Baby Registry Checklist 2025: Complete Guide for New Parents

Baby Registry Checklist 2025: Complete Guide for New Parents

Creating your baby registry checklist feels overwhelming. You need many items organized across categories. This guide breaks down everything into manageable sections so you build a complete registry without missing essentials.

Focus on essentials first. Add convenience items later based on your lifestyle and space. Many items you need before baby arrives. Others can wait until you discover what works for your family.

Create Your Registry Today

All Products in This Guide

Essential products organized by category for your complete baby registry

Our Registry Recommendations

(7 products)

Sleep Essential

General

Newton Galileo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

(120+ Reviews)

$599

Buy Now

Safe Sleep

General

Newton Original Crib Mattress

(1200+ Reviews)

$299

Buy Now

Safety Essential

General

Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor

(218+ Reviews)

$199

Buy Now

Travel Essential

General

Skip Hop Forma Backpack

(2694+ Reviews)

$89

Buy Now

Hands-Free

General

Ergobaby Omni Breeze Carrier

(259+ Reviews)

$179

Buy Now

Newborn Sleep

General

HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0

(1107+ Reviews)

$249

Buy Now

Grows with Baby

General

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair

(934+ Reviews)

$299

Buy Now

Complete Baby Registry Checklist by Category

Organize your registry by category to avoid missing items. Start with safety essentials. Add convenience items based on your lifestyle and space.

Safe Sleep Essentials

Every baby needs a safe sleep space. Plan for newborn and longer-term sleeping options.

Bassinet (Newborn to 4-6 months):

• Bassinet with firm, flat surface
• Breathable sleep sack or swaddle
• Fitted sheets for bassinet mattress
• White noise machine (optional)

Crib Setup (4-6 months and beyond):

• Convertible crib (grows to toddler bed)
• Firm crib mattress (meets safety standards)
• Fitted crib sheets (2-3 sets)
• Sleep sack or wearable blanket
• Crib mattress protector

Monitor and Safety:

• Baby monitor with video and audio
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Smoke detector in nursery
• Room temperature monitor

Transportation Essentials

You cannot leave the hospital without a car seat. Plan your transportation setup before baby arrives.

Car Seat (Required for hospital discharge):

• Infant car seat or convertible car seat
• Car seat base (if using infant seat)
• Car seat installation check

Stroller:

• Full-size stroller or travel stroller
• Stroller compatible with your car seat
• Stroller accessories (cup holder, organizer)

Additional Transportation:

• Baby carrier or wrap (for hands-free carrying)
• Diaper bag or backpack
• Stroller accessories (weather cover, footmuff)

Feeding Essentials

Feeding setups vary by feeding method. Prepare for both breastfeeding and formula feeding.

Breastfeeding Supplies:

• Breast pump (electric or manual)
• Nursing bras (2-3)
• Nursing pillow
• Nipple cream or balm
• Breast milk storage bags or containers
• Nursing cover (optional)

Bottle Feeding Supplies:

• Baby bottles (4-6 newborn size)
• Bottle nipples (various flow rates)
• Bottle warmer
• Bottle brush and cleaning supplies
• Formula dispenser (if using formula)

Feeding Gear (6+ months):

• High chair
• Baby spoons and bowls
• Sippy cups
• Bibs (multiple)
• Placemat or splash mat

Solid Food Prep (6+ months):

• Food processor or blender
• Ice cube trays for purees
• Freezer storage containers
• Mesh feeders (for safe finger foods)

Diapering Essentials

Diapering needs are consistent across all babies. Stock up on basics and keep supplies organized.

Diapers and Wipes:

• Newborn diapers (1-2 boxes)
• Size 1 diapers (2-3 boxes)
• Baby wipes (multiple packages)
• Diaper rash cream
• Changing pad liners

Changing Station:

• Changing pad
• Changing table or dresser top pad
• Diaper pail or trash can
• Diaper organizer or caddy

Diaper Bag Supplies:

• Diaper bag or backpack
• Portable changing pad
• Travel-size wipes container
• Extra diapers
• Spare change of clothes

Bathing and Grooming

Bathing routines start early. Gather supplies for safe, comfortable bath times.

