Oh the power of that little scan gun when it comes to filling your baby registry! You walk into your favorite baby store, after a few minutes they hand you an electronic scanning gun, and you get to go crazy… and if it is your first child, that is what you will do! How do I know? Because that is exactly what I did!
We selected two, or three, of everything. One version that we really wanted, another version that we kinda liked, and a third that we knew was affordable for family feeling crunched. We thought we were being thoughtful – our family and friends thought they were going to lose their minds! They didn’t know what to buy because we provided them with too many options.
Five pregnancies later, I think I have this baby registry thing down to the best baby registry ideas and what to skip over completely; because you know that list you are given… is bologna! Please read it and deviate from it often.
The following is a list of some of my favorite baby products to add to your baby registry. There are a handful on this list that are non negotiable – you need it, please be sure to add it to you list! I have marked them with a “*” for you and provided my explanation under the product description.
Baby Registry Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves!
This post contains affiliate links. We recommend only what we love and we absolutely love the following.
Sweet Potato Crib Bedding Set
Includes quilt fitted sheet and crib skirt orange and grey orbs in ikat pattern grey and white velvet alligator embossed orange. Fitted sheet elasticized all around; Crib skirt has 17″ drop. Machine wash separate, delicate cycle, cold water, tumble dry low/line dry.
Sweet Potato Changing Pad Cover
(coordinating to above set)
100% cotton yellow dot fabric makes a stylish and bright cover for baby’s changing pad. The cover is fully elasticized for a secure fit that won’t slip. Coordinating Changing Pad Cover to Swizzle Bedding Set.
Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad
The Contoured Changing Pad is designed to offer baby ultimate comfort and offer parents easy cleaning. This pad measures 32″ x 16″ x 4″ and fits almost any change table or dresser. Its high walls help prevent baby from rolling too far in either direction. A safety belt attaches over baby’s mid-section and a security strap keeps the pad attached to the furniture. The top vinyl is PEVA and phthalate/PVC free, and double layered for maximum durability.
*aden + anais Organic Cotton Muslin Sleeping Bag
*aden + anais Classic Muslin Swaddle Blanket 4 Pack
Pack of four 100% cotton muslin swaddling blankets. aden and anais wraps are the ultimate in breathability and softness. The fabric’s light, open weave allows a baby’s body temperature to regulate itself naturally in order to prevent overheating, so that a swaddled baby stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It is gentle on baby’s skin and durable for everyday use, as the more you wash it, the softer it gets. aden and anais wraps are a generous size, measuring 47″ x 47″, so that new and seasoned moms alike can swaddle babies of all sizes with ease. In addition to the common use as a swaddling wrap, aden and anais wraps are versatile, useful as burp cloths, nursing shields, stroller covers to protect from sun, cold, wind or insects, portable crib sheets, stroller and car seat liners, tummy time blankets, change table covers, and more.
*Aden+Anais Swaddle blankets are light and easy to use. I have several in my blanket collection and they are my favorites.
Rockin’ Green Laundry Detergent
Classic Rock: This is the sound that started it all. Our classic formula is great for cloth diapers and regular clothes. So use it on everything! This formula is designed for those with middle of the road water, not too soft and not too hard. When in doubt start with classic rock! Available in several yummy fragrances and unscented!
*Playtex BPA Free VentAire Wide Bottle Newborn Starter
The Playtex VentAire Advanced Wide Bottle Newborn Gift Set includes an innovative bottle design with a unique venting system that reduces gas, colic, and spit-ups. The VentAire bottle system uses Natural Shape wide nipples that promote latch-on and are designed to closely mimic breastfeeding. Plus, the angled bottle promotes a semi-upright feeding position for the baby that helps prevent ear infections. The gift set includes five wide bottles, extra nipples (slow and fast flow), extra bottle caps, and extra vent disks.
*If you plan to bottle feed, I highly recommend the VentAire collection. They dramatically reduce gas and are beyond easy to clean! Check our review for the Playtex Variety Pack.
*WubbaNub Elephant
Distributed in hospitals, NICU and well-baby units nationwide.. Made wth a Soothie™ medical grade, latex free pacifier. BPA, PVC and Phthalate Free. The durable one-piece construction means no germs hiding between cracks so the pacifier stays cleaner. WubbaNub™ functions as one! Patented design prevents pacifier from being lost, dropped or even forgotten! Carefully calculated weight and size of plush animal keeps the WubbaNub™ near baby’s mouth, whether lying on side or back, the car seat, sling or stroller. Plush animal makes it easy for baby to grasp and manipulate the pacifier. Easy to clean: place in washing machine with baby’s laundry, gentle cycle in mesh laundry bag. Allow to air dry.
