I remember being overwhelmed as a first-time mom to fill up my baby registry. I had no clue what to register for other than diapers and wipes. That’s all a baby needs right? 

But with a lot of research and after having my baby I have a better understanding of what products are actually used. Therefore I created this baby registry checklist for you in mind to give you a stress-free experience and enjoy every moment of your pregnancy journey as a first-time mom. 

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will receive a commission if you click on the link at no cost to you.

BABY GEAR AND TRAVEL

Car seat

A car seat is essential to your baby’s safety which caused me to research high and low for the best one.  I bought the Nuna Pipa infant car seat. It looks so sleek, stylish, and lightweight. The car seat comes with an attached canopy and a mesh screen to view your baby from above without opening it.  The recommended weight use is 4 to 32 lbs.

I loved it, however, my son did not. He would constantly try to sit up to view his surrounding area and led me to Graco 4ever all in one convertible car seat at just 3 months old.

The Graco has 6 position recline, forward-facing, rear-facing, high back booster, and backless booster. The recommended weight use is 4 to 120 lbs! This car seat will definitely adapt to your growing child and my little one loved it.

Diaper bag

There are so many diaper bags out there but in my opinion, a diaper backpack is the most convenient style to use.  The Ryla diaper bag backpack is stylishly sleek with gold zippers and comes in a variety of colors. It isn’t bulky or too big but holds everything you need.

The vegan leather and nylon material that it is made out of is easy to clean. It also includes a changing pad and wet bag.  The company was even thoughtful of labeling what you could potentially put in the pockets with cute note cards when you unpackage it.

Baby Carrier

The baby carrier that I bought was the Lillebaby Complete Airflow baby and child carrier.  This carrier is made out of a 3D mesh in which air easily flows through (this feature was really important for me because I live in Texas and my baby easily sweats).  Has multiple carrying positions which are inward and outward-facing, hip and back position.

It holds a baby as small as an infant of 7 pounds to a 45-pound child. It has a back support pad which I enjoy so much.  There is a zipper pocket to place a phone, keys, small wallet, etc. You can throw it in the washer and will be good as new. Using a baby is an essential item because you are able to multitask while having two free hands.

Stroller

A stroller is another must-have product baby product.  It gives you the ease of transporting your baby from the car to the grocery store or doctor’s office. The stroller that I chose was the Uppababy Cruz. 

It is pricey but worth it in my opinion. The stroller is lightweight and easy to close down and attach an infant car seat like the Nuna pipa with adapters.It has an amazingly big compartment to hold things in. 

Another stroller that I purchased was the Bumbleride Indie All Terrain stroller. This stroller I primarily use it for outdoor activities like walking around the neighborhood or going to the zoo. The wheels that it has make it a smooth ride and can go through grass and sand with a breeze hence the all-terrain part. 

Car mirror

A car mirror seems pointless but trust me this is a must.  You are going to constantly want to see what your baby is doing.  It definitely helped me feel better to see my baby’s peaceful face while I was driving in crazy traffic.  

BABY NURSING AND FEEDING

Bottles

Comotomo bottles are unique and an excellent choice to use.  They are made to resemble a woman’s breast and helps the baby with nipple confusion. The material the bottle is made out of is silicone which means it is easy to clean. 

Even if you are considering to exclusively breastfeed, I would still recommend for you to register for bottles. Breastfeeding is tough, especially in the beginning and you might have to supplement your baby in the meantime.

Bottle Warmer

A bottle warmer is a great tool to use to heat up milk for your little one. The Munchkin Digital Bottle Warmer can fit any size bottle and did the job.

Breast pump machine

Medela pump in style double electric breast pump with on the go tote has all you need.  It is easy to use once you familiarize yourself with all the parts and the sanitation process. This pump was a lifesaver for me to increase my milk production and for those engorging days. For a moms breastfeeding essentials checklist click HERE.

Nursing pillow

The Boppy original nursing pillow is what I preferred to use.  It made breastfeeding a little easier. You can also use the pillow in different ways such as tummy time and sitting baby up.  They even make different cover patterns that are so adorable.  

Nursing cover

Kid’s and such have a fantastic nursing cover.  It has a rigid neckline for you to view your baby and a sewn-in burp cloth.  The material is made out of 100% breathable cotton. This cover is great for outdoor outing and baby needs to eat.

