What to put on a baby registry and best gifts for a new baby
Yay! You’re having a baby! Have friends or family offered to throw you a baby shower? Are you so excited to start getting the nursery put together? Wondering what things are necessary to get for a new baby…and what things are all marketing hype (or unsafe) for babies? Are you looking for the perfect baby gift? Here is a comprehensive list of what to put on your baby registry so friends and family know what gift to get the new baby - that you actually want and need!
Baby registry gift items for sleeping
☑️ Baby monitor
There are so many options for baby monitors. I would recommend a video monitor over one that is just audio.
There are monitors that work over wifi (you use an app to access and can access from any distance, but it less secure from hacking and can have a delay) and a more traditional monitor (you’d need to carry around the pairing unit but there is no delay and it’s often more affordable.
Here are two monitors that I recommend: GoodBaby and Nanit.
Whichever you choose, make sure that you secure it to the wall from the start and ensure there are no cords within 3 feet of the crib! DO NOT just rest it on the crib rail :)
☑️ Bassinet
Your baby will most likely be sleeping in your room for the first couple of months, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a separate sleeping space for babies.
There are bassinets with one side that is open and ones that do not have movable sides. Some have storage underneath, wheels to move around the room and other features.
Don’t forget to put 3-4 sheets and mattress protectors on the list!
You don’t need the most expensive one because it’ll only be used a couple of months! Your baby should transfer into a crib once she starts showing signs of rolling.
☑️ Crib
Once your baby moves out of the bassinet, you’ll need a crib for your baby to sleep in until ~3 years old.
Many families think buying a convertible crib (that will convert into a toddler bed) is the best choice but I recommend bypassing the toddler bed when the time comes and getting a twin bed. It’s easier for your child to learn that there are new rules for this new, completely open bed instead of new rules for the old crib with old side taken off.
You’ll want to have 3-4 extra sheets and mattress covers on your list too!
☑️ White noise machine
This is one of the most important things for the sleeping space to help your child not wake up from sudden or loud noises. You just need one like this that doesn’t cycle and just has the white noise sound.
☑️ Swaddles
There are several types of swaddles and you may choose to register for a couple types to see which one you like using most and then can purchase a few more later…or just register for one kind. Whatever one you choose, you’ll want 3-4 in case of blowouts!
There are swaddles with velcro closure, swaddles with zips and swaddle blankets where you can wrap yourself. Even if you choose one of the others, I would recommend getting at least one set of swaddle blankets - they can be used as a lightweight blanket in the stroller, as a clean space to have your baby play on the ground, or use as a nursing cover or burp cloth.
☑️ Sleep sacks
You’ll transition out of the swaddle and into the sleep sack once your baby starts showing signing of rolling.
They come in several different weights for the season - muslin, cotton and fleece - and different age ranges.
You’ll want 2-3 for each size in the correct weight for the season.
If your baby is having trouble transitioning straight to the sleep sack from the swaddle, you can try one of these transition swaddles.
☑️ Loveys
Once your child is 12 months old, the AAP says it’s safe to have a stuffed animal or small blanket in the crib to sleep with.
I suggest finding one and registering for 2-3 of the exact same one. Then when your child attaches to it and likes to sleep with it, you can rotate and wash them when you wash the crib sheets so they all get “loved” the same and you don’t have the brand new spare in the closet.
Here are some of my favorites:
☑️ Baby blankets
Lots of options here but these incredibly soft blankets were my absolute favorite gifts I received. I received the larger plush blanket and the smaller chenille blankie and my son slept with them well beyond the toddler years because they held up so well and were so cozy.
Baby registry gift items for feeding
☑️ Bottles
Even if you’re planning on breastfeeding, you’ll want to have some bottles for when someone else is taking care of your baby.
For the first few months, your baby will have about 10 bottles a day (using 4 oz bottles but only taking a couple of ounces at each feed), so you’ll need that amount of bottles and nipples if you’re exclusively formula feeding.
I would suggest NOT getting a ton of one type of bottle until you figure out which type your baby prefers. Instead register for a few types - these are highly rated on Amazon and recommended by my clients: Nanobebe, Dr. Brown’s and Phillips AVENT.
