The Last Baby Checklist You’ll Ever Need

Before I even got pregnant with our first, I was doing some serious research on a checklist for what we would need when we had a baby! If you know me, or if you’ve read enough of my blog posts, you know that I am very detail-oriented. Because I’m a worrier, I compensate by over-preparing and over-planning. It makes me feel a little more in control and ready for everything. My baby registry became a checklist for everything I felt we needed in order to make life with a newborn possible and easier! Remember that you don’t have to buy everything brand new — marketplace often has a lot of new or like-new baby items that may fit into your budget better.

This post is a look back on everything I put on my baby registry — the things I love, hate, or have never actually used. I’m going to give feedback on everything on my registry in the hopes that it can help you create a baby registry that is a perfect fit for your future family! I’ve also included a link to my “baby registry checklist” that I share with friends and clients looking for a jumping off point on figuring out what they need for baby! Keep in mind that some of these items may not be used until baby is 6+ months old, so these aren’t all necessarily items you will need the moment baby is brought home. Things like a high chair, feeding items, and bouncer will not be useful to a newborn. And in the beautiful era of Amazon next-day, don’t sweat it if you don’t have everything when baby comes home! So without further ado:

Bath

Animal Face Towels: I love these towels. They’re adorable and the hood helps keep their heads warm after a bath. Keep in mind how often you’ll bathe baby and how often you plan to do laundry to determine how many you’ll need. For all three kids, I’d say we have about 12! 

Washcloths: I would plan on using about 3-4 washcloths per bath (one to keep head warm, one on the tummy, one to wash face, one to wash rest of body). So this pack of 10 has been perfect!

Bath Rinser: Help baby learn to love bath time by making rinsing their hair out a little easier.

Spout Cover: so my pregnancy brain was in full force, and I didn’t realize that the spout in our master bathroom is in the shape of an arch, so we couldn’t use this. But if you have the standard kind of spout that juts out of the wall, this would be helpful! I will say that this one we got is almost like styrofoam. I was under the impression it would be more of a rubber material.

Baby Bath: I LOVE this baby bath. It fits in our master bathtub and stores away in the bathroom closet when we aren’t using it. We have used this same bath for all three kids. 

Sleep & Nursery

Nightlight and Sound Machine: we have bought a new one for each child. We bring them when we travel, and I like that I can change the volume, sound, light all from my phone. 

Changing Pad: I know some bloggers say you can get away with just changing baby on the ground or on a bed, but I personally wanted a designated changing station! So if you are really trying to cut expenses you can do without it, but if not, get it!

Boogie Wipes: I think you could do with or without these, but I will say they seem to go a step beyond regular baby wipes when it comes to wiping your baby’s face! They’re much more gentle and get their face clean quicker. But to put into perspective, once we ran out of the ones off our registry, we didn’t buy any more.

Brush and Comb: keep little babe’s hair nice and unknotted.

Changing Pad Liners: these are definitely a must! A pack of three is a good amount. The liners keep your changing pad cover from getting dirty when it’s an especially dirty diaper. Having at least three of them means you will always have one ready to go if others need to get washed!

Owlet: I was dead set on wanting one of these because I loved that it could help me sleep better knowing baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels were being monitored — and I still know plenty of parents who swear by them. However, we just didn’t have a very good experience using ours. We got a lot of false alarms and difficulty getting a signal. Overall it was just a little too high maintenance to deal with, and we decided to return it and use the money for baby things we’d get more use out of.

Crib: we don’t use a crib much in the first few months because we follow the APA guidelines of baby sleeping in our room until  6 months, and then we eventually use the crib for naps and slowly transition to nighttime too. We have used the same crib for all three kids. 

Glider: I’m not sure why people only get gliders when they have babies, but I’m over here wishing I would’ve gotten one a long time ago! They’re so nice to lounge in, especially to rock a baby to sleep in and to feed your baby in! Could you do without one? Yes. But if you can swing it, I would get it! It’s also perfect for reading together when they’re older!

Dresser/Changing Table: I knew I wanted a dresser changing table because I like having a ton of storage. So I bought a dresser and then bought a changing table attachment that screwed onto the top of any dresser. It’s a perfect “home base” for most of baby’s things, such as diapers, diaper cream, nail clippers, baby medicine, bows, PJs, etc.

