This post is about baby registry must haves and includes a checklist pdf to download and track your baby registry essentials.
If you are finding this page, I can guarantee you that you are a more prepared person than I was.
I don’t know how, but when I was 8 months pregnant, ready to press “Purchase” for all the remaining baby registry essentials on the Target baby registry, I kept feeling like I was missing something.
After 5 minutes of going through a mental list of things babies need, this whole time, I forgot babies needed socks as well!
This was such a small item, but really important because my daughter was due in the middle of the winter in the East coast!
I sat there for another 5 minutes trying to think what else I was missing, wondering what other baby registry essentials I had forgotten to add.
Somehow, it never occurred to me to look for and download a baby registry must haves checklist, or a ready for baby checklist.
Never once crossed my mind.
For that reason, if you’ve found this post, I can assure you, you are taking a step in the right direction to have everything you need to prepare for your newborn baby.
READ MORE: Nursery Storage Cart Essentials
Ready for Baby Checklist
The must haves for baby registry or knowing what to put on a baby registry can certainly feel overwhelming.
In this article, I have separated baby essentials into different categories. The baby registry essentials and must haves are what I consider to be necessary, without extra fluff.
I was personally very conservative with what I purchased for my daughter because I knew many things would be outgrown in just a couple of months.
I know it can be exciting purchasing so much cute clothes, but do be realistic with just how many outfits they’ll be able to wear, when they constantly outgrow them.
Why Should You Have a Baby Registry
A baby registry allows you to communicate your preferences and needs to your friends and family who may want to celebrate the arrival of your baby by giving gifts. By creating a registry, you can ensure that you receive items that are useful and necessary for your baby’s care and well-being.
Furthermore, a baby registry helps to avoid duplicate gifts. By listing the items you need, you can prevent receiving multiple versions of the same item, saving you time and effort in returning or exchanging them.
Additionally, a baby registry can help you stay organized. It allows you to keep track of the items you still need to acquire and those that have already been purchased or gifted. This can be especially helpful when preparing for the arrival of your baby and ensuring that you have all the essentials.
Having a baby registry can also make it easier for your loved ones to choose a gift that aligns with your preferences and style. It provides them with guidance and ensures that their gift will be appreciated and useful to you and your baby.
Baby Registry Must Haves Checklist
Baby Registry Must Haves: Nursery
- Sound machine
- Night light
- Baby hangers
- Laundry basket
- Dresser
- Blackout curtains
- Baby monitor
- Rocking chair
READ MORE: Nursery Storage Cart Essentials
Baby Registry Must Haves: Crib Bedding
- Crib
- Crib mattress
- Waterproof crib sheets
- Fitted crib sheets
- Swaddles
- Baby blankets
- Sleep sacks
Baby Registry Must Haves: Newborn Clothes and Accessories
Baby Registry Must Haves: Diapering
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Butt rash cream
- Diaper pail/trash can for diapers
- Diaper bag
READ MORE: Everything You Need to Know About Cloth Diapering a Newborn and Best Homemade Baby Wipes Recipe
Baby Registry Must Haves: Bath Time
- Baby bathtub
- Baby body wash
- Washcloths
- Moisturizer
- Hairbrush
- Bath towel
Baby Registry Must Haves: Breastfeeding Essentials
- Nursing pillow
- Electric breast pump
- Manual breast pump
- Extra pump parts
- Nursing pads
- Nipple Butter
- Breastmilk bags
- Nursing bras/tank tops
READ MORE: Best Portable Breast Pumps
Baby Registry Must Haves: Feeding Essentials
- Burp cloths
- Baby bottles
- Bottle brush
- Pacifiers
- Silicone/Bamboo baby plates
- Baby utensils
- Baby open cup
- Straw cup/sippy cup
- Bibs
- High chair
Baby Registry Must Haves: Play Time
- Tummy time mirror
- High contrast toys/books
- Rattles
- Board books
READ MORE: What are Toddler Play Schemas and Why Do They Matter?
Baby Registry Must Haves: Baby Gear and Accessories
- Infant car seat
- Car seat mirror
- Stroller
- Activity gym
- Play mat
- At least one: baby bouncer or swing
- Baby carrier/wrap
Baby Registry Must Haves: Baby Health
- Nail clippers
- Thermometer
- Infant tylenol
- Teething toys
- Humidifier
- Nasal aspirator
- Gripe water
- Vitamin D drops, if exclusively breastfeeding
Baby Registry Must Haves: For Fun
- Milestone blanket
- Bath toys
- Diaper caddy
- Playpen
READ MORE: 10 Montessori Furniture Pieces to Foster Independence
Baby Registry Must Haves Checklist PDF Version 1
Baby Registry Must Haves Checklist PDF Version 2
By using this ready for baby checklist, you can rest assure in knowing that you are fully prepared for when baby comes home.
As a tip, when using this checklist, you can fill it out and send it to your loved ones if they are asking you what you’re missing for the baby still.
Also, if you choose to print the baby registry must haves checklist, you can also write in how many items you have of each. By using this checklist to keep track of inventory, specially after your baby shower, you can see if you have any repeats, and if you do, you can go exchange the item for something else that you are missing from the list.
I hope you have a safe pregnancy and found this checklist useful.
After completing your checklist, I recommend building a nursery storage cart. You can read this post, Nursery Storage Cart Essentials, on how to make one to help you during your postpartum period
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