Registry
Baby Registry Checklist
Every baby registry list says the same 60 things. This one has 118, marked by what you actually need first — and lets you cross off what you don't. Keep what matters, skip the rest, and copy the finished list straight into your registry.
Start here
How to use this checklist
There are 118 items below. You are not expected to want all of them — most parents don't. The three steps are the whole tool.
- Narrow it down. Use the search box or the filters on the left to find what you're thinking about. Pick “Hospital bag” if you're packing, or “Must have” if you want to see the floor of what you actually need.
- Decide, one item at a time. Keep what belongs on your registry. Skip what doesn't, and it dims out of the way. There's no wrong answer here — a smaller registry that people can afford to buy from beats a hundred-item wish list.
- Take the list with you. When you're done, hit Copy my list and paste it into Amazon, Babylist or Target. Nothing is stored on our side — your choices live in your own browser, and no email is required to use this.
Keeping 0 · skipping 0 · 118 still to decide
Nothing matches those filters. Try clearing the search or the categories on the left.
Crib$$$
Safe, sturdy crib meeting current safety standards
Nursery Furniture · Coming home
Crib Mattress$$$
Firm, waterproof mattress that fits snugly
Nursery Furniture · Coming home
Changing Table or Dresser with Changing Pad$
Dedicated changing station with safety straps
Nursery Furniture · Coming home
Glider or Rocking Chair
Comfortable seating for feeding and soothing
Nursery Furniture · 2 to 6 months
Dresser$$$
Storage for baby clothes and supplies
Nursery Furniture · 2 to 6 months
Bookshelf$$
For books, toys, and decorative items
Nursery Furniture · 6 to 12 months
Nightstand or Side Table$
Convenient surface next to glider
Nursery Furniture · 6 to 12 months
Fitted Crib Sheets×3$
100% cotton, fits snugly on mattress
Nursery Bedding & Decor · Coming home
Waterproof Mattress Protector×2$
Protects mattress from leaks
Nursery Bedding & Decor · Coming home
Swaddle Blankets×4$
Breathable muslin or cotton swaddles
Nursery Bedding & Decor · Coming home
Sleep Sack / Wearable Blanket×2$
Safe alternative to loose blankets
Nursery Bedding & Decor · Coming home
Blackout Curtains$
Helps regulate sleep schedule
Nursery Bedding & Decor · 2 to 6 months
Mobile$
Visual stimulation for baby
Nursery Bedding & Decor · 6 to 12 months
Wall Art / Decorations$
Personalize the nursery
Nursery Bedding & Decor · 6 to 12 months
Rug$$
Soft surface for tummy time
Nursery Bedding & Decor · 6 to 12 months
Infant Car Seat$$$
Rear-facing, meets safety standards (required to leave hospital)
Baby Gear & Travel · Coming home
Car Seat Base (extra for second car)$$
Convenient for families with multiple vehicles
Baby Gear & Travel · 2 to 6 months
Stroller
Full-size or travel system that works with car seat
Baby Gear & Travel · Coming home
Baby Carrier or Wrap$$$
Hands-free carrying for bonding
Baby Gear & Travel · 2 to 6 months
Diaper Bag$$
Organized bag for on-the-go essentials
Baby Gear & Travel · Coming home
Portable Changing Pad$
For diaper changes away from home
Baby Gear & Travel · 2 to 6 months
Car Seat Mirror$
See rear-facing baby while driving
Baby Gear & Travel · 2 to 6 months
Car Window Shades×2$
Protects baby from sun
Baby Gear & Travel · 6 to 12 months
Stroller Rain Cover$
Weather protection
Baby Gear & Travel · 6 to 12 months
Travel Crib / Pack n Play$$
Portable sleeping solution
Baby Gear & Travel · 2 to 6 months
Breast Pump$$$
Electric double pump (check insurance coverage) Compare double electric pumps.
Feeding - Breastfeeding · Coming home
Breast Pump Parts / Flanges×2$
Extra parts for convenience
Feeding - Breastfeeding · Coming home
Nursing Bras×4$
Comfortable, supportive nursing bras
Feeding - Breastfeeding · Coming home
Nursing Pads$
Disposable or reusable for leaks
Feeding - Breastfeeding · Coming home
Nipple Cream / Lanolin$
Soothes sore nipples
Feeding - Breastfeeding · Coming home
Nursing Pillow$
Supports baby during feeding
Feeding - Breastfeeding · 2 to 6 months
Milk Storage Bags$
For freezing expressed milk
Feeding - Breastfeeding · Coming home
Nursing Cover$
Privacy for nursing in public
Feeding - Breastfeeding · 6 to 12 months
Haakaa / Manual Pump$
Catches letdown from other side
Feeding - Breastfeeding · 2 to 6 months
Bottles (various sizes)×8$
Start with a few different brands to find what baby prefers
Feeding - Bottle Feeding · Coming home
Bottle Nipples (multiple flow rates)$
Different flows for different ages
Feeding - Bottle Feeding · Coming home
Bottle Brush$
For thorough cleaning
Feeding - Bottle Feeding · Coming home
Bottle Drying Rack$
Air-dry bottles and parts
Feeding - Bottle Feeding · 2 to 6 months
Bottle Sterilizer$$
Sanitizes bottles and pump parts
Feeding - Bottle Feeding · 2 to 6 months
Formula Dispenser (for travel)$
Pre-measured formula on the go
Feeding - Bottle Feeding · 6 to 12 months
Bottle Warmer$
Safely warms bottles
Feeding - Bottle Feeding · 2 to 6 months
Burp Cloths×12$
You can never have too many!
