First-Time Mom Baby Registry Checklist

Being a first-time mom can be extremely overwhelming. There are so many conflicting opinions on what you need and don't need. That's why I put together this baby registry checklist with everything I included on my baby registry as a first-time mom.

Everything with a * next to it indicates that it is one of my most-used items!

General Baby Registry Checklist Items

These are my recommendations for "general" items for your baby registry checklist.

• Gathre Midi Mat*: This was one of the top recommendations a friend had for me and I can't tell you how much we've already used it. It's a mat that wipes down easily because it's leather - perfect to put out for baby at the pool, beach, parks, picnics, breweries, wineries, etc.! Not to mention, it's really pretty.
• VTech Audio Monitor*: We have a video monitor that we installed into the wall in her nursery as well, but I highly recommend a simple, inexpensive audio monitor like this one that you can bring on vacations, to friends' houses, etc. when you won't be installing a video monitor. The range on this one is great!
• Lovevery Play Kits Subscription*: This is definitely a splurge, so it's perfect for a registry item. It's not a "must have," but I love that it includes developmentally-appropriate toys for each age, and they're all Montessori-based. I've been told that you really don't need any toys outside of the ones in these play kits.
• Babybjorn Bouncer Seat*: There are definitely cheaper options, but we LOVE this bouncer and I couldn't recommend it more! Some people opt to get a swing rather than a bouncer, but we skipped a swing and just went with this. I don't think you need tons of containers for a baby, but I'm happy we have this one as a safe space to put her in while we're cooking, etc.
• 3-Tier Rolling Cart: This will depend on your house set-up, but since we have multiple levels in our house, I loved having a rolling cart that I used as my "nursing and diaper" cart. I store diapers, burp cloths, wipes, my pump, nipple cream, nursing pads, and more on this cart. Eventually, once Eleanor is older, I'll turn this cart into a "craft cart" with things for coloring and arts and crafts.
• Bedside Bassinet*: Something that was important to me was a no-frills bassinet. I didn't want anything that vibrated, swayed, etc., that would be hard for me to transition her out of when moving to her crib. This bassinet folds down easily, doesn't take up a ton of space, and is very much no-frills. We love it.
• Diaper Bag*: You all know I LOVE my Freshly Picked diaper bag, but do your research and decide which one best suits your needs!
• Diaper Bag Packing Cubes*: These are AMAZING for organizing your diaper bag - otherwise, it feels like everything is floating. I recommend having one cube that's JUST for diaper things - so that when you need to change baby's diaper, you just have one bag you're grabbing with everything you need in it instead of digging through a big bag when you urgently need a diaper or wipes 🙂
• Pacifier Clip: Especially if you plan to travel with baby, I highly recommend a pacifier clip so that you aren't constantly bending over trying to pick up a pacifier that's inevitably fallen out of baby's mouth.
• Travel Booster Seat: Again, this will definitely depend on your lifestyle, but I plan on taking this camping, to the beach, to friends' houses etc.
• Bottle Drying Rack: There are tons of options for these, but I wanted a space-saving option that doesn't take up a ton of counter space.
• Bottle Brush*: Simple, gets the job done.
• Bottle Soap: This one is our favorite.
• Wet Bag: I keep this in my diaper bag to store dirty diapers in if we're out and about (keep a pack of doggy bags in here to throw them into!), dirty clothes if Eleanor has a blow out, and wet clothes after swimming.
• Pacifier Box: You really don't know what kind of pacifier your baby will like (if you plan to introduce one), so instead of buying a million packs of pacifiers, I recommend getting a box like this that has several brands that you can test. Once you find one baby likes, you can buy more!
• Non-Toxic Stain Remover: Great for blow-outs. I keep one of these in my diaper bag for when we're on the go so that stains don't set in.
• Activity Center: This one grows with your baby, which I really like!
• Burp Cloths*: You really can't have enough 🙂
• Snuggle Me Lounger*: Another one of our most-used items. Let me preface this by saying these loungers are NOT safe for sleep. That said, it was really nice having a space to put Eleanor down - we would put it at the dinner table with us during her witching hour in the early weeks. Now, every night we put her bath towel on it and put her directly onto it after bath time.

