Being an expectant parent is EXHAUSTING. Firstly, because you’re growing an entire human (or supporting someone who is). But in addition, you’re also expected to make a birth plan, become a child development expert, and do all the research into what kind of stuff this new little person will need. All in less than nine months!
One of the most stressful parts of preparing your “nest” for baby is learning about all the gadgets, tools, and supplies your baby will supposedly need, and creating a registry of all the items you think you want. This means sifting through the marketing and claims of baby gear companies trying to make a quick buck off your anxieties. (If you’re still trying to decide WHERE to create a registry, I’ve done a head-to-head comparison of the top four baby registry sites to help you understand the differences.)
I’m sorry if you’re feeling stressed. I’ve been there! Hopefully, by the end of this article, you can rest a bit easier (that is, if no one’s kicking you in the bladder while you’re trying to rest).
If you just want to download the checklist now, and come back to the article later to read up on the what’s, why’s, and alternatives, you can do that below.
I’ve also broken down this essential baby registry checklist by category type, so you can jump ahead to whatever section most interests you:
How I created this checklist
I’ve spent the last six months polling over SIX THOUSAND parents about their thoughts on baby gear. I asked questions like:
- What’s an essential baby product, the kind no parent can do without?
- What’s optional?
- What products are an actual waste of money?
- If something isn’t worthwhile, are there good alternatives for that product?
- And (if they thought a certain type of product was worth buying), what specific brands and models did they recommend?
I didn’t bother asking truly obvious questions like “do you need diapers” because even people who don’t have kids know the answers to those. Instead, I asked the hard-hitting questions, the kind that aren’t as obvious to a parent-to-be, because those are the what make them vulnerable to marketing gimmicks.
I also focused my questions on big-ticket baby items, since I’d rather save you from buying an unnecessary $300 bassinet than a $12 gizmo.
Finally, I’m a mother myself. The real-life experience I’ve gained from raising my own kids, being around dozens of other friends’ kids, and even my certification as a doula has all helped shape my understanding of what babies really need. And– arguably more important– I have a good sense of what babies DON’T need.
So here are the results of all my research, both lived and statistical. I’ve tried to offer nuance when it’s useful, like whether items may or may not be essential if you’re in a small or large home, have other children or pets, or even whether you have physical disabilities.
I’ve also made a version of this article in video format, with plenty of additional tips and visuals, if that’s more helpful:
Essential Baby Registry Checklist
Diapering
Related articles on Homegrown Hillary:
Why Most Moms Say You Don’t Need a Special Diaper Bag
Do You Really Need a Diaper Pail? [Survey Results + Alternatives]
Most Moms Say You Don’t Need a Changing Table
I talk a LOT about diapers, diapering, and everything that goes with it on this website. Because diapers are such a necessity for so many years, the cost really adds up. I’ve made it my personal mission to help people save as much money during the diapering years as possible.
When it comes to baby registry essentials related to diapering, you can keep the list relatively short:
- Disposable or cloth diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper cream
- 2-3 waterproof changing pads
- If doing cloth diapers, a wet bag
- A basket, tote, or diaper caddy to store supplies
- Some kind of sectioned bag or backpack (“diaper bags” not necessary)
Specific recommendations:
When it comes to diapers, every family will find their favorite brand. I have a massive article comparing the per-diaper prices of 11 different brands if price is your biggest concern. However, I’ll summarize with two recommendations.
If you really want to keep to a minimal budget, I personally love the Walmart brand diapers, Parent’s Choice. I’ve used them exclusively with my kids (when we’re not using cloth diapers), mostly because they’re literally HALF the price of Pamper’s. Parent’s Choice is also our go-to for baby wipes.
If you want something a little more upscale in terms of quality and sustainability, I also love HelloBello diapers. They’re currently cheaper at Walmart than Amazon, but they have a sweet subscription bundle program on the HelloBello website, too. HelloBello’s website also offers an INSANE 20% discount on diapers for U.S. military members, first responders, and even teachers.
Feeding
Related articles on Homegrown Hillary:
Most Moms Say You Need a Breast Pump. Here’s Why.
