Registry Checklist for Baby

Having a baby is exciting! I have always loved putting together baby registries, especially this time around. Whether you are having your first baby or your fifth, you may be wondering what exactly goes on a Baby Registry Checklist. The checklist I am about to share will include everything you need to put on your baby registry and be prepared for your new little one!

Create Amazon Baby Registry

Guess what mom! Make sure you create that Amazon baby registry. If you sign up for a Free Amazon Baby Registry at Amazon.com, add everything you need to your wish list. Get extra discounts, and get an extended return period. Additionally, you can pick up your own Baby Registry Welcome Box. This Welcome Baby Box is exclusive to prime costumers who have opened an Amazon Baby Registry. The Baby Registry Welcome Box contains product samples for mom and baby.

Baby Registry Checklist

As you read, look for Stars for *Ashley Recommends!* As a mother of five, I have tried so many baby products. Stars are products I recommend!

Baby Nursery Checklist

The nursery is the place you can personalize your child. Have fun with the color, the theme, the artwork etc. The most important thing, however, is having what you need including a crib and mattress. Having a glider, changing table, and mobile are optional, but definitely complete the room.

• ___ Changing table or pad
• ___ Crib & mattress *
• ___ Bassinet
• ___ Glider or rocker
• ___ Mobile

* Cleaning a wet mattress at 2 am sucks (no pardoning my french, it is completely appropriate here.) A mattress pad protector is easy to rip off the crib!

Baby Gear Checklist

It is no secret that every family needs “big baby gear.” You may be wondering what this means. Well, big baby gear are the BIG things you’ll need to raise a baby. The Baby Carrier: The age old question, will you carry baby around? Most likely, yes. You will carry your baby around (a lot at first), which is why a baby carrier works awesome. There are dozens of baby carriers on the market. A few popular ones are Solly, Kelty Kids, Moby, Tula, Ergobaby, BabyBjorn. Truth is, you need to find the carrier that works for you! You may want to try out a baby carrier from a friend before you decide on which carrier to add to your registry. The Stroller: First you will need to decide if you need a jogging stroller or a regular stroller. You can also decide if you want a travel system or to just stick with the regular stroller. Some moms prefer a light stroller over a heavy one. If you have multiple children, you may even be looking into a double stroller or a side-by-side stroller. The Portable Crib:  Pack n’ Play: It is probably a given that you will need a crib, but did you think about needing a Pack n’ Play? Essentially, a pack n’ play is a portable crib. If you travel a lot, don’t have a lot of space, or just like to have an extra sleeping option, then a pack n’ play is an awesome thing to have on hand. Otherwise, consider borrowing one!  The Car Seat:  This is one of the most important purchases you will make for your baby. Be very specific about the type of car seat you want, if you are going to add it to your registry.

• ___ Baby carrier
• ___ Stroller *
• ___ Car seat
• ___ Portable crib or play yard
• ___ Stroller sack

*Get your favorite stroller. Most strollers are bulky, so get this Summer Umbrella stroller as a back up! I promise you will not regret it and it is budget-friendly!

Diapering Needs for Baby

This may be a good time to think about whether you want to cloth diaper or do disposables. If you do want to do cloth diapering, a baby registry is a good way to help you invest in the startup cost. Along with diapers, you will also need baby wipes!  I always loved using my diaper bag as a purse as well. You may find that you don’t need a big diaper bag. Spend some time looking around at stores to see what type of diaper bag you will prefer to carry around.

• ___ Diapers
• ___ Wipes
• ___ Diaper rash cream
• ___ Diaper bag
• ___ Diaper pail & liners *

*Of all the diaper pails I have tried (I have had 5), the Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail is my go to pail! It keeps odor away and locks! Use regular, kitchen-sized trash bags. I recommend putting a few layers of paper towels at the bottom for any leaks.

Breastfeeding & Bottle Feeding

Depending on how you plan to feed the baby, you may need more or less than what is listed here. Check out some of these items and then make a decision based on how you think you will feed your baby. You can purchase some of these items with gift cards after you decide on how you will feed your baby.

• ___ Nursing/feeding pillow
• ___ Nursing Cover
• ___ Breastfeeding accessories
• ___ Nursing bras & clothes
• ___ Breast pump (check with your insurance, often this is covered!)
• ___ Pumping accessories
• ___ Burp cloths (6 to 12)
• ___ Bottles
• ___ Bottle brushes
• ___ Formula
• ___ Bottle-drying rack
• ___ Dishwasher basket for bottle parts *
• ___ Bottle warmer

*  I use this even when I don’t have bottle parts. Best Dishwasher Basket I have had. Used with all five kids!

Solid Feeding Baby

A lot of this is needed for later. The way I WISELY handled this after baby #3 was adding these things to my registry later. I did not need them initially and they supplied a list of item for the grandparents to still get. Additionally, most are not that expensive and I didn’t mind picking them up myself. This allowed the bigger items I wanted/needed to be bought from my registry first.