High chair

I honestly did not use a high chair but I did use a Bumbo floor seat and Bumbo multi-seat.  I would sit my baby on the Bumbo floor seat on the kitchen counter while I cooked and when it was time to eat I would move the seat on top of the table and feed him there.

Once my baby got older I switched him to a multi-seat in which I was able to secure the seat safely on a chair with the straps it comes with.  This worked well for us but if I would purchase a chair it would be the Nuna ZAAZ.

This chair has a high ticket price but I think it’s worth the investment because it transitions into a chair as your child grows. An alternative that a lot of parents love and it’s economically priced is the Ikea Antilop high chair.

Bibs

Bibs oh bibs there are so many and really cute.  What you should look for in a bib is if they have to have some type of plastic lining.  If not your baby is going to be soaking wet with all the yummy food you feed them. The Bumkins Starter bibs have the plastic lining with really cute designs.

Pacifiers

Who knew there were so many different pacifiers?  The size and nipple are different for each pacifier.  They are not one size fits all and it is going to be a trial and error to figure out which one works well for your baby.  However, in the end, my baby did not use any pacifiers so that was the end of our journey.

BABY DIAPERING

Wipes

Wipes are obviously something you need. From cleaning stinky bums to wiping chocolate of my baby’s face I chose to use Water Wipes.  The quality of the wipes is amazing. The texture of the wipe isn’t rough and doesn’t easily tear.

They are not scented and do not contain any alcohol.  Also, they are recommended by the National Eczema Association. You can find these almost anywhere from your local grocery store to the big retail stores.  

Diaper Rash Cream

The Honest Company all-purpose balm and Aquaphor healing ointment are the best products.  Both items are very versatile because you can apply them anywhere and they worked wonders for my baby’s bum.    

Diapers

I chose to use disposable diapers from Seventh Generation.  These diapers are flexible and have large stretchable tabs that hold my baby’s bum in place.  No fragrance, lotions, and chlorine bleaching are found in these diapers. The size Newborn to size 2 features a quilted liner made with unbleached cotton to be gentle on my baby’s skin. 

In 2019 however, Hello Bello diapers have found our way into our lives and we switched over. These are similar to the Seventh Generation but cheaper. Love the prints they offer and the quality is up to par.  Don’t be afraid to stockpile diapers of different sizes because you are able to exchange them for a bigger size if need it.

BABY BATH PRODUCTS

Baby Wash 

I loved using anything Mustela on my baby.  The scent is like no other which will make all the mom’s ask what product you are using.  The Mustela brand has different lines so you can find anything that you need. I started with the Gentle Cleansing Gel for Normal skin then moved to the eczema-prone skin line because my baby developed eczema. 

They even have a Newborn arrival gift set so you can try it.  This set comes with all you need but if you want to try something else here are some other honorable mentions Dove baby tip to toe wash and Aveeno baby gentle wash.  

Baby hairbrush

The Scalp Scrubbie is soft and gentle for my baby’s scalp. The brush is latex-free and sterile. It has an attached sponge to scrub your baby but I mainly used the brush. The package comes with 3 brushes and they come individually wrapped and sanitized.  They are economically priced so you can throw it away.

Baby bathtub

Fisher Price 4-in-1 bathtub grows with your baby from newborn to infant to toddler.  The first stage is the soft infant sling which holds your newborn in place as you bathe them.  The second stage is the infant baby stopper which prevents your baby from slipping and sliding. 

The third stage is when your baby is able to sit up but with support. The final stage is the spacious tub to play in. The tub has a hook attached to it which is so convenient to store on the shower door and dry.  Also, it includes a squeeze bottle and whale scoop to rinse and play. This tub will last you a while.

Baby Washcloths

A great quality washcloth is the Burt’s bees washcloths.  I love using any of their products. 

Baby Hooded towels

This towel is another great product for your growing baby it’s called the Premium extra soft hooded baby bath towel from Ha & Da.  The towel is soft, thick, and absorbent. The size of the towel is 40 x 28 which is big enough for my now toddler. It also has some straps that can be tied around your neck but I didn’t use it.  The ears on the hood are super adorable.

