Preparing for your baby’s arrival is an exciting journey, but with countless baby products available, it can be challenging to determine what’s truly necessary. This comprehensive guide highlights the top baby registry must-haves to help new moms make informed choices and feel confident in their preparations.
Your registry should include a mix of essentials that will make life easier for you, your partner, and your baby. Below is a carefully curated list of the top baby products I used as a first-time mom. I even made sure I saved them for my second child! Whether you’re preparing for transportation or nursery essentials, these must-have items were true game-changers during my first few years of motherhood!
Contents of this Blog post:
Baby Transportation & Gear
When traveling with your newborn, comfort, safety, and convenience are essential. Here are the top baby gear items that we truly relied on for getting out and about with ease:
Evenflo Pivot Expand Travel System
The Evenflo Pivot Expand Travel System is a must-have for new parents. This versatile travel system includes a stroller frame, car seat and base, and a bassinet. It’s easy to transition the car seat from the car right into the stroller. The slide-and-lock system easily allows for multiple configurations to accommodate 2 riders. We were planning for a second child down the road and wanted a hassle-free experience.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Evenflo Revolve 360 Car Seat
The Evenflo Revolve 360 car seat offers 360-degree rotation, making it easier to get your baby in and out of the car. This car seat grows with your child, from newborn to booster seat, making it a long-term investment for your family. Its swivel feature is especially helpful for parents with back pain, ensuring comfort for everyone.
Image Courtesy of Evenflo
Evenflo Pivot Explore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon
For moms who love outdoor adventures, the Evenflo Pivot Explore All Terrain Stroller Wagon is perfect for walks, trips to the park, or even the beach. This all-terrain stroller can carry both your baby and all your essentials with ease. Evenflo thinks about the growing family, and sells an adapter base to use with your carseat, allowing for both a newborn and toddler to sit in the wagon when exploring the outdoors.
Image courtesy of Evenflo
Diaper Bag Backpack
Forget traditional diaper bags—diaper bag backpacks are much more practical for hands-free convenience. This stylish and functional backpack provides ample storage for all your baby essentials. It can be worn comfortably, leaving your hands free to carry your baby or handle other tasks. Here are a couple top-rated options to consider for your registry:
- The Skip Hop Forma Backpack Diaper Bag is a highly rated choice for parents who want a practical yet stylish diaper bag. With two insulated side bottle pockets, a large main compartment, and a built-in changing pad, it has all the features you need to stay organized while on the go. Plus, it’s lightweight and comfortable to carry, with a durable, water-resistant exterior.
Our pick: The Itzy Ritzy Boss Diaper Bag Backpack is a favorite among parents due to its spacious design and high-quality materials. It includes multiple pockets for organization, including insulated bottle holders and a changing pad, making it easy to stay prepared for any situation. Its sleek and modern design doesn’t scream “diaper bag,” making it a stylish option for both moms and dads.
Image courtesy of Itzy Ritzy
Bassinet
Your baby’s first bed is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a safe, close-by option for nighttime care. A bassinet with easy accessibility and added features can make those early months smoother, including these two options:
- The Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper is designed for ultimate convenience, it swivels 360 degrees, bringing your baby close without disturbing your own rest.
Our pick: The Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet is a game-changer for new parents, responding to your baby’s cries with soothing motions to help them sleep longer. With the higher price tag, they do offer rental options if you think you’ll only be needing it for the first 6 months or so.
Image courtesy of Alisha
owlet sock and baby monitor
The Owlet Sock and Baby Monitor Camera offers peace of mind to parents. It tracks baby’s heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns in real-time, all while allowing you to keep a close eye on them with crystal-clear video. Together, they create a complete monitoring system that helps ensure your baby’s safety and comfort, day and night.
Image courtesy of Owlet
Doc-A-Tot Deluxe+ Dock
The Doc-A-Tot Deluxe+ Dock is a must-have for new moms who want a portable, safe, and cozy spot for their baby. This multi-functional lounger can be used for supervised lounging, tummy time, and even as a co-sleeper for those first few months. It’s perfect for naps or quick downtime, giving you peace of mind while your baby rests.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Pack n Play
A Pack N Play is one of the most versatile items you’ll own, serving as a portable crib, play area, or changing station. It’s a must-have for families who value flexibility and travel-friendly options.