Bath Essentials:

• Baby bathtub or bath seat
• Soft washcloths (4-6)
• Hooded towels (2-3)
• Baby-safe soap and shampoo
• Bath thermometer
• Bath toys (for older babies)

Grooming Supplies:

• Nail clippers or file
• Soft-bristle hairbrush
• Baby lotion
• Nasal aspirator
• Thermometer
• Medicine dispenser

Clothing Essentials

Babies grow quickly. Stock up on basics in multiple sizes. Focus on comfort and ease of dressing.

Newborn Clothing (0-3 months):

• Onesies (6-8)
• Sleepers or pajamas (4-6)
• Socks (6-8 pairs)
• Hats (2-3)
• Mittens (2 pairs)

3-6 Month Clothing:

• Onesies (4-6)
• Sleepers (4-6)
• Pants or leggings (4-6)
• Socks (6-8 pairs)

Layering and Outerwear:

• Swaddle blankets (4-6)
• Receiving blankets (6-8)
• Sleep sack (1-2, various TOG ratings)
• Outerwear (seasonal)

Nursery and Organization

Organize your nursery for efficiency and comfort. Plan storage and organization systems early.

Nursery Furniture:

• Crib or bassinet
• Dresser or changing table
• Rocking chair or glider
• Storage solutions (bins, baskets)
• Bookshelf or toy storage

Organization:

• Drawer organizers
• Hanging closet organizers
• Storage bins with labels
• Laundry hamper
• Wall hooks for bags

Nursery Decor (Optional):

• Blackout curtains or blinds
• Night light
• Mobile for crib
• Wall art or decals
• Area rug

Safety and Babyproofing

Safety starts from day one. Some items you need early. Others can wait until baby becomes mobile.

Early Safety Items:

• Baby monitor
• Outlet covers
• Corner guards
• Cabinet locks
• Door knob covers

Babyproofing (When Baby Becomes Mobile):

• Safety gates
• Furniture anchors
• Appliance locks
• Toilet locks
• Stair gates

Health and Medical Supplies

Keep medical supplies on hand for common infant needs. Consult your pediatrician for recommendations.

Medical Essentials:

• Digital thermometer
• Nasal aspirator
• Medicine dispenser
• Infant pain reliever (pediatrician-approved)
• First aid kit
• Humidifier (for cold/flu season)

Healthcare Basics:

• Baby-safe sunscreen (6+ months)
• Diaper rash ointment
• Gas drops (pediatrician-approved)
• Teething relief (when needed)

Prioritizing Your Registry Items

Not all items have equal priority. Organize your registry by urgency and importance.

Priority 1: Before Baby Arrives (Must-Haves):

• Car seat (hospital requirement)
• Safe sleep space (bassinet or crib)
• Basic clothing (newborn and 0-3 months)
• Diapers and wipes
• Feeding supplies (based on your plan)
• Basic hygiene items

Priority 2: First Month (High Priority):

• Baby monitor
• Diaper bag
• Additional clothing in next sizes
• Swaddles or sleep sacks
• Bottle feeding supplies (if using)
• Breastfeeding supplies (if breastfeeding)

Priority 3: First 3-6 Months (Important):

• Crib setup (if using bassinet first)
• High chair (around 6 months)
• Baby carrier
• Additional feeding supplies
• Toys and stimulation items

Priority 4: Later Additions (Nice-to-Haves):

• Babyproofing items (when baby becomes mobile)
• Activity center or jumper
• Additional stroller accessories
• Nursery decor items
• Specialty items based on lifestyle

Registry Tips by Lifestyle

Your lifestyle determines which items you need most. Adjust your checklist based on your situation.

For Small Spaces:

• Mini crib or portable crib
• Foldable high chair
• Compact stroller
• Multi-use furniture
• Vertical storage solutions

For detailed small space registry tips, see our registry checklist for small spaces guide.