Baby Gear

These are my recommendations for "baby gear" items for your baby registry checklist.

• Pack and Play*: A lot of people choose to use their pack and play as their bedside bassinet, so if you don't want to get both, you don't have to! We keep ours in our living room as a safe space for baby on our lower level. This one is really easy to fold up to take for traveling, etc. Don't forget sheets for whichever pack and play you get!
• Baby Wrap*: I've tried multiple baby wraps, and this one is BY FAR my favorite. It's soft like a cloth wrap, but more structured than something like the Solly. A lot of people love the Babybjorn carrier, but I've found that I like this one WAY better for the baby phase, at least.
• Shade Tent*: As you've probably seen if you follow me on Instagram, we've been using this shade tent a lot. You may prefer something more structured like this that you can also use as a safe sleep-approved space for camping, the beach, backyard, etc. - but it's definitely bigger, heavier, and more cumbersome. We use this shade tent at the beach, pool, park, for on-the-go naps and shade.
• Stroller*: I recommend going to a store and trying a bunch of strollers/deciding what works best for your lifestyle! We went to Nordstorm and found ourselves loving the Uppababy Vista, which is what we ended up with. It's definitely bigger/bulkier (but has a ton of storage space, which we loved) and has a very smooth ride. This one is so personal!
• Travel Stroller: this is something you probably won't use until they're a bit older, but depending on how big your stroller is that you use for every day, you may want something that folds up and 1) can fit in an overhead department and 2) is WAY less bulky and can more easily be used in tighter spaces like airport, museums, aquariums, etc. I liked the one we have which was highly recommended to us. If you don't feel like registering for this, it can definitely wait!
• Car Seat Cover: This can be used as both a car seat cover, and a nursing cover if you are breastfeeding. These are great for keeping germs out/away from baby while you're in busy places (grocery store, airport) and can keep distractions at bay if you want your baby to nap on-the-go. Just make sure you aren't using this outside if it's hot out 🙂
• Car Seat*: Pick your car seat based off the stroller you're using! We use the Uppababy Vista stroller, and got the Uppababy Mesa car seat. I love how easy it is to install and that it can be installed without a base if needed (like if you're taking an Uber/cab, renting a car when traveling, etc.)
• Stroller Organizer*: I have the Uppababy stroller organizer, but I've linked a pretty, universal one here. Definitely recommend one of these - I always have in here a burp cloth, pacifier and mask - and when we're on walks, it's a place I can carry my phone, a toy, or other convenience items.
• Stroller Fan*: A must-have for warm days - this will attach to pretty much anything, and is perfect for adding to your stroller!
• Backseat Mirror: Some parents opt not to get this, but I really like having one. You attach this to the back of your backseat headrest so that you can see baby while you're driving.
• Portable Sound Machine*: If you follow me on Instagram, you know I have about 10 of these, hahaha. Amazing for on-the-go naps - we clip it onto the car seat, onto the stroller, or onto the diaper bag so we always have one with us.

Clothes/Accessories

These are my recommendations for clothing/accessory items for your baby registry checklist.

• I recommend a few outfits in newborn size, a few in 0-3, and a few in 3-6. My favorite brands for pajamas/onesies are Little Sleepies and Kyte Baby.
• Kyte Sleep Sack*: I recommend getting a size small and a size medium to start. We LOVE these.
• Swaddle*: If you can get your hands on an Ollie swaddle, I truly think they're the best in the market. I promise, you want something velcro like this. Another amazing swaddle brand is this.
• Zutano Baby Booties: Especially if you're having a winter baby, these are great. Socks are falling off ALL. THE. TIME. so it's nice that these stay on and keep your baby's feet warm. Skip the socks.
• Bandana Drool Bibs: For when they start drooling, so that you're not constantly having to change their outfits. Great for spit-up, too.
• Baby Sun Hat: Babies can't wear sunscreen until they are 6 months old, so sun protection is key. If you plan on spending time outside, you definitely need a sun hat.
• Baby Swaddle Bear Suit: If you're having a winter baby especially, having something you can wrap them up in for walks like this as an additional layer is key. Plus, name something cuter. You can't.
• Baby Mittens: I recommend registering for a pack if you're having a winter baby!

