16 Must-Have Items for Your Baby Registry

Pregnant and not sure what you need to add to your baby registry? I’ve got you! As a mom of two, I know what you need (and what you don’t). Here is my guide to the best 16 must-have items you need to add to your registry today!

Whether you need help with baby registry ideas for your first, or need a few more essentials for your second child, there is no shortage of baby gear below to get you started. Making sure to select the best baby registry essentials ensures you will be as prepared as possible once your bundle of joy is here! 

These are my top baby registry ideas, including must-have essentials like my favorite high chair and a stroller that opens and closes in a second.

The Best Baby Registry Ideas

1. A set of gowns for diaper changes: Touched by Nature Unisex Baby Organic Cotton Gowns

Without any buttons or zippers to fiddle with, sleeper gowns make middle-of-the-night diaper changes so much easier during those first few sleepless weeks at home. If you’re looking for baby shower registry ideas, this 3-pack of organic cotton gowns is a must. These machine-washable outfits are available in over a dozen adorable prints and patterns for boys and girls, as well as unisex options.

2. A nontoxic crib mattress: Newton Crib Mattress

A proper sleeping environment for your impending bundle of joy is a must. The 5.5-inch thick Newton Baby Crib Mattress is one of the only options out there that is completely washable and breathable, offering new parents peace of mind regarding easy cleaning and safe sleep. It comes with a removable cover, too. The Newton Crib Mattress can also be used from infancy to toddlerhood, so you can easily transition your little one to a toddler bed when the time is right!

3. A pack of diapers: Honest Company Clean Conscious Diapers

Diapers are one of the top must-have baby registry items, so be sure to stock yours in various sizes to get you through the first year. Honest Company Diapers are a go-to choice for many new parents because they are designed with safe plant-based materials, a wetness indicator (so you know when it’s time for a fresh one), enhanced blowout protection, and advanced absorption for dry, happy babes. Even seasoned parents need reliable diapers, making Honest Company Diapers a great second (or third or fourth) baby registry idea! 

4. A diaper pail that keeps odors at bay: Diaper Genie Registry Gift Set

If you’re on the fence about adding a diaper pail to your list of baby registry essentials, just do it. This Diaper Genie Registry Gift Set comes with everything you need for stink-free storage, including antimicrobial refill bags and a carbon filter to remove odors from the air. Because of the carbon filter, the entire setup is scent-free, so you don’t have to worry about overwhelming your nursery with any strong fragrance. 

5. A playmat that encourages  tummy time: Lovevery The Play Gym

Lovevery makes one of my favorite baby and toddler subscription boxes full of adorable, high-quality toys that kids will enjoy for years to come. The Play Gym is no different, offering so many developmental play options for your little one—from tummy time to imaginative toddler play. This is why it’s one of my must-have baby registry items. 

6. A swaddle that feels like a hug: Happiest Baby Sleepea 5-Second Swaddle

Whether you’re looking for baby girl registry ideas or baby boy registry ideas, a swaddle is always a good choice. Developed by Dr. Harvey Karp of The Happiest Baby fame, the Sleepea Swaddle is a game changer for encouraging longer stretches of sleep — even for the ultimate swaddle escape artist. This swaddle comes in three sizes and is made of organic cotton, so it’s nice and gentle on your baby’s skin, too.

7. A pack of extra large burp rags for spit-ups: Looxi Muslin Burp Cloths

While you may be thinking about bigger-picture baby registry ideas, don’t forget the much-needed small stuff, like burp rags. These absorbent Muslin cotton burp cloths are available in packs of six or 12 and come in different colors. I love how big they are (20 inches by 10 inches), ideal for capturing the bulk of those projectile spit-ups. I recommend adding a few sets of these to your registry! 

