Baby Registry Must-Haves: What We Actually Used (and Loved!)
- Paige Wood
- May 19
- 11 min read
Updated: Nov 3
"When my husband and I were expecting our first (and only, so far!) baby, I stared at that blank baby registry checklist like it was written in a foreign language. Hundreds of items, dozens of brands, conflicting advice from well-meaning friends – it was a lot. I dutifully added everything from wipe warmers to specialized baby food makers, convinced I needed every single gadget to be "a good mom."
Fast forward just three months into this incredible journey with our little one, and I've already learned so much about what was truly essential, what was a delightful bonus, and what just collected dust. If you're building your baby registry now, consider this your insider’s guide to the items I actually used (and absolutely loved!). I'm cutting through the noise with real-life stories from these first few months to help you register smarter, not harder, for what truly matters."
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Our Tried-and-True Baby Registry Heroes:
Infant Car Seat: Safety First (and Easiest Transfers!): Let's be real, you can't even leave the hospital without one, so this is absolutely at the top of any baby essentials checklist. We opted for an infant car seat that was lightweight and easily clicked into a stroller base. What I loved about this particular baby gear item was how seamlessly we could transfer our sleeping little one from the car to the stroller or even indoors without waking them. For us, having a separate infant seat before moving to a convertible car seat was a game-changer for those early, precious (and very sleepy!) weeks.
Our Pick: We really loved the Maxi-Cosi Peri 180 Rotating Infant Car Seat. You can find it at most major retailers like Amazon or Target
Why we love it:
Ultimate convenience for on-the-go parents, allowing for seamless transfers.
Excellent safety features that gave us immense peace of mind.
A cozy cocoon that kept our tiny newborn snug and secure.
Bassinet: Close Quarters for Peaceful Nights: For those first few months, having our baby sleeping safely right next to our bed was non-negotiable for my peace of mind (and easier nighttime feedings!). We used a bassinet that was sturdy but also offered a little bit of flexibility, like height adjustment or even a gentle rocking motion. It was perfect for keeping our little one close without co-sleeping, and I truly believe it helped us all get a bit more sleep in those early days. It's definitely a top newborn essential.
Our pick: AirClub Bassinet Bedside Sleeper
Why we love it:
Promotes safe sleep by keeping baby close but in their own space.
Made nighttime feeds and checks so much easier with its swivel feature.
Offered parents precious proximity to our newborn, easing anxiety.
Swaddles & Sleep Sacks: Our Secret Sleep Weapon: If there's one thing I tell every expectant parent, it's to stock up on good swaddles! Those first few weeks, our baby just craved that snug, womb-like feeling, and a proper swaddle was the only way to minimize the startle reflex and get some decent stretches of sleep. After trying a few different kinds, I personally found that swaddles with adjustable fasteners (like Velcro or snaps) were the easiest to manage, especially during those bleary-eyed 3 AM changes!
My advice? Look for options that are breathable and super soft against your baby's delicate skin. As she grew and started rolling, we transitioned to sleep sacks, which are fantastic for keeping them warm safely without loose blankets. These are absolute baby essentials for sleep!
Our Pick: We used a variety, but the Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets are super versatile for wrapping, and the Halo SleepSack Swaddles are brilliant for easy, secure swaddling (They come in various sizes for infants and newborns!).
Why we love it:
They just make getting a snug, safe swaddle so much simpler than wrestling with traditional blankets.
The materials are wonderfully soft and breathable, perfect for delicate skin.
Sound Machine: Our Sleep Sanctuary Maker: This might sound simple, but a sound machine was a true newborn essential for creating a peaceful sleep environment. White noise mimics the sounds of the womb and helps block out household noises, which meant fewer startling wake-ups for our little one. We used it for every nap and overnight sleep, and it became a crucial part of our baby sleep routine.
Our Pick: The Hatch Rest 2nd Gen Sound Machine is a popular choice for good reason, offering a night light, time-to-rise, and app control.
Why we love it:
Consistently masked disruptive household sounds, promoting deeper sleep.
Versatile features like a night light and app control were incredibly convenient.
Helped establish a clear, calming sleep cue for our baby.
Our Top Amazon: Baby Registry Must Haves
Diapers & Wipes: The Never-Ending Supply!: Okay, this seems obvious, but trust me, you will go through SO MANY diapers and wipes! Adding various sizes to your baby registry is a smart move, as you never know how big your baby will be or how quickly they'll grow. We found some brands worked better for us than others, so don't be afraid to try a few different types. Having a good supply on hand from day one means fewer frantic late-night runs to the store. This is the definition of newborn essentials!
