Hooray, you have a baby on the way! Whether your at-home pregnancy test revealed the news or you received the call about your adoption going through, you’ll want to start preparing to welcome your little one into the world. And this is where your baby registry swoops in to help you prepare.
A baby registry is a curated wishlist of baby products that parents-to-be share with friends and family, similar to a wedding registry. It will give your community some specific gift ideas to celebrate you and your growing family.
To make this process a breeze, we’ve crafted a comprehensive checklist that covers everything from nursery must-haves to those little comforts that can make a world of difference during those early days.
In this Guide
- Strollers and Car Seats
- On-the-Go Gear
- Nursery and Diapering
- Bath time
- Feeding and Nursing
- Toys and Clothing
- Health and Safety
- Fun Extras
- What Are Some Must-Have Registry Items?
- When Should I Create My Baby Registry?
- How to Set Up a Baby Registry
- Additional Baby Registry FAQ
Download a FREE Baby Registry Checklist from Joy
Strollers and Car Seats
A reliable stroller and safe car seat are must-have essentials for hassle-free outings and getting around town with your little one. They both make wonderful group gifts for your guests to chip in on, while the related accessories may appeal to those with a smaller budget.
| Category | Items to include |
| Strollers | Lightweight stroller |
| Travel system (car seat and stroller combo) | |
| Jogging stroller | |
| Double stroller (for twins or siblings) | |
| Stroller wagon (for multiples or siblings) | |
| Stroller organizer | |
| Baby bunting bag | |
| Stroller fan | |
| Car Seats | Infant car seat |
| Convertible car seat | |
| Car seat base (if not included with the car seat) | |
| Car window shades | |
| Car seat mirror | |
| Car seat cover |
On-the-Go Gear
Life doesn’t stop when the baby arrives, so being prepared to stay on the move is essential for a new parent. These useful on-the-go items will help keep your baby content while you conquer errands or explore the world together.
| Category | Items to include |
| For babies on-the-go | Diaper bag |
| Pacifiers | |
| Portable changing pad | |
| Baby carrier (sling, wrap, or structured) | |
| Baby travel blanket | |
| Portable crib | |
| Playard | |
| Portable high chair | |
| Baby sunscreen |
Nursery and Diapering
Furnishing a nursery often requires specialized furniture to suit a baby’s daily life, such as a crib and changing table for diapering. Allow your friends and family to help you create a cozy haven for your little one with a variety of nursery items and diaper needs.
| Category | Items to include |
| Nursery furniture | Crib |
| Mattress for crib | |
| Bassinet | |
| Changing table | |
| Dresser | |
| Glider or rocking chair | |
| Toy storage | |
| Bookshelf | |
| Diaper time | Diapers |
| Wipes | |
| Diaper caddy | |
| Diaper pail | |
| Diaper rash cream | |
Nursery accessories | Swaddle blankets |
| Crib mobile | |
| Crib bedding set | |
| Baby monitor | |
| Night light | |
| Changing table pad | |
| Baby clothing hangers | |
| Baby clothes hamper | |
| Humidifier | |
| Air purifier |
Bath time
Baby’s bath time creates wonderful opportunities for parents to bond with their baby. Having the right tools to make bath time a stress-free experience for all of you is a must.
| Category | Items to include |
| During bath time | Baby bathtub |
| Baby washcloths | |
| Baby-friendly soap and shampoo | |
| Bath toys | |
| Faucet cover | |
| Bath kneeler and elbow rest | |
| Bathtub thermometer | |
| After bath time | Hooded towels |
| Baby brush and comb set | |
| Baby lotion | |
| Baby bathrobe |
Feeding and Nursing
Whether you breastfeed or go with formula, ensure your baby is well-fed and happy with these mealtime essentials. They’re a must for every parent, supporting your baby’s nourishment, growth, and development.
| Category | Items to include |
| Feeding time | Baby bottles |
| Bottle sterilizer | |
| High chair | |
| Burp cloths | |
| Bibs | |
| Baby utensils | |
| Sippy cups | |
| Baby food maker | |
| Baby food storage containers | |
| Bottle warmer | |
| Baby formula (if not breastfeeding) | |
| Nursing needs | Breast pump |
| Nursing bras and pads | |
| Nursing pillow | |
| Nursing cover | |
| Breast milk storage bags | |
| Lactation massager |
Toys and Clothing
Guests may go rogue when selecting unique outfits and toys for your new baby since there are so many options available. But it’s a good idea to register for a few essentials to clarify your preferences.
