The No-Fluff Baby Registry Checklist: What You Actually Need
Hey there, mama-to-be! After five babies (and way too many wipes warmers gathering dust), I've learned that those massive "must-have" lists from baby stores are about 50% marketing and 50% panic-inducing. This no-nonsense guide cuts through the clutter to tell you exactly what you need (and what you can skip), saving you money, space, and sanity as you prepare for your little one.
What’s On The The No-Fluff Baby Registry Checklist?
Here are the topics and categories we will cover in this article.
Choosing Your Registry Platform
Registry Strategy & Timeline
The Only Things You Need on Day 1
Feeding
Diapering
Sleeping
Clothing
Bathing & Grooming
Gear & Furniture
Travel & Mobility
Big Ticket Items: Splurge vs. Skip
Money-Saving Tips
Care & Maintenance Guide
Additional Resources
Let’s get started on sharing what you actually need on your baby registry with our no-fluff baby registry checklist.
Why I Recommend These:
Babylist: Perfect if you want flexibility to add items from anywhere, including small boutiques or handmade items. Great for combining traditional registry items with services like meal delivery or house cleaning. Learn more details or sign up here.
Amazon: Ideal if you want easy one-stop shopping, fast Prime shipping, and your family/friends are already comfortable with Amazon. Usually offers competitive prices and frequent deals. Learn more details or sign up here.
And yes, you can sign up for multiple baby registries if you’d like to get the benefits of multiple registry platforms and for the convenience of your baby shower guests. That said, I do think Babylist is a slightly better option if you’re only going to choose one.
2. Baby REGISTRY STRATEGY & TIMELINE
It’s important to start planning early for maximum benefit. Here is my recommended timeline of key activities.
4-6 Months Before Due Date:
Create your registry
Research big-ticket items
Start price tracking & budget planning
2-3 Months Before:
Have your baby shower (typically 2-4 months before due date)
Complete registry with essential items not received at your baby shower
Plan storage solutions
Research furniture or baby gear assembly needs
Schedule delivery for large items
3. THE ONLY 5 THINGS YOU NEED ON DAY 1
When my water broke in a big gush a few weeks before my first baby’s due date, I immediately panicked that our final nursery preparations weren’t complete and that I didn’t have all of her items fully organized yet. I’ve since realized that all that panic was completely unnecessary because there are only a few items you truly need on day 1. Focus on these first, and everything else can wait if needed.
Diapers (newborn & size 1) and wipes
3-4 basic onesies/sleepers
Safe place to sleep (bassinet or crib)
2 nursing bras (if breastfeeding)
2 swaddles or sleep sacks (my favorite is Halo Sleepsack. Free shipping with this link)
As long as you have these things ready to go, you’ll be just fine!
4. FEEDING Items For your Baby Registry
Need To Have:
Bottles (if bottle feeding)
Start with smaller sizes (4oz)
Get different flow nipples
Anti-colic features worth considering
Easy to clean (fewer parts = better)
Bottle Brush
Long handle for deep cleaning
Nipple cleaner included
Durable bristles
Stand for drying
Specific Bottle Soap
No scent
Removes milk residue
Rinses completely
Safe for pump parts
Nursing Bras
Soft, stretchy fabric
One-handed clips
No underwire
Size up from pre-pregnancy
Nursing Pads
Both disposable and reusable
Good absorption
Contoured shape
Invisible under clothes
Nice To Have:
Bottle Warmer
Even heating
Timer feature
Auto shut-off
Fits various bottle sizes
Nursing Pillow
Washable cover
Firm support
Adjustable fit
Good for tummy time later
5. DIAPERING
Need To Have:
Diapers
Start with small packs of different brands
Get both newborn and size 1
Look for wetness indicators
Consider subscription services
Wipes
Water-based for newborns
Thick enough to protect hands
Flip-top container preferred
Buy in bulk when on sale
Diaper Cream
Get both preventive and treatment types
Look for zinc oxide content
Easy application
Travel size for diaper bag
Changing Pad
Contoured edges for safety
Waterproof material
Non-skid bottom
Easily wipeable surface
Diaper Pail
Odor control
Large capacity
Easy bag removal
Child-proof lock
6. Sleeping
Need To Have:
Bassinet or Crib
Meets current safety standards
Firm mattress
Breathable sides if bassinet
Adjustable height if crib
Consider a crib that converts to a toddler bed to save money and space later
Fitted Sheets (2-3)
Look for natural fibers like 100% cotton
Snug fit crucial
Multiple sets so you can quickly swap after a mess or accident
Swaddles/Sleep Sacks (3-4)
Different weights for temperature
Easy diaper access
Room to grow
Baby Monitor
Clear audio
Good range
Battery indicator
Night light option
Nice To Have:
White Noise Machine
Multiple sounds
Auto timer
Volume control
Portable option
Blackout Curtains
True room darkening
Temperature control
Easy installation
Washable fabric
Video Baby Monitor
Usually comes with camera and monitor or app that works on your phone
Can be pricey
7. CLOTHING
Need To Have:
Onesies/Bodysuits (6 per size)
Mix of short and long sleeves
Wide neck openings
