What to Put on Your Baby Registry: The Essential Checklist
Essential categories, must-haves vs. nice-to-haves, how many items to include, and what you can confidently skip.
Essential categories for your baby registry
Essential items for your baby registry
Most baby registries are built around a few core categories:
- Sleep – bassinet or crib, swaddles, sleep sacks, sound machine, blackout curtains.
- Feeding – bottles, bottle brush, breastfeeding supplies (if applicable), burp cloths, high chair (for later).
- Gear – car seat (infant or convertible), stroller, baby carrier or wrap, diaper bag.
- Diapering – diapers (multiple sizes), wipes, changing pad, diaper pail (optional), diaper cream.
- Clothing – onesies (newborn and 0–3 months), sleepers, socks, hats, mittens.
- Health & wellness – thermometer, nasal aspirator, baby nail clippers, basic first aid items.
- Bathing – baby bathtub, towels, washcloths, gentle baby soap and shampoo.
- Postpartum – recovery essentials for you (pads, comfortable clothing, nursing bras if applicable).
From here, you can decide what fits your home, your routines, and your budget.
Ready to build your registry?
Start adding these essentials to your Poppylist registry in just 60 seconds.
Start your registryMust-haves vs. nice-to-haves
Must-haves (add these first):
- Car seat (required to leave the hospital).
- Safe sleep space (bassinet or crib).
- Diapers and wipes.
- Basic clothing (onesies, sleepers).
- Feeding supplies (bottles or breastfeeding essentials).
- Baby carrier or stroller.
Nice-to-haves (can wait or skip):
- Elaborate nursery decor.
- Specialized gadgets you're not sure you'll use.
- Too many clothes in newborn size (babies grow fast).
- Expensive toys (babies don't need much in the first few months).
Start with what you'll use every day. You can always add “nice-to-haves” later.
How many items should be on your registry?
Most parents add 30–70 items to their registry. Here's a rough breakdown:
- Essentials: 15–25 items (car seat, crib, feeding supplies, etc.).
- Clothing: 10–20 items (mix of sizes, focus on 0–3 and 3–6 months).
- Nice-to-haves: 10–20 items (toys, books, decor).
- Postpartum items: 5–10 items (for you).
It's better to have fewer, high-quality items you'll actually use than a long list of things that will sit untouched.
Including different price points
Include a range of prices so everyone can comfortably participate:
- Budget-friendly ($10–$50): Books, onesies, burp cloths, pacifiers, small toys.
- Mid-range ($50–$150): Baby carrier, high chair, play mat, monitor.
- Higher-end ($150+): Stroller, car seat, crib, convertible furniture.
Many registries support group gifting, so multiple people can contribute toward larger items.
What you can skip (and why)
You don't need every “must-have” on the internet. Here’s what many parents skip or regret buying:
- Too many newborn clothes – babies grow quickly, and you'll likely receive plenty as gifts.
- Very expensive nursery furniture – a simple crib and dresser are usually enough.
- Specialized gadgets – wait to see what you actually need before buying niche products.
- Too many toys – newborns don't need much, and simple items go a long way.
- Extra “systems” you won't use – like multiple diaper disposal systems or bottle warmers if you're not sure you want them.
When in doubt, start minimal. You can always add items later if you find you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to get started?
Create your baby registry in just 60 seconds and start receiving the gifts you actually need.
