Tips for Your Baby Registry Checklist
We have created the ultimate baby registry checklist, so you don’t need to worry.
Friends and family will be eager to pick out presents for your baby, so to avoid ending up with 20 onesies, putting together a baby registry list is definitely a good idea. Not sure where to start? You don’t need to worry because we have created the ultimate baby registry list for you.
What Is a Baby Registry?
A baby registry is a wish list of products that you would like to get in preparation for your baby’s arrival. You can then share your baby registry with your friends and family. You can either create one registry including products from different shops or you can register with only one store.
When to Register for Your Baby
This is up to you, but it is a good idea to start doing your research towards the end of the first trimester. You can add items as and when you have the time.
Baby Registry Checklist
It is up to you to decide what to include in your registry but below we list the items that we consider essential for any new parent.
Baby Gear
- Infant car seat.
- Stroller.
- Baby carrier or sling (optional).
- Baby swing or bouncer (optional).
Nursery Items
- Baby monitor.
- Crib, carrycot, or Moses basket.
- Mattress.
- A waterproof cover for the mattress.
- 2-4 fitted crib sheets.
- Nursing chair.
- Nightlight.
- Changing table or cushioned changing pad.
- Mobile.
Baby Clothes
- 2 sleeping bags.
- 4-8 bodysuits.
- 4-8 onesies.
- 4-8 one-piece pyjamas.
- 1-3 sweaters or jackets.
- 1-3 rompers of other dress-up outfits.
- 1-3 socks or booties.
- 2 hats.
- Bunting bag or fleece suit for a winter baby.
- 2 shawls or blankets to wrap the baby in.
Diapering
- Cloth diapers or disposable newborn-size diapers.
- Baby wipes.
- Diaper rash cream.
- Diaper bag.
- Diaper genie or diaper pail (optional).
Feeding
If you plan to breastfeed:
- Breast pump.
- Nursing pads.
- Breastfeeding pillow.
- Breast milk storage bags (if you plan to pump).
- 4 bottles and nipples.
- 4 bibs.
- Burp clothes.
- Bottle steriliser (optional).
- Bottle warmer (optional).
- Bottle brush.
If you plan to bottle-feed:
- Formula.
For later:
- Highchair.
- 2 baby spoons.
- 2 baby bowls.
- 3 sippy cups.
Bath Items
- 2 hooded towels.
- Infant tub.
- Bath set or inflatable tub-within-a-tub (after 6 months).
- Baby bath wash and shampoo.
- Baby lotion.
- Baby comb and brush.
Health Products
- 2-4 dummies.
- Baby nail scissors.
- Thermometer.
- Nasal aspirator.
Safety Products
- Safety gates.
- Childproofing gates.
Baby Toys
- Play mat.
- Activity center.
- Bath toys.
Postpartum Items
- 3-4 nursing bras.
- 2 nursing gowns.
- Disposable postpartum underwear.
- Pads and liners.
Things You Can Do Without
- Wipe warmer: Absolutely unnecessary. If you think the wipe is chilly, simply hold it between your hands to heat it out.
- Nappy stacker.
- Neck floaters: The CPSC has warned that parents using against them , following an infant death. The FDA also recommends parents not to use them because they can cause neck strain and injury, especially in babies with special needs.
- Weighted blankets or swaddles: the AAP advise that they are not safe to use for babies younger than one. According to the CPSC, at least one baby died while wearing a weighted sleep sack and another died while wearing a weighted swaddle.
- AI assisted baby monitor: The first weeks of a baby's life can be stressful, especially when we try to understand why the baby is crying: "Is he hungry? Sleepy? Why is he crying now? I've done everything I was meant to do!". Therefore, many parents love the idea of an AI assisted baby monitor that promises to decode your baby's cries, may sound like music to your ears. It is meant to tell you if the baby sounds gassy, hungry, fussy, sleepy, or agitated. Sounds great, right? It does but I have two concerns. One, is that AI is only as good as the data it trains on. The data is essentially based on a sample of adults decoding a sample of babies' cries. Are these adults reliable? Two, your baby needs to be attuned to you, they need to get to know you, and for you to get to know them. Will using an AI baby monitor impede or promote you being attuned with your baby?
- White noise machine: new research is showing that long-term exposure to white noise at high volumes can cause hearing loss or experience learning setbacks.
- Pillow, loose bedding, blankets or cot bumper: All of these items are dangerous because they increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Baby walker: the AAP states that baby walkers are never safe to use, even with an adult close by. Contrary to what many parents think, they won’t help your kid to learn to walk. Even more they can delay when a child starts to walk.
- A baby-size robe: a total nightmare to put on!
- Shoes: babies don’t need shoes. Booties or socks will do until your baby starts walking.
- A baby-food marker: a regular blender or food processor will do.
An Important Note
- Don’t assume that because a baby product is safe just because it is being sold. For example, in the U.S. it us up to the manufacturers who make the products to self-test, self-regulate, and self-report their own safety and compliance.
- You can buy second-hand many of the things in this list or you can inherit the from friends or family. However, keep in mind that it is not recommended to get a second-hand infant car seat. The reason for this is that you cannot be certain of its history. It could have been involved in a crash and the damage could not be visible or it could be missing its labels. Also, car seats have expiration dates for their restraints.
I hope you find this checklist useful. If you have any questions, please do get in touch with us.
We wish you and your baby all the very best!
Love,
Ana
