Attention, Expectant Moms: This Is Exactly What You Need on Your Registry

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sheila Gim

Prepping for your first baby can be a daunting task. When I was pregnant with my son, I had no idea what I needed to buy for this new member of my family. Thankfully, the wisdom of fellow moms helped me realise what a baby really needs (hint: not only cute outfits) and what to register for when preparing for a baby shower. Below is the ultimate baby registry checklist to take the guesswork out of planning for that new baby.

Sleep

• A crib
• A firm mattress for the crib
• A small, transportable crib for travel
• A firm mattress for the travel crib
• A bassinet or sleeper that can be placed next to your bed (note that the travel crib may fill this need)
• 3 crib sheets
• A sound machine to soothe baby to sleep
• 2 waterproof mattress pads to be placed under the sheets
• 3 swaddling sleep-sacks with mittens to prevent midnight scratches
• 1-3 swaddling blankets
• 1 medium-weight blanket (but not to be used in sleeping during the first year)

Transportation

• A rear-facing car seat with inserts to protect a newborn's neck
• A stroller that the car seat can attach into
• A jogging stroller
• A cup holder attachment for the stroller (trust me on this!)
• An ergonomic carrier for hands-free walking
• If in a cold area, a bunting blanket that zips up to keep baby warm

Clothing

• 5 white short-sleeved onesies, 0-3 months
• 5 white short-sleeved onesies, 3-6 months
• 5 white long-sleeved onesies, 3-6 months
• 2 sets of infant lightweight socks
• 5 neutral leggings, 0-3 months
• 5 neutral leggings, 3-6 months
• 2 sweaters, 3-6 months
• 2-4 warm hats (depending on season of birth)
• 2-4 sun bonnets (depending on season of birth)
• 4-6 pajamas, 0-3 months
• 4-6 pajamas, 3-6 months

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

Toys and Activities

• 3-5 gumming toys and rattles
• 1 activity play mat
• 1 exersaucer (This won't be usable until baby is at least 3-4 months, but you'll be sooooo glad you have one.)
• 1 vibrating rocker or chair
• 1 floor seat
• 3-5 soft books to chew and hold

Health and Safety

• 1 set of infant nail trimmers
• 1 infant-safe thermometer
• 1 infant bathtub
• 1 bottle of bath soap
• 1 changing mattress with straps to be placed on a low dresser or changing station
• 2-3 changing-mattress sheets
• 2-4 soft towels with a hood
• 2-4 soft washcloths
• A month's supply of diapers (While you may be encouraged to get more, you may want to try different brands or cloth diapers, so it's best to not invest in any one type right away.)
• 1 bottle of diaper cream
• 1 bottle of diaper powder
• 1-month supply of baby wipes
• 1 diaper pail with liners (If you take your trash out often or are using cloth diapers, this is most likely not necessary.)
• 2 infant-friendly first-aid kits (one for the home and one for travel)

Feeding

• 3-4 bottles and nipples (Babies may develop a preference for particular bottles, so it's best to not invest too quickly in one type.)
• 1 breast pump for expressing milk (It's possible that your insurance will cover this, so before you register for one, talk to your provider.)
• 1 manual pump for on-the-go expressing
• 1 box of milk storage bags
• 1 bottle sanitation tray
• 1 nursing pillow with a detachable and washable cover
• 5-7 bibs
• 1-2 burp cloths
• 1 brush for washing bottles
• 1-month supply of formula
• 1 high chair
• 2-4 pacifiers