Registry lists can run to hundreds of items. You don't need most of them, at least not right away. Here's a room-by-room list of what's genuinely useful in the first months, plus a few things that can wait.
Sleep
- A safe sleep space (a crib, bassinet or play yard that meets current safety standards) with a firm, flat mattress
- Two or three fitted sheets
- Wearable blankets or sleep sacks in the right size
- A soft, dim light for night feeds, like the cordless Glow night light, kept out of the crib
Keep the sleep space bare, with no pillows, bumpers, blankets or soft toys.
Changing
- Diapers in a couple of sizes, and wipes
- A changing pad for the dresser or a changing table
- A diaper caddy to keep supplies together. The Tuck diaper caddy has two removable dividers, pockets around the outside and folds flat. See our diaper caddy ideas for how to fill it.
- Diaper cream
Feeding
- A nursing pillow, if you plan to breastfeed. Our nursing pillow buckles around your waist. It's for awake, supervised feeding only, never for sleep.
- A few bottles, even if you're breastfeeding, and burp cloths
- Later on, bowls and spoons for starting solids
More in our breastfeeding essentials guide.
Bath
- A baby tub or a bath support. The Dew bath cushion and Starry bath mat clip into the tub for 0 to 12 months. Always keep baby within arm's reach.
- Two hooded towels, like the Puddle hooded towel
- Soft washcloths and a mild baby wash
See how to bathe a newborn for the step by step.
Going out
- A rear-facing infant car seat, installed before the birth
- A stroller or a carrier, or both
- A diaper bag or backpack. Not sure which? Read diaper bag vs. diaper backpack.
- A portable changing pad
Clothing
- Six to eight zip or snap one-pieces per size, like the Sprig zip romper
- Bodysuits, soft pants and socks
- Seasonal extras, like a warm hat or a stroller bunting bag for winter
Skip lots of newborn size. Many babies outgrow it within a few weeks, so register for 0–3 and 3–6 months too.
Babyproofing (for later)
You won't need these until your baby is on the move, but they make great registry add-ons: cabinet strap locks, stove knob covers and outlet covers. Our babyproofing checklist has the full list.
What you can skip (or wait on)
- Wipe warmers and other single-use gadgets
- Lots of toys. Newborns need faces, voices and a play mat more than toys.
- Shoes, until your baby is walking
- Crib bumpers, pillows and positioners, which are not safe for sleep
Questions parents ask
When should I start a baby registry?
Many parents start in the second trimester, so it's ready before any showers.
How many items should be on a baby registry?
There's no right number. Include a mix of price points so friends and family can find something that suits their budget.
What do parents wish they'd registered for?
Extra changing supplies, a good diaper bag, more sleep sacks and practical clothes that zip.
Getting close to the big day? Here is our hospital bag checklist.
Browse everything in Shop All.
