Baby Registry Checklist For 2024 With Free PDF Printable

So, you’ve recently found out you’re pregnant and are eager to start your search for baby items! This 2024 baby registry list is full of items I personally added to my own baby registry and they have all been extremely helpful to me and my baby.

In this must-have list, I’ll inform you on baby products to not include on your baby registry and why.

With some of the more expensive baby products, you may think “oh, no one will buy that item for us” (that’s what I thought) but they will! Your family and friends want to help you, so don’t hesitate to add something to your registry if you think it will help you and your baby.

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The Best Baby Registry Store

I registered at multiple stores and ended up deleting them to go with an Amazon baby registry. They make it very easy to choose from the best items. As well as having their own “checklist” to help you know if you’ve added everything you want or need.

I chose Amazon for a baby registry because I personally buy most of everything I need on Amazon throughout the year, so I’m used to using their website. Plus, they have tons of reviews on most of their items, which makes it easier to feel like you’re picking the right thing!

Amazon has a free welcome box when you create a baby registry. They include samples of diapers, wipes, bottles, and all kinds of other baby things. They do change it up over time though.

To get the free welcome box, you’ll need to be a member of Amazon Prime (click here for your free trial), choose some of the baby registry items, and either you or someone else can buy something from the registry that is at least $10 in order to qualify for the free package worth $35. 

Also, they will give you a percentage off your order after your baby shower date so you can purchase everything that wasn’t gifted for a COMPLETION DISCOUNT! ( 15% off)

When Do You Create A Baby Registry?

There is no right or wrong time to start creating your baby registry.

I started mine in my first trimester of pregnancy! I was eager to make sure I added all the best items and have time to read the reviews to be sure I was making the right decisions!

All links I have included are products I researched about and use for my baby.

So, start your baby registry whenever you feel is best. I do recommend earlier than later so you know you’ve included everything you need.

Now let’s get started!

Baby Registry Checklist Printable

Travel

Car Seat: Being that a car seat is the very first thing you will need to bring your baby home, it is the number one thing to have! I love this Graco Car Seat because it will carry babies from 4 pounds all the way up to toddlers of 65 pounds.

Travel System: You will also want a “travel system” which includes a newborn car seat, making it easier to carry a newborn without disturbing them if they are sleeping. I have this one, you can take the newborn car seat from the car and snap it into the stroller and go!

I was so excited to receive this at my baby shower and it has been a blessing to have when going to the store, to doctor visits or anywhere else.

Car Mirror: Car mirrors that strap onto the headrest of the back seat are a must have. It will keep you at ease while driving by knowing what your baby is doing at all times.

Portable Soothing Machine: Some babies really do not enjoy car rides and need some distraction. You can use a portable sound soother to help calm them while out and about.

Baby Feeding Essentials

Breast Pump: You can get a FREE BREAST PUMP through your insurance!

The new recommendations for breastfeeding from the American Academy of Pediatrics state: “The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond. These recommendations are consistent with those of the World Health Organization (WHO).”

Starting from birth, you have a free, nutrient-dense, source of food for your baby in the form of breastmilk! I exclusively breastfeed, but it’s always good to have a breast pump on hand if you need to be away from your baby for any reason (like appointments that run longer than expected, work, or emergencies).

If you haven’t gotten a breast pump yet, you can get a FREE BREAST PUMP through your insurance using AEROFLOW! I went through Aeroflow to get a Medela breast pump and the experience was very easy. All I had to do was enter the info it asked for, choose my breast pump and other pumping supplies and wait for them to send it to me (which didn’t take long at all)! Breast pumps can run you hundreds of dollars. Why spend that on your own when you don’t have to!? Let your insurance cover that!

Formula is expensive and adds up quickly. It also doesn’t provide the lifelong immune and digestive system support for your baby that breastfeeding does. Check out all my breastfeeding tips and information here.

Haakaa: If you plan to breastfeed, Haakaa’s are awesome! You can feed baby on one breast and put the Haakaa on the opposite one. It suctions to your breast and collects so much milk! That way nothing is wasted! Milk is like liquid gold (it has so many surprising uses); you don’t want to be wasting that stuff!

Milk storage bags: These help you keep milk longer! You can put the date on the bag and keep them in the freezer or refrigerator until you are ready to warm them up and feed!

Boppy nursing pillow: There are many uses for the nursing pillow, but what it was originally made for was to elevate your baby and keep them comfortable while nursing. Also keeping you comfortable because you don’t have to hold the weight of your baby up to your breast.

