Baby Registry Check-list

Planning for what you will need/want when your baby arrives can feel exciting and overwhelming all at the same time.  This guide is meant to help you relax and prioritize what will be most helpful for you and most developmentally appropriate for your little one at various stages. 

Items to consider when building your baby registry and planning for what you might need/want when your baby arrives.  It can be helpful to ask yourself some questions about specific activities and/or rooms of the house to guide you in making decisions about what will be most beneficial. 

SLEEP

What will your baby’s sleeping arrangements look like right away and overtime? You might need/want the following:

• Cradle or bassinet, mattress, sheets

• Crib, mattress, waterproof mattress pads, sheets

• Baby monitor

• Curtains

• Nightlight

• Pacifiers

• Humidifier

• Pajamas

• Sleepsacks

CLOTHING

Where will you store your baby’s clothes?  What might you need/want in terms of clothing storage and organization?

• Infant clothes- shirts, pants, onesies, socks, booties, sweaters…

• Dresser

• Drawer dividers

• Infant hangers

• Laundry basket

• Storage bags or bins

INFANT FEEDING

What is your plan for infant feeding? Both in terms of breastfeeding and formula as well as once the baby starts solids? Not every family needs/wants all of the following items, this is just to get you thinking. 

• Comfortable chair

• Nursing bras and nursing-friendly clothing

• Colostrum collectors

• Nursing cover

• Nursing pads

• Lanolin-based nipple cream

• Hydrogel pads

• Manual hand pump 

• Milk storage containers

• Breastpump (check with your insurance before purchasing), pump bag with cooler for storing milk on the go

• Bottles (to support an easier time going between breast and bottle, select a bottle nipple with a slow flow and a nipple that gradually slopes to promote a wide latch)

• Bottle drying rack

• Bottle warmer

• Formula (If you’re not planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor for formula recommendations)

• Burp cloths

• Baby-size spoons & forks

• Small plates & cups

• Bibs (small for younger babies and large for toddlers)

• Highchair, booster seat, small child-size table and chairs (for older babies who can sit up)

BATHING

What will you need/want for bathing your baby?

• Small bathtub

• Towels

• Soft washcloths

• Baby wash

• Simple, easy to wash bath toys

• Bath toy storage

• Anti-slip bath mat

• Baby lotion

HEALTH AND SAFETY

What will you need for health and safety?

• Nail care kit

• Brush and comb set

• Thermometer

• Infant medicine (Tylenol, Ibuprofen… only use with the direction of your child’s doctor)

• Nasal aspirator 

• Child safety locks

• Baby gates

DIAPER CHANGES

What will you need/want for diaper changes?

• Changing table

• Easy to clean changing mat 

• Diaper pail

• Diapers

• Wipes

• Diaper cream

• Hand sanitizer (if sink is not close by)

OUTINGS

What will you need/want for outings? Car rides? Overnights away from home? 

• Carseat

• Seat cover/protector for under baby’s carseat

• Window shades

• Baby car mirror

• Blanket 

• Simple toys/books for older babies 

• Diaper bag

• Diaper changing mat for travel 

• Portable crib, sheets

• Stroller

• Baby sling

• Outdoor clothing- hats/bonnets, mittens, snowsuit, fleece booties, swimsuit…

• Sunscreen, bug spray

• Infant sunglasses

PLAY

What will you need/want for your baby’s play area? Think about where your baby will lay. Newborns feel secure in a smaller area that feels cozy and secure and yet allows for room to move around in the way they choose.  As your baby grows, you can slowly make their play space larger to accommodate their ever-changing developmental needs. Need help creating a play space your baby or toddler can thrive in? Contact Beholding Baby today for a personalized consultation!

• Moses basket (great first play space for newborns)

• Sheepskin Rug (great second play space for young babies- bonus: it can travel with you so your baby always has a familiar surface to lie on)

• Playpen or large baby fence (to create a safe play space)

• Toys (See Gift Guide for Infants & Toddlers for ideas on developmentally appropriate toys for babies)

• Books

• Toy storage shelf, baskets

Check out our Favorite Infant & Toddler Products post for a list of recommended baby items.