*Even if you aren’t a pacifier person, you will want a few WubbaNubs. None of my children were pacifier babies but loved their WubbaNubs.
Philips AVENT Washable Nursing Pads
Planet Wise Nursing Cover
This simple and discreet, yet stylish nursing cover helps mama feel at ease breast feeding in any environment. Rigid neckline allows easy baby viewing while the extended fabric sides give additional privacy. Easily adjusted neck straps taking it on and off is a breeze. Side pocket to keep items handy. Small, matching, zippered storage bag included.
Boppy Boppy Signature Style Slipcover
Signature Style, two-sided slipcover designed to fit any Boppy Infant Feeding and Support Pillow (sold separately). The fashionable two-sided design features a luxuriously soft minky fabric with coordinating piping. This ultra luxe slipcover keeps the Boppy pillow fresh. Zips on and off easily for machine washing. Moms have voted the Boppy Pillow America’s favorite; make sure yours is always fresh and clean by having a few slipcovers on hand.
Safety 1st Hospital’s Choice 25-Piece Deluxe Healthcare & Grooming Kit
Includes: digital thermometer with case, brush & comb set, cradle cap comb, nasal aspirator, bottle medicine dispenser, toothbrush, nail clippers, 5 probe covers, 5 emery boards, 5 alcohol wipes, emergency contact card, & travel case.
Noodle & Boo Essential Care Kit
JJ Cole Satchel Diaper Bag
The Honest Company Diapers
The Honest Company Wipes
From sensitive, wet bottoms and messy fingers, to sticky countertops and gunked-up toys, this wipe is ultra-versatile and can do it all. The Honest Company’s wipes are hypoallergenic, chlorine-free, sustainable, and made from plant-based materials ensuring your baby is safe and not exposed to any harsh or synthetic chemicals. Started by Golden Globe-nominated actress, Jessica Alba, and the former CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World, Christopher Gavigan, The Honest Company provides safe, eco-friendly, beautiful, convenient, and affordable products for your children.
*Swaddlebees Newborn Simplex All In One Diaper
*Don’t knock cloth diapers until you give them a try! These are not your grandma’s cloth diapers! If nothing else, buy six and keep them as a backup.
Boba Baby Carrier
The award-winning Boba 3g soft-structured carrier is designed to adapt, so you can better enjoy the adventure. From infancy through toddlerhood, the Boba 3g carrier moves with you and your baby. Packed with thoughtful features, like multiple adjustments for a perfect fit, front and back carry options, convenient pockets for on-the-the go storage, infant conversion with extra head support, and removable sleeping hood and foot straps. Wherever you go, Boba grows with you. Tweet is the original Boba carrier print and, product of our 2010 spoonflower design contest. Winner dennis bennet’s nature-themed design has been a customer favorite.
Chicco Neuvo Travel System – Techna
Stroll BIG. Travel LIGHT. The Neuvo™ Travel System from Chicco® includes the #1 rated KeyFit® 30 Infant Car Seat. Stay safer longer with the KeyFit® 30 infant car seat accommodating infants from 4 to 30 lbs.
Stroller features multiple-position, reclining seat with 5-pt harness | Lightweight, yet sturdy aluminum frame, with convenient compact fold | Stroller features parent and child cup holders, large storage basket, and adjustable canopy with peek-a-boo window | The all-wheel suspension with front locking swivels provide an extra-smooth ride | Includes the #1-rated KeyFit® Infant Car Seat & Base | Carrier shell is lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam | Vehicle base features spring-loaded adjustment foot with easy-to-read bubble level guides on both sides of base and centrally located, one-pull LATCH tightening for easy and secure installation | Conforms to FMVSS 213. Usage: from 4-30lbs., newborn insert from 4-11lbs.
Chicco Lullaby Lx Playard – Graphica
These are some very cool baby must haves. I always love bright and vibrant colors and patterns but I never realized how well that gray and yellow compliment each other. The chevron pattern is great in those colors.