Feeding

These are my recommendations for feeding items for your baby registry checklist.

• Sterilizer/Dryer*: Honestly, maybe one of our top-used items. We use this for bottle parts and pump parts. It's SO nice that you don't need to wait hours for things to dry, you aren't trying to dry tiny parts with a paper towel (and taking all the time to do so), etc. Not to mention, the CDC recommends sterilizing parts for young babies. We use this every single day 🙂 if you don't have the counter space or just don't want to get a big appliance like this, you could also get these sterilizing bags (also great for travel).
• High Chair*: Do your research on what high chair you want, but after doing mine, this is the one we decided we wanted! VERY highly recommended to us.
• First Foods Set: This comes with a bowl, cup and spoon and is great for transitioning baby to solids.
• Ingelsia Table Chair: This definitely isn't a *must have*, but this is a great on-the-go option for restaurants, friends houses, and more. We plan on clipping this onto our island so that Eleanor can watch us cook and feel more involved with meal times.
• Nursing Pillow*: I'm five months into my breastfeeding journey, and I'm still using this nursing pillow for every single feeding while I'm at home. Couldn't recommend more - I've used the Boppy one before and I like this a million times more, personally!
• Silicone Snack Cup: I got two of these for when she's a little older - if you only want to put baby items on your registry, then this can definitely wait.
• Dr. Brown's Formula Mixing Pitcher: If you are planning to formula feed, this was highly recommended by my friends.
• Nursing Pads: If you plan on breastfeeding, I recommend getting a small pack of nursing pads for leaking. I wouldn't get a huge pack, because you may not be someone who has issues with leaking!
• Breastmilk Storage Bags*: If you plan on breastfeeding, you'll definitely need some milk storage bags. These are my favorites.
• Breastmilk Freezer Storage Tray*: This is really necessary if you plan on breastfeeding so that the bags will freeze flat and therefore not take up your entire freezer. SO helpful!
• Bottle Box*: You have no idea what kind of bottle your baby will take, so I recommend registering for a box like this where there are samples of each bottle before buying a bunch of one type! This is also what I recommend for pacifiers.
• Haakaa: If you are planning on breastfeeding, people SWEAR by the Haakaa. You attach it to one breast while you're feeding on the other, and it has a gentle suction that makes it easy to store some milk. I've used both the Haakaa and Elvie Curve, and I think the Elvie is a little more comfortable but the Haakaa gives better output. I'd start with the Haakaa and see what you think/go from there.
• GOOtensils: I didn't get these, but I wish I did! If you are planning on doing baby-led weaning, I've heard these are great as they really help your baby grasp the spoon and feed themself.
• Silicone Bibs: I recommend getting a pack of these for when it's time to start solids!
• **You'll notice I didn't put a pump on here, because that is purchased through insurance. I have the Spectra S1 and love it!

Bath Time

These are my recommendations for bath time items for your baby registry checklist.

• Bathtub*: The first thing you'll absolutely need is a baby bathtub. I like this one a lot because it grows with your baby and can be adjusted for size.
• Infant Hair Brush*: This is really good for cradle cap and Eleanor just loves when we use it on her! We use it every night for her bath.
• Bath Supplies*: I recommend registering for shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and all over ointment. This brand is my absolute favorite.
• Hooded Bath Towels*: These are our favorite! If you want to register for a fun one that you wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself, may I recommend this ADORABLE ONE.
• Muslin Washcloths: These are great for putting over baby's belly during bath time so they don't get too cold - it really helps keep them comfortable.
• Bath Time Toy Set: These are for when she's a little older, but I love that this comes with a drying tub and several toys! We have this exact one.
• Bath Time Stacking Cups: These were highly recommended to me and they're extremely inexpensive. Great for bath time fun 🙂
• Spout Cover: To protect baby during bath time once they're mobile.
• Brush/Comb: This one is very inexpensive and has great reviews.

Diapering

These are my recommendations for diapering items for your baby registry checklist.

