Essential first-time baby registry items

Don't bother registering for: crib bumpers, pillows, baby nests/pods, inclined sleepers, weighted sleep sacks, or cute bedding sets.

2. 🚗 Car seat — absolutely essential

• 1 rear-facing infant car seat or convertible car seat
• Make sure it fits your vehicle and that you understand the installation before delivery.

NHTSA recommends keeping babies rear-facing until they reach the car seat's maximum rear-facing height or weight limit.www.nhtsa.gov

If you're buying a travel system, remember: a car seat is for transportation, not routine sleep. If baby falls asleep in it after you arrive, transfer them to a firm, flat sleep surface.www.healthychildren.org

3. 🍼 Feeding

If breastfeeding:

• 8–12 burp cloths
• 2–3 nursing bras/tanks
• Breast pump (often available through insurance in the U.S.)
• Milk-storage bags/containers
• 2–4 bottles, even if you plan to exclusively breastfeed

If formula feeding:

• 4–8 bottles
• Newborn/slow-flow nipples
• Formula
• Bottle brush
• Drying rack

You don't need 12 different bottle brands before you know what your baby likes. Start small and buy more of the type that works.

4. 🧷 Diapering

• Newborn diapers: 1 small package, rather than stocking up
• Size 1 diapers: 1–2 boxes
• Fragrance-free wipes
• Changing pad or changing mat
• Diaper cream
• Diaper pail or ordinary lidded trash can

A changing table is optional. A changing pad on a secure surface can work perfectly well.

5. 👕 Clothes

Don't go crazy here—babies grow fast.

A good starting wardrobe:

• 6–8 short/long-sleeve bodysuits
• 4–6 zip-up footed pajamas
• 2–3 outfits for going out
• 4–6 pairs of socks, if desired
• 1–2 hats appropriate for the weather
• 2–3 wearable blankets

Prioritize zippered pajamas over adorable complicated outfits. 😄

6. 🛁 Bath & basic care

• Infant bathtub or bath support
• 2–3 hooded towels
• 6–10 washcloths
• Gentle baby cleanser
• Baby nail file/clippers
• Digital thermometer
• Nasal saline + bulb syringe/nasal aspirator
• Baby laundry detergent

The CDC also lists a thermometer, diapers/wipes/diaper cream, clothes, feeding supplies and a portable crib among useful infant supplies.www.cdc.gov

7. 🚼 Getting around

• Stroller
• Baby carrier/wrap (optional but extremely useful)
• Diaper bag/backpack

You don't necessarily need a separate stroller and infant car seat—you can choose a travel system if that fits your lifestyle.

Evenflo Omni Signature Travel System

$299.99

Graco Modes Pramette Travel System

$359.99

Baby Trend EZ Ride SE Travel System

$191.99

Tip: Don't choose a stroller solely because the car seat clicks into it. Think about your actual life: sidewalks vs. trails, stairs, trunk size, public transportation, how much you'll walk, and whether you'll eventually want a second child.

8. 🧺 Things you'll use constantly

These aren't glamorous, but you'll be glad you have them:

• 8–12 burp cloths
• 4–6 bibs
• 2–3 pacifiers if you plan to use them
• 1–2 changing-pad covers
• Baby laundry hamper
• A few receiving blankets for holding/feeding, not loose crib bedding
• Small portable diaper-changing kit

⭐ My "don't overbuy" list

I'd skip or wait on:

• Wipe warmer
• Bottle warmer
• Dedicated baby food maker
• Fancy diaper pail
• Baby shoes
• Lots of newborn-size clothing
• Huge quantities of bottles
• Bassinet and crib and bedside sleeper and portable crib
• Baby monitor if your baby will sleep right next to you and you don't feel you need one
• Tons of toys
• Expensive newborn gadgets
• Dedicated changing table

And be particularly cautious with products marketed for sleep. The AAP warns against using swings, rockers, bouncers, loungers and similar inclined products as sleep spaces.www.healthychildren.org+1

🎁 If I were building your registry from scratch

I'd put these 15 things at the top:

One important registry strategy: put some big-ticket items on it (car seat, stroller, crib, pump) even if you don't expect one person to buy them. It gives family/friends the option to contribute, and registry completion discounts can sometimes help with anything remaining.

Also, for any used gear, check for recalls and make sure it has all required parts/instructions; CPSC-regulated durable infant products include cribs, bassinets, play yards, strollers, carriers, changing products and crib mattresses.www.cpsc.gov

If you'd like, I can also make you a complete first-baby registry with exact quantities and a $500 / $1,000 / $2,000 budget, including what I'd personally splurge on vs. buy cheaply.