Making sure you have everything you need for your baby's arrival can be an overwhelming task.
But fear not, this 2023 baby registry checklist will make sure you have everything you need, covering the following all-important categories:
Sleep
Clothing
Travel
Feeding
Health & bathroom
Fun & creative gifts
You'll also find a more comprehensive registry checklist specifically designed to help first-time parents ensure they have everything they need before their little one arrives.
What is usually on a baby registry?
Below is our check list of the most commonly found items on baby registries in 2023. You can also browse real product examples using the following links: 2023 Baby registry USA / 2023 Baby registry UK
Baby Sleep
Crib or bassinet:Your infant needs a secure and stable sleeping surface, whether in a crib or bassinet, for sound sleep. Choose a cot or bassinet that complies with the most recent safety regulations.
Co-sleeper:Using a co-sleeper crib, you can keep your baby close while still in their secure separate place. A co-sleeper crib that attaches to your bed frame can be placed directly beside your bed.
Moses basket: easy to move around the house and put your baby down as and when you need.
Mattress pad:Choose a waterproof mattress that fits the crib snugly and is firm, flat, and breathable. Employ fitted sheets customised for the size of your baby's mattress. Avoid using loose bedding that could entrap a person; this includes pillows and blankets.
White noise generator:A white noise generator can block background noise and help create a relaxing sleep environment.
Blackout drapes:Blackout drapes can assist in blocking any light that can impede your child's ability to sleep.
Baby monitor:With a baby monitor installed, you may have peace of mind and check on your child without disturbing their sleep.
Pacifiers:Pacifiers are especially helpful to soothe your baby. Make sure you have plenty available and get a ‘pacifier clip’ as well so they don’t keep dropping on the ground. You may want to try a few different types to see which your baby takes to.
Baby sleeping bag: A baby sleeping bag makes tucking in your little one a lot easier, with the added peace of mind they will not throw off their blankets or get tangled in them.
Baby Clothing
Onesies:Plush, cosy onesies make for simple diaper changes and daily wear.
Bodysuits/ Romper:Bodysuits can be a foundation layer underneath clothing and are great for layering. They are like onesies, but tighter fitting.
Sleepsuits/ pyjamas:A comfortable sleepsuit is perfect for naps as well as night time sleeping.
Swaddling blankets:Swaddling blankets are ideal for snuggling with your newborn baby and giving them a sense of security. They also help your baby avoid scratching and irritating themselves as they sleep.
Booties and socks:Booties and socks can keep your baby's feet warm and safe.
Woollen beanies:This is another must have. Warm, soft caps can control your baby's body temperature and shield its head from cold nights.
Sun hat: get one that can be tied under the chin as they will be endlessly trying to take this off. Sun glasses that tie at the back are good too.
Mittens:Soft mittens help keep your baby's hands warm and prevent them from scratching themselves.
Baby Travel
Baby changing bag:When you're out and about, a reliable diaper bag is a must to transport your baby's necessities.
Travel changing mat: whether you are just going out for an hour or away for a week you will always need this to hand.
Travel crib:A compact, lightweight travel cot can give your child a secure and cosy place to sleep if you are staying away overnight. A snooze shade is also highly recommended for this.
Car seat:You can’t leave the hospital without one. Be sure the seat is secure and installed correctly.
Stroller/ pram/ pushchair:For navigating airports, public transportation, and touring, we recommend visiting a store to try a few out before deciding. Consider a footmuff as well - you will need it in winter.
Baby carrier or wrap:Hands-free baby carrying while visiting new locations is possible with a baby carrier or wrap.
Storage bags and a travel pump:If you are formula feeding, ensure you have enough formula and bottles to last the duration of your trip.
Baby Feeding
Breast pump: there are lots of different options to consider, from manual to electric to cordless.
Bottles: with newborn tee*ts. You may find you need to try a few different tee*ts.
Bottle sterilisers and brush: this is worth getting, doing it in a pot of boiling water takes a lot of time you won’t have. Also get a bottle brush.
Burp cloths/ muslin squares: get 20+ of these, you will be using them a lot.
High chair: you won’t really need this until they start feeding. Same goes for a bib.
Baby health & bath
Body thermometer: you have lots of options, the easiest to use is the no-touch thermometer.
Room & water thermometer: must have, you can get thermometers that can be used in both the bath and room.
Baby first-aid kit:Nappy rash cream, saline nasal drops, nasal aspirator, scissors, baby Paracetamol, cotton balls, bandaids, vaseline and your baby thermometer.
Baby bath: they will need a baby sized bath and baby body wash
Hooded bath towel: enjoy picking something with ears :)
The above checklist covers the most common essential items. Speak to friends and read reviews before making decision on the big-ticket items.
What do you put on a first time baby registry?