I have a ton of baby showers coming up in the next few months. thanks for sharing these great gifts b/c as someone with out children I find it hard to buy practical gifts for babies
Wow this is such a great list! I love the nursing cover, what a great idea! I also love the diaper bag, it is absolutely beautiful… I have never seen such a pretty diaper bag! Thanks so much for putting this list together!
Listen,five pregnancies is enough for me to sit up straight and listen to your recommendations. I know by my second pregnancy I knew all the stuff that I biut the first time that turned out to be a complete waste. Many of the things you shared is what I would add to a list.
I have always loved the yellow and grey combination. It’s been a popular one for many, many years. As for chevrons, I think they are a little played out now. I see a lot of companies are just now jumping on the bandwagon ; which I guess, if you really like them, then you’re happy. Baby registry is not something I have had the privilege in dealing with personally since I cannot have children, but I am always thankful when friends and family create one so I know just what to get them.
This is a great list of baby registry gifts. The Planet Wise Nursing Cover is adorable. I love the chevron print. It would definitely make nursing for a new mother more comfortable in public situations. That JJ Cole Satchel Diaper Bag is so cute. It doesn’t look like a diaper bag at all. Great selection for the Mom- To- Be… Thanks for sharing!
What an amazing list of for a baby registry items. It can be so overwhelming when you go to a baby department for the first time as a new parent. It is crazy how many things are now a days.
Great list! So many ideas on there for our upcoming friends baby shower. That Chicco Lullaby LX Playard looks pretty sweet, do you know about how much those run? Thanks again for sharing these tips…
I love that yellow and grey very beautiful. I pay no attention to registries for babies I am the one person who always buys diapers…I don’t care what you have on the list I still buy diapers I am very anti baby list lol
My son LOVED the wubbanub so I recommend that one for sure. The swaddling blankets are VERY important too. I loved using a backpack for a diaper bag though since it was easier to carry. I used a Diaper Genie too which is a must.
All of the yellow & grey is stunning and I LOVE the WubbaNub elephant, I know I’ll definitely be getting one of those for my next friend who is expecting! Thanks for this awesome list!
Yes, a nursing cover makes breastfeeding in public or even with company so much easier and more relaxed.
We got the stroller with a fitting car seat. It was a wise baby purchase. We still use our stroller long after our little guy has oitgrown the car seat.
The products featured here are a must have any precious bundle of joy that is coming into the world. I do no plan on having a child anytime soon, but I love that the play yard is mobile. This allows a mom to take care of the house without worrying about what her child is doing in another room.
I have heard those muslin swaddle blankets are really popular now. They come in really nice patterns and feel SO soft too. My neighbour has a 14wk old baby, and I actually bought some of those her for when she had the baby shower.
And OMGGG those wubbanub things are SO cute.
YES! So happy to see the Boba on there. I’ve never been more happy with a carrier than I am my bobas. I absolutely love them, and think they are a great choice for any parents! I also have so many Aden+Anais blankets. I need to dig out of storage. I love them too they are all we used for the first few months of my last babies life!
This is such a great list of baby essentials. I can’t believe who many new products are always coming out for new moms and for the babies as well. It can be hard to know what you do for sure need.
I absolutely love the products you are featuring here. My sister is going to have a gray and yellow nursery so I will definitely be forwarding your picks on to her. Oh, and the lightweight sleep sacks were a life saver for my boys–such a great choice!
When I was younger, we never had baby registries, nor did we have all the baby essentials that you can buy today. Things are so much easier for new mothers today than they were years ago.
I just had a baby two months ago and yes most of this was on my registry or I purchased on my own. I also had some things from my now toddler. Never heard of the green detergent. Can’t say I like the packaging because it doesn’t read baby to me but I will check it out. I have not tried the honest company diapers yet but I hear they are great so I want to try them too.
Helpful list. A baby sleeping bag is definitely a must have in our house. Sweet pea sleeps in one by babydeedee.com and she would point to her sleepbag once she’s ready for bed. It’s a part of her bedtime routine. Such a simple product but so much comfier than a blanket.
This is a great list! I bookmarked it for the future.
The honest company diapers! I love that they are on this list, They are awesome diapers but not many people know about them!
I have a Boba carrier and I love it. It’s my favorite carrier by far. great list.
Yes, you have all the essentials! Great list.
I love those wrap sleepers. Those were absolutely invaluable when I had a little one. You’ve got great suggestions on here!
you put together a great list!
Awesome list for a registry! I have a few of those items, and love them!