The Ultimate Baby Registry List: 7 Must-Have Items Every First Time Mom Needs
Creating a baby registry list as a first time mom can feel like entering a whole new world of decision-making. With so many baby products on the market and endless advice floating around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I’ve been there.
Now that my first baby has graduated to toddlerhood and we’re preparing to welcome baby #2 this winter, I’ve had time to reflect on what was actually useful on my baby registry, and what I’ll be using again.
This post covers the top baby registry must-haves I recommend to any first time mom building her list. These items made my life easier during the newborn stage and many are still being used daily. Whether you're browsing baby stores or exploring the best baby registry sites, this list will help you register smart and confidently.
If you’re in the middle of creating your own baby registry, make sure you grab a copy of my free Baby Registry Checklist to make sure you have everything you’ll need for you newborn from nursery essentials, breastfeeding and pumping must haves, postpartum recovery essentials, and more.
Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links but all of the opinions are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I’m referring you to my favorite things and other top recommendations for Moms. By you shopping through these links I may collect a small commission without you paying a penny more. I greatly appreciate your support of me, my family, and this blog!
What Is a Baby Registry List and Why It Matters
If you’re just starting your journey, you might be wondering: What exactly is a baby registry list? Why do I need to make baby registry list?
A baby registry list is a curated collection of baby items that you choose for your family and share with others, usually for a baby shower or before your baby arrives. Think of it as a personalized shopping list that helps friends and family support you with exactly what you need.
The best baby registry lists are tailored to your lifestyle, space, and preferences - and that’s especially true for first time moms who may not know what’s essential for baby and what’s just “nice to have.” That’s where a little guidance comes in handy.
Where to Create Your Baby Registry
Before we get into my list, if you haven’t already chosen where to create your registry, here are a few of the best baby registry sites:
Amazon Baby Registry - Widely popular and convenient with a huge selection. Most of your guests are likely shopping on Amazon, so using the Amazon baby registry site tends to be user-friendly for your friends and family. Amazon even sends you an Amazon baby registry welcome box with some free baby products! Amazon baby registry has a 15% registry completion discount.
Target Baby Registry - Great return policy and in-store access. A Target registry welcome box is also included with your sign-up and Target offers a 15% registry completion discount.
Babylist - Lets you add items from multiple stores in one place. This is nice for price comparison and makes it easier for you as the creator of the baby registry. However, I find as a user, Babylist doesn’t have a great user experience because your guests have to be taken off of the Babylist Registry site to complete their purchase, then go back to Babylist to mark that they’ve purchased the gift, enter their order number, etc. To be completely honest with you, the concept is cool but I’m not a huge fan.
Each site has pros and cons, so take a moment to explore what fits your needs best.
My Tried-and-True Baby Registry Must-Haves
These seven items are what I recommend to every first time mom creating her baby registry. Some of these I loved so much, I’ll be purchasing duplicates or using again for my second baby.
Keekaroo Changing Pad - Worth Every Penny
The Keekaroo Diaper Changer is always one of my number of baby product recommendations for first time moms. I understand this is a little pricier than a standard changing pad, but when you consider the price of a standard changing pad and purchasing a couple of changing pad covers you’re getting close to the price of the Keekaroo. Plus this thing is so much easier to clean! You just wipe it down with a baby wipe. No extra laundry? Yes please. My number one advice for new parents is to save ourself time, stress, and energy wherever you can! I have seen some negative reviews online about staining, but ours still looks nearly new after a year and a half. Even my husband agrees that this is one of his favorite baby products. You can read my full Keekaroo review here.
Muslin Washcloths - Soft, Gentle, and Multipurpose
I hadn’t considered getting muslin washcloths when I was first creating my baby registry list, but a friend recommended these to me as one of her favorite baby items. These washcloths really are so soft and gentle. We use them for bath time and for cleaning face and hands after meals. You’ll go through more washcloths than you think so having a stockpile is key!
Dual Car Seat Cover / Nursing Cover - A Diaper Bag Essential
I kept my car seat cover / nursing cover in my diaper bag and used it all of the time, typically as a nursing cover but also as a car seat cover when needed. It provides good coverage as a nursing cover. My oldest, Ada, was an easily distracted eater and this cover helped create a dark calm space for her to focus on breastfeeding instead of everything else going on. Here are a couple of my favorite options: Car Seat Cover Option 1 / Car Seat Cover Option 2.
Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle - A Postpartum Game-Changer
Let’s talk postpartum for a second. The hospital usually provides a peri bottle, but the standard one is upright and super awkward to use. The Frida Mom peri bottle is designed upside down so you can use it more comfortably, especially when recovering from a vaginal birth. You won’t need it forever, but during those first few weeks it truly is a lifesaver.
Portable Sound Machine - Soothing Sleep Anywhere
A portable sound machine is great for traveling with kids, and even for everyday car rides. We would keep it on hooked our baby’s car seat during the newborn stage and turn it on whenever she got fussy in the car. It was also useful to have whenever we were out and about to turn on if she had fallen asleep in the car on the way or if she needed to take a nap at a friend’s house. We have the Yogasleep portable sound machine. The Hatch Rest Go is also a well-loved option by moms. Planning to do some travel with your baby? Be sure to grab a copy of my weekend packing checklist for baby!
Storage Totes - The Baby Item No One Thinks to Register For
Yes, I know this is an odd one and not something you typically think about putting on a baby registry list, but babies grow out of clothes so fast! It was nice to already have these on hand to put outgrown clothes and shoes in and extra baby items I wasn’t ready to use yet. I find that 30 quart storage totes work well for shoes and 64 to 70 quart totes work well for storing baby clothes and other items.
Blooming Bath Seat - Makes Baby Baths Cozy and Comfortable
If you’re nervous about slippery baby bath seats (like I was), the Blooming Bath Lotus adds soft, petal-shaped padding that cradles baby securely. We placed it in our plastic baby tub and it made bath time more enjoyable for both of us, especially in those early days when baby feels extra fragile.
Tips for Building the Perfect Baby Registry as a First Time Mom
Choosing what to add to your baby registry list can feel like a huge task, especially when you're new to motherhood. Here are a few quick tips that helped me (and can help you too):
Start early - Aim to build your registry by your second trimester.
Ask other moms - Poll your friends for their top 3 baby items.
Think ahead - Don’t just focus on the newborn stage. Think 6–12 months down the line.
Consider your lifestyle - Travel a lot? Register for portable gear. Apartment living? Focus on space-saving items.
Don’t be afraid to add practical items -Diapers, postpartum supplies, and storage solutions are just as important as swaddles and toys.
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How to Share Your Baby Registry List
Once your registry is complete, make it easy for others to support you:
Include a link on your baby shower invite
Add it to your pregnancy announcement
Share it in a group text with close friends and family
Some of the best baby registry sites even offer guest address and thank-you tracking so be sure to take advantage of that functionality.
Grab My Free Baby Registry Checklist!
If you’re still building your baby registry list, I’ve created a free printable baby registry checklist to help you out. It covers everything from newborn essentials to lesser-known gems you’ll be glad to have.
👉 Grab your free Baby Registry Checklist here!
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Everything - Just the Right Things
It’s easy to feel like you need every baby product under the sun, especially as a first time mom. But trust yourself. Choose products that fit your lifestyle, and don’t be afraid to skip the stuff you’re not sure about. You can always get it later.
Use this guide as a starting point to create a smart, thoughtful baby registry list that makes you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.
