Baby Registry Must Haves: 11 Items Your Baby Actually Needs
Charity Dotson
11/6/2024
There are thousands of baby products you could put on your registry. Before the birth of my first child, my detail-oriented mind took months to comb through all the suggestions, tips, items, and prices. Now, three babies into motherhood, I have a much clearer idea of what they actually need for their first year of life.
If you’re wondering what the “must-haves” of motherhood are as you prepare for the arrival of your little one, keep reading. I’ve compiled a list of 11 basic “must-haves” and some “nice-to-haves” along the way (with a few fun bonus items thrown in at the end). Avoid spending money on items you probably won’t use and put those saved dollars back in the bank—or towards “little luxuries” for yourself and your baby!
We did not receive any payment or compensation for these product recommendations. All product recommendations are based solely on the author's experience and research.
1. Diaper Bag (or large purse)
Before having a baby, leaving your house is so simple. You grab your purse, your keys, your wallet, phone, and walk out the door.
After the arrival of your little one, leaving the house may feel like a marathon. Did you pack extra diapers? A burp cloth? Bottles? Pacifiers? Toys? How about wipes? Or extra baby clothes in case your little one spits up or poops on her adorable outfit? And the list continues, before you even get to your own items.
And the best part? You can choose a cute design that even matches your wardrobe—who said motherhood couldn’t look stylish?
Nice to Have: Diaper Bag Organizer
If your normal purse tends to become a black hole of items you can never seem to find, your diaper bag can become even worse. If you’re looking to gift yourself with a little mama luxury item that’s also incredibly practical, consider a diaper bag organizer.
This useful insert keeps every baby item in its place, and helps that horrible black hole become a little more manageable (especially when your baby is screaming for her bottle).
2. Diapers + Wipes
Diapers will be your biggest budget drain for the next few years, so have no qualms about putting them on your registry. To start, most babies need either newborn or size 1 diapers. But if you’re gifted with larger sizes, great! One day in the surprisingly near future, your little one will no longer fit these smaller sizes.
You can also invest in reusable cloth diapers that produce less waste and, long-term, save you money—if you don’t mind the extra laundry.
Diapers and baby wipes make simple but great gifts if there are people around you that want to help. You can never have enough!
Pro tip: Not all diapers and wipes are created equal, so try a few brands to find what fits your baby and budget best.
Pro tip: Most newborn diapers only fit up to 10 pounds, which means a lot of babies grow out of them quickly. Plan on having a few newborn diaper packages on hand, but stock up early on size 1! If your baby’s umbilical cord stump is still attached, you can fold down the front of size 1 diapers.
Nice to Have: Diaper Rash Cream + Changing Pad
Diaper rash cream protects your little one’s bottom by forming a barrier between their sensitive skin and the diaper. It’s great to have on hand before a rash starts, so you aren't scrambling at the last minute.
Another useful item to have is a changing pad. This will protect whatever surface you’re changing your baby on, and there’s a few options to choose from.
A dedicated changing table is not necessary. Dresser and changing table combos are a great way to save money and space. You can also set a stationary changing pad on top of a dresser or flat surface. Remember to be cautious with your baby and never leave them alone on an elevated surface.
Perhaps the simplest way to change a diaper is to have a wipe-clean portable changing pad, the kind that folds up and transports easily in your diaper bag. You can store it anywhere around your house for diaper changes on the floor, couch, or bed.
Pro tip: Breast milk can work as a natural diaper cream!
3. Burp Cloths
Your baby’s digestive system continues to mature even after birth—meaning your newborn is prone to spitting up and losing other bodily fluids unexpectedly. And some babies are worse “spitters” than others.
Keeping clean burp cloths on hand is a must when you need something soft and reusable to clean up those messes, instead of going through dozens of paper towel rolls. And they’re easy to pack in your diaper bag for messes on-the-go.
Burp cloths are also great to place on your shoulder before picking up your baby. You never know when they’ll leave a mess on your outfit!
Pro tip: This doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. Plain white burp cloths can be absorbent, and come cheap in a pack of 10, so you’ll always have a clean one available while you’re washing others.
4. Baby Clothes
For the first year of life, your baby will need clothes for every season. But if thinking that far ahead is overwhelming, focus only on the season you’ll be in for the first three months. And don’t worry about buying all the clothes you need.
Cute baby clothes are one of the most popular baby shower gifts from family and friends! Who doesn't love buying adorable, tiny outfits?
Summer babies do well in onesies and don't require many other clothing items. But babies born in cooler temperatures will need more to get started. Plan on getting your child the winter items you would require for cold weather, but don’t go too crazy. Your child will grow out of items quickly, and you’ll need bigger sizes every 3 to 6 months.