Our Pick: We relied heavily on Pampers Pure Protection Baby Diapers and
Why we love it:
The Honest Company has the most adorable designs
Reliable absorbency to prevent leaks and blowouts.
Gentle on sensitive skin, minimizing rashes.
Both offer subscription delivery services for constant supply.
Nursing Pillows: Support for You and Baby: When I started breastfeeding, getting the latch right felt like a puzzle. My back ached, and my arms tired quickly. A good nursing pillow was the immediate answer, providing the perfect height and support, allowing me to bring baby to breast comfortably, saving my shoulders and back.
My Pick: Our Boppy Original Support Nursing Pillow and the My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow, best for when we are traveling.
Why I love it:
Provided crucial ergonomic support, saving my back and arms during long feeds.
Helped achieve a proper latch, making breastfeeding more comfortable for both of us.
The My Brest Friend offered fantastic hands-free support.
Nipple Care: Essential Relief for Breastfeeding Moms: And let’s talk about those early days of breastfeeding discomfort. Ouch! I quickly learned that nipple cream and nursing pads were absolute lifesavers for soothing soreness and preventing cracking. I kept tubes everywhere!
My Pick: Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream and Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter. For leaks, Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads.
Why I love it:
Provided immediate and lasting relief from soreness.
Helped prevent cracking and promote healing.
Nursing pads offered essential protection against leaks, boosting confidence.
Breast Pump: Freedom and Flexibility: If you plan to pump, a good pump can be life-changing. When I knew I'd be building a stash for occasional bottles, my pump became my trusty companion. For ultimate freedom, the idea of a hands-free pump was so appealing.
My Pick: The Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump. For hands-free options, the Elvie Pump or my personal favorite, the Momcozy Wearable Breast Pump.
Why I love it:
Efficient and quiet operation for discreet pumping sessions.
Hands-free options allow for multitasking – a true dream for a busy mom!
Helped build a milk stash for flexibility and breaks.
Diaper Creams: Rash Fighters: For those inevitable red bottoms, having powerful diaper cream on hand means a quick fix and happy baby.
Why we love it:
Provided quick and effective relief for diaper rashes.
Thick barrier offered excellent protection.
Nasal Aspirator & Thermometer: For Little Worries: The first time my baby had a stuffy nose, I panicked. It’s hard to watch them struggle to breathe through their tiny nostrils. And for those first few fever scares, a reliable rectal thermometer was a non-negotiable.
Our Pick: The FridaBaby NoseFrida Snotsucker (yes, it sounds weird, but it's brilliant!) and the FridaBaby Rectal Thermometer.
Why we love it:
NoseFrida Snotsucker was surprisingly effective at clearing congestion, providing immediate relief.
The Frida Rectal Thermometer gave us accurate readings and crucial reassurance when we needed it most.
A Quality Baby Carrier: Keep Them Close & Hands Free: A good baby carrier was truly a lifesaver for us, especially during those early weeks when our baby just wanted to be held. It allowed me to keep my little one close and comforted while still being able to get things done around the house or run errands. Whether it was a soft wrap for the newborn phase or a structured carrier as they grew, this piece of baby gear was invaluable for babywearing and keeping us connected.
Our Pick: We started with a soft wrap like the Boba Wrap for the early days and later moved to a structured carrier like the Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Baby Carrier.
Why we love it:
Offers incredible closeness and comfort for baby, promoting bonding.
Provides hands-free convenience for parents, allowing for daily tasks.
Great for soothing a fussy baby with gentle movement and warmth.
Stroller: Your Wheels to Freedom: If there's one baby item that truly feels like it was designed by parents who get it, it's our Maxi-Cosi Zelia Luxe Travel System. When we were initially researching, the idea of one system that could do everything for those first few years felt almost too good to be true, but this one really delivers! From those first tiny car rides home as a newborn in its secure infant car seat, to leisurely strolls in the cozy bassinet mode (which was perfect for those on-the-go naps!), and now as our little one transitions to the comfy toddler seat, it adapts effortlessly.
It was a tossup between our beloved Maxi-Cosi Zelia Luxe System and the Evenflo Shyft Intuiti Travel System. Both systems impressed us with their incredible versatility, offering that seamless transition from car seat to stroller, which was a huge priority for our busy family. We loved the smart design and seemingly effortless functionality of both, and they each promised a smooth ride and cozy comfort for our little one. The decision was genuinely tough because they both checked so many of our boxes, making it one of those delightful dilemmas where either choice felt like a win!