Bassinet: Looking back, we didn’t need one with all the bells and whistles, such as one that vibrates, plays music, has a light, etc. The biggest thing I look for in a bassinet is that it can be nice and close to me in the bed, removable/washable liner + bonus points if it has storage under for diapers and other things needed throughout the night. I also love that this one folds up to travel. 

Latchy Catchy: we have one on the nursery door and it does exactly what it says it will do! We can peak in while baby is napping and not make a noise. However, the dogs can also push the door open…

Swaddles: We swaddle until baby can roll over, and each of our children has preferred a different type of swaddle. My best advice is to get one of each style: velcro, zipper, zipper with arms up, and more. Then once you know what your baby prefers, you can get about 7 of them to make it between laundry day. (But I’m not judging if you use the same one for a couple nights before washing because swaddles are not cheap).

Muslin Swaddles: we recieved about 20 of these, and I was a little skeptical that we’d find any use for them since it’s easy for babies to break out of them. Ultimately, we don’t use them to swaddle too much, but we do use them ALL THE TIME! These are our go-to for everything: blankets in the car, burp cloths, easy swaddling. We use 1-2 a day for all these miscellaneous purposes.

Sleep sacks: we don’t start using sleep sacks until after transitioning out of swaddles. I’m pretty 50/50 on if these are needed since zippered footies seem to work just as well. Having 2 on hand may be useful for nights you want the extra layer! 

Diapers: I think it’s a great idea to throw some of these on your registry. My one thing was that I wanted hypoallergenic diapers because I hated the idea of stockpiling only to realize Christian had a sensitivity to the chemicals in whatever brand we got!

Humidifier: There’s nothing worse than a congested baby! This humidifier has been perfect to keep on full blast at night!

Feeding

Fresh Food Feeder: these are fun to use as you introduce foods to baby, but they can definitely get messy!

Bottle Drying Rack: our typical procedure for washing bottles and pump parts is: wash, put on the drying rack, and sanitize. These drying rack has been perfect, but don’t forget to wash it periodically because it can mold as water collects at the bottom! They also making cute attachments to hold smaller parts (like the tree and flower).

Bottle Warmer: we loved this warmer and used it for about the first month. However, you may find that your baby is fine drinking cold/room temp bottles. Mom win!

Bottle Brush: we bought a pack of 3, and I would recommend you do the same. You may be washing a ton of bottles and pump parts, and we like to replace our bottle brush about every 1-2 months! This bottle brush has been perfect for us.

Boppy Nursing Pillow: My husband likes to use this when bottle feeding. I personally never really used one when bottle feeding or nursing. 

Baby Food Cook Book: I have loved reading this, and I think it’s great that it comes with an entire schedule on how to introduce food to your baby over time — recipes included! It includes so much useful information to make you feel ready to take on baby food! This would be beneficial if you plan to go the “traditional” baby food route rather than Baby-Led Weaning (we’ve done both!). 

Baby Food Maker: I had fun making baby food for my oldest. She had a cleft palate, so she preferred purees over BLW. If you plan to make your own baby food, I recommend this one. I love that it can steam and blend fresh food all in one!

Bottle Sterilizer: We use our sterilizer multiple times a day in the first year. After we’ve washed bottles and pump parts, they all go here. And I love how this sterilizer can hold SO MUCH! I will say we sometimes have issues with it leaking, but it doesn’t bother me enough to stop using it.

Nursing & Pumping

Pumparoo: This was recommended by a coworker while I was still pregnant, and it is GENIUS. The pumparoo can be used in so many ways, but my favorite is that I can store pump parts in it in the fridge in between pumping sessions. **Please note that guidelines on storing parts in between washes have changed and it’s no longer recommended!

Breast Milk Cooler: This is another Sarah Wells product I love. It’s the perfect size to bring as much as 32 oz (I could definitely fit more though) whenever we’re out on the go. And the Cold Gold keeps it cold the entire time we’re out!

Diaper Caddy: I didn’t find this too useful when I exclusively pumped with my first, mainly because I pumped in the same spot every time and didn’t really need portability. But I loved it when I was nursing my second and third! It holds my snacks, water, nipple cream, breast pads, phone charger, Haakaa and more!

Breastmilk Storage Bags: If you plan to pump or nurse, you’ll most likely need a lot of these!