Bottles: We use Avent Bottles. We have the Avent bottles because they can attach to my breast pump (Medela), they come with natural shaped nipples making it easier for babies to take to. They also have vents to help air not get into babies belly, preventing colic.

Burp cloths: Muslin burp cloths are my favorite, and they clean up good too. Cloth diapers actually work wonderfully as burp cloths.

Bibs: I like cloth bibs with snaps. The velcro ones can sometime scratch babies’ fragile skin.

Highchair: It is best to get a multi-use highchair, especially if you are planning to have more children. We have this highchair. It’s awesome because the top seat can be taken off and attached to a kitchen chair, while the bottom piece can be used as a booster seat for a second child.

Baby Gear Must-Haves

Baby Carrier: I use an Infantino baby carrier mainly because it is ergonomic and doesn’t require you to tie it some fancy way. You just clip it on, put your baby in, and go!

Pack n’ Play: I’m currently using this playard as a bassinet for keeping baby next to my bed at night with its infant inserts. When she grows out of the infant inserts, I’ll use it as a regular playard.

I would recommend this over a regular bassinet because your baby will only fit in the bassinet for about three months. And with how expensive they are, why not just get a playard that will be functional for so much longer?

Swing or Glider: I ended up adding a 2-in-1 Glider/Rocker that can play soothing music for baby. It’s really easy to set up and doesn’t take up much space in my house (which is a plus with all the extra baby things laying around).

Activity mat: By far, my favorite activity mat is this one by Skip Hop. It’s very entertaining for baby and includes areas to clip toys to the mat for tummy time!

Click here to find out what newborn babies use EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Baby Nursery Essentials

Crib: I suggest getting a crib that can transition into a toddler bed. Some are even able to transition into a small double bed! But as I mentioned earlier, multi-functional items are the best way to go!

Crib Mattress: We use a two-sided crib mattress. One side is firmer for infants, the other side is softer for toddlers.

Glider Chair: A glider will mostly be used for soothing baby while feeding. I would choose one that will look nice in any room of the house so it can last long after you need it in the nursery.

Dresser: We use an upright 6-drawer dresser to save space. If you have large rooms, a long dresser would be a great place to put your changing table and changing supplies.

Changing Table: In my opinion, a changing table isn’t needed. I change my baby on the couch, the floor, the bed – any safe, soft surface.

Bedding: There is no need for “bedding sets” that include a thick comforter and all the things.

All you need are fitted sheets and waterproof protective sheets.

Fitted sheets: You’ll want thinner bed sheets to help keep baby cool. Overheating can cause SIDS. My favorite brand sheets are by Aden + Anais they’re thin and stretchy (yet durable), made out of 100% cotton.

Protective Waterproof Sheets: Get at least two protective waterproof sheets so when you are washing one, there can be another one on the mattress in case the baby is needing to sleep.

Muslin swaddle blankets: Muslin blankets can be used for so many things. They are first a swaddle blanket that is breathable, they are also great for laying the baby on to change diapers, using as a cover for breastfeeding, wiping up spit up, using as a burp cloth, covering a newborn car seat or stroller, and more.

Sound soother/Night light: Sound soothers are a must for babies. If you can find one that also has a night light, that would be perfect! This is what we have in our nursery. It’s so cute and gender neutral. It plays songs, nature sounds, and has a night light.

Hangers: You will most likely receive a lot of baby clothes at your baby shower. You’ll need plenty of children’s hangers to put them all on!

Hamper: Place your hamper close to where you will be changing your baby. That way you can stay next to the baby while changing them and toss the dirty clothes into the basket.

Diaper pale: You can use a regular trash can, a diaper pale really isn’t a necessity.

Blackout curtains: Blackout curtains are so helpful when baby is napping during the day. It helps them fall asleep faster when the room is darker.

Baby monitor: We actually have two baby monitors. One is a video monitor that I personally love. The other is an Owlet Sock that monitors heart rate and oxygen levels. It will alert you by an alarm if your baby is having problems breathing and needs your help. Read my full review on the Owlet Smart Sock here.

Cool mist humidifier: This helps especially when your baby gets a cold or allergies. Helping to soothe coughs with moist air so your baby can breathe better.

This is a lot safer than a warm mist humidifier that could cause burns from steam. For that reason, cool mist humidifiers are the way to go and a must have for babies.