☑️ Bottle cleaning brush and rack
You’ll also need a bottle brush and drying rack. This one can be used at home or while traveling because it folds up with everything contained.
☑️ Bottle cooler and warmer
If you’ll be pumping and offering mostly bottles, you’ll want a bottle warmer to use at home.
If you’re taking your baby out during the day and will need to offer bottles, you’ll need a bottle cooler bag and then a warmer to get it to the right temperature.
☑️ Breast pump (if nursing)
There are manual and electric breast pumps and most are small enough to be portable if you’ll need to bring it to work after maternity leave. This pump is electric, small enough to travel with and has adapters for narrow and wide mouth bottles.
You’ll also need milk storage bags.
☑️ Nursing pads and cream (if nursing)
There are reusable, organic nursing pads and disposable nursing pads. You’ll also want some organic nipple cream.
☑️ Feeding pillow
These pillows are for nursing or bottle feeding and relieve your arms and back while feeding.
☑️ High chair
There are traditional high chairs that recline and have different modes to use as child grows and ones that attach to a dining room chair if floor space is at a premium.
☑️ Bibs
You’ll want some cloth bibs (especially helpful to put on when the drooling starts!) and plastic bibs with a “food catcher” for when your little one starts solid foods. And these are full bibs for the messiest of eaters.
☑️ Baby bowls and spoons
This baby feeding set has spoons and bowls with lids.
Baby registry gift items for diapering
Children will go through 5000-8000 diapers from birth to potty training, so you may want to add diapers in the first few sizes to your registry! Diaper cakes are also fun decor items at baby showers made with 0-2 size diapers.
☑️ Changing table
If you’re buying a nursery furniture set, it typically comes with matching crib and changing table.
Just make sure to buy a non-slip changing pad and changing pad covers.
☑️ Diaper pail
Do yourself a favor and get one with a year’s worth of refills - running out of the inserts is not something you want to happen!
☑️ Diaper bag
Moms have very strong opinions about diaper bags! Some prioritize useful features, others want it to look more like a handbag or backpack.
This traditional backpack diaper bag has over 25,000 5-star reviews on Amazon.
And this one expands to provide an enclosed diaper changing area:
Baby registry gift items for gear
☑️ Car seat
Get an infant car seat if both parents, grandparents and/or sitters will be transporting baby -you’ll just need an extra base in each car. An added benefit is that you can put this car seat in a shopping cart or anywhere outside the car so baby has a place to be other than your arms.
If you want to buy one car seat that will work from birth (rear-facing) to 100 pounds (forward-facing), try a convertible car seat like this one.
☑️ Stroller
There are stand-alone strollers - lightweight umbrella, travel, jogging - and car seat/stroller systems where the infant car seat is made to fit onto the stroller and both the car seat and stroller can be used independently of each other.
☑️ Car seat mirror
When the car seat is rear-facing, you’ll want to easily see baby in your rearview mirror using a mirror you’ll hang in front of the car seat.
☑️ Travel crib
If you regularly travel by plane, this travel crib is exactly what you need - it’s lightweight and can folded up and put in the overhead bin.
☑️ Pack n Play
If you need an extra changing station/sleep space downstairs and you’re only using it as a portable crib when you go by car, a pack n play is the best solution.
Baby registry gift items for bathing
☑️ Bath tub
This bath tub can be used for newborns until your child is able to sit up steadily in the regular bath tub. You can use it on the kitchen counter or in the bathroom in the regular tub.
☑️ Hooded towels
These towels are perfect to keep baby’s head warm after getting out of the bath.
Looking for a unique new baby gift? Get a hooded towel embroidered with the child’s name (my kid’s both got them as baby gifts and used them until they were 5 years old!).
☑️ Washcloths
You’ll want multiple washcloths like these that are organic, bamboo washcloths.
☑️ Bath toys
So many fun toys to explore as your child grows. Here are some that are highly rated:
Stack and pour buckets
☑️ Nail clippers
These clippers have an LED light so you can see exactly what you’re doing with those tiny nails!