Breastmilk Organization System: Honestly if you have a flat spot in your freezer, then you may not need one of these. A box of waffles is the perfect place to freeze your bags on a flat surface if ya have it lol

Breast Pump Adapter Cords: If you’re planning on pumping on the go (like at work), it’s worth buying some battery and/or car adaptor cords for your pump. You can pump in the car on the way to work, on a boat, on a plain…you name it! I use my car adaptor cord all the time (along with my regular cord), but I haven’t had a need for the battery one yet.

Steam Bags: I’ve only use these once when we were staying in the hospital and I wanted to sterilize everything. They work great, and you can get multiple uses out of one bag. If you don’t want to invest in a bottle sterilizer, these would be a great substitution!

Nipple Cream: I honestly don’t hardly even use this anymore, but it was critical to have in those first few months of pumping!

Nursing Pads: The first few weeks of pumping, these were useless because I was leaking so bad that I soaked through them within an hour! Disposable nursing pads would’ve been best while my supply was regulating. However, once you’re not constantly leaking, the reusable kind are nice to have. Although I don’t use any kind of nursing pad anymore!

Haakaa: I love this for catching your letdown on one side while you nurse on the other. It does “pull” breastmilk out via suction, so you do want to be mindful of causing an oversupply. But I’ve found it can be nice to relieve engorgement on whichever side you aren’t nursing from without completely emptying that side. And then you can use what you collect to start a little freezer stash!

Sunflower Lecithin: I love to gift this to my pregnant friends who plan to breastfeed! I once heard someone call this “pam for your milk ducts”. It can really help prevent clogs and mastitis by helping keep milk moving through your breast. You can take one daily preventatively, and then if you notice a potential clog or bad engorgement, you can up the dosage!

First Aid & Safety

FridaBaby Baby Basics Kit: This thing is a lifesaver and my new go-to for baby shower gifts! FridaBaby sent me the baby basic kit, and it has everything a new mom might need! Every single thing in the basics kit is a total #momhack and life saver! Get it!

Baby Forehead Thermometer: The first week or two of Christian being home, we used a forehead thermometer all the time. “Is she too hot? I think she might be running a fever. Get the thermometer!!!!!” Every time we tried it on her forehead, we got a totally different reading. Come to find out, a forehead thermometer isn’t the most accurate way to check a baby’s temperature. In reality, stick with a regular thermometer under the armpit. It’s cheaper and more accurate. Frida Baby also makes a rectal thermometer that is also very accurate and a quick read!

Diaper Cream Brush: Before I had kids, I had no clue how sticky diaper cream was and how hard it was to get off my hands. Just get this brush to save yourself from having diaper cream hand all day!

Butt Paste: This clears up any diaper rash issues super quick.

Corner Protectors: You won’t need these until baby is on the move, but it’s nice to have them stored away and ready to put out when it’s time! 

Outlet Plug Covers: I initially got these because I loved how they looked nice and how you don’t have to mess with the plastic, “old school” plug covers. However, the self-closing outlet covers make the plug holes deeper, so its hard for some plugs to stay inside them. Therefore, I’m sticking with the old school covers!

ON THE GO

Baby Car Mirror: This was one of the first things I bought, and within 10 minutes of walking into our Baby Carseat class for our firstborn, I saw the exact one I had purchased in the “corner of shame”. Apparently baby mirrors are 1) a distraction to the driver while driving and 2) a projectile in the event of a car accident. So my mirror is still sitting in the box stored away. I do have moments where I wish I had it, but overall feel like I’m doing what is safest.

Diaper Backpack: this diaper bag was surprisingly great given it’s affordable price. It isn’t amazingly great quality, but it can definitely get the job done. I ultimately ended up using the Milkmaid Goods  diaper backpack because it’s just incredible, but this one is great too!

Stroller and Carseat: This is a necessity in my opinion, and I think each person should research the brand/style they want to get depending on their personal needs! We’ve used Chicco and Grace. I love both, but Chicco seems a little nicer.

Carseat base: Typically your carseat will come with a base, but we bought a second one so that we had a base in each car. This makes it so easy to bring the carseat in either car.