Baby Bath Necessities

Bathtub: The Angelcare tub support is ergonomic for your baby and keeps them comfortable. It dries fast and can be hung on the shower wall when not being used.

Grooming kit: It usually includes a brush, comb, nail clippers, a thermometer, a “snot sucker” as I call them, and something to help administer medicine.

Shampoo, body wash, and lotion: I recommend Aveeno baby products. That’s what we use and haven’t had any issues.

Washcloths: Baby washcloths are made to be a lot softer for babies fragile skin.

Hooded towels: I love hooded towels. They’re cute and keep your baby warmer as they cover the top of babies heads (where most heat escapes).

Baby Diapering Must-Haves

Diapers: We use Pampers Pure diapers. They don’t have the chemicals in them that most diapers have that cause diaper rash.

Wipes: We use both Pampers Pure Wipes and Water Wipes. They both contain 99% water and 1% cleansers.

Portable changing pad: Some diaper bags come with a portable changing pad, but if yours doesn’t, you will want one. Especially when you go to change your babies diaper in public and realize how dirty public bathrooms are.

Diaper bag: Look for a backpack style diaper bag (hands free is best) that has an area in it that is made to keep things warm or cold for storing bottles.

Diaper rash cream: There are so many diaper rash creams out there. Some work better for some babies than others, you really just have to test them. Aquaphor seems to do great for most.

Baby Safety and Health Products

Thermometer: Thermometers can be a life saver. If your baby keeps a high temperature for an extended period of time, it could cause SIDS. This thermometer makes it easy for you to keep track of their temperature. It doesn‘t require you to stick it in any holes!

Plug protectors: Little fingers and objects can be stuck into wall sockets. I went to school with a kid that stuck something in an electrical socket when he was little.

He ended up with a huge burn mark on his side from his mom trying to save him. (She had to push him away from the socket while getting electrocuted, resulting in a burn on his side and on her hand). Therefore, you need electrical plug protectors!

Cabinet locks: To keep your curious baby out of things that could harm them, you’ll need cabinet locks.

Safety gate: You’ll really need a baby gate if you have stairs in your home or a room that is unsafe for your baby.

Teethers: Babies teethe at different times. Some earlier than others, so it’s good to go ahead and have some teethers on hand for when it begins.

Nasal Aspirator: I know the NoseFrieda aspirator is popular, but I can’t bring myself to use it. This aspirator bulb works great and can be taken apart to be cleaned.

Baby Clothes

Clothing: You’re going to get tons of clothing at your shower. Nine times out of ten, people are going to buy what they think is cute..not what you asked for. But it’s still good to add what you know you need!

Baby Clothing you’ll actually need:

• Long and short sleeved onesies of all sizes. I suggest getting a variety from 0m-12m.
• Pants to match
• Swaddles (just in case you don’t feel comfortable swaddling with the blankets).
• Booties (NOT shoes. Socks or booties are best not to mess up the growth of their feet.)
• Footed Onesies (They come in cotton or fleece for cooler or warmer times of the year)
• Mitts (to try to prevent your baby from scratching themselves on accident)
• Socks (babies lose a lot of socks, so I would get a few packs)
• Hats/Sunhats
• Detergent (with all these clothes, you’ll need some baby detergent to wash them all. We use Dreft baby detergent).

Toys & Books For Baby

Toys and books are the most fun part to me! These aren’t necessities, but they’re nice to have to put a smile on your little one’s face. Find a list of perfect library starter books here.

Books: Black & white contrast books. These are great for newborns and up. Newborns are still gaining full vision, so their eyesight is very blurred. They can see high contrast things best, like the black and white photos in these books.

Water mat: The water mat is an amazing tummy time and sensory learning toy. You add water inside the mat and your baby squishes it around, which makes little objects move inside. It keeps them happy and entertained for tummy time!

Books for Mom

These books were extremely helpful to me because before having a baby, I hadn’t spent much time at all, around babies. Therefore, I was a little nervous. These books helped comfort me by teaching me the basics of what I needed to know. If you don’t add them to your baby registry, consider purchasing them on your own to prepare for newborn situations you may not have thought of.

Baby Registry Checklist Free Printable

Download or print this baby registry checklist for preparing your home for your newborn baby!

I hope you’ve found this to be helpful! When I started making a baby registry, I was all over the place in my head, not knowing what I needed! I hope this checklist will help you not be as frazzled as I was!