib sheets are an absolute must.

I recommend having at least 3-4 fitted sheets just in case.

13. Nasal Aspirator

Next, a nasal aspirator is a must-have, but they’re not all created equal.

I’m not a fan of the “old school” ones that don’t come apart as they can grow mold inside of there. Pretty gross, right?

Thankfully, there is a much more hygienic option and it’s called the NoseFrida. This will make your life as a new mommy so much easier!

14. Nail Clippers

A good pair of tiny nail clippers is a baby product you can’t live without.

Keeping baby’s nails short will help prevent her from scratching her little face.

15. Thermometer

There’s nothing like waiting on a slow thermometer to kick in when you’ve got a squirmy baby on your hands. You need one that’s fast and accurate.

This touchless forehead thermometer is easy-to-use and gives a fast reading.

16. Baby Clothes (Not newborn sizes)

I don’t recommend putting any newborn sizes on your baby registry. If this is your first pregnancy, I know that probably sounds a bit weird.

But here’s the thing. Newborns aren’t newborns for very long at all. When people talk about how they grow SO fast. they are not kidding.

My second son was already in size 0-3 months by the time he was 2 weeks old.

I also don’t recommend a lot of the super cutsie outfits with all the layers. As cute as they are, they can be a real pain to get off and back on when you’re changing diapers all day.

Save those for your pictures!

Onesies or bodysuits are great to put on your baby registry, because you will absolutely use them.

18. Teething Bandana Bibs

When babies reach the teething stage (which can start as early as 2 months!), they want to chew on everything.

Baby #2 loved his teething bandana bibs so much when he first started teething. It gave him something to chomp on and helped keep his clothes dry from the baby drool.

19. Backup Paci

You never know whether or not your baby will be one to love pacis or not, but if you choose to let your baby have one, consider getting a backup.

Pacis are like socks. They’ll disappear and then turn up days later in strange places.

Related: Best Pacifier for Breastfed Babies

19. Sleepbag/Wearable Baby Blanket

According to the CDC guidelines, it is strongly advised to keep baby blankets and other objects out of your baby’s crib or bassinet.

A sleepbag or wearable baby blanket is a safer way to keep your baby warm at night.

20. Backpack Style Diaper Bag

This is one tip I learned from getting it wrong with baby #1.

You need both hands to be free when you have a baby. The diaper bags with one strap just don’t cut it. But with a backpack style diaper bag, you have two free hands and it makes things so much easier!

21. Floor Seat

Finally, we used a floor seat like this with our second son and he loved it!

I love the design of it. With the wide base, you won’t have to worry about baby toppling the whole thing over as you do with the Bumbo.


A baby registry checklist to help you plan ahead!

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