When it's your first baby, you are starting from scratch. With so much to acquire, making a registry is a must. Not just so that friends and family can support you with gifts, but also to help you stay organised. Having a list of everything you may need will help your peace of mind.
Below is a comprehensive checklist of everything you might need as a first time parent. Use the list to help you decide what you want to put on your baby registry and what you want to buy yourself.
Comprehensive first time baby checklist:
Baby Sleep:
Co-sleeper or bassinet
Cot/ crib (not needed for first few months)
Mosses basket
Mattres protector
Fitted sheets x 2 at least
Blackout drapes/ curtains
Baby monitor
Sleepsuit
Baby sleeping bag
White noise machine
Pacifiers/ dummies
Pacifier/ dummy clip
Baby clothing:
Start with 0-3 month old clothing. If you can start planning for 0-6 months as well you will have less to do in the first 3 months. This should include:
Onesises (x10)
Bodysuits/ Romper (x5 short sleeve & x5 long sleeve)
Sleepsuits (x5)
Jumper / sweatshirt
Footed pants
Shorts
Pramsuit
Booties
Socks (x5)
Woollen hat/ beanie
Sun hat
Swim suite (if relevant)
Drool bibs (x5)
Muslin (x10)
Shoes are just for novelty until they walk
Baby Travel:
Going out your front door is about to get a lot harder, here are the items you will need:
Car seat (don’t get second hand)
Baby changing bag
Travel changing mat
Pram/ Stroller
Baby carrier or wrap/ sling
Travel pump (if relevant)
Travel cot/ crib (if expecting to stay away overnight)
Snooze shade
Sun shade for car
Baby Feeding:
This will depend on your intended feeding plan. Your baby may not always decide to follow your feeding plan, so you may need to be open to exploring different options.
Bottles
Breast pump
Formula (if relevant)
Burp cloths/ muslin squares (x10)
Bottle sterilisers
Bottle brush
High chair (won’t need for 1st 6 months)
Silicon bib (won’t need for 1st 6 months)
Baby Changing & cleaning:
Changing table (ideally with drawers)
Changing mat
Diapers/ nappies (x100+)
Cotton balls
Nappy wipes
Baby bath
Baby body wash
Hooded bath towel
Baby health & other:
Body thermometer
Room & water thermometer
Nappy rash cream
Saline nasal drops
Nasal aspirator
Baby scissors
Baby Paracetamol
Nipple guards / shields,
Nipple cream,
Nursing bras,
Breast pads,
Maternity pads,
Drawers (if not part of changing table)
Storage baskets and organisers
Baby swing chair
Sheepskin rug
That is a very comprehensive list. Everyone's needs are different, so feel free to customise your registry based on your lifestyle and preferences. The fun stuff is up next; toys and creative things for your baby to learn and play with.
What are more fun and creative baby gifts?
If you'd like to add some more fun and creative ideas to your registry, you have a lot of exciting baby gift options to choose from.
Soft toys:whether it’s teddy bear, doll, bunny or cat, soft toys are ideal baby gifts that can become your child's devoted buddy.
Baby sensory toy set:A collection of tactile stimuli for a baby can be provided through sensory toys, including a softball, textured blocks and rattles.
Activity gyms: these are great to for keeping your baby entertained and helping them build up their neck muscles and hand eye coordination.
Customised baby gifts: Onesies and bib with a special message or the baby's name can make a thoughtful and one-of-a-kind gift.
Milestone blanket or card set: this is the perfect backdrop for photos that capture the baby at different milestones as they progress through their first year
Baby music box:A classic music box can add a charming touch to any nursery and help soothe your baby to sleep.
Handmade gifts:browse Etsy for lots of unique handmade baby gifts such as handmade rattles
Personalised baby keepsake box:A personalised keepsake box is a beautiful way to store and preserve precious mementoes, such as hospital bracelets, the first lock of hair, and other special items.
Baby photo album:A beautiful photo album is a great way to showcase your baby's adorable pictures.
Remember, the key to a great baby registry is choosing items that reflect your style and personality and will make life with a new baby more manageable and enjoyable.
Creating a registry on Moonsift
Moonsift is an easy to use registry platform that is acclaimed for its clean design. Not only that, but it is completely free for both you and your guests, with no mark ups on the products you add.
A major advantage of creating your online registry with Moonsift is that you can add items from any store in the world; meaning you can combine items from major platforms like Amazon and Etsy with items from local stores and boutiques. There are no limits, so the world is your oyster.
Once you’ve made your registry, share it with family and friends using a simple link. They will be able to browse the registry on any device and mark off the items they buy so you avoid duplicates. They can also choose to have the item delivered to you or pick it up themselves and give it in person.
Learn more about how easy it is to create your free registry here.