BABY SLEEP PRODUCTS

Crib

The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit is an awesome modern crib.  However, the crib was only used for his day naps because we ultimately decided to cosleep instead.

Crib Mattress

The Newton baby crib mattress is incredible because it is the first mattress in which you can breathe through and is 100% washable.  Yes, you read that right and I definitely tried it out once I received it. I have never seen anything like this mattress before.

It is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation and CO2 breathing.  This amazing feature also prevents your baby from overheating. You can use it from infant to toddler. The price tag is in the higher end but I don’t regret buying this mattress because it gave me peace of mind at night. 

Bassinet

A bassinet is helpful to put the baby in while you cook, clean, go to the restroom, or sleep.  I used the DockATot Deluxe for our son. This lounger worked perfectly for me because I was able to move him around our house and he would comfortably sleep in it.  The DockATot has rounded sides which allowed us to cosleep. Click the link to get $10 off all Dockatot products HERE.

It is designed to mimic the womb in which snugs the baby in place. As your baby grows you can unclasp the bottom so their feet can move freely.  It is recommended for babies 0-8 months and they also make a larger one named the DockATot Grand for ages 9-36 months.  These items are in the higher end but a great alternative is the Boppy Original Newborn Lounger.

Video monitor

Honestly, I wasn’t sure I was going to need a video monitor, but once my baby started moving around I was curious to know what he was up to when he woke up from his midday naps.  I did not invest too much money on the Yi Dome Camera and did not have any problems using it.

The camera does not come with a monitor but instead, an app is provided in which you can download from your cell phone. The picture quality isn’t great and it does lag, but I got what I paid for which was fine with me.

However, for the next go around I would love to try the Nanit Plus camera. I’ve seen so many great reviews for it that I’m curious to see what it’s all about.   

White Noise machine

This is another product that I wasn’t sure if I was going to use. But I learned that this is an essential item because it helps your baby sleep peacefully by masking the background noise. An added bonus, my husband and I got a better night’s sleep as well.

However, what I actually used was my old iPod with a white noise playlist and a UE Bluetooth speaker.  But if I didn’t have that I would definitely invest in a sleep machine of some sort like the Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine which has a night light.

Blankets

A baby needs blankets to be swaddled but it takes time to assemble and get it right. Hower Swaddle me Original and Swaddle me Pod is great alternative products to use. I was skeptical at first because I can just use any blanket, but found out these products do a better job of keeping baby’s hands and feet in place while they sleep.  The reason you want to d that is that babies get startled so easily and end up waking up.

The Swaddle me Pod uses a zipper to close which is quiet and convenient and the Swaddle me Original uses velcro to close and keeps baby snugged in place.  I personally loved both products.

Another product that you can use is Aden and Anais blankets.  These blankets are soft and breathable which makes them very versatile to use for tummy time, a stroller cover, a burp cloth, changing table cover, a nursing cover, or to swaddle. 

Night light

Nursery night lights are another essential for those long nights.  I used a Himalayan Crystal salt lamp and worked great for us. Here are some other alternatives the Hatch Baby Rest sound machine and VAVA Night lights. 

BABY CLOTHING

Zipper Onesies

I love the Burt’s Bees Zipper pajamas.  They are made out of 100% cotton which makes them stretchy and breathable for my baby’s comfort.  A snap tab and zipper guard is at the top so the zipper won’t poke your baby.

Convertible cuffs keep in their little bitty hands and prevent them from scratching themselves. As well as closed footed with grips so you won’t have to use socks. I absolutely loved them and used them even now as a toddler.  Did I mention they have some of the cutest prints?  Click the link HERE to get $15 off your first order of $75 or more!

Basic onesies

I used basic onesies when I ran out of clean Burt’s bees zipper pajamas or underneath clothing.  The Gerber white baby onesies did just that.

Mittens

Mittens are great to prevent baby from scratching their face.  

Socks

Socks for babies are so tiny and adorable, therefore be prepared to lose some so buy extra. These socks specifically worked very well with my son’s chubby feet.

Baby hats

Hats keep your baby’s head nice and warm buy a few.