• ___ Highchair
• ___ Feeding supplies *
• ___ Bowls (3 to 5)
• ___ Baby spoons (2 or 3)
• ___ Sippy cups (3 to 5)
• ___ Bibs (3 to 5)
• ___ Splat mat
• ___ Baby food maker

* So I learned about this product, the Silicon Plate and Placemat, too late. I only was able to use it with my last two. We use it at home, out and about, everywhere. I really love it. Worth every penny. I actually only have one (per kid) and we use it for all meals.

Bathtime Registry Checklist

Washcloths, baby bathtub, small towels, and lotion are all essentials for baby’s bath time success.

• ___ Baby bathtub
• ___ Bath time accessories
• ___ Hooded bath towels (2)
• ___ Washcloths (5 to 7)
• ___ Baby shampoo or body wash *

* Honestly, I have used all the bath products. Like all the toys, tubs, seats, etc. Johnson’s Tear-free Baby Bath and Hair Wash has been the only thing I have repeated with all five kids.  I like Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel too for eczema and cradle cap.

Baby Clothing Checklist

Something that you don’t usually have to add to the registry because people will buy you truckloads of this item, is baby clothes! However, I thought I would include the basics for what you may want to add to your baby registry.

• ___ Clothing for newborns
• ___ Sleepers/pajamas (5 to 7) *
• ___ One-piece outfits (5 to 7)
• ___ Shirts (5 to 7)
• ___ Leggings or pull-on pants (5 to 7)
• ___ Socks & booties
• ___ Hats (2)
• ___ Outer layers (5)
• ___ Mittens & snowsuit

* No clothing I would swear by. Buttons are annoying on all articles of clothing for babies. Get zipper baby pajamas, especially for night time diaper changes. You are welcome in advance. Think of me at 2 am!

Sleeping 101 Checklist

Really this category should cover mom too! What do you need a midnight nurse? A soft bed and a dark room. Really sleep for mom doesn’t exist after baby is born, but there are some things that might help baby (and thus mom) get a better nights rest.

• ___ Wearable blankets (2 or 3)
• ___ Swaddling blankets (3)
• ___ White-noise recording or machine *
• ___ Nightlight *
• ___ Crib sheets (3 to 5)
• ___ Waterproof mattress pad (2)

* You MUST HAVE a sound machine. White or gray noise is best. I learned I love the Hatch Baby Rest Lamp and Sound Machine for kids. You can control it for your kids. It is great when they become toddlers and you want to teach them when it is okay to get it. Also good for middle of the night diaper changes! What makes it worth the price is the length of time it will get use. Calculate into maybe early elementary. Maybe longer!

Baby soothers, toys & entertainment

This is the section that I like to consider the extras. While entertaining baby is fun and important, it is up to the parents if they want to add these items to the baby registry. You will not regret the things that soothe, especially when you need a break!  You may only use the baby swing for the first couple of months, but it will be your lifeline. Keep in mind the type of baby swing you want. Do you want to invest in a nice one or are you okay with having a cheaper baby swing. Safety ratings are also important whenever you’re looking at a baby swing.

• ___ Pacifiers*
• ___ Bouncer seat
• ___ Baby swing
• ___ Doorway jumper
• ___ Play mat/gym
• ___ Activity center
• ___ Toys
• ___ Books

* This is a hard category. So much I would recommend. On the cheap end, MAM Pacifiers was my favorite pacifier for four of my kids. Not for number one only because I didn’t know different. Second, I have been really impressed with the 4mom MamaRoo Baby Swing. I used it for three kids. Two thumbs up. Ten thumbs if I had them.

Baby Safety List

Keeping baby safe is a big job, which is why focusing on adding these baby safety items to your baby registry makes sense!

• ___ Safety gates *
• ___ Childproofing products
• ___ Baby monitor

* So you don’t buy 100 different baby gates like me, go ahead and get this one – Munchkin Easy Close Metal Baby Gate. I love this gate. Very easy to open and still child-proof. Like guys, seriously. No other gate. Um-kay.

Health Needs for Baby

These are some things you might forget to put on the registry. In fact, as a third time mom with a baby on the way, I found myself picking up one of the items last night because I completely forgot about it. Having these things on hand will save you in a dire situation – i.e. a thermometer or first-aid supplies during an unexpected cold!

• ___ Medicine cabinet & first-aid supplies
• ___ Digital thermometer *
• ___ Baby nail scissors or clippers *
• ___ Soft-bristled baby brush
• ___ Bulb syringe *
• ___ Teething toys

*  I could recommend it all. Hmmm…. We used this digital thermometer 1,000 times. Once your child gets too old for rectal temps, I don’t have a recommendation. These are my favorite baby nail scissors. Ohhh, I need to tell you about this. Don’t get grossed out. The snot will not get in your mouth. I SWEAR by the NoseFrida Snotsucker Baby Nasal Aspirator.

Does this list panic you a little bit? Don’t let it! Not all of these items are required when having a baby. In fact, the more kids you have, the less “stuff” you decide you will need. What was your #1 must have a baby item on your baby registry?

Also take a look at our popular post – Newborn Tips and Hacks. Pin to Pinterest.

Also check out these Monthly Baby Photo Ideas – Pin to Pinterest.

Finally, take a peak into How to Buy Everything You Need for Baby on Craigslist. Pin to Pinterest.

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