When I tell you that I spent HOURS at Babies R Us working on my baby registry when I was expecting my first, I mean I spent almost the entire day in the store. I wish I had spent more time researching what I wanted to be when I grew up as I did on what car seat or stroller to buy. The choices and decisions were overwhelming. I remember feeling overwhelmed and like I wanted to cry because I didn’t know what I was going to need as a first time mom, and I felt the pressure to get it all on my registry. But, not to worry, mama. I got your covered. I’ve already done all of the stressing for you, and I’ve already spent hours and hours of researching the safest car seats and sunscreens. So, I present to you the ULTIMATE baby registry check list complete with categories and direct links to some of the items on Amazon!
*BIG TICKET ITEMS*
- Car seat
- Graco Snugride or Chicco KeyFit 30.
- Both highly rated car seats for safety
- Stroller
- Ideally you’ll want a stroller that your car seat can snap in to. If you go with Chicco or Graco they have strollers that your infant seat can snap in to. However, if you want a different brand than just make sure that stroller has an adapter that would work with your car seat brand. For example, with our son we used our Chicco car seat, but had an Uppababy stroller (this is not the exact version we had) so we had to buy the Uppababy chicco car seat adapter that attaches to the stroller in order for our infant seat to snap in to it.
- Things to consider when testing out strollers: weight (remember you’re going to be pulling and lifting this in and out of your trunk a lot), how easy it is to fold, storage bin underneath, how easy it is to get your bag out of the storage bin when the infant seat is attached or when the seat is reclined (for when baby is older). I highly recommend going to Buy Buy Baby if there is one near you and go “test drive” car seats and strollers.
- Pack n’ Play
- I love the ones like this one that have a diaper changing attachment. This was always so convenient.
- Halo Bassinet
- Optional if you have a Pack n Play. But great for the early months. I had this with my second and it was a game changer. You don’t even have to get out of bed to get the baby? Just sit up and lean over to get baby for feeding? Yes, please!
- Crib
- Really not necessary for the first year even, but if you want someone else to pay for it, put it on your registry!
- Dresser, or storage options for closet
- Baby Carriers:
- For newborn stage: optional, but with Zane I got a newborn wrap, the Boba Baby, that held the baby more snug than my Ergo for those early months. Some are easier to tie and put on than others. It takes some practice, but given Zane would sleep for hours in this thing while I was doing stuff around the house or out shopping, it made the few minutes it took to put on worth it.
- For when they’re a few + months: Ergo 360
Great for when the babies are a few months old, although you can buy the infant insert. These are lifesavers when the baby won’t let you put them down but you need to get stuff done around the house and for handsfree shopping! The Ergo 360 lets you carry baby both inwards or outwards with lumbar support, cushy shoulder straps, and a hood for privacy and protection. You can’t go wrong with an Ergo!
**DIAPERING**
- Diapers
- Diaper Cream
- We love Bourdeaux’s Butt Paste
- Wipes
- Diaper Pail – Ubbi Diaper Pail
- This thing will mask a grown man’s poop. What’s even better is that you can use your own trash bags!
- Changing Table
- Changing Table Pad
- Changing Table Pad Liner
- Changing Table Pad Cover
**BATH**
- Shampoo
- Totally a personal opinion and preference, but I stayed away from Johnson & Johnson products and researched safer products when I found out I was pregnant. They’re full of ca-ca that doesn’t belong on a baby’s body – or anyone. Instead, check out the Baby Gentle All Over Wash from Beautycounter.
- Lotion
- Same concept here. Choose a safer alternative such as Beautycounter’s Baby Soothing Oil
- Baby bath tub
- Wash cloths
- Towels (preferably with hoods)
**MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS**
- Humidifier
- Nose Frieda
- This is the grossest, yet smartest invention ever. For when your littles have stuffy noses that they can’t blow yet themselves. This helps you suck their noses clear (insert barf emoji). I also wish I had invented this because it probably costs $.02 to make and they sell it for up to $19.
- Thermometer
- We prefer the Braun Digital Ear Thermometer and have found that it’s easier to take their temperatures this way.
- Diaper Bag
- We love the bookbag style diaper bags. They’re easier to carry in stores or if you have a million other things to carry – like your baby!
- Car seat cover/ nursing cover combo
- Great for when you need to take baby out in those early months or if it’s a little chilly outside, these car seat covers keep them protected from the elements and people touching them! What’s even better is that it doubles as a nursing cover poncho. How cute is this one?!
- Hamper
- Clothes Hangers
- Little mittens
- For when they’re newborns so they can’t scratch themselves
**SEATING**
- High Chair
- I liked having one on wheels so I could easily move it around the kitchen or table like this one
- Bumbo Seat
**FEEDING/ BREASTFEEDING**
- Nursing Bras
- I loved this hands free pump bra from Medela
- You’ll also need every day regular nursing bras if you plan on breastfeeding
- Milk storage bags
- Pump – *Contact your insurance company about getting a pump!*
- Pump parts soap, like this kind from Medela.
- Pump parts wipes if you plan on pumping on the go and need a way to clean your pump parts. Perfect to throw in your pump bag or diaper bag!
- Bottles
- Only start with a few of one kind. Some babies are very particular and I’ve heard of new mamas going through tons and tons of brands before finding the right one for baby!
- Nipple cream like these from Lansinoh – perfect size to throw in your purse or diaper bag!
- Breast pads
- These are pads you stick in your bra to keep you from leaking. I used these reusable, super absorbent nursing pads and loved them!
- Boppy pillow
- Boppy pillow cover
**CLEANING**
- Bottle Soap
- Pacifier wipes
- Perfect for when you’re out at a store and the pacifier falls on the floor *gasp*
- Bottle Brush
- Dish Drying Rack
- I loved this one from Soraco. Fits all of your bottles and parts and much cuter than most bottle racks. Add this cute little tree on the drying rack and you’ll have the perfect spot to hang clean binkies!
**BEDDING**
- Crib sheets
- Crib mattress liner
- Pack n’ play sheets
- Pack n’ play pad liner
- Crib mattress
- Halo bassinet sheet & liner (if you get one of these)
Welp, mamas. There you have it. Your ULTIMATE registry checklist!
Find this list helpful? Leave me a comment below and share this list with any pregnant mama you might know to save her the stress!
Dori Kennedy says
Keep up the good work kristi – these blogs are amazing and extremely helpful!!