Baby Registry Must-Haves: 2023
When I started my baby registry for my now 8 month old, so much had changed from when I was pregnant with my first baby 4 years ago. I constantly asked myself is it safe? Trendy? Educational? Necessary? I still felt sooo out of my league.
Babies need so much it’s not even funny BUT since I’m such an organized maniac, categorizing exactly what I needed room by room cut my worries in half and saved me soo much time.
Do not stress if you think you’re forgetting something because we’re now 8 months in for the second time over here & I am actively trying to catch up to my daughters’ needs with things I forgot to add to my baby registry- like a freaking high chair!!
So, if you’re looking for some or all must haves for your baby registry, continue reading for my categorized and jam-packed list.
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My goal for this post is for you to get everything you need in one location; avoiding having to jump between different posts and sites. In this post you’ll also find “optional” items.
“Optional” items are the items that after 2 kids I’ve found to not be necessary but we have enjoyed or have been convenient in our house.
All items in this post are all things you’d currently find in my house, or are similar to. I would not recommend anything I felt was a waste of money or space in my home.
Side note: gender neutral, ivory, creams and whites have all taken over my palette so luckily for you, these items work whether you’re having a boy or a girl.
So finally…
My Baby Registry Must Haves of 2023:
Diaper changing
- Diapers ( newborn & size 1 ) ( add 2 different brands to see which best fits your baby )
- Sensitive wipes (these are my favorite)
- Diaper bag | (a more fashionable option)
- Diaper rash cream
- Wipe warmer ( I made the mistake of not adding this and ended up ordering it once I got home from the hospital )
“Optional”
Nursery
- Crib
- Crib mattress
- Cotton crib sheets
- Monitor
- Hatch sound machine or this Momcozy sound machine
- Hamper
- Dresser
- Diaper changing pad ( I find changing tables are a waste but a changing pad on top of a dresser does the trick )
- Washable changing mattress liners
- Decor
Bathing
- Baby bath seat ( this time around I got this seat instead of a baby bath and I LOVE it )
- Sensitive soap
- Baby shampoo
- Soft towels ( 2 towels )
- Muslin wash cloths
- Cradle cap scalp brush
- Hypoallergenic lotion
- Baby shower head ( soo convenient when washing their hair )
Sleeping
- Bassinet
- Bassinet sheets
- Muslin swaddle blankets ( these are soo much softer and stretchier than the hospital ones )
- Humidifier
“Optional”
- Velcro swaddles ( not necessary but convenient during 3AM diaper changes )
- Sleepsack ( love these and they last sooo long! )
Breastfeeding
- Breast pump ( this is what I currently use and I love it | I also enjoyed this pump with my first )
- Reusable pads
- Therapy packs
- Nipple balm
- Nursing bras
- Nursing tank tops
- Milk storage bags
- Boppy
“Optional”
- Haakaa ( collects the extra milk during let down and helps unclog milk ducts )
- Lactation massager ( helps unclog milk ducts )
- Nursing cover ( I hate these, I just whip ‘em out but I know some may prefer it )
Feeding
- Formula
- Bottles ( 2 different brands, 1 anti-colic ) ( the lansinoh bottles are the only ones my breastfed baby takes )
- Muslin burp cloths
- Silicone bibs
- Muslin bibs
- High chair
“Optional”
Cleaning
- Bottle cleaning brush
- Bottle drying rack
- Pacifier wipes
- Laundry detergent ( “baby” detergent is NOT necessary and I actually like this detergent best for their sensitive skin )
“Optional”
- Bottle sterilizer ( a pot of water on the stove works well too )
Essentials
- Nasal saline spray
- Nasal aspirator or this FridaBaby nasal aspirator
- Nail trimming kit
- Baby care kit
- First aid kit
- Aquaphor ( dry patches, diaper rash, scratches)
Soothing
- Pacifiers ( 2 different brands | 0-6 months )
- Silicone teethers ( I wasn’t expecting my baby to teethe so soon so I didn’t think to add them to my registry )
- Baby swing or bouncer ( some babies love them and some hate them )
“Optional”
- Pacifier clips ( not necessary but keeps the pacifiers close since those things go flying )
Travel
- Car seat & stroller ( I still had this set from my first baby and I love it so I stuck with it! )
- Car mirror or camera ( I favor the camera over the mirror )
- Car seat cover
- Baby carrier or sling wrap ( with my first I used a carrier but with my second I chose the wrap and wish I knew about it sooner )
“Optional”
- Car seat hanging toys ( obv not a necessity but it keeps my baby happy while on the road )
Clothing
- Short sleeve onesies ( Multiple sets in 0-3 mos & 3-6 mos)
- Long sleeve onesies ( Multiple sets in 0-3 mos & 3-6 mos)
- Hats
- Socks
- Mittens
- Bottom zip footies (0-3 mos & 3-6 mos)
Interactive / Play
- Play mat ( this is great for tummy time and helps free up your hands from time to time )
- Tummy time mirror ( babies LOVE looking at themselves )
- Contrast books ( Black and white images are great for early development and training their fresh eyes )
There you have it, my categorized list of all your must haves for your baby registry.
If there are things you’re interested in adding to your registry but did not see them here, go for it! I’m not an expert and parenthood is not a one size fits all.
If you are wondering if certain items are worth it and if you’ll get your moneys worth, go ahead and leave a comment or feel free to email me. I’d love to chat!
I wish you a safe & healthy delivery!