Becoming parents can be an overwhelming time for most people. Preparing for the baby’s arrival is one of the most important things on a soon-to-be parent’s mind. Therefore, it is important to create a baby registry with all the things you might need. This article offers a thorough checklist of the things that should be on a newborn registry. It provides a category-wise list of items that are most important for a baby’s first few years so that parents-to-be can prepare accordingly.
Baby Registry Checklist Templates
You can download the following templates for free:
What is Baby Registry?
A baby registry records all the items you want to receive as gifts from friends and family before your baby is born. The registry is organized into different categories of items, for example, feeding essentials, diapering items, sleeping items, etc. This way, you can track which items you need from the store, order online, or receive at your baby shower. You should include items of different price ranges to ensure some items can suit everybody’s budget.
Also, you should plan to create the registry before the baby shower invites are sent. This way, the details about the registry can be shared along with the invitations.
One benefit of using a registry is that it can be shared with family and friends to let them know which items you require and want. Also, it prevents getting duplicate items, as each item is crossed off once bought or received. Lastly, it can be shared with co-workers who would like to give you a present for the baby as well.
When Should You Make Baby Registry Checklist?
You should aim to have all the essential items before your baby’s arrival. Therefore, timing is important when preparing your baby registry. While you can prepare the list any time before the baby’s birth, giving yourself enough time to research the products you want to list is imperative. Also, you should aim to prepare the registry before your baby shower invites are sent to family and friends.
Starting the registry toward the end of the first trimester is advisable. Then, if you decide to know the baby’s gender at around 20 weeks into the pregnancy, you can add items or change your selections to suit the baby’s gender. Lastly, you should refine the list during the third trimester before your baby shower. The registry is a dynamic document and can thus be modified over time.
Factors to Consider Before Including Items in Baby Registry
You will have to brainstorm and research the best products to include in your baby registry. There are certain factors you should consider to ensure you make the right decision.
These include:
Safety
The baby’s safety and physical and mental health should be your priority as a parent-to-be. Babies are reliant on you to keep them safe when awake and asleep, so you need to ensure the items you include in your registry do not pose any risk to the newborn. Find out which products adhere the best to the health and safety regulations outlined by relevant authorities.
New or second-hand items
You must decide whether to purchase new or used items. While most people prefer new items, they can be expensive. Conversely, second-hand items are affordable as they can be obtained at low prices or donated by friends and family.
However, some items are best bought new, for example, the baby’s crib. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends buying a crib manufactured after June 2011. That is when safety standards were revised, and you can be sure that the crib is compliant with the new standards.
Cleanliness
Cleanliness, which is highly important for a newborn and can be difficult to maintain, As a result, before adding an item to the baby registry, think about how easy it is to clean and maintain it. Items that are easy to clean are preferred; for example, items that can be cleaned, such as a washable crib mattress.
Size of the the house
The size of your house, specifically the nursery, should be considered before adding items to your registry. You need to be sure items like the crib, changing table, cradle, bassinet, or rocking chair will fit in the room.
Also, ensure that you have enough storage to keep all the items you receive. If space is limited, find creative ways like removing closet doors and hanging items on walls to increase the available space.
Using gender-neutral items
It is advisable to buy newborn baby items that can be reused. Gender-neutral items are the best option in this case, especially if you plan to expand your family or do not want to know the gender of the baby ahead of time. This ensures you are prepared to have supplies that can be used for years.
Weather conditions at the time of birth
You also must be prepared for the season in which the baby will be born. This allows you to add seasonal items to your list. You can also plan for the seasons in the baby’s first year.
New Born Registry Checklist
The most difficult part of creating a baby registry is to know what should be included in it. What you put on your wish list is completely your choice. But there are some things that are going to be crucial when caring for a newborn. Therefore, it is a good idea to prepare a checklist.
Items on a baby registry are categorized to suit general baby care routines. These categories appear in all baby registries. However, the items to be included under each category can vary depending on the situation; some items may be mandatory, especially if this is your first child, while others may be nice-to-have.
Below are the different items to include in a checklist in preparation for the arrival of your child:
Diapering essentials
The baby will need diaper changes after every feed, especially in the first few months of their life. Therefore, you will likely need a massive supply of diapers that can last a few weeks or months. Other than diapers, you will need other essentials for changing diapers.
Under this category, you can include the following:
- Diapers in multiple sizes
- Diaper bag
- Changing pad
- Baby wipes
- Diaper pail
- Rash cream
Feeding essentials
You will typically have the option of feeding the baby breast milk or formula milk. So, ensuring you have enough supplies is important.
