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Baby registry must-haves: This is everything that should be on your list

Here's the ultimate list of what you need, so the only thing to worry about getting is sleep

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Couple sitting in the nursery.
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From picking out a name to picking out a nursery theme, having a baby comes with a thousand decisions that need to be made before you even have to start raising a little human. From the moment you find out you are pregnant, the list of what you’ll need to buy grows by the minute. But what do you need, and what can you skip? We have the baby registry must-haves, so you will have all the items you’ll need when you welcome your newest family member.

The best places for your baby registry

A pregnant woman holding a laptop in her lap while holding her belly
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Go big box or go online? No matter where you register, make sure you understand how the site or store works and check out perks like coupons for the rest of your wish list or free gifts for signing up.

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Big box stores are always a good idea

While it may be overwhelming to shop in a big-box store with limitless options, it’s the perfect place to go for a baby registry for that reason. You can get everything on your list in one place, making it a lot easier. Target and Walmart also have online options, so you’ll have a wider range of items to pick from.

Online shops are an easy go-to

Then there’s the ease of clicking from the comfort of your couch, which is what you get registering with an online shop. Babylist is a brilliant site because you can add your wishes from any store there, and it gives you a free gift for registering. Amazon is a good bet because everyone knows and trusts Amazon.

What to skip altogether

Pregnant woman standing over wooden crib in rustic nursery
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Everyone tells you what you should add to your registry, but they should also tell you what you should leave off your list. Just because they make a million baby items doesn’t mean you need it all. If you see something on this skip list you think you would use, wait on it.

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Items you won’t need

  • Wipe warmer
  • Shoes (if they don’t come with an outfit)
  • Crib extras like bumpers
  • Stuffed animals (you will be gifted these regardless)
  • A baby walker
  • Bottle sterilizer kit
  • Special bottle drying racks
  • Travel changing station kit
  • Car seat/grocery seat cover
  • Most teething supplies (gels/creams/necklaces)
  • “Baby size” anything (towels, washcloths) — see if regular size will do

The ultimate baby registry list of must-haves

Pregnant woman writing in a notebook.
Getty / Getty Images

These are the essentials, the musts, the stuff you will need when you bring baby home. If you get these items, you’re first part of parenting (at least when it comes to having the stuff) will be a lot less stressful.

For feeding

  • 3 to 5 bottles (we love Dr. Browns)
  • Bottle cleaning brushes for the tiny parts
  • Burb cloths or bibs
  • Formula

If you breastfeed

  • Breast pump
  • Milk storage bags
  • Nipple pads
  • Nipple cream
  • 2 quality pillows (for your back and for baby)

Diaper station

  • Changing station (with a pad or mat for baby)
  • Wipes
  • Diapers of various sizes
  • Rash cream
  • Baby oil
  • Baby lotion
  • Caddy or basket to hold items
  • Comfortable diaper bag/backpack

Bath time fun

Big gear

  • Car seat
  • Baby carrier/wrap
  • Baby bouncer/swing/lounger
  • Stroller

First aid/health items

  • Nail clippers/scissors
  • Thermometer
  • Nose sucker
  • Basic first aid-kit kit
  • Baby medicine/Tylenol

Nursery

  • Crib
  • Crib mattress
  • Sheets
  • Rocking chair (whether you breastfeed or not, get one)
  • Storage for clothing (dresser, hangers for closet)

Maybes for nursery

These aren’t must-haves exactly, but depending on your setup, you might need them.

  • Mobile for crib
  • Monitor if your room and baby’s room are far apart
  • White noise machine
  • Night light if no other soft lighting is in the room

Clothing for baby

This category is a bit all over the place. Some people don’t want an outfit for every day, some can’t afford a lot of clothes, and some don’t want the clutter. There is a bare minimum you should aim for, but people will gift you outfits you didn’t ask for, and you’ll be offered hand-me-downs. Take it all.

  • Onesies
  • Shirts/tops
  • Leggings/sweats/pants
  • Sleep sacs/swaddles
  • Footed pajamas
  • Socks

Get quite a few basic onesies in long- and short-sleeved varieties. Blowouts are real and will happen more than you could imagine. You won’t want to do laundry daily, so have a good assortment. For everything else, get at least two, so you have a few days between laundry days.

Toys

  • Books
  • Playmat
  • Tummy time pad
  • Soft rattles/blocks/crinkle books

It would be good to have a few toys for the car and the stroller, so you don’t have to worry about grabbing the same ones every time you leave the house.

Once you break it down to the basics, you need to keep your baby healthy, happy, safe, and warm when you bring them home, so it won’t feel so overwhelming while you are scanning things into your registry. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting every new baby item they just came out with, but all your little one needs is you and your love. And more diapers than you thought possible. Have these baby registry must-haves on your list, and you and your baby will be OK.

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