What Are the Must-Have Items to Put on a Baby Registry?

If you are having a baby shower or have family and friends who have requested that you put together a baby registry, one smart strategy you can employ is to build your registry with some of the larger, more expensive items you will need. That way, you know that your essentials will be covered, and gift-givers have the option to go in on big purchases together to make the cost more manageable.

You will want to make sure your baby registry includes the following essentials:

• • Fully equipped playpen: If you get only one thing, a play pen might be it, because it’s incredibly versatile. You can use it as a bassinet for newborns, a crib for older infants, for travel, for helping you get your shower in, and as a changing table — so look for a brand that offers multiple features.

• • Stroller with a matching infant car seat: A set is preferable because that way, you know the infant seat will be compatible with the stroller base.

• • Baby seat: These could range from a smaller bouncer to a sit ’n’ play option, or a traditional baby swing, but either way, have some kind of seat if you ever want to get dinner on the table again.

• • Convertible car seat: Your baby will be able to stay in the infant car seat as long as they meet the weight and height requirements, but it’s nice to know that you have the next car seat ready to go when it’s time to move up.

• • Extra car seats, if needed: If you will be needing any additional car seats for other care providers — such as a nanny, grandparents, or your partner — now is the time to get them so you’re prepared.

• • Breast pump and accessories: You might not need it right away, but it’s a high-cost item that is a very personal choice, so you can be as specific as you want on your registry.

• • Some kind of baby carrier: It can be a wrap, a sling, or a more structured carrier, or you may want to register for a few different choices of baby carriers, so you can try out some varieties to see what you and your baby prefer.

If you save your baby registry for some of the big-ticket items that you will really need as a parent, you may want to consider skipping some of these smaller, commonly prescribed products for parents that you really aren’t going to need. (Promise.)

• • Wet-wipe warmers: Babies will definitely not complain if their wipes aren’t warmed.

• • Diaper pails: Some people swear by their diaper pails, but they aren’t a necessity for everyone. Newborns poop so much, changing a diaper pail liner can be more work than it’s worth.

• • Baby clothes: Odds are, even if you don’t register for them, you will get a lot of baby clothes at your shower, so you may want to skip registering for any additional outfits, as you’ll probably end up with tons of newborn or 0–3 month clothes that, honestly, you won’t really need. They say babies don’t keep, and they’re absolutely right.

• • Changing table: Most new playpens come with a built-in changing station, so unless you are being gifted a furniture set, there really is no need to have a separate changing table.

While baby registries can be a nice way for you to ensure that you are getting the items you need, and gift-givers can feel confident that they’re not getting you duplicates or products you’re not interested in, the fact of the matter is, not everyone wants to or can use a baby registry.

Although it can be tempting to think that you will return all of those gifts that you receive off your registry, accept them with an open mind. Some gifts will come from experienced mamas, grandmas, aunts, and family members who have been through the baby-rearing stage and may have some tricks of the trade to share with you. Still, others will want to pass on something really meaningful to you and your little one. So, embrace the hand-stitched blankets, the little baby booties, and the inscribed books — because, truthfully, sometimes, the best baby items don’t come from a registry at all but from the heart.