Pro tip: Do you dread fastening all those snap buttons during dark, middle-of-the-night diaper changes? Try pajama onesies with zippers instead!
5. Car Seat
Whether you’re having a hospital or home birth, you’ll need a car seat for transporting your baby around, especially to those newborn doctor appointments. While there are countless choices on the market, a couple basic options are a brand that has a click and connect feature or a brand with a 4-in-1 option that grows with your child.
Click and connect car seats
The click and connect feature on a car seat easily transports your baby in and out of the car and in and out of a stroller in one simple motion—all without taking them out of their car seat! Don’t forget to also purchase the connecting base.
Try googling “click and connect” or “stroller and car seat combos” to research your options. If you go this route, you’ll probably need to buy another car seat when your child is between 1-2 years old, one they’ve exceeded the weight limit. Click and connect car seats usually accommodate children up to or around 30 pounds.
Pro tip: Have grandparents and your babysitter buy a connecting base for their car, so your click and connect car seat can easily—and safely—go from car to car in seconds.
4-in-1 car seat
The other option is a 4-in-1 car seat, or a convertible car seat, which grows with your child. It can be used from your baby’s newborn phase all the way through their booster phase in preschool. This type of car seat is always left in the car. You’ll have to move your baby in and out of it from the car to the house or stroller.
Pro tip: The safety standards for your car seat can be found in the product manual and on stickers attached to the seat. For extra peace of mind, check and see if your local fire department will check that your car seat is installed properly.
Pro tip: If financially viable for you, start with a click and connect car seat and then plan to purchase a 4-in-1 option when your baby is around a year old. The 4-in-1 car seat will still be worth your money.
6. Stroller
In addition to a car seat, you will need a stroller. Parents use strollers for exercise, playdates at the mall, or any situation where pushing your baby would be easier than carrying them. They also provide portable storage and cupholders.
To really get your money's worth on this purchase, buy a stroller that grows with your child. If you are buying a click and connect car seat, there will be a compatible stroller frame in the same brand.
Graco strollers are highly rated regardless of their click and connect option. Other good brands include Chicco and Zoe. For a truly compact and convenient experience, especially for moms who travel a lot, check out one of the newest strollers to hit the market. It's called a Doona, and it’s a car seat that folds out into a stroller.
7. A Place to Sleep
Convertible Crib + Mattress
A great money-saving option for your baby’s bed is a convertible crib. These are cribs with a 4-in-1 option that allows the bed to grow with your child. Multiple settings are available for the mattress height as your little one learns to pull themselves up and stand. Then, often with the addition of an extra piece, it can be converted into a toddler bed and eventually a kid’s bed.
Your baby can’t sleep in their crib without a mattress, and you’ll need one that meets safety standards. You’ll also want to invest in a mattress protector and a few fitted sheets. Having more than one pair on hand helps when your baby’s diaper leaks or they spit up in the middle of the night.
Nice to Have: A Pack ‘n Play with Bassinet + White Noise Machine
There are a couple other options for sleeping arrangements that can be worth your money.
Pack ‘n Play w/ Bassinet
If you want your baby close by for all those late night feedings, a Pack ‘n Play with a bassinet option is a great multi-functional tool to have on hand. This can serve as your child’s main bed for several months, and a lot of them even have a changing table attachment. It can also be broken down and stored quickly for travel.
A Pack ‘n Play meets current safety standards for sleeping and reduces the risk of SIDS with it’s breathable, mesh side and no extra linens. It can be easily wiped clean when your baby wets through a diaper or spits up. And when your baby outgrows the bassinet, simply remove the attachment and use the Pack ‘n Play as a safe play yard for your toddler.
Pro tip: Make sure the sleeping arrangement you decide on meets current safety standards set by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (U.S. CPSC).
White Noise Machine
A white noise machine can be a parent’s naptime and nighttime superpower. It produces a steady, soothing hum that helps your baby fall asleep—and keeps them asleep—by drowning out other background noises like your neighbor’s barking dog or your laundry machine across the hall.
Pro tip: Don’t want to invest in a physical sound machine? Try downloading a white noise app on your phone that plays while your baby sleeps.
8. Blankets or Swaddles
Blankets are wonderful to have in spades! They are one of the most underrated and yet frequently used items.
Light cotton or flannel swaddle blankets, depending on where you live, are great for swaddling a newborn who is having trouble falling asleep or calming down. They’re also great for catching or wiping up spit up, draping over your car seat to block out the sun, or becoming an impromptu breastfeeding cover.