Examples of items to include in your baby registry for the different types of feeding include:
For breastfeeding, you will need:
- Breast pump
- Burp cloths
- Bottles
- Milk storage containers and freezer bags
- Bottle and nipple brush
- Breast pads that can be disposable or washable
- Nipple cream
Nice to have:
- Nursing bra
- Nursing pillow
- Bottle warmer
- Bottle drying rack
- Nursing cover
In addition to the above, if you are using formula milk, you will need:
- Formula milk
- Bottled water or a filter system
- Carrier bags and ice packs for days out
When feeding the baby solid food, you will need:
- Bibs
- Sippy cups
- High chair
- Kid-friendly silverware
- Kid-friendly plates and bowls (especially those with suction at the bottom)
- Feeding spoons
Nice to have:
- Baby food processor for preparing food at home
- Storage containers for storing home-made baby food
- Ice cube trays for freezing home-made food
Baby gear items
You will ordinarily need baby gear that makes your work easier and improves the baby’s quality of life. It will often depend on your situation, and thus you should carefully analyze yours before putting it in the register.
Examples of such gear include:
- Car seat
- Stroller
- Bouncer or baby swing
- Lounger
- Travel/portable crib or play yard
- Baby carrier
Bathing items
Babies need regular baths as part of their hygiene routine. As a parent, you must make this activity as exciting and safe as possible. There are certain bathing essentials you need to include in your checklist.
These items include:
- Infant tub
- Washcloths or body sponges
- Hooded towels
- Faucet cover
- Baby shampoo and body wash
- Bath kneeler
- Baby nail clippers
- Bath toys
Clothing basics
The clothing category is an essential section of the checklist. It is also an exciting category for most people, as they get an opportunity to shop for baby clothes. Size and outfits for various occasions and seasons are two factors you should take into account for this category.
Examples of clothing basics include:
- Sleepers
- Bibs
- Kimono tops
- Gowns
- Baby hats
- Mittens
- Booties
- Sweaters and jackets
- Pajamas
- Stroller blanket
- Gentle laundry detergent
Nursery essentials
The nursery needs to be functional and organized. The things you want to add to the nursery will depend on its design, décor, and space. Nursery essentials should thus align with your nursery theme and family needs after the baby arrives.
Examples of nursery essentials include:
- Bassinet, cradle, or crib
- Rocking chair or glider
- Changing table
- Baby monitor
- Clothes basket or hamper
- Nightlight or lamp
- Breathable crib mattress
- Fitted crib sheets
- Breathable mattress pad
- Dresser or chest of drawers
- Receiving blankets
- Humidifier
Sleeping essentials
Sleep is needed for the baby’s growth and development. While sleeping can be an unpredictable activity in the early stages after the baby comes home, there are items you can buy to help the baby have a good sleep, which ultimately results in a peaceful sleep for you.
Sleeping essentials you can include in your baby registry checklist include the following:
- Stuffed animals
- Swaddle blankets
- Sound and light soother
Important: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that for the first six months, the baby should sleep in the same room as the parents but separately in their own sleeping area. So, it is advisable to sleep the baby in a bassinet close to your bed.
Health and safety products
Some items can assist you in maintaining the health and safety of your baby. These items can protect the baby from minor to severe harm.
Examples of such items include:
- Baby first aid kit
- Infant medication for common or emergency cases
- Baby gates
- Outlet covers
- Thermometer
- Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator
- Baby scale (optional)
Personal care items
Personal care items can also be included in a baby registry. This is because you occasionally have to perform different activities to maintain the baby’s hygiene.
Items that can be included in this category include:
- Baby toothbrush and toothpaste
- Baby hairbrush
- Lotion or cream
- Baby oil
- Baby sunscreen
Comfort accessories
Items designed to calm the baby can be included on a baby registry checklist. Examples of comfort accessories are:
- Pacifier
- Teething ring
Books and playtime accessories
You can stimulate a baby’s mind and intellect through books and playtime. So, you should include books and playtime accessories in your baby registry.
Examples of playtime items include:
- Baby books
- Toys like soft blocks
- Playmat
- Toybox or basket
- Baby backpack
- Lullaby music
- Rattles
- Noisemaker
Frequently Asked Questions
What size diapers do you put on a baby registry?
2-3 boxes of newborn size diapers are essential. However, it is advisable to include several diaper sizes in your registry.  You should start with newborn baby sizes and upwards. This is because babies grow rapidly, and it is thus important to ensure you have the right size diapers as needed.Â
What should you not include in your baby registry?Â
While it is essential to include important items you need in the baby registry, not all items have to be listed. Examples of items you can exclude are:
-Wipe warmer
-Changing tables
-Diaper genie/bin
-Baby shoes
-Mobiles
Is it rude to put expensive items on the baby registry?
It is not rude to include expensive items in your baby registry. Often, people will be expecting several expensive items. However, you can list items at different price points so that anyone willing to buy the items has options.