What Should I Put On My Registry vs. Purchase Myself? | Baby Gear Registry

Sep 27, 2024

Creating a baby registry is an exciting process, but it can also be overwhelming! It may feel strange and unnatural to put your needs out there for others, but remember people love celebrating new arrivals and giving gifts!

When it comes to setting up your registry, it’s a great idea to put everything you think you might need on there. This way, you can let friends and family help build your essentials. After your baby shower or towards the end of your pregnancy, you can purchase any remaining items to ensure you have everything you need for your little one.

What should you include on your registry?

Here are some essentials you won’t want to forget to add to your registry, along with our top suggestions:

Car seat

You need a car seat for baby to ride home from the hospital or birthing center. It's essential and you won't be released without one. Most parents opt for the convenience and ease of an infant car seat. Infant car seats are the only type of car seat that connect to strollers. They are also more portable as they easily detach from their base, can be carried or clicked into a stroller, and brought inside for easy loading and unloading.

Stroller

Don't forget to register for a stroller. Fresh air is so good for mom and baby! Plus, you'll be using a stroller so much for the first 2-3 years. Make sure your choice takes into consideration your lifestyle, terrain, car, and storage. There are all different kinds to consider: single, double, single to double convertible, travel or compact, jogging, or you can opt for a stroller wagon instead!

High Chair

Many parents don't think to register for a high chair since infants don't eat solid food until later on. However, 4-6 months comes quick, and you don't want to scramble doing research on high chairs while sleep deprived and busy caring for a newborn. Plus there are many high chairs on the market that have newborn options so you can use it from the very beginning! This is great for keeping your newborn close by while you cook or eat. They enjoy watching, and start learning about food early on!

Crib and possibly bassinet

Setting up where your baby will sleep is important prior to bringing them home. Most parents opt to use a bassinet in their room for the first few months to keep overnight feedings and middle of the night diaper changes more convenient. At some point, parents move their baby to a crib. It's a good idea to have both spaces ready as you won't know when you'll opt to move your baby until you have them. You'll need a firm mattress in your crib as well! Also worth pointing out, some strollers have an overnight approved bassinet such as UPPAbaby and Nuna!

Baby Monitor

Most parents love having a baby monitor so they can tend to their baby and be able to check in on them easily. There are many options on the market now in terms of baby monitors - from the simplest that only monitor sound to the most complex that include monitoring vitals like heart rate and oxygen levels.

Rocker or Glider

Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding, you'll love having a comfortable rocker or glider chair in the nursery (or your bedroom, common area, anywhere really!) to feed your little one.

Bouncer

Babies love movement. A bouncer is a fun place to set baby for little spurts of time or for a moment for you to get a shower, or cook, clean, etc.! Just remember, bouncers are never safe for sleep.

baby in bjorn bouncer

Diaper Bag

It's no secret babies need a lot of stuff. As they get older, you'll need less, but those early days you may find yourself packing the house for outings. You'll want a comfortable diaper bag for adventures to make you more confident you have what you need when out and about.

Sound Machine

Babies are used to the white noise of your stomach, and do really well with sound machines. Plus, they'll help mute other sounds that may wake your baby.

Travel Crib

A travel crib is nice to have if you plan to travel with your baby. However, you can also use a travel crib at Grandma's or friend's houses. They're portable, and easy to set-up. Perfect for when you plan to be over at someone else's house for an extended period of time and want your baby to get their nap in!

Baby Bjorn travel crib

Of course you'll want to add diapers and wipes, burp cloths, a tummy time playmat, and bottles! It's a great idea to get a variety of pacifiers too as you won't know if your baby will take them or what kind they'll prefer. Don't forget to add diaper cream, lotion, body wash and shampoo, and medication too. It's a great idea to be more prepared, and be ready for anything! Toys and books are a great addition as well! Your baby will grow so quickly, and they'll begin listening to books and playing with toys before they're even sitting upright!

Creating a baby registry should be a fun time! Don't let it overwhelm you. If you're overwhelmed, just do the basics, and add to it as your baby grows. You got this!