Pro tip: Is your baby constantly breaking free of her swaddle? Try a velcro swaddling blanket that takes away all the folding and tucking. You can find different sizes and levels of warmth for your baby.
Pro tip: Having a quilt or heavier blanket on hand for floor play is useful as well. Just make sure that heavy blankets aren’t in bed when it’s nap time.
Nice to Have: Weighted Sleep Sack
Is your little one having trouble falling or staying asleep at night? Consider a weighted sleep sack. These useful baby items give your child an extra sense of comfort and calm—almost like falling asleep under the familiar weight of your hand on their tummy.
9. Equipment for Feeding
There’s more than one way to feed a baby.
Are you considering breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, or a combination? There are a couple must-haves for each of these methods.
Breastfeeding
Must Have: Nipple Cream
If you’ve chosen to exclusively breastfeed, you’re pretty much all set. The only highly recommended item would be a tube of nipple cream for sore or chafed nipples, especially in those first couple weeks postpartum.
Nice to Have: Nursing bra(s) + Nursing Cover
It’s totally possible to nurse without a nursing bra, but the convenience of one makes the extra splurge worth it. You’re already trying to gracefully find your way through outer layers of clothing, so it’s nice to have a bra that’s designed to unlatch for your baby. Consider buying 2 or 3 when you find a brand you love. One to wear, one in the wash, and one extra in your drawer.
A breastfeeding cover is also a practical (and cute!) accessory to have if it gives you the privacy and comfort you want while feeding your baby in public. There are different designs like aprons, convertible scarves, and even certain car seat covers that function as a nursing cover. Have fun finding one that works for you!
Pumping
Must Have: Pump + Bottle Set
If you’re pumping occasionally or exclusively, a pump and bottle set are necessary, and there are various types of pumps available. For moms exclusively pumping, a hospital grade pump is recommended—along with a bra that allows you to pump hands-free.
Regardless of your pumping needs, check out the Medela and Spectra brands to get you started in your research.
Pro tip: Willing to splurge for a portable pump that doesn’t have any cords or tubes attached? Check out the Willow pump for a simple, quiet, under-your-clothes pumping experience. If it’s a little expensive, ask friends and family to donate toward your pump on your registry.
Nice to Have: Haakaa + Milk Storage Bags
A simple silicone pump that actually uses suction to draw milk out of your breast, and comes highly recommended by breastfeeding moms, is the Haakaa. The Haakaa suctions onto your nipple and catches any leaking milk from the opposite breast during feeding. No more wasted milk!
After pumping, you’ll need to store your breastmilk in the refrigerator or freezer, for this, you’ll need milk storage bags or reusable containers. Milk storage bags can come cheap in packs of 25, 50, or even 100. Some have special features, like the ability to pump directly into them. Junobie’s offers reusable bags.
Formula Feeding
Must Have: Formula + Bottle Set
If formula and bottle feeding are right for you, research what formula would be best for your baby and budget. Just like finding your favorite food, you often have to try a variety of options. Don’t get discouraged if your little one doesn’t automatically take to the first formula you offer him. Recommended formulas are Baby's Only Organic, Similac, and Enfamil.
You’ll also need to find a bottle brand your baby likes. There are different bottle features you can choose from: anti-colic bottles for gassy babies, silicone nipples designed to be more breast-like, and different levels of nipple flow, to name a few. Trusted brands to start with are Medela, Dr. Brown's bottles, and Philips Avent bottles.
Pro tip: Babylist sells a $30 bottle box that allows you to try out 5 brand name bottles with your baby. If you have an especially picky bottle feeder, this is a much cheaper option than buying them each separately at the store.
Nice to Have: Portable formula dispenser
Portable formula dispensers are life-savers on the go. Each dispenser is divided into three sections that store a pre-portioned amount of dry formula powder. If you’re out and your baby starts fussing, grab your bottle (already filled with water), dump in one of the servings of formula powder, shake, and you’re ready to feed.
The best part? You still have two more servings ready to go.
10. Baby Shampoo + Body Wash
Your baby has brand new, sensitive skin. So you’ll need soap that is specifically made for infants. In your baby’s very first weeks of life, she’ll only need sponge baths, and you’ll want to avoid submerging her in water before the umbilical cord stump falls off. So, don’t worry about spending money on lots of bath soap.
Nice to Have: Infant Tub, Towels, & Washcloths
For the first year of your baby's life, it can be helpful to have an infant bathtub, designed to keep them upright and out of the water. Like certain car seats and cribs, some tubs are designed to grow with your child too. Depending on the design you choose, it can be placed in your larger bathtub or even in your kitchen sink.