8. A supportive pillow for feeding sessions: Boppy Nursing Pillow 

You and your baby need to be comfortable during feeding sessions, which is why I love recommending one of my baby registry must-haves, a Boppy Nursing Pillow. The ergonomic, C-shape design is ideal for supporting both the baby and the parent during breast- and bottle-feeding. It also can be used as an infant lounger and to help with tummy time as the baby grows. Made from machine-washable, hypoallergenic materials, the Boppy pillow is another useful baby registry gift idea.

9. A travel crib that doubles as a bassinet: 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard

A travel crib is a must-have for any baby registry. The 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard sets up in just seconds, is lightweight, and comes with a bassinet! This travel crib is one of the easiest to use because it can open and close with just one click. Parents also love it because it has a bassinet attachment that can be used as a changing station. It is lightweight and comes with a bag for travel, making for an easy, all-in-one portable sleep system.

10. A compact drying rack for bottles: OXO Tot Space Saving Drying Rack

A bottle drying rack is one of the most practical baby registry ideas to keep your countertop free of bottle clutter. You can’t go wrong with a top-rated model like the OXO Tot Space Saving Drying Rack. With nine hooks, it has plenty of room for drying baby bottles, sippy cups, and breast pump parts. There are two drying racks—one on the top and one on the bottom front — for small items like lids and bottle nipples. Plus, the entire thing pulls apart for easy cleaning.

11. ​​A baby monitor with all the bells and whistles: Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor

A baby monitor is more for Mom and Dad than anyone else, bringing peace of mind at all times of the day with real-time notifications about the baby. The Wi-Fi-enabled Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor is one of the smartest, most recommended cameras out there, with monitoring features for breathing, motion, and sound. It sends notifications to your phone via the app, so you’re always in the know when it comes to your baby! This Nanit Pro can be mounted above the crib with wire covers for safety. 

12. A foldable bouncer you can move: BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft

Baby bouncers can take up a lot of real estate in your home, but they don’t have to when you go with a foldable one like the BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft. The bouncer has three different reclining positions that support children up to 29 pounds, and it folds down flat for easy storage. You can choose from fabric covers in multiple colors made from cotton, jersey material, or mesh. I recommend pairing this bouncer with the BabyBjorn toy bar to keep little ones engaged! 

13. A colorful night light that plays lullabies: Hatch Rest Baby

Helping your baby fall into a deep sleep takes time. With the help of a nightlight like the Hatch Baby Rest, you can send your sweet wee one off to dreamland, listening to lullabies or soothing sounds. This top-rated sleep lamp for kids also displays a rainbow of colors and shades of white. As your baby gets older, you can use Rest to create bedtime and wake-up routines to simplify their sleep schedule.

14. A stroller that you can open and close easily: Bugaboo Butterfly

You’ve got enough to juggle between the baby and all of the gear they require, so why not make your life easier with a stroller that opens in one second? The Bugaboo Butterfly, which comes in four color options, is perfect for parents and caregivers who want a high-end stroller system under $500. This stroller has two recline positions, is lightweight, and can be opened and closed using just one hand in a second. (Yes, really!) It works with major car seat brands like Maxi Cosi, Nuna, and others. It’s an ultra-cozy and compact ride made for kids up to 50 pounds.

15. A waterproof changing pad: Munchkin Secure Grip Contoured Baby Diaper Changing Pad

A changing pad is a popular baby registry idea, and this one from Munchkin is one of the most popular options available. I love this one because it has an extra strong grip to keep the pad in place and safety straps to secure your baby during use. It wipes clean, so you don’t have to worry about stains or purchasing changing pad covers. Easy peasy! 

16. Adjustable, Convertible High Chair for Mealtime: Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair

When it comes to baby registry essentials, the Tripp Trapp is my top choice for the best high chair. The Tripp Trapp High Chair brings your child right up to the table. The Baby Set is best for children from 6-36 months, but the beech wood chair can hold up to 300 lbs, so your child can use it forever. Tripp Trapp Chair was specifically designed to allow freedom of movement as your child grows. Plus, it’s available in a wide range of colors & two wood finishes, guaranteed to look beautiful in any setting.

Prices were accurate at time of publication.