This article is part of the Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy.
You're not the only one eagerly anticipating the arrival of your new baby. Your family and friends are probably excited to pick out presents.
With so many essentials to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. Creating a gift registry doesn't have to be overly complicated if you focus in on what you really need first.
The experts who work in our Family Birth Center pooled their expertise and curated a list of must-haves to make your work creating a baby registry easier. Check out our recommendations so you don't forget a thing.
What you'll need right away
You'll need some items as soon as your new baby gets here. You can always add on to your baby registry, but be sure to not forget these crucial newborn care items:
- Infant car seat
- Stroller or baby carrier
- Newborn clothing (including your baby's first outfit)
- Baby monitor
- Bibs and burp clothes
- Baby swing
Sleeping supplies
Your newborn baby will spend a lot of time sleeping, but sometimes you'll run into challenges trying to get them down. Help your baby fall asleep quickly - and comfortably - by including these items on your baby registry:
- Newborn sleep space
- Consider what option works best for you, like a bassinet, rock and play, or a pillow lounger
- Swaddle blankets
- Sound machine
Breastfeeding essentials
Add these items to your baby registry to make nursing as convenient and easy as possible.
- Breast pads
- Nipple cream
- Nursing bras
- Nursing tanks
- Breast milk storage bags
- Breast pump and bottles
Bottles are a crucial addition to your baby registry because you can never have too many. You may want to add items related to maintaining and cleaning your bottles too, such as:
- Bottle sizes (4 oz and 8 oz, with nipples varying in flow)
- Bottle drying rack
- Cage for bottle bits
- Bottle brushes
- Bottle sterilizer
Don't forget diapers
Diapers are an essential item on your baby gift registry. As your baby grows, your diaper sizes will grow too. Using your registry to prepare and plan for diaper needs is a simple hack in making sure you're never without a diaper.
- Diapers (ask for varying sizes)
- Diaper bin
- Diaper bag
- Diaper rash ointment
- Changing pad
- Wipes, wipes, and more wipes
Health and hygiene necessities
Your baby registry doesn't need to be glamorous. By including "simple stuff" you're ensuring you'll be prepared.
- Baby nail clippers
- Digital thermometer (rectal)
- Bulb syringe
- Washcloths
- Bathtub
- Baby shampoo and body wash
- Baby first aid kit
New vs. used
If your friends and family offer you hand-me-downs, check to make sure the items pass current safety standards. As long as you do your homework, it's completely acceptable to take their used items. Although some hand-me-downs are a good thing, for some items you should always buy new.
New items include:
- Car seat
- Crib mattress
- Breast pump
Your baby gift registry is exactly that: yours! Once you've covered all of the important essentials, have fun with it and add on all the extras you want to help you welcome your new baby into your home.