You’ll also need towels and washcloths. These can be designed specifically for babies, in many cute designs, but even regular towels smaller than adult towels will work fine on a budget.
11. Health + Hygiene Items
Thermometer
Before you leave the hospital or birthing center, your doctor or midwife will go over what’s normal and what’s not in terms of your baby’s temperature. For peace of mind, invest in a baby thermometer (or two) now, so if a fever strikes, you can quickly recognize it.
Pro tip: The most accurate temperature results are taken rectally. You may want to consider a rectal baby thermometer, even if you also buy a forehead or ear thermometer.
Nail Trimmer
It’s normal to feel nervous about trimming your baby’s nails on their little, delicate fingers. That’s why there are nail trimmers specifically designed for infants. You can also consider an electric nail file that gently files down their nails instead of clipping them.
Pro tip: Purchase a couple pairs of adorable newborn mittens to keep on your baby’s hands at night, to prevent her from scratching herself in her sleep.
Bulb Syringe
The hospital will probably send you home with one of these. Bulb syringes are designed to gently suck mucus out of your baby’s nostrils (avoid being too aggressive or sticking them in too far). They’re simple and easy to use, and good to have on hand if your little one wakes up with stuffy noses or catches a cold.
Pro tip: Try putting a few saline drops into your baby’s nostrils to break up the mucus before sucking it out with your syringe.
Nice to Have: Infant Tylenol + Teething Toy
A bottle of liquid infant Tylenol will be good to have on hand when your baby starts teething, or when he receives his first round of shots. Make sure to check with your child's pediatrician about medication dosages before giving your little one Tylenol for the first time.
Want to try something else before resorting to infant Tylenol for teething pain? Give your baby a teething toy to chew on. There are adorable designs, ones that come on clips to attach to your baby’s clothing, and even ones you can cool in the fridge for maximum teething relief.
Bonus Baby Items
There are so many fun and creative baby items on the market! Here are a couple bonus items that moms agree are unnecessary, but still great for your baby registry:
Bonus: Boppy Pillow
A Boppy is a half-moon shaped pillow that can be used for nursing support, laying your baby in during *supervised* wake time hours, upper body support during tummy time, and cushion-y support while your little one learns to sit.
The cover, available in many fun designs, comes off for easy washing or can be wiped clean for small messes. It's even comfy for you to lay on when your baby doesn't need it. Although this item isn't an essential, it can quickly turn into something you will use time and again.
Bonus: Newborn Toys
Your baby will be entertained by the simplest of toys (or household items) during their first several months of life. She may be transfixed by a crib mobile turning in circles above her head, a soft plush toy she can focus on during tummy time, or a crinkly square she can squish in her hands.
You can also get tiny wrist rattles that make fun sounds when your baby waves her arms, or a soft toy mirror attached to your stroller or play mat. Choose toys that remain within 12 inches of your baby’s face—she can’t see clearly more than a foot away at birth.
Pro tip: Babies will focus on high contrast colors as their young eyesight improves. If you really want to grab your little one’s attention, purchase toys designed in striking black-and-whites or other high contrast shades.
Bonus: Baby Carrier, Wrap, or Sling
There are few things more useful than baby-wearing (once you get the hang of it). And there’s a ton of promising evidence that baby-wearing is healthy for both you and your baby. The benefit of keeping your little one snuggled close while hands-free means more bonding, more carrier naps, more tasks you can accomplish around the house, reduced crying (according to this often-cited 1986 study) and even reduced maternal postpartum depression and stress (according to this study).
Baby carriers tend to be more structured, come with many different features, and are easier to figure out for first-time moms. Wraps can take a little longer to get the hang of, but most of them come with instructions and 2 to 3 minute YouTube videos that show you how to wrap yourself in the long piece of fabric.
Slings are an elegant, one-shouldered option to wear your baby. They provide great support and are often quick to slip on and your baby in.
Pro tip: If you’re intimidated by the thought of learning how to use a carrier, wrap, or sling, practice wrapping, tying, and wearing them while you’re still pregnant.
Create Your Registry!
Creating your baby registry should be a fun and exciting part of your pregnancy! So don’t let the overwhelm of unnecessary baby gear turn it into a stressful experience. If you’ve included our “must-haves,” you’re already prepared for 99% of your child’s immediate needs. All they’ll need after that is your love, your care, and your joy.
If you’re still curious about what other moms consider their “must-haves,” talk to the mothers closest to you over a coffee date, subscribe to our community, or reach out to me at charity@shemight.com for further support. We’re moms who have been there, and we want to be there for you too.
Organized and compiled by She Might Lead Editor Mariah Maza.