- The 4moms Breeze Plus Playard has one-handed setup and sleek design, it’s perfect for parents who want both functionality and style.
- Our pick: The Baby Trend Lil’ Snooze Deluxe II is an all-in-one option that includes a removable bassinet and canopy, a changing station, and large storage organizer for all your baby essentials. As your child grows, the playpen is convenient for playtime or naps at home or on the go.
Nursery Essentials
Setting up your baby’s nursery is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for parenthood. Make it cozy, functional, and organized with these top baby nursery essentials:
Convertible Crib
A convertible crib is a long-term investment that grows with your child, transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. This type of crib saves you money in the long run, as it can be used for several years. Here are some highly-rated convertible cribs that are perfect for your baby registry:
- The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib is a modern, stylish crib with a mid-century design. It features clean lines, rounded edges, and a non-toxic finish. This crib easily converts into a toddler bed and daybed, making it perfect for families looking for a stylish yet functional option. It’s made of durable, eco-friendly wood, and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for safety.
Our pick: The Simmons Kids Slumbertime Monterey 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is a sleek, sturdy option that seamlessly transitions from a crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. With its adjustable mattress support system, the Simmons Kids Monterey crib offers convenience and comfort as your baby grows.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Recliner Rocking Chair
A good recliner or rocking chair is a cornerstone of the nursery. It provides a cozy spot for late-night feedings, storytime, or simply rocking your baby to sleep. A chair that’s comfortable, durable, and easy to clean is a must. Some popular options include:
- The Babyletto Kiwi Glider Recliner is modern, stylish, and functional. This glider comes with a USB port, so you can charge your phone while soothing your baby.
Our pick: The DaVinci Piper Upholstered Recliner and Swivel Glider is perfect for smaller spaces. This glider and recliner offers plush padding and smooth gliding motion, making those long nights a bit more bearable.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Hatch Grow Smart Changing Pad & Scale
The Hatch Grow Smart Changing Pad & Scale is a must-have for tracking your baby’s growth. It syncs with an app to give you detailed insights about your baby’s weight, making it easy to monitor progress between doctor’s visits. This combination of a changing pad and scale is one of those genius products you didn’t know you needed until you have it.
Image courtesy of Alisha
If you’re not in need of the scale feature, I’ve heard great things about the Keekaroo Peanut Changer; comfortable as well as easy to wipe and keep clean.
Diaper Wipes Warmer
A diaper wipes warmer is a luxury item that makes a big difference in your baby’s comfort. Cold wipes can startle your baby, especially during nighttime changes. A warm wipe feels gentler on your baby’s delicate skin and helps soothe them during those late-night diaper changes. It’s a small addition to your registry but one that makes a huge difference.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Feeding, Bathing & Sleeping
Feeding and bathing are essential parts of your baby’s daily routine. Having the right products can make both activities more efficient and enjoyable. Here are some must-have items to add to your registry for both feeding time and bath time:
Breast Pump
Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding or pumping occasionally, a reliable breast pump is a lifesaver for working moms or anyone needing flexibility in feeding schedules. Some are covered by insurance, or are FSA/HSA eligible, allowing you to find one that fits within your budget. Some popular options include:
- The Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow is compact and powerful, this pump is ideal for moms who need portability and efficiency.
- Our pick: The Spectra S1 Plus Breast Pump hospital-grade pump offers customizable settings and a rechargeable battery for ultimate convenience.
Formula feeding
From formula prep to sterilization of bottles, there are so many products designed to save time and make feeding stress-free for parents. Our two most used items in the kitchen during the newborn phase were the following:
Our pick: The Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced is a literal lifesaver. Think of this as the Keurig for baby formula, automatically mixing and dispensing formula to the perfect temperature.
Image courtesy of Baby Brezza
Our pick: The Wabi Sterilizer Dryer simplifies bottle cleaning by sterilizing and drying in a single cycle.
Image courtesy of Amazon
Bottles & accessories
Bottles are an essential part of feeding, whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing both. Look for bottles that reduce colic and are easy to clean. Some registry websites like Babylist.com offer a Bottle Box to provide you with different types of bottles from reputable brands, allowing you to find ones that work for you and your baby. We found that we mostly utilized the:
Our pick: Dr. Brown’s Options+ Bottles are famous for their vent system, which reduces air bubbles and helps prevent gas and colic.
