21 September 2025
Becoming a new parent is overwhelming enough without the pressure to buy every baby product on the market. When I first started building my essentials checklist, I had no idea what I’d actually use — or what would collect dust. After testing a lot (and returning a few things!), I’ve narrowed it down to the essentials that truly made a difference in those early months.
Let’s start with the must-haves. You’ll definitely want a solid car seat (we loved the Doona for its all-in-one design), a safe place for baby to sleep, and a few swaddles that actually work. Forget the wipe warmer — we used ours once. Stick with what’s simple, functional, and baby-approved.
Here’s my tried-and-true baby registry checklist, organized by category, plus a few personal notes on what to skip. If you’re aiming for a minimalist registry or just want to avoid clutter, this is for you.
- Newborn diapers
- Baby wipes
- Diaper cream
- Onesies (short and long sleeve)
- Sleepers or zip-up pajamas
- Swaddle blankets
- Burp cloths
- Receiving blankets
- Baby hat
- Mittens (to prevent scratching)
- Socks
- Nursing bras or tanks
- Breast pads
- Bottles
- Formula (if not breastfeeding)
- Breast pump (if pumping)
- Bottle brush
- Pacifiers
- Baby bathtub
- Gentle baby wash
- Baby lotion
- Hooded towels
- Soft washcloths
- Crib or bassinet
- Firm crib mattress
- Fitted crib sheets
- Car seat (infant)
- Stroller
- Baby carrier or wrap
- Digital thermometer
- Nail file or baby nail clippers
- Nasal aspirator
- Diaper bag