For Working Parents:

• Hands-free breast pump
• Baby monitor with app access
• Convenient diaper bag
• Time-saving feeding supplies
• Efficient organization systems

For working parent specific recommendations, see our best baby products for working parents guide.

For Frequent Travelers:

• Lightweight travel stroller
• Portable crib or travel bed
• Compact baby carrier
• Travel-friendly diaper bag
• Packable high chair

For Budget-Conscious Families:

• Convertible items (grow with baby)
• Multi-use products
• Store brand basics
• Secondhand furniture (safety-checked)
• Registry completion discounts

Printable Checklist Reference

Use this checklist to track items as you add them to your registry.

Expert Product Recommendations

We researched and tested products across categories. These recommendations balance quality, safety, and value.

Best Crib: Newton Galileo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

Convertible cribs grow with your baby. This crib converts from infant crib to toddler bed. Solid construction meets safety standards. GREENGUARD Gold certification ensures low emissions.

Best Mattress: Newton Original Crib Mattress

Breathable, washable mattress supports safe sleep. The Wovenaire core allows airflow while providing support. Completely washable design simplifies cleaning. Dual firmness works for infants and toddlers.

Best Bassinet: HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0

Swivel bassinet provides safe sleep for newborns. The swivel design allows easy access from your bed. Breathable mesh sides promote airflow. Lowering side panel helps with nighttime access.

Best Baby Monitor: Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor

Non-WiFi monitor provides reliable video and audio monitoring. No internet required means better privacy and security. Clear night vision and two-way audio keep you connected.

For complete monitoring coverage, use the Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Add-on Camera for multi-room monitoring.

Best Diaper Bag: Skip Hop Forma Backpack

Organized backpack design keeps essentials accessible. Multiple pockets organize diapers, bottles, and personal items. Laptop compartment works for working parents. Comfortable straps distribute weight evenly.

For more diaper bag options, see our complete diaper bag guide.

Best Carrier: Ergobaby Omni Breeze Carrier

Comfortable carrier works from newborn to toddler. Breathable mesh keeps you and baby cool. Ergonomic design supports proper positioning. Hands-free carrying supports daily activities.

Best High Chair: Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair

Adjustable high chair grows from 6 months to adulthood. Ergonomic design supports proper posture. Easy to clean and maintain. Long-term value from extended use.

Using Your Registry Completion Discount

Most registries offer completion discounts. Use them strategically for maximum savings.

First Discount (Around 30 weeks): Use this discount for absolute essentials you need before baby arrives:

• Car seat and stroller
• Bassinet
• Basic clothing
• Diapers and wipes
• Essential feeding supplies

Second Discount (After baby arrives): Use this discount for items you discover you need:

• Crib and mattress (when baby outgrows bassinet)
• Additional clothing sizes
• Items you discover are essential
• Convenience items you want

Common Registry Mistakes to Avoid

New parents often make these registry mistakes. Avoid them to build a better registry.

Mistake 1: Too Many Newborn Items Babies grow quickly. You might not need many newborn sizes. Include more 0-3 month and 3-6 month sizes.

Mistake 2: Skipping Safety Items Safety items are essential, not optional. Include car seats, monitors, and safety basics from the start.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Your Lifestyle Your lifestyle determines what you need. Small spaces need compact items. Working parents need time-saving solutions. Adjust your registry accordingly.

Mistake 4: Waiting Too Long to Start Start your registry early in your second trimester. This gives you time to research products and share with friends and family.

Mistake 5: Not Using Completion Discounts Completion discounts save significant money. Plan to use both discounts strategically for maximum value.

Building Your Registry Online

Create your registry on a platform that fits your preferences. Consider these options.

Amazon Baby Registry:

• Wide product selection
• Universal registry feature
• Two completion discounts
• Group gifting for big items
• Easy returns

Target Baby Registry:

• In-store and online shopping
• Completion discount
• Welcome kit with samples
• Gift tracking

Babylist Registry:

• Universal registry (any store)
• Completion discount
• Price comparison
• Personalized recommendations

Choose a registry platform that matches how your friends and family shop. Many parents create multiple registries at different stores.