Envelope shoulders
Snap closure at bottom
Footed Sleepers (6 per size)
Two-way zippers preferred
Built-in mittens on size Newborn and 3mo
Non-slip soles
Stretchy material
Easy diaper access
Pants/Shorts
Elastic waistbands
Room for diapers
Stretchy material
Easy on/off
Socks
Gripper soles
Stay-on design
Soft elastic
Multiple sizes
Light Sweaters/Jackets
Front zipper/snap closure
Hood option
Machine washable
Layer-friendly
Nice To Have:
Special Occasion Outfit For Photos / Special Events
Easy diaper access
Not too fussy
Comfortable material
Multiple pieces
Accessories
Soft hats
Gentle headbands
Weather-appropriate items
8. BATHING & GROOMING
Need To Have:
Baby Wash/Shampoo (1-2)
Tear-free formula
Gentle on skin
Pump dispenser
Unscented option
Washcloths (4-6)
Super soft material
Quick-drying
Durable construction
Hooded Towels (2-3)
Absorbent material
Generous size
Soft hood lining
Quick-drying
Nail Care Set (1)
Safety scissors/clippers
Filing pads
Good grip handle
Storage case
First Aid Kit (1)
Digital thermometer
Saline drops
Over the counter infant acetaminophen (with dropper)
Nice To Have:
Baby Bath Tub
Newborn insert
Non-slip bottom
Temperature indicator
Easy drain
Bath Toys
No water-trapping holes - look for toys that are designated as “mold free”
Easy to clean
Age-appropriate
9. GEAR & FURNITURE
Need To Have:
Car Seat
Easy installation
Machine washable cover
5-point harness
Good crash test ratings
Stroller
One-hand fold
Storage basket
Adjustable handlebar
Good suspension
Dresser/Storage
Sturdy construction
Drawer stops
Can double as changing table
Growth-appropriate height
Nice To Have:
Swing/Bouncer
Multiple speeds
Machine washable cover
Safety harness
Sound/vibration options
Play Mat
Washable
Padded for comfort
High contrast patterns
Activity options
Baby Carrier - this becomes a “need to have” with more than one child, in my opinion!
Ergonomic design
Easy to adjust
Breathable fabric
Multiple carrying positions
10. TRAVEL & MOBILITY
Need To Have:
Diaper Bag
Multiple compartments
Changing pad included
Insulated bottle pockets
Comfortable straps
Car Mirror
Secure attachment
Wide viewing angle
Shatter-resistant
Easy to adjust
Portable Diaper Changing Kit
Folds compact
Wipe-clean surface
Storage for essentials
Water-resistant
Nice To Have:
Travel Crib / Pack n Play
Easy setup/breakdown
Comfortable mattress
Carrying case
Breathable sides
Stroller Accessories
Weather shield
Organizer
Snack tray
Cup holder
11. BIG TICKET ITEMS: SPLURGE VS SKIP
Worth The Splurge:
Convertible Car Seat
Will last from infancy through toddlerhood
Look for easy-to-clean fabric
Check for simple strap adjustment
Consider your car size
Quality Stroller
Match to your lifestyle (travel, jogging, double, etc)
Check fold mechanism - big plus if you can fold it with one hand
Look for adequate storage
Consider wheel type for where and how you’ll be using it
Reliable Breast Pump
Usually covered by insurance so check your insurance before purchasing
Get extra flanges
Look for adjustable suction
Consider a manual backup
Sturdy Crib
Skip the drop-side models
Look for adjustable heights
Ensure proper slat spacing
Consider conversion options - I suggest a crib that can convert to toddler bed
Skip These:
Fancy Changing Table
Use a dresser with changing pad on top instead
Saves space and money
Doubles as storage
Will be useful longer
Designer Diaper Bag
Regular backpack works better
More comfortable to carry
Often more durable
Dad won't mind carrying it
Baby Food Maker
Regular blender works perfectly
Food processor does same job
Less counter space needed
Easier to clean
Deluxe Baby Monitor
Basic audio often sufficient
Fewer technical issues
Less anxiety-inducing
Better battery life
12. MONEY-SAVING TIPS
Buy in Stages:
Don't stock up on too many newborn sizes
Wait on bigger items until you know your baby's preferences
Add 3-6 month items to your registry too
Smart Shopping:
Join store rewards programs
Use Target's registry completion discount
Check Facebook Marketplace for barely-used big items
Buy gender-neutral for future babies
Skip These "Must-Haves":
Wipes warmer (they dry out wipes faster and can harbor mold)
Bottle sterilizer (dishwasher works fine)
Fancy diaper disposal systems (a cheap diaper pail works just fine)
Baby shoes (unnecessary until walking)
Crib bedding sets (they’re cute but unsafe for sleep; you just need fitted sheets)
13. CARE & MAINTENANCE GUIDE
Weekly Maintenance:
Sanitize pump parts
Wash car seat covers
Check safety straps
Launder baby clothes and towels using free and clear detergent
Monthly Tasks:
Safety checks on all gear
Deep clean / wipe down strollers
Update baby-proofing
Check size appropriateness for clothes, gear, and furniture and swap out as needed
14. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Feel free to stick around here on Mom’s First Steps for more information, resources, and inspiration to support you on the rest of your pregnancy journey.
Remember: Every baby is different, and so is every family’s lifestyle! This list is a starting point based on my real experience with five babies. You'll figure out what works best for your family as you go along. Don't feel pressured to have everything perfect before baby arrives - you can always add items later!
