Your Baby Registry Checklist

ByChecklists November 22, 2023February 15, 2024

Preparing for a new baby is an exciting time, and having a well-thought-out Baby Registry Checklist can make the process smoother and less overwhelming.

This checklist covers all the essentials you’ll need for your baby’s early months, ensuring you’re well-equipped for the arrival of your little one. From nursery items to feeding supplies, and from travel gear to health and safety products, this comprehensive list helps you keep track of everything necessary for your baby’s comfort and care.

Download this Printable Baby Registry Checklist Here Nursery and Baby Essentials Checklist

Table of Contents

Nursery and Baby Essentials Checklist

Bath and Health

Baby Bathtub
Baby Wash and Shampoo
Hooded Towels

What is a baby registry?

A baby registry is a service provided by many stores and online platforms that allows expectant parents to communicate their preferences for gifts they’d like to receive for their new baby.

Essentially, it’s a curated list of items that the parents-to-be have chosen, which can include everything from baby gear, clothing, and toys, to more practical items like diapers and baby wipes.

Tips on What to Put on a Baby Registry

Baby Registry Checklist

Check these items off your list as you add them to your baby registry

What Not to Register For

Newborn-Sized Clothing: Babies grow quickly, making newborn sizes often impractical as they are outgrown rapidly.
Excessive Amounts of Diapers in Newborn Sizes: Babies quickly outgrow newborn diaper sizes, so it’s more practical to have a variety of sizes.
Bottle Warmers and Sterilizers: These are often underused. A bowl of warm water and regular dish soap can often suffice for warming bottles and sterilizing.
Wipe Warmer: A luxury, not a necessity, and can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Specialized Baby Food Makers: Regular blenders and food processors usually do the same job.
Crib Bedding Sets: These often come with items not safe for newborns, like quilts and bumpers.
Baby Shoes: Babies don’t need shoes until they start walking. Soft socks or booties are sufficient to keep a baby’s feet warm. Shoes for newborns are more of a decorative item than a practical necessity. Since babies don’t start walking until they are several months old, shoes are not required for their foot development in the early stages. Baby shoes can be quite expensive, and considering how fast babies grow, they often outgrow shoes before getting much use out of them.
Expensive Designer Baby Clothes: Not practical due to rapid growth and messiness of babies.
Baby Towel and Washcloth Sets: Regular soft towels and washcloths are just as suitable.
Large, Bulky Strollers: Depending on lifestyle, a lightweight, collapsible stroller might be more practical.
Baby Laundry Detergent: Fragrance-free and dye-free regular detergents are often just as suitable.
Fancy Diaper Bags: Functionality is key; high-end designer bags are not necessary.
Changing Table: A changing pad on a safe, flat surface can be just as effective.
Baby Perfumes and Lotions: Babies have sensitive skin; minimal and fragrance-free products are best.
Specialized Nursery Decor: Simple, safe, and comfortable should be the priorities over elaborate themes.
Infant Positioners and Sleep Nests: These can pose safety risks and are advised against by pediatric experts.
Bumbo Seats: Not necessary for a baby’s development and there’s debate about their impact on posture and motor skills.