Real Moms Explain Why You Probably Need a High Chair
The kinds of supplies you’ll need will change based on how you plan to feed your baby from 0-6 months. Let’s look at breastfeeding supplies first.
- Breast pads (either disposable or reusable)
- Lanolin cream or other nipple butter
- Breastmilk storage bags
- Haakaa or other manual/hand pump
- Electric breast pump (if you already know you’ll be going back to work or pumping exclusively)
- Bottles
- Nursing cover
- Bibs
- Spit up cloths
Next, let’s look at the supplies you’ll need if you plan to formula-feed your baby (or for you to come back and check if you switch feeding plans at any point after your baby is born).
- Bottles
- Formula
- Bottle brush
- Breast pads (because you’ll likely still leak for a while, even if you plan to immediately formula-feed!)
- Bibs
- Spit up cloths
Specific recommendations:
LOTS of moms recommended the Haakaa breast pump in my survey, and I heartily agree. Especially since they start at under $15, it’s an easy win.
If you’re looking to get an electric breast pump, but don’t want to deal with insurance yourself, Aeroflow Breastpumps will handle all the insurance paperwork for you so you can get your free breast pump.
As for nipple cream, lots of moms suggested the Earth Mama Organics nipple butter, especially if they wanted to avoid lanolin as an ingredient. I personally liked the creams with lanolin, so I stick with the Medela Purelan Lanolin.
Finally, when it comes to spit up/burb cloths, focus on getting the style usually marketed as cloth diapers. They’re SUPER absorbent, very soft, and provide great coverage over your shoulder (or wherever). Gerber makes a great “three-ply” style which you can find on Amazon.
Sleeping
Related articles on Homegrown Hillary:
Do You Need a Pack ‘N Play? [Survey Results + Alternatives]
The ONLY Times You Need a Bassinet [Survey Results + Alternatives]
- Pack ‘n play (or crib, see below)
- 2-3 Standard size crib sheet sets
- 3-4 velcro swaddles
- 1-2 sleep sacks
- Baby monitor
- Sound machine
- Pacifiers
When it comes to baby sleep, my survey respondents were very clear: focus on longevity. Babies grow so quickly! If you’re looking to have a minimalist baby, whether that’s to cut back on clutter or save more money, you want to only buy things that can last a while or serve multiple purposes.
Items like bassinets might seem like an obvious essential (I mean, Babylist has a $200 bassinet as the second item on its list of must-have baby gear!) but most parents surveyed actually said bassinets were unnecessary.
Specific recommendations:
Instead, get a pack ‘n play with a bassinet attachment. These work best if you like the thought of a cozy small sleeping area for baby, or if the space where baby will be sleeping (either your room or their own) is physically small. This is the pack ‘n play style most parents recommended, which you can see below and find here on Amazon.
Pack ‘n plays also serve a lot of other purposes, from diaper changing stations to ‘put down’ spots, but I’ll get to those more in a moment.
If you like the look and feel of a standard crib better, that’s another great option. A newborn baby might look dwarfed by a full-sized crib mattress, but they likely won’t feel bothered once swaddled.
Traveling
Related articles on Homegrown Hillary:
Do You Need a Baby Carrier? 500+ Moms Weigh In.
Do You Need a Baby Stroller? Here’s What 1,400+ Moms Said.
- Car Seat
- Stroller
- Baby carrier / wrap
- Winter carseat cover (if you live some place where it gets cold)
Specific recommendations:
If you ever plan on driving in a car with your baby– including the drive home from the hospital!– you’re going to need a car seat. A travel system, where the infant car seat can snap directly into a convertible stroller, was a favorite choice among the moms I surveyed. Additionally, MANY moms talked about how much more versatile and useful jogging-style strollers were, especially for any occasion not on perfectly-paved roads.
To combine both recommendations, I’m suggesting the above Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System, which you can check out on Amazon (or Walmart, which usually has the exact same price).
As for baby carriers, the moms were UNANIMOUS in their decision that carriers were necessary. In addition, most moms recommended the Ergobaby brand, and specifically the 360 model.
However, many commented that babies have their own preferences when it comes to the styles of baby carriers they like. Therefore, your best bet is to get a carrier from a company with a good return policy. As of publishing, Amazon still has one of the best policies, especially if you got your carrier through your Amazon baby registry.
