10 Baby Registry Must Haves

Expecting a baby? Creating a registry for your bundle of joy is half the fun! And while there are a million guides out there with the baby essentials you’ll need, these 10 baby registry must haves are our tried and true picks.

A tip for creating your registry: use Babylist to add items from more than one store!

1. Pack ‘n Play

A safe place for your baby to sleep is essential, and while we love the Halo Bassinest for newborns, you’ll get a lot more mileage out of a Pack ‘n Play with an infant insert. The flat insert (shown in this photo underneath the removable changer and the bassinet) makes it easy to reach your baby in the night, and there’s plenty of space for them to grow. Plus the portable design of a Pack ‘n Play makes it great for travel!

2. Travel system

Everyone will tell you that you’ll need a car seat and a stroller, but find a system that works together and it will make your life so much easier. We love the Graco click-connect car seat and stroller combo.

3. Portable sound machine

Babies love white noise, and a portable sound machine for car rides and trips to the store is a game changer!

4. Baby Swing

After spending 9 months being rocked and swayed in your belly, it’s no wonder babies are comforted by movement on the outside. We love a system that combines motion with music or white noise, like the 4moms mamaRoo.

5. Baby carrier or wrap

There will be times when your baby does not want to be put down. It’s normal! In this case, a baby carrier or wrap will be your best friend. Use them as a way to keep baby close and snuggled so you’re able to get things done – hands free. You may have to try a couple before finding the right fit for you and your baby. We recommend putting two different types on your registry.

6. Muslin blankets

There is nothing more versatile than a muslin blanket. Use them as a swaddle, a burp cloth, a nursing cover, a play mat, a changing table cover, and more. They’re versatile, soft, and perfect for on-the-go.

7. Swaddles

With so many swaddles on the market, you may have to try a couple before you find the one that works for your baby. But, we’ve had the best luck with the Halo Sleep Sack Swaddle. This one zips up and will velcro shut so you can get the perfect swaddle for your baby.

8. A flexible feeding system

If you’re planning to breastfeed or pump, the Kiinde Twist Breastfeeding Gift Set has everything you need to make feeding your baby as easy as possible. What we really love about this set is that it cuts the amount of time you’d spend washing bottles in half! Plus it comes with an adaptor kit for you to pump directly into the bag from any brand of pump. It can also be used with formula so if you switch your method of feeding at any time, you don’t have to change bottles.

9. High chair

A high chair is something that you won’t need right away, but when it’s time to start feeding your baby solids, you’ll be happy to have it! Our favorite high chair is one that can grow with your baby. From those first couple of spoonfuls of food, to sitting directly at the dinner table with you, this one is all you’ll need.

10. Play gym

After a few weeks, newborns start to “wake up.” They’ll become more active and love to explore the world around them. We love a good play gym to encourage their motor skills while they’re on their backs, practice tummy time, and keep them entertained for a couple of minutes while we savor our luke-warm cups of coffee.

Don’t forget your Baby Memory Book!

We know we’re biased, but if you’re looking for a tangible way to capture your baby’s memories and milestones, Tessera’s Baby Memory Book is a baby registry must have!

Thoughtfully designed to be flexible, pages are printed on one side and can be added, removed, or rearranged without losing any detail. Simple-to-complete prompts make it easy to record details from pregnancy through birthday number 3. Don’t worry if a prompt doesn’t apply, you miss a milestone, or can’t remember the details. Simply remove the page from your book so your baby book looks and feels complete.

Each heirloom-quality Baby Memory Book comes in a gift-ready keepsake box. It’s perfect for storing photos, growth records, birth certificates, and more. It also makes a great gift! See our Baby Gift Guide.

Need tips on filling out your book? Find 7 Tips for Filling Out Your Baby Memory Book on our blog! You may also love Creative Ways to Capture Baby’s First Year & Creating a Custom Baby’s First Years Memory Book.