--- title: 'Baby Registry: Everything You Actually Need' description: "Baby registry checklist with what you actually need, what's nice to have, and what you can skip. No fluff, just practical advice." url: 'https://www.trycordia.com/articles/baby-registry-checklist/' category: 'guides' author: 'Cordia Editorial Team' medically_reviewed: false license: 'CC BY 4.0 — attribute to Cordia (https://www.trycordia.com)' --- _This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about your pregnancy._ # Baby Registry: Everything You Actually Need ## TL;DR - **Babies need surprisingly little** in the beginning — a safe place to sleep, a way to eat, diapers, and clothes. - **The "must haves" list is shorter than the industry wants you to think.** Most baby products solve problems you don't have yet. - **Register for a range of price points** so gift-givers at every budget can participate. - **Start your registry around weeks 20-24** and share it around weeks 28-32. ## The Actual Essentials These are the things you'll use from day one. Everything else is secondary. ### Sleep - **Crib, bassinet, or pack-n-play** — Just one safe sleep surface to start. A bassinet or bedside sleeper is convenient for the first few months. Follow [AAP safe sleep guidelines](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx): firm, flat surface, no loose bedding. - **2-3 fitted sheets** — They'll need washing frequently - **Swaddle blankets** (3-4) — Velcro swaddles are easier than traditional wrapping - **A sound machine** — Not strictly essential, but most parents swear by them ### Feeding - **If breastfeeding:** Nursing pillow, breast pump (often covered by insurance — call your insurance company), storage bags, bottles for pumped milk (start with a small set) - **If formula feeding:** Bottles (start with a small set of different brands — babies are picky), formula, bottle brush, drying rack - **Burp cloths** (6-8) — You'll go through more than you expect - **Bibs** — A handful to start ### Diapering - **Diapers** — Newborn and size 1. Don't stockpile too many newborn size; some babies skip it entirely - **Wipes** — Unscented for newborn skin - **Diaper cream** — A barrier cream for prevention - **Changing pad** — A portable one works on any surface - **Diaper bag** — Any bag with compartments works; you don't need a $200 designer diaper bag ### Clothing - **Onesies** (5-7) — Snap or zip, in newborn and 0-3 month sizes - **Sleepers/footie pajamas** (4-5) — Zipper ones are easier at 3am than snaps - **Socks or booties** — They'll fall off constantly, but try anyway - **A going-home outfit** — Something cute for those first photos - **Seasonally appropriate outerwear** — Hat for sun, bunting for cold - **Avoid** — Jeans, complicated outfits, anything that goes over baby's head (stick with side-snap or zip-up for the first weeks) ### Getting Around - **Car seat** — An infant car seat (bucket seat) is easiest for the first year. This is non-negotiable — the hospital won't let you leave without one. Get it installed and checked before your due date. - **Stroller** — A travel system that clicks with your car seat is the most practical option for newborns. Or a simple frame stroller that holds the bucket seat. ### Health and Safety - **Infant thermometer** — A rectal thermometer is most accurate for newborns - **Nail clippers or file** — Baby nails are sharp and grow fast - **Bulb syringe or NoseFrida** — For stuffy noses - **Baby-safe laundry detergent** — Fragrance-free is gentlest on newborn skin ## Nice to Have These make life easier but aren't day-one essentials: - **Baby monitor** — Helpful once baby is sleeping in their own room - **Bouncer or swing** — A safe place to set baby down while you eat, shower, or just exist - **Play mat or activity gym** — Good for tummy time starting around 3-4 weeks - **Baby carrier or wrap** — Many parents love babywearing. Try before you buy if possible, since fit varies by body type - **Bottle warmer** — Convenient but not essential (a bowl of warm water works) - **High chair** — You won't need this for 4-6 months - **Baby bathtub** — A sink or regular tub with a few inches of water works too ## What You Probably Don't Need - **Wipe warmer** — They dry out the wipes and babies adapt to room-temperature wipes just fine - **Shoes** — Babies don't walk. Socks are all they need. - **A full nursery furniture set** — A crib and a dresser (or even just a closet organizer) is enough - **Newborn-size everything** — Babies outgrow newborn size in 2-4 weeks. Register for more 0-3 and 3-6 month sizes - **Every bottle brand** — Start with 2-3 bottles of one type. If baby rejects them, try another brand - **A dedicated diaper pail** — A regular trash can with a lid and bag works fine ## Registry Tips ### Timing - **Create your registry around weeks 20-24** — After the anatomy scan, when things feel more real - **Share it around weeks 28-32** — Gives people time to buy before a baby shower ### Practical Advice - **Register at 1-2 stores** — Too many registries are confusing for gift-givers - **Include a range of prices** — From $10 items to bigger purchases. Group gifts are popular for expensive items like car seats and strollers - **Add diapers and wipes** — Boring but the most useful gift you'll receive - **Register for gift cards** — You won't know everything you need until baby is here - **Check the return/exchange policy** — You'll likely need to return or exchange something - **Take advantage of completion discounts** — Most registries offer 10-15% off remaining items after your due date ### What to Ask For Instead of More Stuff - **Meal delivery gift cards** — You won't want to cook for weeks - **House cleaning service** — Even one session is a gift - **Diaper subscription** — Regular deliveries so you never run out - **Gift cards to grocery delivery services** - **A postpartum doula visit** ## The Bottom Line The baby industry is a multi-billion dollar business designed to make you feel like you need everything. You don't. Babies need to be fed, diapered, clothed, and loved. Everything else is a bonus. Start with the essentials, see what your baby actually needs, and add from there. The best gear is whatever works for your specific baby and your specific life. ## Sources - ACOG. [Prenatal Care](https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/prenatal-care) (link verified 2026-09-07) - Cleveland Clinic. [Pregnancy: Gestation, Trimesters & What To Expect](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/pregnancy) (link verified 2026-09-07) --- _Source: [Baby Registry: Everything You Actually Need](https://www.trycordia.com/articles/baby-registry-checklist/) — Cordia. Informational only; not medical advice._