Baby Wrap: I’ve used a couple different wraps, and this has been one of my favorites. It’s a perfect combination between that cozy feeling baby’s love about a wrap but without being too complicated to put on. I definitely recommend getting some kind of wrap because there’s not much a newborn loves more than to be snuggled up close to you! Just make sure you read the safety warnings/instructions so that you know you’re using it correctly! And know there is a learning curve, so you’ll use it 4-5 times before you really get the hang of it!

Baby Carrier: I love a good soft-structured carrier. This is my all-time favorite because you can wear a newborn in it (legs in, froggy style). I’ve been able to breastfeed in it. I’ve worn my 2 year old in it while pregnant. It’s very versatile! You can also wear baby on your back when they can hold their head up on their own.

Multi-Use Cover: I used this a lot when we taking a newborn out of the house. You can use it when pumping or nursing (but drop that cover if you want!), but I mainly use it over the car seat when we’re in a crowded, germy place.

TOYS AND MORE

Teether Toys: Every baby is so different in terms of what they prefer. After three kids, this is the toy that my son was absolutely obsessed with chewing on for months. And the design makes it really easy for a baby to hold!

Baby Books:  A few of my favorites are this one, this one, and this one!

Activity Mat: I love this mat because it has different textures and sounds, even a mirror. It’s a splurge item that is worth it in my opinion. You can use it for tummy time and once they’re sitting up, and it even comes with an attachment to turn it into a little play tent. I also got the add-on sensory attachment for more things for baby to play with!

Floor Seat: When baby is in the mood to be sitting up and looking around (around about 3+ months), this is a good place to put them! It also comes with a removable tray for when they’re old enough for a little snack.

Activity Jumper: I’m conflicted on these. They take up a ton of space and none of my babies were every super into them. It’s also good to know that time in “containers” such as these should be limited and done in moderation. I’d consider this an item that you could do with or without. 

Baby Toys: These can be fun, but baby’s will throw them aside for a pair of key, remote control, and empty water bottle.

Momaroo: with the baby swings, rockers, bouncers, etc. I really think it just depends on the baby! Some babies hate one and love the other, and you just own’t know until they’ve tried it! You may prefer finding something used on marketplace in case baby doesn’t end up using it. Only my third was a big fan of a swing (and again, this is a container that should be used in moderation). 

Clothes & Accessories:

Onesies: I bought a minimum of 5-6 short sleeve onesies in each size! Keep in mind what size your baby will be during colder months, and get some long sleeve onesies for that size range too. Realistically, there are some days you very well might go through 4 onesies and other days baby will last in one all day. Keep that in mind when thinking about how many to get vs. how often you want to do laundry.

Sleep ‘n’ Play Footsies: I got a lot of these in newborn and 0-3 sizes, and I wish I wouldn’t have. Our kids never slept in these at that age because they always slept swaddled (in just a diaper under that). However, these are PERFECT to have for baby to sleep in once they’re not being swaddled…and they looks so darn cute in them! Word of caution: don’t get any that button…only the ones that zip. Or you’ll find yourself in the middle of the night trying to change a diaper and button a dozen buttons.

Socks: It’s worth buying a pack. If it’s a little cold out — or even cold in the house — you’ll want to put a pair on baby!

Pants: Since we live in Texas, our babies rarely ever wear pants. Again, keep in mind the weather where you live. I’d only get a few pants in whatever size baby will be wearing during winter months.

Waterproof Bibs: I like these for meal time.

Pacifiers: I tried introducing pacifiers with all three kids and none every took them! Every baby is different in terms of if they’ll like pacifiers and which ones they’ll like, so don’t stock up on a bunch of one type!

Burp Cloths: Don’t waste your time buying any burp cloths except for nice big ones like these! They are a perfect size and are great at absorbing spit up!

Bibs:I might have overdone it on the bibs since I bought about 30 of them. Some babies are drooly and some just aren’t. A pack may be nice to have just in case!

LABOR & DELIVERY

Labor & Delivery Gown: I am so happy I bought one of these to labor in! It was so nice not being in one of those ugly, one-size hospital gowns. There were buttons up the back, which were perfect for cords/wires to stay attached without showing your entire butt. I felt good, I looked good in pictures (as good as you can look in labor), and I got a lot of complements! I’ll definitely be buying another one for future pregnancies!

Exercise Ball: This was so nice to sit on throughout my pregnancy! It is great for pregnancy and labor to facilitate movement in the pelvis.