Alternatively you can get a nail buffing kit that is quiet and safe to use.
☑️ Baby brush
You’ll need a soft brush to smooth baby’s hair after bath time.
Baby registry gift items for clothing
☑️ Onesies
You’ll need 6-8 short-sleeve onesies and 6-8 long-sleeve onesies (these have mitten cuffs).
☑️ Footies
10-12 footie pjs - your baby will often live in these during the day (and need a few changes after wet/blowout diapers!) and are worn overnight under the swaddle. I love these organic footie pajamas.
☑️ Socks
You’ll need about 782 pairs of socks LOL - once your baby learns how to pull them off you’ll find them in crevices in the car and they’ll go MIA when you’re out shopping.
I suggest getting ones with non-slip grip on the bottom that (hopefully!) will stay on baby’s feet!
There are also super fun socks with rattle toys attached to keep your baby entertained!
☑️ Pants
You’ll want 6-8 pants to pull on over those onesies like these.
☑️ Sweaters or sweatshirts
If you’re going to be putting baby in the stroller or car seat often, having 2-3 warmer, layering pieces without hoods is easier. These sweatshirts are easy to pull on.
☑️ Hats
Depending on where you live and the season it will be, you may want a sun hat with UPF 50+ or a cozy hat with velcro chin strap and mitten set.
Baby registry gift items for toys
☑️ Activity mat
You’ll want a place for tummy time that will be engaging for you baby. This activity mat is rated for children 0-3 with activities for laying down on back, tummy time, sitting up and actively crawling.
☑️ Bouncy seat
Having a bouncy seat is convenient when you need to put baby down while you’ll making dinner or getting a bottle ready. This one has an entertainment bar and can be used 0-6 months.
This bouncy seat converts into a child seat once baby can sit up and used until age 2, folds flat and the fabric is removable and washable.
☑️ Bumbo
This seat can be used as baby is learning to sit up and in a pinch, as a portable high chair to feed on the counter or floor.
☑️ Teethers
This is a basic set of 3 BPA-free teethers and here is a set of 10 teething toys is non-toxic and also has rattles for your child to play with.
☑️ Riding toy
You’ll get lots of fun baby toys as gifts, but registering for toddler toys is a great option. We got a heavy duty tricycle at our baby shower and it was a gift that both my boys enjoys for several years. This one has a push handle and then converts into a tricycle and balance bike.
This is a car that will last for years. It seems like a rite of passage to own one of this mini cars!
☑️ Baby slide
This slide can be used indoors or outdoors and folds for storage.
☑️ Toys
Lots of options for $10-15 toys with 4.5-5 stars on Amazon:
Stacking boxes (oddly one of the less expensive toys that kept my kids’ attention longest!)
But I suggest also registering for some “lasting” toys that your child will enjoy playing with for a longer time:
Baby registry gift items for books
Can’t go wrong with having a full bookshelf of sweet bedtime books! And if you’re buying for a baby shower gift, the mom-to-be would be thrilled to get a collection of books wrapped in a bow!
Some of my favorites:
Time for Bed (a personal favorite! We had the small AND large versions of the board books)
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home
Miscellaneous baby registry gift items
Pacifiers (only use for newborn period - up to 3 months - otherwise they’ll become something your baby needs to fall asleep!)
Low Blue Light Night Light for middle of the night feeds
You’ll also want to find a line of non-toxic laundry detergent, baby shampoo, lotion and diaper cream.
What not to put on your baby registry
The following items are not recommended to be safe for babies by the AAP:
Weighted sleep sacks
Crib bumpers
Rock n Play
Loungers with plush sides
These items are unhelpful in teaching your child how to be an independent sleeper:
Mobiles - the crib is for sleeping, not playing!
Sleep suits that make it impossible to roll over
Noise machines with music - or anything other than the white noise
Toys that project lights on the ceiling
Crib toys like musical aquariums
And one last item to mention that every mom-to-be wants…SLEEP! I have gift certificates for my Newborn Foundations Program and sleep training coaching.
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This post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you, your child and/or your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your child’s physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.