Our Pick: Our Maxi-Cosi Zelia Luxe Travel System
Why we love it:
We absolutely love how easy it is to click components in and out, making transitions from car to stroller a complete breeze – no more wrestling with multiple pieces of gear.
The "Luxe" truly shines in its smooth ride and thoughtful, comfortable design for the baby, giving us peace of mind that she's always nestled just right.
It's truly streamlined our outings and made navigating the world with a baby feel so much more manageable and, dare I say, stylish!
Baby Bottles & Sterilizer: Ready for Anything: Even though I primarily breastfeed, having a few reliable bottles was crucial for pumped milk or when we occasionally introduced formula. For peace of mind, especially in those early newborn weeks, having a sterilizer on the counter has been a reassuring sight.
Our Pick: For baby bottles, our favorite are the Tommee Tippee Natural Breast-Like Nipple. For sterilizing, we went with the Dr. Brown's All-in-One Sterilizer and Dryer.
Why we love it:
Anti-colic designs helped minimize gas and fussiness.
Well-accepted by our baby, making bottle-feeding smooth.
The sterilizer made sanitizing quick, easy, and hygienic.
Bodysuits & Sleepers: The Daily Uniform: You'll probably receive plenty of adorable baby clothes as gifts, which is fantastic! But for everyday comfort and pure practicality, a good stock of basic onesies and sleepers is an absolute must. Trust me, you'll want soft cotton, and easy snap or zipper closures, especially for those middle-of-the-night changes when you're half asleep! And a little tip: look for integrated mittens to help prevent accidental scratches. Remember, newborns grow surprisingly fast, so having a few baby outfits in various sizes (newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months) is always a smart move.
Our Pick: Gerber Baby Onesies Bodysuits - 8-Pack and Gerber Baby- 4-Pack Footed Pajamas. (These are fantastic for easy changes and are wonderfully affordable!)
Why we love it:
Made from soft, breathable cotton perfect for baby's sensitive skin.
Easy snap or zipper closures simplified middle-of-the-night changes.
Affordable multipacks meant we always had clean essentials on hand.
Gentle Baby Bathtub & Washcloths: (Making Bath Time Sweet, Not Scary!): Giving a newborn their very first bath can feel a little daunting, almost like handling a slippery little fish! But using a good baby bath support makes the whole experience so much easier and safer. I've found that a simple support like the Angelcare Baby Bath Support is fantastic for safely cradling your infant during those early bath times, freeing up your hands a bit. Pair it with some ultra-soft baby washcloths and a tear-free baby wash, and you’re all set for a smooth, sweet, and surprisingly fun bath time routine.
Our Pick: Angelcare Baby Bath Support (This is ideal for babies less than 6 months old!) and Burt's Bees Baby - Washcloths
Why we loved it:
Provided secure support, making bath time less stressful for both us and baby.
Ultra-soft materials were gentle on baby's delicate skin.
Made bath time a manageable and enjoyable part of our routine.
A Reliable Baby Monitor: (Your New Best Friend for Peace of Mind): Even if your newborn is sleeping in your room initially, a baby monitor quickly becomes an absolute essential. Whether you choose a simple audio monitor or a more advanced video monitor with cool features like night vision and temperature display, like the VTech VM819-2 Baby Monitor, it offers invaluable peace of mind. For me, being able to quickly check on our little one without risking disturbing their precious baby sleep was truly priceless. It's like having an extra set of eyes and ears!
Our Pick: Hello Baby Monitor with 30-hr Battery (This one is super popular and highly-rated for its reliability – a solid choice!)
Why we loved it:
Operates without WiFi, providing total privacy and a crystal-clear, reliable connection free from internet worries.
The incredible 30-hour battery life is a total game-changer, giving us the freedom to move about the house without constant recharging
Its Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera, night vision, and two-way talk features offer comprehensive oversight, allowing us to see and soothe our baby from anywhere.
Our "Skip List": What I Realized We Didn't Need
Every family is different, but for us, these items just weren't essential:
Wipe Warmer this felt unnecessary. Cold wipes really aren't a big deal for our baby, and it's just another thing to plug in and clean.
Dedicated Changing Table: I mostly just use a changing pad right on a dresser or even on the floor. It saved space and money.
Baby Food Maker: A regular blender or food processor will work perfectly well when we start introducing solids. No need for a specialized appliance!
"This is just a starting point, of course, but these are the baby registry items that truly delivered for us. Remember, every baby (and every family!) is different, so don't be afraid to adjust your registry as you learn what works best for you. Happy prepping, and enjoy every precious moment with your little bundle of joy!"
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