Feeding - Bottle Feeding · Coming home
High Chair$$
Safe, easy-to-clean high chair
Feeding - Solids (4-6 months+) · Starting solids
Bibs (waterproof)×6$
Easy-clean silicone or plastic bibs
Feeding - Solids (4-6 months+) · Starting solids
Baby Spoons$
Soft-tipped spoons for first foods
Feeding - Solids (4-6 months+) · Starting solids
Baby Bowls$
Suction bowls stay in place
Feeding - Solids (4-6 months+) · Starting solids
Sippy Cups / Straw Cups×2$
Transition from bottle to cup
Feeding - Solids (4-6 months+) · Starting solids
Splat Mat$
Protects floor under high chair
Feeding - Solids (4-6 months+) · Starting solids
Baby Food Maker$$
Make homemade baby food
Feeding - Solids (4-6 months+) · Starting solids
Food Storage Containers$
Freeze homemade baby food
Feeding - Solids (4-6 months+) · Starting solids
Diapers (Newborn & Size 1)$
Start with small quantities to find best fit
Diapering · Coming home
Baby Wipes$
Fragrance-free, sensitive skin
Diapering · Coming home
Diaper Rash Cream$
Prevents and treats rashes
Diapering · Coming home
Changing Pad + Covers$
Contoured pad with washable covers
Diapering · Coming home
Diaper Pail$$
Contains odors from dirty diapers
Diapering · 2 to 6 months
Diaper Pail Refill Bags$
Replacement bags for pail
Diapering · 2 to 6 months
Diaper Caddy / Organizer$
Keeps supplies within reach
Diapering · 2 to 6 months
Cloth Diapers (if using)×24$
Reusable option
Diapering · 6 to 12 months
Cloth Diaper Inserts×24$
Absorbent inserts for cloth diapers
Diapering · 6 to 12 months
Wet Bags (for cloth diapers)×2$
Waterproof bags for dirty cloth diapers
Diapering · 6 to 12 months
Baby Bathtub$$
With newborn sling or support
Bath Time · Coming home
Hooded Towels×3$
Soft, absorbent towels
Bath Time · Coming home
Baby Washcloths×6$
Gentle on baby's skin
Bath Time · Coming home
Baby Shampoo / Body Wash$
Tear-free, gentle formula
Bath Time · Coming home
Baby Lotion$
Fragrance-free moisturizer
Bath Time · 2 to 6 months
Baby Brush & Comb Set$
Soft bristles for cradle cap
Bath Time · 2 to 6 months
Baby Nail Clippers / File$
Safely trim tiny nails
Bath Time · Coming home
Bath Thermometer$
Ensure safe water temperature
Bath Time · 6 to 12 months
Bath Toys$
For older babies
Bath Time · 6 to 12 months
Baby Bathrobe$
Cozy after-bath cover
Bath Time · 6 to 12 months
Onesies / Bodysuits (short sleeve)×8$
Basic everyday wear
Baby Clothing · Coming home
Onesies / Bodysuits (long sleeve)×6$
For cooler days
Baby Clothing · Coming home
Sleepers / Footie Pajamas×6$
Comfortable sleepwear
Baby Clothing · Coming home
Pants / Leggings×5$
Easy pull-on pants
Baby Clothing · Coming home
Socks / Booties×8$
Keep tiny feet warm
Baby Clothing · Coming home
Hats (beanie style)×3$
Regulate body temperature
Baby Clothing · Coming home
Mittens (scratch mittens)×3$
Prevent face scratches
Baby Clothing · 2 to 6 months
Sweater / Jacket×2$
Extra warmth layer
Baby Clothing · 2 to 6 months
Going-Home Outfit$
Special outfit for leaving hospital
Baby Clothing · 6 to 12 months
Sun Hat (wide brim)$
Protect from sun
Baby Clothing · 2 to 6 months
Baby Thermometer$
Digital rectal or forehead thermometer
Health & Safety · Coming home
Nasal Aspirator / NoseFrida$$
Clear stuffy noses
Health & Safety · Coming home
Baby Medicine Kit$
Infant Tylenol, gas drops, saline drops
Health & Safety · Coming home
Humidifier$$
Cool mist humidifier for nursery
Health & Safety · 2 to 6 months
Baby Monitor (audio and/or video)$$
Watch and listen from another room
Health & Safety · Coming home
Outlet Covers$
Baby-proof electrical outlets
Health & Safety · 2 to 6 months
Cabinet Locks$$
Secure dangerous cabinets
Health & Safety · 2 to 6 months
Baby Gates×2$$
Block stairs and rooms
Health & Safety · 2 to 6 months
Corner Protectors$
Soften sharp furniture corners
Health & Safety · 6 to 12 months
First Aid Kit$
Bandages, antiseptic, tweezers
Health & Safety · Coming home