BABY HEALTH AND SAFETY

Infant Tylenol and Infant Motrin

These two products are great to have on hand.  You never know when you are going to have to use them. So, make sure to check the expiration date and that it says, INFANT.  Your pediatrician should give you some sort of chart to follow to give your baby the appropriate dosage. 

Neosporin

Neosporin is another product that you want to keep on hand for any situation.  Hopefully, you won’t have to use it, but when your baby starts moving around on their own anything can happen. 

Thermometer

This digital thermometer is easy to use and trust me as your baby grows to toddlerhood a digital thermometer is the way to go.  Toddler’s do not like staying still and especially if they are sick.

This thermometer changes to three different colors which are green that means your temperature is normal, orange if it is slightly high and red if the temperature is too high. There is a sound that goes off as well when it is high.  Make sure you have batteries on hand for them too.

Chest Rub

Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Soothing Chest Rub with Eucalyptus, Lavender & Beeswax is great for sensitive skin and does not include petroleum, dyes, artificial fragrances, or menthol.  

Saline spray

Little remedies saline spray/drops is my favorite saline (I use saline sprays a lot my little one has seasonal allergies).  If you hold the bottle upwards it sprays and if you hold it upside down it dispenses drops.  Love the functionality of the bottle.  

Nasal aspirator

The Nosefrida is what I use for my baby.  It works well you are able to get the snot out.  It comes with filters and it is dishwasher safe to sterilize it.

Humidifier

A humidifier is an amazing product to use when your baby is sick.  The humidity helps loosen phlegm and makes baby breathe easier. I did buy the cute animal Crane humidifier however it wasn’t my favorite. The container eventually broke and had to switch to something else like the Vicks Filter Free Cool Mist Humidifier.  

Baby toothbrush

Teaching our baby’s good oral hygiene at a young age is key to great dental health.  Therefore add these Baby Finger toothbrush by BabyBaus to your registry to kick start your baby’s healthy habits. 

Nail clippers and emery boards

Baby nail clippers are small and interesting to use, therefore you have to try them out yourself to find out which one you like best. Nail Frida The Snipper Clipper and Safety first Sleepy Baby Nail Clipper are the two I used.

Detergent

Dreft stage 1 is the detergent I used for my baby and it worked great for us.  This isn’t the only detergent so you can find one that suits your baby.

BABY TOYS AND LEARNING

Baby Activity mat

The activity mat that my son played with was the Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick and Play Piano Gym.  It was easy to assemble and required just 4 AA batteries. You can place your baby laying flat or use it for tummy time. 

It comes with four detachable toys, a detachable mirror, and piano. The piano I think was our favorite part. Once my baby would kick it and the music would start my son’s reaction was priceless. 

Baby Light-up toy

A toy that has lights and moves will become the ultimate toy.  Your baby will be so mesmerized and amazed by the toy that you will be able to get stuff done.  My son loved the Fisher-Price Bright Beats Dance & Move BeatBo and came in handy when I needed to finish cooking.

Baby Teething toy

I bought different toys for my baby to use while teething. These were the top three that we used and kept on hand. Bright Starts 24-Count Lots of Links can be attached anywhere like your diaper bag or stroller. They have a different texture that is great for sensory play. 

Also, the Razbaby RazBerry Silicone Teether and Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush and Teether were great to use. Both are made out of soft silicone and baby-friendly handles. Pro-tip you can put them in the freezer to help soothe your baby’s gums.

Baby Rattle

A rattle is a classic toy for baby’s to have and our choice was this Skip Hop Bandana Buddies activity toy and Skip hop explore and more roll around rattle fox.  These can also be used as teethers.  

Board Books

It the beginning, your baby will mostly sleep and eat,  so it may seem pointless at first to read to your baby. But as they get older they become more aware of what is going on around them.  Reading to them is great for their development and has become an amazing bonding experience for my son and I.

Now as a toddler, he actually gets excited for me to read to him, which I love.  Buy board books that are short stories. As your baby grows older they will want to read the same book a million times. One of our favorites is a classic Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Slide and Find by Eric Carle. Any of Eric Carle books are amazing so make sure to check them out. 

All these products are what I personally used for my baby. Don’t stress so much on the small details and enjoy your time as a new mom.  Live in each moment because before you know it they will be moving out of the house.