Tips for Creating a Baby Registry Checklist

Preparing for the birth of your sweet baby also means creating a registry that includes everything you’ll need when they arrive. But how do you know which items are important and which to skip? With so many baby products on the market, creating a baby registry checklist can be overwhelming.

Before you start clicking “add to registry” there are a few things to keep in mind. We spoke with Katie Montell, founder of The Baby Planner, to find out what you need to know. As someone who helps parents-to-be create their registries, she knows a thing or two about what you’ll need, and what you can leave off your checklist.

What is a Baby Registry?

In the simplest terms, a baby registry is a list of items you need for your little one to come. Family and friends can purchase items from this list as gifts for your baby shower, or anytime before or after your due date. You can include anything you want, from baby essentials to a future college fund. There really is no limit to what you can add to your registry.

How to Create a Baby Registry

You can set up a registry through many popular stores and websites that sell baby items. Babylist, Amazon, and Target are just a few of the options available. Once you’ve set up your baby registry, add items while you shop in store, or online from the comfort of your couch.

There are many baby registry options to choose from, so do your research and decide which one is best for you. We recommend having at least one option that offers in-store shopping for loved ones who don’t enjoy shopping online. Don’t forget to share your baby registry information so everyone knows exactly what you need.

Tips for Creating a Baby Registry Checklist

There is a lot (and we mean a LOT) of baby gear out there. From essentials for baby and mom to items that are cute but not necessary. Keep reading so you can complete your baby registry checklist with confidence and without feeling overwhelmed.

Baby Registry Items

When creating a baby registry checklist, Montell says her clients are usually familiar with the basic things needed for a newborn. These items may include:

• Crib or bassinet
• Stroller
• Clothing
• Swaddle blankets
• diapers
• Wipes
• Essential nutrients

When setting up a baby registry, Montell encourages parents-to-be to take as minimalist an approach as possible.

“I would say that simple is usually better,” he says.

Montell is a fan of things that a baby will never outgrow in less than a year. These include convertible car seats and cribs that turn into toddler beds.

“Buying things that can grow with the baby and have a lot of steps really helps,” she says. “The more space you can save and the less you have to manage the better.”

Other things to consider

Babies often fall asleep while walking in their stroller, which is why Montell recommends adding a bassinet stroller attachment to your registry. This way they are lying down when they fall asleep and there is no need to transfer them to their crib or bassinet when you return home.

Another thing to consider is mesh feeders that provide a way to safely introduce new foods to your baby. It’s also a delicious teether option when those first baby teeth start coming through.

Not adding enough of something or too much of a particular item is a common mistake when creating a baby registry.

“I usually only see some nativity scenes,” she said. “As a new parent, you don’t realize how many babies spit up.”

He also recommends adding more zippered footie pajamas than you think you’ll need. This is a beautiful one-piece dress that keeps dressing simple. Montell says you can dress them up with a cute bib or bow when you go out.

There are also so many great things when it comes to building your baby registry. Montell often sees an abundance of newborn diapers at the registers. Babies can grow to newborn size quickly, sometimes within weeks. That’s why it’s important to include diapers in different sizes so you always have the next size when you need it.

What to Skip on Your Registry

There are so many great things you’ll be tempted to add to your registry, but you probably won’t need, or use, any of them when you give birth to your newborn. Some of these items include baby shoes, fancy crib bedding, fancy clothes, and socks.

Montell says socks don’t do much good until the baby starts to pull himself up to stand on his own. Plus, they’ll probably kick them right away anyway.

“Just put on the footie pajamas and you’re good to go,” he said.

She adds that hard shoes are not needed until later, and soft shoes are better when the baby is learning to walk. Fancy crib bedding can be dangerous for newborns. All you need in a crib is a fitted sheet. Clothes with clothes can also be less useful, especially with the many changes of clothing that babies can go through each day.

Pro Tip: One more items you may want to skip is a wipe warmer. While it may seem like a soothing addition to your nursery, it could give you a headache later on.

“If a baby uses a hot wipe, they’re going to be cranky whenever you’re outside,” says Montell.

There are also items you can skip for now and buy later to keep life simple in the beginning. Babies don’t usually start playing with toys until 6 to 8 months old, and they don’t need a highchair until then either. Some parents also wait to buy a crib until their child reaches their first birthday.

Don’t Forget Mom

Many parents underestimate how difficult postpartum can be. That’s why postpartum needs are just as important as having essentials for your new baby. This may include a breast pump, ice packs, nursing pads, and other things to make mom more comfortable. If having certain postpartum items on your baby registry makes you uncomfortable, Montell suggests making a private list for yourself so you don’t forget these essential supplies.

Along with physical things, Montell strongly suggests setting up a support system before the baby arrives. She recommends hiring a night nurse, lactation consultant, and postpartum doula, if possible. This is especially important for parents who do not live near their family, or who have elderly parents.

“Prepare for those first three months to set you up for success,” Montell says. “Get everything you need…and put a support system in place.”

To further help parents navigate the first few months postpartum, Montell launched The Village. This online membership offers access to a library of resources to help parents prepare for life with a baby, and connect with an inclusive network of other moms and dads.

Breathe deeply

Creating a baby registry often comes with a sense of overwhelming anxiety. So before you start choosing which items will go on your list and which won’t make the cut, take a deep breath.

“There are so many things to look at, so many things to know, and so many products to look at,” Montell said. “This is new to you; like starting a new job.”

Ultimately what goes into your baby registry depends on your family’s needs. It’s also comforting to know that you don’t have to include everything your baby will need in their first year and some things can wait until later. Simplicity is key when creating a baby registry checklist.

Montell adds that there are many “rules” found online that can add to the stress of being a new parent. “Really, most of the things you choose are fine,” he said. “You can choose to sleep train or you can choose to have your baby close to you all the time. Either way is fine. You just have to do what’s right for you as a parent.”

Plan Your Shower with WebBabyShower

Once you’ve created your baby registry checklist, you’ll want to share it with friends and family. When you plan your shower with WebBabyShower, your guests can see important information, including where you’re registered. That way you will have everything you need for your first months with your beloved baby.