When to Buy Items Yourself

Some items you should buy yourself rather than wait for gifts. Ensure you have essentials before baby arrives.

Buy Before Baby Arrives:

• Car seat (required for hospital discharge)
• Basic clothing (newborn and 0-3 months)
• Diapers and wipes (first supply)
• Safe sleep space (bassinet or crib)
• Essential feeding supplies

Can Wait for Gifts or Completion Discount:

• Crib and mattress (if using bassinet first)
• Monitor
• Diaper bag
• Additional clothing sizes
• Convenience items

Checklist Organization Tips

Keep your registry organized to avoid missing items and manage purchases effectively.

Organize by Category: Group items by category (sleep, feeding, diapering) so you can check completeness in each area.

Mark Priority Levels: Use priority markers to indicate must-haves, high priority, and nice-to-haves. This helps gift-givers choose appropriate items.

Add Notes: Include notes about specific preferences (colors, brands, sizes). This helps friends and family select items you want.

Update Regularly: Update your registry as you receive gifts and make purchases. Mark items as purchased to avoid duplicates.

Share Strategically: Share with close family early for big-ticket items. Share broadly with baby shower invitations for group gifting opportunities.

Final Registry Checklist Review

Before finalizing your registry, review these key areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Registry Checklists

Q:What is the most important item on a baby registry checklist?

A: The car seat is the most important item because hospitals require it for discharge. You cannot leave without one. Install and check it before your due date.

Q:When should I start my baby registry?

A: Start your baby registry around 12-14 weeks during your second trimester. This gives you time to research products, share with family, and use completion discounts strategically.

Q:What items do I need before baby arrives?

A: You need a car seat, safe sleep space (bassinet or crib), basic clothing in newborn and 0-3 month sizes, diapers and wipes, and essential feeding supplies based on your feeding plan.

Q:How many onesies do I need for a newborn?

A: Start with 6-8 onesies in newborn size and 4-6 in 0-3 month size. Babies grow quickly, and you might not need many newborn sizes. Include multiple sizes for growth.

Q:What baby registry items can I skip?

A: You can skip expensive toys, decorative nursery items, and specialty gadgets. Focus on essentials first. Add convenience items later based on what you discover you need.

Q:Should I register for a bassinet or crib?

A: Many parents use both. A bassinet works for newborns and fits in your room. A crib provides longer-term sleeping space. Some parents skip the bassinet and use the crib from the start.

Q:What is a registry completion discount?

A: Most registries offer discounts on unpurchased items. You typically get two discounts: one around 30 weeks for essentials, and one after baby arrives for items you discover you need.

Q:How do I organize my baby registry checklist?

A: Organize by category (sleep, feeding, transportation, diapering, clothing). Mark priority levels for must-haves vs nice-to-haves. Update regularly as you receive gifts and make purchases.

Q:What baby items should I buy new vs used?

A: Buy car seats and crib mattresses new for safety. Consider used items for clothing, some furniture, and toys if they are in good condition and meet current safety standards.

Q:How many bottles do I need on my registry?

A: Start with 4-6 bottles in newborn size. You might not need many if breastfeeding exclusively, but having some available provides flexibility. You can always add more later.

Next Steps After Your Registry

Your registry is a living document. Continue updating it as you discover what you need.

Before Baby Arrives:

• Purchase or use first completion discount for absolute essentials
• Install car seat and have it checked
• Set up safe sleep space
• Stock basic supplies (diapers, wipes, clothing)

First Month:

• Use baby monitor daily
• Adjust feeding supplies based on your needs
• Add items you discover are essential
• Update registry with items you need

After Baby Arrives:

• Use second completion discount for crib/mattress if needed
• Add items you discover you need
• Purchase next-size clothing as baby grows
• Continue updating registry for future needs

Create Your Registry Today

Ready to start building your baby registry checklist? Create your registry and begin adding essentials organized by category.

For more registry guidance, see our baby registry essentials guide, budget registry tips, and common registry mistakes guide. For stroller recommendations, see our best strollers 2025 guide.