The ultimate baby registry checklist—you're welcome
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The baby is coming and your baby shower is rapidly approaching. Suddenly you’re met with a dizzying selection of “baby registry must haves” that need to fill your nursery before your baby arrives.
For new parents-to-be, it can be an overwhelming process. What are truly the baby registry must-haves and what are the things you can do without?
We’ve been there and we’ve tested everything under the sun so we put together the ultimate baby registry checklist for you. You focus on growing and birthing a baby, or adopting a little one and bringing it into your home. However new parenthood comes to you, we’ll focus on the baby registry checklist so you can focus on everything else.
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What is a baby registry?
A baby registry is essentially a shopping list you can share with friends and family of everything you need and want for your baby when they arrive. It can include everything from diapers and wipes to baby strollers and baby monitors.
You simply add items to this list and they can easily shop. You can share the list with baby shower guests—though you don’t need a shower to have a baby registry. Many people want to welcome your baby any way they can and want to help you by gifting you with new baby essentials.
How many items can I have on my baby registry?
Now is not the time to be modest. The first few months of your baby's life are going to be a huge change and you're going to need a lot of stuff to relax into that change.
Common convention and etiquette experts say you can list anywhere from 100 to 120 items on your baby registry. We say go for that full 120 items and enjoy some nesting! Worst case, you can enjoy a "completion discount" on any items that haven't been fulfilled.
Where can I create a baby registry?
You can either create a baby registry online or in person at a brick-and-mortar location. Our favorite registries, however, are a combo of both.
Shops like Target, Walmart, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel all have online baby registries, yet you can also go into their stores to see your favorite products up close and get a feel for the quality of each item.
How to find the best baby registry
When it comes to deciding which baby registry you should sign up for, there are lots of options. Finding the best baby registry for you will depend on a number of factors: What’s your budget? Are you focusing on specific brands? Do you want an in-store or online registry? Are you looking for free gifts and completion discounts? Is a strong return policy important to you?
We’ve rounded up the most popular baby registries to show you how each works.
The best baby registry sites
Babylist baby registry
Completion discount: 15% for Babylist items
Return policy: Nine months for items from Babylist Shop; varies for gifts from other retailers
Free gifts: Yes, mailed to you
Group gifting: Yes, for items from the Babylist Shop
Target baby registry
Completion discount: 15%
Return policy: Up to one year
Free gifts: Yes, up to $100 value
Group gifting: Yes, on items over $100
Amazon baby registry
Completion discount: 15%
Return policy: Up to one year
Free gifts: Yes, up to $35 value
Group gifting: No
Walmart baby registry
Completion discount: No
Return policy: Up to one year
Free gifts: Yes, up to $40
Group gifting: Yes
Pottery Barn baby registry
Completion discount: 20%
Return policy: Up to 90 days
Free gifts: No
Group gifting: No
Crate & Kids baby registry
Completion discount: 10%
Return policy: 90 days for non-furniture items
Free gifts: No
Group gifting: No
The Tot baby registry
Completion discount: 15%
Return policy: 90 days from even
Free gifts: No
Group gifting: No
What is a baby registry completion discount?
A baby registry completion discount is a discount applied to all items in a baby registry that haven’t been purchased by your baby’s due date.
What that means is, if there are still must-have items that you need to buy yourself, you can save anywhere from 10 to 30% depending on the registry site. Most stores and sites require that you make these purchases within 60 days following your due date, though some allow for longer.
Baby registry essentials
While everyone and their mother is going to want to get you cute outfits to dress your little one in, you’re going to need much more practical items.
Here are the top 10 baby registry essentials to ask for—and yes, we've tested them all.
Breast pump (If planning to breastfeed)
Nursing pillow (Good for nursing, bottle-feeding, and for tummy time)
Baby swing (Be sure to follow these safety measures)
The best baby registry items
After you get the big stuff out of the way, here is a checklist of everything that will make your baby's first year so much easier.
Diapering
Diapers (In various sizes, starting with newborn)
Unscented baby wipes (It's best to wait until one month before using scented products)
Feeding
If you are not breastfeeding, you will only need the first 8 items, though we recommend you also register for a nursing pillow for more comfortable bottle feeding and for tummy time.
10-16 baby bottles and nipples, both 4- and 8- ounce
Nursing pillow (Good for nursing, bottle-feeding, and for tummy time)
Sleeping
To practice safe sleep recommendations, a baby should only sleep with a fitted sheet, a onesie, and a sleep sack until they are a year old. Do not use a pillow, blanket, or sleep bumpers of any kind.
2 to 3 sleep sacks for warm weather and cool weather
Night light (We recommend a cordless one for safety)
Bathing
Baby massage oil or lotion
Soft hooded baby towels and washcloths (Not actually necessary but so adorable)
Clothing
When considering sizes, most full-term babies grow out of newborn-size clothing within a couple of weeks, while others fit in size 0-3 right away.
Keep in mind that it’s a good idea to have at least one transition outfit for when they grow overnight (and they do!), but what’s most important is you have clothing to get you through the 4th trimester when you should be staying home and resting.
Also, when registering for clothing, keep in mind what season your baby is born in a what size you anticipate them to be each season.
10 leggings or elastic-waist pants
10 one-piece pajamas (We prefer double-zipper options for easy diaper changes)
3 sweaters or zip-up hoodies
2-3 rompers or other dress-up outfits
7 or 8 pairs of socks
2 or 3 pairs of booties (Shoes aren't necessary until baby walks, but snap booties stay on the best)
Bunting with mittens (If you have a winter baby)
Living
Rocking chair, glider, or armchair (Preferably with ottoman)
First aid
Playing
Soft or wooden stacking blocks
And stuff for you
We know it's called a "baby shower" but you should be showered with the stuff you need, too. The first three months of your child's life (also known as the 4th trimester) is a turbulent time when your body is healing and you're adjusting to new parenthood. Here are some must-haves to put on your registry.
Postpartum underwear (Make them pretty!)
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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: The best baby registry checklist and must-haves for a new baby