| Category | Items to include |
| Clothes | Onesies/Bodysuits |
| Sleepsuits | |
| Baby socks and booties | |
| Baby beanies | |
| Baby sunhat | |
| Baby mittens | |
| Toys | Soft toys |
| Teething toys | |
| Activity gym | |
| Baby rattles | |
| Musical toys | |
| Board books | |
| Stacking playset | |
| Rocking horse |
Health and Safety
Prioritize your baby’s well-being by including health and safety items in your registry. These essentials will offer peace of mind and a secure environment for your little one.
| Category | Items to include |
| Health needs | Digital baby thermometer |
| Baby first aid kit | |
| Baby nail clippers | |
| Nasal aspirator | |
| Steam inhaler | |
| Safety measures | Outlet covers |
| Cabinet locks | |
| Baby gates | |
| Safety locks for drawers | |
| Baby-proofing kit | |
| Baby-safe laundry detergent |
Fun Extras
There are always some extras that may not qualify as more of an “oh, I love that” than as an “essential.” Here are some active enjoyment options for babies and memory-building must-haves for parents.
| Category | Items to include |
| Fun times | Baby swing or rocker |
| Activity jumper | |
| Playmat | |
| Baby carrier backpack | |
| Building memories | Baby hand and footprint kit |
| Baby’s first-year memory book | |
| Baby milestone cards |
What Are Some Must-Have Registry Items?
If you’re looking to prioritize, must-have items for a baby registry often include daily essentials like bottles, blankets, diapers, a crib, and a car seat. Additionally, consider adding useful baby gear like a stroller, baby monitor, and diaper bag for convenience. Nursery items like a crib mattress, changing table, and baby-safe bedding are also helpful. Your well-rounded registry should cover both the baby’s immediate needs and things that will be useful as your baby gets older.
When Should I Create My Baby Registry?
Ideally, you should aim to start your baby registry during the second trimester of pregnancy, around the 20-week mark. This allows you enough time to research, choose items you’ll need, and ensure they’re available for your baby shower, sprinkle, or whenever friends and family ask for gift suggestions.
Although starting early lets you make thoughtful decisions without feeling rushed, it’s never too late to start your registry before your little one arrives. Remember that you can update and adjust your registry throughout your pregnancy to keep up with your changing preferences and needs.
How to Set Up a Baby Registry
Getting your Joy baby registry set up is a breeze! You’ll find thousands of baby essentials to pick from in the Joy Shop. And navigating the Joy Shop is as simple as shopping at any other store.
Joy’s All-In-One Registry makes the process even more convenient by allowing you to sync and consolidate any external registries you also put together. Track everything in one place effortlessly. Plus, with Joy’s handy one-click “Quick Add” browser button, you can include items from any online source in your Joy baby registry.
There’s no right or wrong way to make your registry best suit you and your family. Use this baby registry checklist as inspiration to help you find all the products your baby might need. Remember to enjoy this exciting step toward embracing the support and love from family and friends eager to share this special time with you.
Additional Baby Registry FAQ
How many items should be on my registry?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the number of items on your baby registry. Prioritize essentials like baby gear, clothing, and nursery items, but also consider adding sentimental gifts that reflect your personal style. Ultimately, it’s important to choose items that meet your family’s unique needs.
Should I register for more than one size of diaper?
When creating your baby registry, requesting a range of diaper sizes is a smart move that will help accommodate your baby’s growth. Register for newborn and size 1 diapers initially, as babies often start in these sizes. As your little one grows, have size 2 and larger diapers on hand to ensure they’re comfortable at every stage.
What should I not put on a baby registry?
Skip registering for items like dressy baby clothes and lots of toys, as people tend to gift these anyway. You can also leave baby shoes off your registry because they’re more of a fashion accessory than a necessity in the early months.
Don’t bother registering for crib bumpers, as they’ve been banned in the U.S. for being a safety hazard. Also, remember that insurance typically covers breast pumps, so check your coverage before registering for one. If it’s not covered, you can add it later.
Joy Editors
At Joy, we believe in celebrating every moment. That’s why we’re on a mission to make planning for your baby more intuitive, thoughtful, and personal than ever before. We're here for you with a universal baby registry, innovative features and user-friendly technology, plus inspiration and advice. Together, we’ll make preparing for parenthood the joyful experience it was meant to be. Contact us at hello@withjoy.com.