Baby Sunscreen (6+ months)$
Mineral-based SPF 30+
Health & Safety · 2 to 6 months
Sound Machine / White Noise$
Helps baby sleep longer
Sleep & Soothing · 2 to 6 months
Pacifiers×4$
Multiple styles to find preference
Sleep & Soothing · 2 to 6 months
Pacifier Clips×2$
Keep pacifier attached
Sleep & Soothing · 6 to 12 months
Bouncer / Rocker$$$
Soothing motion for fussy baby
Sleep & Soothing · 2 to 6 months
Baby Swing$$$
Automated swinging motion
Sleep & Soothing · 6 to 12 months
Lovey / Security Blanket$
For older babies (12+ months for sleep)
Sleep & Soothing · 6 to 12 months
Night Light$
Dim light for nighttime feeds
Sleep & Soothing · 2 to 6 months
Bassinet (for first months)$$$
Keep baby close in bedroom
Sleep & Soothing · 2 to 6 months
Play Mat / Activity Gym$$$
Tummy time and sensory play
Play & Development · 2 to 6 months
Rattles×2$
Auditory and grasping development
Play & Development · 2 to 6 months
Soft Books×3$
High-contrast for newborns
Play & Development · 2 to 6 months
Teething Toys×3$
Soothe sore gums
Play & Development · Coming home
Board Books$×5
Never too early to read!
Play & Development · 2 to 6 months
Stacking Toys$
Fine motor skills
Play & Development · 6 to 12 months
Soft Stuffed Animals×2$
Comfort and play
Play & Development · 6 to 12 months
Tummy Time Pillow$
Support for tummy time
Play & Development · 2 to 6 months
Baby Mirror$
Self-recognition development
Play & Development · 6 to 12 months
Postpartum Pads (heavy flow)×2$$
For post-delivery bleeding
For Mom · Hospital bag
Peri Bottle$
Gentle cleansing after delivery
For Mom · Hospital bag
Witch Hazel Pads$$
Soothing for soreness
For Mom · Hospital bag
Nursing Tank Tops×3$
Easy access for feeding
For Mom · Hospital bag
Comfortable Robe$
Cozy for night feeds
For Mom · Hospital bag
High-Waisted Underwear×5$
Comfortable postpartum underwear
For Mom · Hospital bag
Belly Band / Postpartum Support$$
Abdominal support
For Mom · Hospital bag
Nipple Shields (if needed)$
Help with latch issues
For Mom · Hospital bag
Water Bottle (large)$$
Stay hydrated while nursing
For Mom · Hospital bag
Save your money
What you can skip
These are the items that most often get bought, used twice, and stored in a closet. None of these are safety guidance — they are the items parents most often say they never used. Mark them Skip above if you agree.
| Item | Why parents skip it |
|---|---|
| Wipe warmer | Wipes warm to room temperature within seconds of leaving the pack. A cold wipe at 3am is not the problem you think it is. |
| Baby food maker | An ordinary steamer and blender do the same job. If you already own both, you own a baby food maker. |
| Newborn shoes | Babies don't walk. Soft socks or booties are warmer and stay on better — shoes fall off within minutes. |
| Crib bumper pads | Rarely needed, and infant safe-sleep guidance discourages them. Check the current recommendations from your own provider or a health authority rather than taking a list's word for it. |
| Diaper pail and refills | A lidded pedal bin with a normal bag does the same work for a fraction of the ongoing cost. |
| Bottle sterilizer | If you have a dishwasher, you already have one. Most parents clean bottles with hot soapy water. |
| Nursing cover | A muslin blanket in your bag does the same thing and has twenty other uses. |
| Changing table | A dresser with a changing pad on top is the standard answer, and it survives past the diaper years. |
| Specialty laundry detergent | Any fragrance-free detergent works. A second detergent just splits your loads in two. |
| Bassinet and crib | You may well want both — but if you're planning to room-share and then move straight to a crib, buying both up front is where lists get expensive. |
These are judgement calls, not rules. If a swing saved your sister's sanity, put it on your list — every baby is different, and the tool above is yours to fill in however you like.
