Read more about baby registry and baby must-have items for especially if you’re a first time parent! More is less for sure. 🤰🏽
As a mom of three, I’ve gone through the baby registry process a few times, and I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be—especially for first-time moms.
There are countless products marketed as “must-haves,” but the reality is that babies don’t need nearly as much as we think they do.
After three pregnancies, I’ve narrowed down the essentials to what we actually used and loved.
At the time of this post, I have a beautiful five-month-old boy, and I’m excited to share what worked for us.
If you’re putting together a baby registry (or shopping for a loved one), this list will help you focus on the practical and useful items that make life easier with a newborn.
The Best Baby Registries: Amazon vs. BabyList
Before diving into the must-haves, let’s talk about where to create your registry.
We used Amazon and BabyList, and both had their advantages:
• Amazon Baby Registry
• Offers a seamless experience with a vast selection of products
• Provides fast shipping, easy returns, and the option for gift cards
• Generates a helpful checklist of what you might need
• BabyList
• Allows you to link multiple registries and add items from any store
• Lets you include non-traditional gifts like meal delivery services, group contributions for larger purchases, and even postpartum support
• We used BabyList twice and loved how seamless it was to update and personalize
Now, let’s get into what’s actually worth adding to your baby registry.
Baby Must-Haves: What You Actually Need
This is a picture of my baby drawer, aka one drawer where I rotate what I need month to month it’s super cool, and keeps me with just the things I need.
Here’s my ultimate tried-and-true list based on what we used for all three of our kids:
Sleep Essentials
• Swaddles or Large Blankets– A set of 4–5 is perfect. Babies grow out of them quickly, but we’ve used ours for multiple kids
• Onesies with Front Snaps– These are great for newborns, especially when the umbilical cord is still healing
• Mini Crib– We did get one… funny enough, our kids didn’t sleep in it (story for another time)
• Lovevery Play Gym– This turns into a tent and has been a hit with all three kids
• Baby bath stuff/misc– plush towel with hood (just one), kit with thermometer, brush, natural soap bars (we make but you can find gentle soap), natural coconut oil, almond or apricots (what we use), pro tip – also get Ivory soap for cleaning out bouts.
Feeding & Nursing
• Nipple Cream– A must-have for breastfeeding moms
• Reusable Nursing Pads– Saves money and reduces waste
• Breast Pump– You can get one for free through insurance (manual or electric).
I haven’t used mine much, but it’s great to have just in case
• Meal Delivery Gift Cards– Instead of tons of baby gear, consider asking for food.
We did Purple Carrot meal delivery, and it was a lifesaver
Diapering & Hygiene
• Diapers & Wipes– We love Parent’s Choice (Walmart brand) for both diapers and 99% water wipes
• Saline Spray & Boogie Wipes– Helps keep baby’s nose clear
• Small Baby Nail Scissors– Those tiny nails grow fast
• No-Tear Books– We love the durable tear-proof books from Amazon, which my little one still enjoys
• Teething Toys– A silicone banana teether or another non-toxic chew toy is a great registry addition
Baby Gear & Transportation
• Baby Wrap or Carrier– A total game changer. We have two: one for the diaper bag and one for everyday use
• Everyday Stroller– We picked up a simple $25 stroller from Target for quick outings
• Wagon– As our family grew, this became a must-have for outings
• Car Seat & Car Seat Bag– A great big-ticket registry item. Car seats get used every single day and having a car seat bag is helpful for travel.
Let me say this – You don’t need a fancy expensive one that pops out into a stroller (they grow out of them) instead get a easy Safety brand one that converts that way it can grow with your child (front and rear facing).
Baby registry and Baby must-haves Postpartum & Recovery
• Peri Bottle & Postpartum Care Kit– If you’re having a hospital or birth center birth, ask for extra supplies—they usually provide everything you need
• Menstrual/Postpartum Underwear– I didn’t need much since I went months without a period postpartum, but I used menstrual panties instead of the postpartum-specific ones
• Reusable Incontinence Pads– Great for first-time moms dealing with postpartum recovery
What We Skipped or Didn’t Use Much
There are so many products that seem necessary but often go unused. Here’s what we didn’t find essential:
• Wipe Warmers– Not needed at all
• Tons of Bottles– Since I exclusively breastfed, we barely used bottles. Your insurance-provided pump often comes with a few bottles if needed
• Too Many Newborn Diapers– Just start with one pack and buy more as needed
Best Baby Shower Gift Ideas
If you’re attending a baby shower or unsure what to get, here are my top recommendations:
• Gift Cards (Amazon, DoorDash, or a Meal Service)– Practical and always appreciated
• Car Seat– A fantastic big-ticket item that will always be used
• Stroller or Wagon– A great group gift idea
• Laundry Help– Instead of another onesie, offer to do a load of laundry for the new parents
Final Thoughts Baby Registry and Baby must haves Less Is More
By baby number three, we realized less is more—most of what we use every day fits in a single drawer.
My best advice for new parents? Start small and buy as needed. Here’s more on the registry we used.
Ask for support over stuff—meal deliveries, gift cards, or even an extra set of hands make a world of difference in those first few weeks.