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The Ultimate Guide to Baby Registry Must-Haves

  1. Home
  2. Real Talk Blog
  3. The Ultimate Guide to Baby Registry Must-Haves

The Ultimate Guide to Baby Registry Must-Haves

Baby celebrate first Christmas

With a new baby on the way, the amount of baby gear you’ll need will probably feel overwhelming - especially if this is your first child. Your newborn will need clothes, nursery furniture, diapers, bottles, and many more essentials that you may not have even thought of!

But there’s no need to stress. Because your generous family and friends, co-workers, and even neighbors may want to help as much as possible and buy what you and your baby need, you’ll need to create a comprehensive baby registry full of the must-have items to make it easier for everyone to know what to get.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with our ultimate baby registry list, so keep reading!

What Is a Baby Registry?

A baby registry is a list of everything you’d like to receive either at your baby shower or before the baby is born. It’s a great way to not only stay organized and keep track of what you’ve got and still need to get, but also a way to stock up on useful essentials and everyday basics. 

Don’t feel you need to hold back when making your list, and do include big-ticket items such as a crib, baby carriers, and strollers alongside smaller items such as bibs, pacifiers, and muslin cloths. The longer your list, the more choices people will have. Plus, including a wide variety of baby gifts at different price points will ensure there’s something to fit everyone’s budget.

The Benefits of a Baby Registry

Creating a baby registry can be very beneficial for you and your loved ones. It’s no secret that having a baby can be expensive. So, by having a list of items you want and need, you’ll be able to split the costs with your nearest and dearest and lessen the financial burden.

A registry will allow your friends and family to know what it is you really want, rather than assuming and buying something you might not use. It also helps to prevent getting duplicate gifts, as everyone will be able to see the list and ensure you have all the essentials covered. 

Where to Register for Baby

There are plenty of options for expecting parents to create a registry, and where you decide to register will depend on how easy the list is to create, which place is most convenient for your family and friends, and what has the easiest return policy. Some of the most popular baby registries include Amazon, Target and Walmart. But you can also choose a universal registry to combine all your items from different places into one list.

When to Start Your Baby Registry

Ideally, you’ll want to get ahead of the game and start your registry as early as possible. Typically, most people will start their registry at 12 weeks as they head into the second trimester. This will give you enough time to think about and add the items you’ll need and for people to choose what they want to get. 

We’d recommend sending out your baby registry at the same time as your baby shower invites. But if you plan on finding out your baby’s gender, usually around 20 weeks, it may be best to wait a little longer before sending the list out to add or change items such as clothing, blankets, or decorative items to reflect the gender. 

What to Put on Baby Registry

With a seemingly endless choice of baby products, what should actually make it on the list? Of course, there’s no right or wrong answer, and what you put on the list is completely up to you. But below are some of the top items for each essential category that will help when the baby arrives.

Feeding

Girl drinking from a sippy cup

Whether you plan on breastfeeding or bottle feeding, you’ll still need important supplies to make feeding your child as easy as possible.

Baby Gear

Baby gear refers to the bigger items that you’ll likely use every day. These products are usually on the more expensive side, so family and friends may decide to go in together to buy something.  

Bathing

Baby taking a bath

Bath time will become an integral part of your baby’s daily routine and is a great way to bond with your child, too. So, you’ll need a range of items to make bath time safe and fun.

Nursery Essentials

Decorating your baby’s nursery is an exciting time as you decide on a theme/color scheme and start seeing your child’s first bedroom come together. You can add both big and smaller items to your registry to help create the nursery you envision.

  • Crib
  • Crib mattress
  • Mattress cover
  • Fitted sheets
  • Changing table
  • Dresser/wardrobe
  • Rocking chair or armchair
  • Nightlights
  • Storage boxes
  • Nursery toys
  • Floor mats
  • Baby monitor
  • Nursery decor

Toys

Boy playing with toys on the floor

Your baby will learn and develop a lot through playtime, and some relatives may enjoy giving a fun gift, such as toys or books, that your child will use and love for years to come.

Teethers

Although your baby won’t start teething until they are around 3-4 months old, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and have plenty of teething toys on hand to help comfort and soothe them.

For more ideas and inspiration, or if you need to buy for someone else, check out our range of baby shower gifts.

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