• On-the-Go Wipes Dispenser*: I have a couple of these, but you'll at the very least want one for your diaper bag.
• Bum Brush: This is a brush to apply diaper cream to your baby's bum. Of course, you can definitely do this with your hands - but I prefer not to have cream/aquaphor all over my hands so this works great! I have a regular one for the nursery, and a mini one for my diaper bag.
• Wipes*: These are my absolute favorite and are amazing at avoiding irritation.
• Portable Changing Pad*: You'll want one of these to throw into your diaper bag for on-the-go diaper changes.
• Diaper Changing Pad*: This one I linked is the one I have - it's almost always sold out, but it's AMAZING. If you can't get your hands on this one, I recommend making sure you get a WIPEABLE one. There are tons of changing pads with cloth covers or a fabric material, but I PROMISE you don't want that. Wipeable all the way.
• Ubbi Diaper Pail*: I reallyyy promise you'll want a diaper pail - it does a great job of locking all the smells out of your room, and this one is the best. You can also register for the plastic bags that go inside the pail.

Nursery & Decor

These are my recommendations for nursery/decor items for your baby registry checklist.

• Baby Hangers: These are great and come in lots of colors. You'll want a pack to hang baby clothes in the closet (they're really small).
• Crib Mattress*: Get whichever one feels best to you! I have the Newton, and it's expensive - you definitely don't *need* that one.
• Crib Sheets: I linked the ones that I've found to be the softest!!
• Baby Monitor*: We personally wanted a monitor that did NOT have Wi-Fi for many reasons, and this is the one many of our friends have and love. It's great, we really like it! But there are so many, so get whatever fits your needs!
• Hatch Baby Sound Machine*: Absolutely one of our most-used, must-have baby items. It is a sound machine, but also has a built-in night light for middle-of-the-night feedings. You can control it from your phone! This includes turning it on and off, changing the color and sound, and changing the volume. It's amazing and we also have one at my parents' house we love it so much!

Health & Safety

These are my recommendations for health & safety items for your baby registry checklist.

• Vitamin D Drops*: All breastfed babies need a daily vitamin D drop. These are the ones we have.
• Infant Tylenol:* This is really important to have on hand in case your baby gets a fever. It will definitely come in handy for the two-month shots. We keep a pack in our medicine cabinet, and also in my diaper bag just in case as fevers can be really dangerous for babies.
• Boogie Wipes: These are gentle and won't irritate their skin. I'd just start with a small pack.
• NoseFrida: The classic "snot sucker." Sounds gross, I know. But I promise, you'll need it! If it makes you more comfortable, you can use something like this instead (you'll probably be given one of these at your hospital stay after delivering!)
• Gas Relief Drops: It's great to have these on hand in your medicine cabinet.
• Saline Nasal Mist: Again, I recommend keeping this in your baby medicine cabinet.
• Baby Thermometer: You'll absolutely need this in your medicine cabinet, and this one is great.
• Electric Nail File*: TRUST ME. This is easier than anything else you'll use/find. We still file Eleanor's nails almost every other day, because they grow so quickly and she'll scratch her face otherwise. Couldn't recommend these more!

Toys & Books

These are my recommendations for toys and books for your baby registry checklist.

• Lovevery Play Gym*: I'm convinced this is the best on the market. It is so good - a play gym is another one of our most-used items. If you want to skip this, you could also get this kick and play piano gym which babies seem to LOVE. We have both - one for each level, haha!
• High Contrast Cards*: Those early weeks/months, babies can't see color. Therefore, they are VERY drawn to high-contrast black and white things. It's great for their development to look at things like this. If you get the Lovevery subscription or play gym then you don't need these because they come with lots of high-contrast things - otherwise, I recommend getting some like these!
• ALL. THE. BOOKS!*: Pick some baby books you want to read your baby and register for them 🙂 I'm a huge fan of reading to baby!
• Sophie Giraffe Teether: Babies seem to generally love this teether starting from a young age!

For the Parents

These are my recommendations for things for YOU for your baby registry checklist.

• Kindred Bravely Wash, Wear, Spare Pumping Bundle: If you plan to breastfeed, I recommend registering for this three-pack of pumping/nursing bras! I like them a lot and highly recommend removing the pads. These are amazing quality.

I hope you enjoyed this baby registry checklist for first-time moms! Is there anything you think I'm missing? Is there anything listed here that you never used? Leave a comment - I'd love to hear!

Also, make sure you check out my Number One Piece of Advice for New Moms!