Health & Hygiene
Related articles on Homegrown Hillary:
Do I Need a Baby Bathtub? [Survey Results + Alternatives]
19 Baby Gifts Under $25: The Most Useful Gifts Parents Never Get
- Bathtub
- Nasal aspirator
- Thermometer
- Saline drops
- Infant pain reliever
- Nail clippers
- Humidifier
Specific recommendations:
Because so many of these items are small and cheap, I’ll avoid making specific recommendations other than those highlighted by moms in my survey.
Many liked the hard plastic “grow with me” style, which can fit in any bathtub or large sink. The other camp favored the soft sink cushions for easy baths in the sink.
Additionally, a lot of the moms I surveyed for my article on cheap baby gifts recommended getting the “Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit.” It includes a number of little health and hygiene supplies, including a nasal aspirator, diaper rash cream, and even some infant acetaminophen.
Clothing
Related articles on Homegrown Hillary:
Free Baby Clothes: 11 Places to Check Online and In Person
For 0-3, 3 month, and 6 month baby clothes sizes, focus on getting the following:
- 10+ zippered sleep & plays (aka “sleepers”)
- 10 onesies
- 5-10 pairs of pants
- 1-2 hats
Specific recommendations:
In general, most moms recommended shopping at Carter’s. Not only for the variety and the prices (which though usually low, also have tons of sales), but they also have the cuteness factor!
As for specific styles, the moms I surveyed had some top tier, “pro-tip” suggestions.
- DON’T wash all your clothes as soon as you buy them. Babies grow in fits and spurts, and there’s a good chance you won’t need everything. If this happens, it’s nice to have clothes with the tags still on. That way, you can either return them to the store, or at least sell them for a higher price at children’s consignment stores (which value clearly brand-new clothes more than used).
- When getting pants, try to get “footie pants,” since the tiny baby socks seem to always disappear after the first use.
- Additionally, I said ZIPPERED sleepers for a reason, as no one wants to mess with buttoning a dozen buttons on a wiggly newborn in the middle of the night.
- I also didn’t mention how many of each kind of clothing to get for a newborn, but do make sure you have at least two or three sleepers, just in case your baby comes out on the small side. You can always order newborn sized clothes online the day he or she is born, but it ends up being a waste if you get them a complete newborn wardrobe and they arrive weighing 9lbs, 15 oz.
- And finally, make sure the style of onesie (long sleeve or short sleeve) matches the season, as your baby will be too cold in short-sleeves in the middle of winter.
“Put Down Spots”
Do You Need a Baby Swing? [Survey Results + Alternatives]
Survey Says: You Really Don’t Need A Baby Bouncer
Do You Need a Baby Lounger? [Survey Results + Alternatives]
Finally, I’d like to take a moment to talk about “put down spots.” Basically, these are anywhere your baby can safely be placed when not being held. So in addition to the swing, bouncer, and lounger options I mention above, you can include things like pack & plays, bassinets, and inclined high chairs (for older babies) to this mix. Baby carriers are also a special option, since they do require you to carry your baby, but also give you two hands free for doing some tasks.
When surveying parents, I was consistently told neither swings, bouncers, or any of the “put down spots” were strictly necessary. This is because each baby is their own little person with their own preferences. The style of movement from a swing, bouncer, rocker, carrier, etc are all so different, and plenty of babies will and won’t like each of them.
Instead, feel free to choose any of the above put down places (except loungers, which got a big thumbs-down), but assume you’re only getting it as a trial run. Don’t trust any company’s marketing which promises that because their product can do 15 different things, it will satisfy any baby, and therefore be worth a premium price.
So when trying to choose what kind of “put down spot” to get, focus on sourcing from…
- a store with a good return policy
- a friend you can borrow from for a time
- a secondhand store (so you aren’t paying top dollar)
All of the above were recommended by moms who knew how finicky babies can be, and how important flexibility is.
I hope this list has been helpful to you! If you’d like to know the next time I make content about raising a family on a budget, you can subscribe to my newsletter below for weekly (or, more likely, monthly) updates.
