Babies come with a lot of baggage – both literally and figuratively! Newborns require clothes, nursery furniture, baby gear, and so much more. However, creating a baby registry takes the pressure off expecting parents, as their friends and family can help them stock up on all the baby essentials.
If you’re new to motherhood, figuring out baby registry requests can be a confusing and overwhelming process. However, our experts are here to help. Today’s article reveals everything you need to know about baby registries – including when to set one up, considerations to keep in mind, and must-have baby items to include.
What Is a Baby Registry?
A baby registry lists items that new moms would like to receive as baby shower gifts from their friends and family. Generally, they include everything from newborn gifts — like bedtime stories and stuffed animals — to essential parenting items (like diaper bags).
Ideally, you should start compiling your registry before you mail your baby shower invitations (about two or three months before your baby’s arrival). We recommend using an online platform — Amazon is a great one — as it’s easy for guests to shop regardless of location.
Keep in mind that adding ample items to your registry gives your friends and family plenty of choices. Additionally, we recommend including items at a variety of price points, so there’s something suitable for every budget.
Considerations for Putting Together a Baby Registry
Here are some things to keep in mind when putting together your baby registry requests:
Convenience for Your Family and Friends
While you might prefer supporting local businesses and shopping at a brick-and-mortar store, it might not be a convenient option for your shower guests. Create your registry online — especially if many of your guests live out of town — as this makes the process easier.
Variety of Items
While it’s true that guests select items that you have already requested, you’ll want to give them some sort of autonomy. Make sure to include a variety of items on your baby registry — everything from diaper bags to bedtime stories. Additionally, include items at a variety of price points, as this accommodates different budgets.
Easy Returns and Free Shipping
Don’t be surprised if you’re accidentally gifted duplicates (or simply change your mind about an item). And if that’s the case, you’ll want to be able to return your items.
Different Types of Gifts for a Baby Registry
If you’re a new mom, selecting baby items to include on your registry can be challenging. To make things easier, our team has comprised a baby registry checklist for you to follow:
Diapers & Diapering Supplies
While diapers are certainly not the most glamorous of gifts, they’re essential nonetheless. Here are some diaper baby products for new moms:
- Diapers (cloth or disposable)
- Diaper bag
- Diaper pail
- Changing pad
- Baby wipes
- Diaper rash cream
Feeding Supplies
Whether you breastfeed, formula feed, or combine the two, feeding supplies are fantastic baby registry requests.
- Nursing pads
- Nursing pillows
- Nursing bras
- Nipple cream
- Burp cloths
- Breast pump
- Formula
- Baby bottles and nipples
- Bottle warmer
- Bottle sterilizer
- Bottle and nipple brush
- Breast milk storage containers
- Baby food maker
- Baby utensils
- Small bowls
- Sippy cups
- Bibs
Baby Gear
There are several big-ticket, everyday items that new parents need. These include:
- Car seat
- Stroller
- High chair
- Baby swing
- Baby bouncer
- Baby carrier
Bathing Supplies
Unfortunately, newborns can’t hop in the shower for a quick rinse. Here are some necessary bathing supplies for newborns:
- Baby bathtub
- Towels and/or hooded towels
- Baby shampoo and body wash
- Washcloths or sponges
- Bath toys
Baby Clothes
Trust us when we say that you can never have enough baby outfits. However, it’s important to ask for outfits and accessories in various sizes, as your little one will grow significantly throughout their first year of life.
- Receiving blankets
- Bodysuits
- Undershirts and t-shirts
- Pajamas
- Jackets
- Sweaters
- Socks
- Shoes
- Hats and mittens
- Sleeping sacks
- Hamper
Nursery Items
Decide if you’d like your nursery to stick to a theme, style, or color scheme. Then, request the following:
- Bassinet
- Crib and mattress
- Changing table
- Rocking chair
- Fitted sheets
- Dresser
- Night light
- Humidifier
- Toy chest
- Bedtime stories
- Nursery decor
Safety Items
Baby registry requests can — and should! — include various health and safety items:
- Outlet covers, cabinet locks, corner guards
- Baby gate
- Baby thermometer
- Baby first aid kit
- Baby monitor
Personal Care and Comfort Items
Additionally, some moms will put personal care and comfort items on their baby registry. Generally, these include:
- Baby sunscreen
- Lotion or cream
- Baby oil
- Baby toothbrush and toothpaste
- Baby hairbrush
- Pacifier
- Teething ring
Playthings and Keepsakes
In addition to all the practical things, your friends and family will likely enjoy buying toys and playthings for your newborn:
- Children’s books
- Stuffed animals
- Toys
- Playmat
- Photo frames or albums
- Baby’s first-year memory book
- Quilt
How Much Does a Baby Registry Cost?
Most baby registries are free to set up, considering the company hosting them benefits from the sale of the items. Additionally, new moms can check various registry platforms for benefits like completion discounts, free shipping, bonus gifts, and more.
When To Set Up Your Baby Registry
As we mentioned, moms should create their baby registry before mailing baby shower invitations. (Showers usually occur between two and three months before the baby’s arrival.) However, moms can start compiling their registry much sooner and use their registry as an organizational tool for all the baby essentials.
The Bottom Line
Babies require lots of stuff. However, creating a baby registry is a phenomenal way to keep track of it all. If you were previously unsure which baby registry requests to make, we hope that today’s article pointed you in the right direction. And as always, keep checking the parenthood section of our blog for more motherhood guides, tips, and tricks.