Image courtesy of Dr.Browns
Our pick: The Comotomo Baby Bottles soft silicone body mimics breastfeeding, making them perfect for babies transitioning between breast and bottle.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Our pick: The Boon Drying Rack is the perfect countertop organizer for drying bottles and all those small accessory parts.
Image courtesy of Amazon
burp cloths
You’ll never have enough burp cloths, so choose ones that are soft, absorbent, and durable.
- Muslin Burp Cloths by KeaBabies: Made with multi-layers for extra absorbency, these cloths are a registry must-have.
Our pick: The Burt’s Bees Baby Burp Cloths are made of organic cotton cloths that are gentle on your baby’s skin and highly absorbent for spit-ups.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Soft & Hard Bibs
Bibs are essential for keeping your baby clean during feedings. You’ll want a mix of soft and hard bibs to suit different needs.
Soft fabric bibs, like the bib bandanas from Copper Pearl, are perfect for newborns and infants during the early stages of feeding. These are gentle on your baby’s delicate skin, absorbent, and come in fun, colorful designs.
Image courtesy of Alisha
As your baby grows and starts solid foods, hard, waterproof bibs become invaluable. Silicone bibs are easy to clean, adjustable, and prevent spills from soaking through to your baby’s clothes. We love the BabyBjorn bibs as they are durable and very good at catching food, making clean up a breeze.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Nursing Pillow
A versatile tool for feeding, tummy time, and lounging, a nursing pillow is a must-have for any new parent. We ended up with two different styles which were great for different purposes.
- Our pick: The Brest Friend Nursing Pillow is designed with a secure wrap-around fit and built-in lumbar support, this pillow is a favorite among nursing moms for its ergonomic design and functionality.
Our pick: The Boppy Original Nursing Pillow provides support during nursing, tummy time, and beyond, growing with your baby.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Baby Bathtub
Bath time can be a special bonding moment. It’s also important to make sure your baby is safe and comfortable. A baby bathtub is a must-have for those early months when your little one is too small for a full-size tub. Look for a bathtub that offers support for your baby’s delicate body and has a non-slip surface to keep them secure. Some top options include:
- The Angelcare Baby Bath Support is a lightweight and ergonomic tub support is perfect for safely bathing your baby in an adult tub while providing them comfort with its soft, contoured design.
- Our pick: The Fisher Price baby to Toddler Sling ‘n Seat Tub has a mesh sling to support newborns and converts as your baby grows. It also has a non-slip base to prevent the tub from sliding around.
High Chair
A high chair is an essential piece of baby gear for when your little one starts eating solids. When choosing a high chair, look for one that’s easy to clean, adjustable, and comfortable for your baby. Here are a couple of highly rated options:
- Our pick: The Inglesina Fast Table Chair attaches to most tables, making it a great space-saving solution for smaller homes. It’s easy to clean and folds up for portability when traveling or eating out.
- Our pick: Liuliuby Travel High Chair was perfect as our daughter grew older and we needed a way to safely strap her into regular dining chairs.
Our pick: The Mallify Convertible High Chair is an adjustable, ergonomic chair that grows with your child. It features adjustable settings and a removable backrest for easy cleaning and adaptability. Its stylish design fits seamlessly into any dining space, making it a practical and aesthetic choice.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Sound Machine
Sleep is crucial for both baby and mom. With soothing sounds that block out distractions, it’s a game-changer for promoting better naps and nighttime rest for both baby and parents.
Our pick: The Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine provides soothing white noise, lullabies, and a soft nightlight. It can be controlled via an app, allowing you to customize sound settings, colors, and set nap/bedtime routines—making it a game-changer for sleep.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Our pick: With over 27,000 reviews, this Portable White Noise Sound Machine is a must-have for any parent on the go. With its compact design, soothing sound options, and convenient portability, it’s the perfect solution for creating a peaceful sleep space wherever you are.
Image courtesy of Amazon
Sleep Sacks
Sleep sacks are an essential item to add to your baby registry, providing a cozy, secure alternative to blankets that helps promote safe sleep practices for your little one.
Our pick: The Love to Dream sleep sacks are designed with a unique “arms up” feature. This allows babies to self soothe with their hands near their face while still being securely swaddled. Their soft fabric and easy-to-use zipper make them a favorite for us through the newborn stage.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Our pick: The Nested Bean Sleep Sack has a weighted chest area, which is designed to gently mimic the feeling of being held. This offers baby a calming, swaddling effect to help soothe and promote better sleep.
