Baby Registry Checklist

Newborn babies don’t need a lot, but there are a few things that you can register for that will make your transition to parenthood a lot easier. Not sure where to start with your baby registry? This baby registry checklist will get you off to a great start.

Car Seat (1) - If you’re giving birth in a hospital, they’ll require you to have a car seat safely installed in your car in order to leave the hospital. Here are seven of the best car seats to consider.

Layette - A layette is a wardrobe for your baby that also includes other cloth items like burp cloths, booties and hats. Your baby’s layette will vary based on how often you plan on doing laundry and what time of year your baby is born. To simplify, here’s a quick guide to a newborn layette for a family that plans on doing laundry twice a week.

For all seasons, start here:

• Seven Bodysuits or Rompers - These make for an easy outfit in summer or a basic layer in winter. Seven will give you one for every day of the week.
• Two Hats - They help keep your baby’s head warm in the newborn stage. With two, you’ll always have one to wear and one in the wash.
• Five Pairs of Socks - No matter the season, socks will keep your baby’s feet cozy.
• Four Sleeper Coveralls or Gowns - Make sure your baby’s sleep outfits are lightweight enough to keep your baby warm (but not too hot) and fit snugly enough that they won’t bunch or shift.

For a winter baby, add:

• Two More Pairs of Socks
• Four Pants
• Two Sweaters
• One Winter Coat or Bunting Sack
• Two Slippers or Shoes

For a summer baby, add:

• One sunhat
• One lightweight blanket

Newborn Diapers (about 170 count for disposables) and Wipes (about 500 count) - While it’s tempting to stock up on newborn diapers, some babies are big enough to fit into size 1 diapers right out of the gate. Be prepared with enough newborn diapers and wipes for a couple weeks; expect to go through 10-12 diapers and 35 wipes a day (on the high end). If you plan on cloth diapering, here’s a handy guide for that.

Baby Carrier (1) - Strap or tie a baby carrier on, and it’s like an extra pair of hands. A baby carrier is great for newborns who love to be held constantly. Many parents start with a wrap for younger babies and then use a soft-structured carrier for older babies.

Stroller (1) - The good news is that there are hundreds of strollers out there and you’re bound to find one (or more) that’s a great fit for your family. Whether you are looking for a double, a jogger or a travel stroller, here are the 10 best strollers overall, according to thousands of parents.

Crib/Bassinet (1) - The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies share a room (but not a bed) with their parents at least until six months and preferably for one year. Many parents start with a bassinet in their room to make nighttime feedings easier. Then, when it’s time for baby to move to their own room, they graduate to a crib.

Bottles (6) - Bottles are an important registry staple. Even if you plan on exclusively breastfeeding, registering for bottles will allow someone other than you to feed the baby pumped breast milk.  

Baby Monitor (1) - A baby monitor helps you stay in tune with your baby when you’re not in the same room. The right monitor for your family will depend on the features you’re looking for (Wi-Fi enabled? Video, sound, or both? Heart rate and oxygen monitoring?). Here are some of the best baby monitors on the market today.

Help and Favors - There are things that new families find that they need that go beyond clothes and gear, like home-cooked meals and babysitting in the weeks (and months) after baby is born. Babylist lets you add help and favors to your baby registry so you can ask for what you really need.