A good baby registry isn’t the longest one — it’s the one that covers what you’ll need in the first three months, the bigger-ticket items friends and family love to group-gift, and a few “later” items for six months and beyond. This checklist is organised by when you’ll actually use each thing, with notes on what to skip and how to make your registry work harder for you.
Key takeaways
- Register by stage: “from day one,” “first few months,” and “around six months.”
- Put safety items first: a rear-facing car seat and a safe sleep space.
- Include a range of prices, and add a few group-gift or cash-fund items for big purchases.
- Skip unsafe sleep products and anything you can easily buy later once you know your baby.
- Register for consumables (diapers, wipes) — they’re the gifts you’ll appreciate most at 2 am.
How to build a registry that works
- Start around 20–28 weeks, so it’s ready before showers and gift-giving.
- Think about your life: apartment or house, car or public transport, climate, whether you’ll return to work.
- Mix price points so everyone can find something.
- Use group gifting for the stroller, car seat and crib.
- Check return policies and completion discounts — many retailers offer a discount on items left on your list after the shower.
- Keep it current: add items as you research and remove ones you’ve already bought.
From day one: the must-haves
Travel and safety
- Rear-facing car seat — infant or convertible. You’ll need it to leave the hospital.
- Stroller suitable from birth, or a travel system that pairs with your car seat
- Digital thermometer and a basic baby health kit
Sleep
- Bassinet or crib (or a play yard with a bassinet insert) meeting current safety standards
- Firm, flat crib mattress and 2–3 fitted sheets
- Sleep sacks and swaddles (2–3 of each)
Feeding
- Bottles with slow-flow nipples, bottle brush and drying rack
- Breast pump, milk storage bags and nursing pillow — if breastfeeding
- Burp cloths (6–10) and bibs
Diapering and bath
- Diapers (newborn and size 1) and wipes
- Changing pad with strap, covers, diaper cream
- Infant tub, hooded towels, washcloths, gentle wash
Clothing
- Bodysuits and footed sleepers in 0–3 and 3–6 months (fewer newborn sizes)
First few months: comfort and convenience
- Baby carrier or wrap — hands-free soothing
- Play gym or activity mat for tummy time and early play
- Baby monitor (audio or video) if your baby’s room is out of earshot
- White-noise machine and blackout blinds
- Diaper bag with a changing mat
- Bottle steriliser or sanitising dryer — useful if you’re formula-feeding or pumping a lot
- Board books — it’s never too early to read together
Around six months: the next stage
- High chair with a harness and footrest
- Open or straw cups, soft spoons, suction bowls and a splash mat
- Baby gates, outlet covers and furniture anchors before your baby starts crawling
- Developmental toys: stacking blocks, activity cubes, shape sorters
- Convertible car seat if you started with an infant seat
Not sure what fits each stage? Our newborn essentials checklist has quantities for the first six weeks, and the shop groups picks by sleep, feeding, gear and play.
What to skip
- Unsafe sleep products: crib bumpers, pillows, quilts, inclined sleepers, sleep positioners and weighted sleep sacks. See our safe sleep guide.
- Lots of newborn-size clothing — many babies outgrow it in weeks.
- Wipe warmers, special baby laundry detergent and fancy bedding sets — nice, not needed.
- Shoes for babies who can’t walk — soft socks are better for developing feet.
- Second-hand car seats unless you know their full history.
A quick printable summary
| Category | Day one | Later |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | Car seat, stroller | Carrier, convertible seat |
| Sleep | Bassinet/crib, mattress, sheets, sleep sacks | White noise, blackout blinds, monitor |
| Feeding | Bottles, burp cloths, pump (if nursing) | High chair, cups, bibs, spoons |
| Diapering | Diapers, wipes, cream, changing pad | Diaper bag, larger sizes |
| Bath & health | Tub, towels, thermometer | Toothbrush when teeth appear |
| Play | — | Play gym, books, blocks, activity cube |
Popular registry picks
Frequently asked questions
How many items should be on a baby registry?
There’s no magic number — many registries have between 50 and 120 items when you count multiples like bottles and sheets. Focus on usefulness, not volume.
Is it okay to register for diapers?
Yes, and they’re among the most appreciated gifts. Include a mix of sizes so you don’t end up with too many newborn packs.
Should I register for a crib if I’m starting with a bassinet?
You can — most babies move to a crib between four and six months, or when they outgrow the bassinet’s weight limit or start to roll.