Image courtesy of Nested Bean
Playtime
Playtime is essential for your baby’s growth. Having the right toys and equipment can make it more enjoyable for both of you. These playtime items are perfect additions to your registry:
LOVEVERY Play Gym
The LOVEVERY Play Gym is an investment in your baby’s early development. This high-quality play gym offers a variety of sensory toys and activities to stimulate your baby’s senses and promote developmental milestones. It’s durable, colorful, and designed to grow with your baby, providing new challenges as they progress.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Baby Swing
A baby swing can be a lifesaver when you need to put your baby down but want to keep them soothed and entertained. Many baby swings offer different motions, speeds, and music options to keep your little one calm. Here are two highly-rated and popular baby swings to consider for your registry:
- The 4moms MamaRoo 4 Baby Swing is a top-of-the-line, high-tech baby swing that mimics the motions parents naturally use to comfort their baby, such as rocking and swaddling, allowing you to control settings via Bluetooth.
Our pick: The Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing is a compact and affordable option with multiple speed settings of side-to-side swaying motion and built-in vibrations. It also includes a mobile with 3 soft toys and songs and sounds to soothe your baby.
Image courtesy of Graco
Baby Chair Rocker
The baby chair rocker is perfect once your baby can sit up but still needs some support. The gentle rocking motion can help soothe and calm your baby while providing them with a great view of their surroundings. Lightweight and portable, this chair is perfect for keeping your baby content while you take care of other tasks (especially for those oh-so-rewarding showers in the early throes of motherhood). Here are two highly-rated and popular baby chair rockers to consider for your registry:
- The BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss is lightweight and ergonomic, it allows your baby to bounce naturally and safely while promoting proper neck and back support.
Our pick: The Zaqw Baby Chair and Rocker is sturdy and breathable rocker is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a versatile option for busy parents. Starting when baby is around 6 months old, its detachable design ensures comfort and adaptability as your baby grows. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly choice, offering great value without sacrificing quality.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Tummy Time Play Mat
Tummy time is essential for strengthening your baby’s neck, shoulders, and arms. A tummy time mat can make this important developmental activity more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are two highly-rated tummy time mats to consider for your baby registry:
- The Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Activity Gym & Play Mat is a versatile tummy time mat that grows with your baby. It features a soft, padded surface, a tummy time pillow for extra comfort, and a variety of colorful toys and textures to engage your baby. The mat is easy to clean, and as your baby grows, the play mat can be used for reaching, grasping, and interactive activities. This mat is perfect for stimulating your baby’s senses while also encouraging the development of motor skills during tummy time.
Our pick: Infinno Inflatable Water Play Mat is a unique and engaging tummy time mat that incorporates water for extra sensory stimulation. This water-filled mat allows your baby to interact with floating toys while lying on their tummy. It’s perfect for keeping your baby entertained while also supporting their physical development.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Skip Hop Baby Activity Center
Our pick: The Skip Hop Baby Activity Center encourages motor skill development and hand-eye coordination with interactive toys, lights, and sounds. As your baby grows, the seat can be replaced with a table insert, allowing this toy to transition into a toddler-friendly art or play station. We purchased separate chairs that fit perfectly with this activity table as our child became a toddler.
Image courtesy of Alisha
Miscellaneous Items
While registering for all those big ticket items is important, don’t forget all the other essentials to make parenting life easier.
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper Cream
- Diaper Cream Applicator
- Baby shampoo
- Bath toys
- Bath towels and washcloths
- Pacifiers
- Baby book
- Swaddles and blankets
- Baby hangers
- Onesies and ALL the cute clothes
Image courtesy of Alisha
Creating a baby registry as a first-time mom doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Each of the products highlighted here has been tried, tested, and loved for their practicality, comfort, and quality. Other registry resources from The Bump and BabyGearLab can help provide insights into products reviews and testimonials.
Whether you’re preparing for life on the go, setting up a cozy nursery, or looking for ways to stimulate your baby’s growth, these must-have items will make your first-time parenting experience a little easier. Remember, every family’s needs are unique, so tailor your registry to what feels right for you. If you have any questions or additional must-haves to suggest, feel free to share them in the comments below!
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