Asked constantly
The 5-5-5 rule, and what “5-3-3” actually means
Neither of these is a registry rule — they get asked alongside registry questions because they come up at the same point in pregnancy. They're also two different things, which is where most of the confusion starts.
What is the 5-5-5 rule?
The 5-5-5 rule is a postpartum recovery guideline shared between parents rather than handed down by a medical body. It describes a gentle return to activity over your first fifteen days after giving birth:
- 5 days in bed — rest, feed, heal. This is not the week to host.
- 5 days on the bed — sitting up more, still mostly resting.
- 5 days around the bed — moving about the room and house, short outings.
The logic is straightforward: the first two weeks are when the most healing happens, and it's easy to do too much because you feel better than you expected to. Treat this as community guidance, not clinical advice. Every birth is different, and if you had a caesarean, a complicated delivery or a difficult recovery, follow what your own midwife or doctor tells you over anything you read online.
What about the “5-3-3 rule”?
We looked for a settled definition of this one and could not find one. It appears in sleep-training discussions rather than registry or recovery ones — you'll see it referenced alongside “PLS” (the book Precious Little Sleep) as a pattern of stretches between night feeds.
We're mentioning it only so you know it isn't a registry rule and isn't a postpartum rule. If someone tells you to follow a 5-3-3 for your registry, ask them what it stands for — we couldn't find two sources that agreed, and we'd rather tell you that than make something up.
For anything to do with your recovery, sleep or feeding, talk to your own midwife, doctor or a board-certified lactation consultant. This page is about what to buy.
Before you build the list
Where to register
Four things separate the major registries, and only one of them tends to matter in practice. We're deliberately not quoting completion-discount percentages here: they change, they're often tied to a date window, and a number that was right last year is worse than no number at all. Check the registry's own page before you commit.
| Registry | Worth knowing |
|---|---|
| Amazon | The widest catalogue by a distance, which matters if your list is eclectic. Offers a completion discount on remaining items near your due date, and a welcome box for eligible registries. |
| Babylist | A universal registry — you can add items from any other store, including small brands that aren't on Amazon. The best choice if your list spans several shops. |
| Target | Easy for guests who'd rather shop in person than order online, and returns in store are simple. Completion discount typically usable more than once. |
| Walmart | Strong on the cheap-and-frequent items — diapers, wipes, basics — where guests can stretch a smaller budget. |
You can hold more than one registry. Plenty of parents run a universal registry as the main list and a single-store one for the essentials. What you can't easily do is move items between them after the fact — so decide first, then paste your list from the tool above.
Questions
Baby registry questions, answered
How many items should be on a baby registry?
There is no correct number. A useful list is one your guests can actually afford to buy from, so most parents land somewhere between 60 and 120 items, weighted towards cheaper things like wipes, onesies and burp cloths, with a handful of larger items people can chip in on. Our list has 118 items because it covers every option — your finished registry will be smaller, which is the point of the Keep and Skip buttons.
When should I start my baby registry?
Most parents start somewhere between 12 and 20 weeks and share it around 28 weeks, which gives guests time before a shower and leaves room to add things as you learn more. The practical constraint is the completion discount: it usually unlocks close to your due date, so there is no advantage to registering extremely early.
What should you not put on a baby registry?
Anything you would not buy yourself at full price, and anything you have not decided you actually want. Practically speaking, that usually means wipe warmers, bottle sterilizers if you own a dishwasher, newborn shoes, and crib bumpers — which are discouraged for infant sleep on safety grounds. Our "What you can skip" list above covers the ten that come up most.
How much does a baby registry cost?
A registry costs nothing to create. What it costs is what you spend on the items nobody buys for you, and that is the number worth planning. Our checklist shows a price band on each item — $, $$ or $$$ — so you can see the shape of your list without us quoting prices that go stale.
Do I need a separate registry for a second baby?
Usually not a full one. Most families run a short "sprinkle" list of consumables — diapers, wipes, a fresh bottle set, anything the first baby wore out — rather than rebuilding the whole registry. If your second baby is a different season or size, that is worth adding to the list.
Is a printable checklist enough?
It works, and it is what most registry guides give you. The limitation is that a printed list can only tell you what exists — it cannot search itself, hide the things you have already ruled out, or remember what you decided. That is the entire reason this page is a tool rather than a PDF: search it, skip what you do not want, and copy the result into your registry.
Next
Where to go from here
Once you know what's on your list, these help you choose the three things people agonise over most — and each one answers a measurement question rather than repeating a top-ten list.