Baby Checklist

Baby Registry Checklist

If you're wondering what to put on your baby registry, you're not alone. Most expectant parents have a hard
time deciphering what they actually need. That's where our baby registry checklist comes in. We give you
only the must-haves, so you're ready for your little one's arrival, but not weighed down by items you don't
need. As you go through each category, select the design and colors that match your style.

What is a baby registry?

A baby registry is a wishlist of items you’d like for your baby in their first year of life. It includes everything
from clothing and bathing to nursery furniture and travel gear. By housing your list in one place, family and
friends can easily support you and your family.

When should I create
my baby baby registry?

You should create your baby registry once you’re in
your second trimester, or about four months before the
adoption is final. By giving yourself a few months,
you'll have time to build your registry and inform family
and friends. Most pregnant women also feel the best in
their second trimester, making it a perfect time to
research and gather the list of items you need.

Should I tell people about my baby registry?

The host of your baby shower will list it on the invitation or you can tell people about your registry if they
ask. Many friends and family members will want to buy something for you and the new baby. A baby
registry helps them choose something you’ll love, appreciate, and actually use.

What if this isn't my first child?

It’s traditional for people to buy gifts for the first
child in a family, but sometimes gifts are bought
for other children too. If you’re having a child of a
different gender or there’s a large gap between
your children, a registry can be helpful even if it
isn’t your first go-around. Of course, you won't
want to expect gifts or a shower, but if it
happens, you can accept graciously—knowing
your family and friends support you.

What should I include in my baby registry

Deciphering between what you need and what you want can be difficult. There’s a ton of baby gear out
there, from the latest gadgets to must-have essentials. To ensure you’re all set for baby’s arrival—but not
overdoing it—follow these expert tips.

Cover the basics

Above anything else, you’ll need diapers, clothes, and a place for baby to sleep. Try not to go
overboard by registering for every cute outfit or stuffed animal you see. It’s likely people will
still get you adorable extras, so make sure you've got your essentials.

Aim for necessities up to one year

Beyond newborn and 3-month sizes, include items for up to their first birthday. A high chair,
for instance, is valuable for years, and it’s nice to have clothes for the six, nine and 12-month
stages. Consider the season your baby will fit in each size before adding them to your registry.

Include a mix of big and small items

Adding a range of prices on your registry gives people options. They can buy a set of pajamas for your little one or go in on your car seat with a group of friends. Even if your big-ticket items don’t get purchased by someone else, you can buy them yourself off your list.

Consider items for you

A baby registry is mostly for your little peanut, but there are some items you’ll need, too. If
you’re breastfeeding, add nursing bras and a nursing cover to your list. You can skip the
breast pump, though, as you can get one free through your health insurance. Some people
even add cleaning services or meal kits to their registry.

Baby Registry Checklist

It can be tough to figure out how much you need of each item. To help, our baby registry checklist gives you
a list of items along with the quantity and sizes. If a number isn’t listed, you only need one.

Nursery

• Bassinet
• Crib
• Crib mattress
• Nursery chair
• Changing table / dresser
• Changing pad
• Changing pad covers (2)
• Organizer bins (2-4)
• Musical mobile
• Nightlight
• Sound machine
• Baby monitor
• Hamper
• Blackout curtains
• Toy chest
• Bookshelf
• Hangers (15)
• Side table
• Lighting

Feeding

• 6-ounce bottles and nipples (3-4)
• 8-ounce bottles and nipples (3-4)
• Burp cloths (6-8)
• Cloth bibs with snaps (4)
• Bottle drying rack
• Bottle cleaning brush
• Breast milk storage bags (100 count)
• Silicone bibs. (2)
• Sippy cup (2)
• Baby spoons (4)
• Baby formula
• Nursing pillow
• Nursing pillow covers (2)
• Suction bowls (2)
• Suction plates (2)
• High chair
• Nursing cover
• Nursing bras (3)
• Nursing pads (8 sets)
• Nursing shirts (3-4)

Clothing

• Onesies / bodysuits (8-10 for each size up
  to one year)
• Long-sleeve. onesies / bodysuits (8-10 for
  each size up to one year)
• Pants (8-10 for each size up to one year)
• Sweatshirts (2 for each size up to one year)
• Socks (4-6)
• Snap booties (2)
• Pajamas (4 for each size up to one year)
• Swaddles / sleep suits (3-4 for each size
  up to one year)
• Dress outfits (i.e. dress or button-up shirt)
  (2 for each size up to one year)
• Fleece jackets for cooler months (2)
• Beanies (2)
• Winter hats (2)
• Mittens (2)
• Snowsuit/bunting suit
• Sun hat
• Bathing suit

Other

• Diaper bag
• Convertible car seat
• Stroller (jogging or umbrella)
• Pacifiers (2)
• Pacifier clips (2)
• Teething toys. (2)
• Baby carrier
• Infant car seat - travel system


• Car seat cover
• Car seat & stroller toys
• Baby swing
• Activity play mat
• Books
• Baby bouncer
• Portable playard
• Sheets and mattress covers for
  portable playard (2)
• Memory book for first year
• Building blocks
• Cabinet locks
• Outlet covers
• Safety gates
• Sunshield for car windows
• Car mirror

What shouldn't be included in my baby registry?

Wondering what not to put on your baby registry list? Here are some items you can keep off so that your
family and friends can focus on what you actually need.

Breastpump

You won’t need to register for a breast pump since you can get
one free through your health insurance.

Wipe warmer

A warmer dries out baby wipes, so you'll have to buy more than you otherwise would. It also
gets your baby accustomed to warm wipes, which is hard to maintain while on-the-go.

Bottle warmer

Put hot water in a bowl instead of buying extra clutter for your kitchen.

Items you can get as hands-me-downs

If you have a family member or friend who has children older than you, consider borrowing or
purchasing certain things from them. Time-limited items like baby swings and baby bathtubs
are usually easy to find. Most parents love sharing and seeing their baby items get more use.
Not everything needs to be new.

Selecting items for your registry takes you one step closer to welcoming your baby. Opt for
designs and colors that bring you comfort and match your style. With everything in place for
your little one’s arrival, you can spend more time enjoying precious moments as a family.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics