Skip to main content
Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist

The ultimate baby registry checklist for expecting parents

With a new baby on the way, preparations are in full swing! Registering for all the necessary items and awaiting your baby shower is part of the fun. Stay organized by creating a baby registry checklist to ensure that you’ll have what you need. 


Below, we offer a suggested checklist that includes the essentials such as nursery furniture, toys, and transportation. We recommend adapting this list based on your family’s lifestyle, when your baby will be born, and other factors. 


Let’s start by discussing a few things to consider as you create a baby registry checklist. 


What to consider when creating a baby registry checklist


Safety


Mom with a baby getting ready to create a baby registry checklist


Safety comes first! And that applies to all of the products that go on your baby registry checklist. 


For items like the car seat, stroller, and crib, make sure they are meticulously tested and up to date when it comes to the latest industry safety and quality standards. 


We recommend the Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna car seat. Made with special tailor tech foam for optimal side-impact protection, this car seat is rigorously tested for top security on the road. The adjustable five-point harness is easy to buckle so your baby is always ready to ride. 


The Turtle Air by Nuna is compatible with all current Bugaboo strollers with the use of a car seat adapter for seamless stroller-to-car transport



Maintenance


You don’t have to be an experienced parent to know that babies can make a mess! Do yourself a favor by choosing baby products that are easy to clean. This includes washable fabrics and wipeable surfaces. 


Condition


Raising a child takes a village, and sometimes that starts from the very beginning with hand-me-downs from friends and family. 


Just keep in mind that, for health and safety reasons, you’ll want to purchase some items brand-new for your baby, including: 


  • Car seat
  • Crib
  • Crib mattress
  • Breast pump
  • Baby carrier 
  • Nipples for bottles
  • Pacifiers


Space


If you’re working with a small nursery or tiny apartment, you’ll certainly need to consider space when creating your baby registry checklist. With a little ingenuity, you can design an amazing nursery even in a tight space, but the baby items you choose may be a bit different. 


For instance, you may start with a mini crib for the time being or register only for the diapers and clothes that your baby will wear in the first couple of months. 


Foldability and portability


Woman puts stroller overhead on public transportation



Speaking of making your nursery space-efficient, foldability and portability are two important factors to consider when choosing baby products. 


If you plan on storing the bigger items when you’re not using them, it’s essential that they fold well so you can stow them away in a cinch.


Another reason to consider the portability of certain items is your lifestyle. For example, if your daily life involves a lot of getting in and out of the car or going up and down the metro steps, you’ll be grateful for a stroller, like the Bugaboo Butterfly, that’s light and easy to manage. 


Number of children


Child stands on a Bugaboo Comfort wheeled board with parents at a playground


While it may be less common to have baby showers for second, third, and fourth babies, we think it should be standard practice! So, if this is not your first baby, go right ahead with the baby shower and registry. But think through the different baby items you need as your family grows.


If this is your second child, a double stroller, like the Bugaboo Donkey 5, will be just right. Or opt for our detachable Comfort wheeled board, designed to make your stroller more versatile in just a few clicks and is ideal for adventures with a baby and toddler. 


With this unique add-on, your toddler will be happy to walk around or sit and rest when they’re tired.


Your baby’s due date


Don’t forget to take the season into account when registering for baby clothes. Your baby with a summer due date won’t need a newborn-sized winter jacket. This might seem obvious, but we know how easy it is to get carried away with cute baby clothes. 


Expert Tip: Consider an all-terrain stroller if you live in a climate with lots of snow. With its unique wheel spring suspension, navigating any path is a breeze!


Variety on your baby registry checklist


Last but not least, be sure to include a variety of items and price points on your baby registry so your friends and family have plenty of choices. 


With these factors in mind, let’s get to the baby registry checklist. Remember: This list is just a suggestion, and you’ll need to adjust it according to what you already have, what your family needs, and what floats your boat.


Your helpful baby registry checklist 


Mom-to-be making a baby registry checklist


Nursery furniture and accessories


There’s no doubt about it — your baby will spend a lot of time sleeping! Make their room a peaceful, nurturing place for them to snooze, grow, and play by including the following items: 


  • Crib, mini crib, or bassinet
  • Crib mattress (if your crib doesn’t come with one)
  • Fitted crib sheets
  • Changing table 
  • Changing pad 
  • Changing pad cover
  • Dresser (can be combined with the changing table)
  • Glider or rocking chair 
  • Nightlight 
  • Baby monitor
  • Humidifier 
  • White noise machine
  • Storage containers (based on your needs)
  • Dirty clothes bin 
  • Lamp (a wall-mounted lamp if you’re short on floor space)
  • Play yard 


For an elegant play yard that unfolds in a snap, look no further than our Stardust play yard. It combines unique aerospace technology and smart design for an all-in-one, ultra-comfortable play yard you can use at home or on the go in seconds. 


Named the Best Play Yard of 2020 by The Bump, the Stardust is a genuine game-changer.  


Clothes and diapers


Browsing cute baby clothes may be one of the most exciting parts of creating a baby registry checklist! Remember to register for plenty of outfits since — as any parent knows — babies can go through a lot of clothes each day between blowouts, spit-up, and everything in-between.


As for diapering needs, you’ll have to decide whether you want to go for cloth or disposable diapers. 


To get started, consider adding the following to your list:


  • Onesies
  • Pants and footed pants
  • One-piece pajamas
  • Wearable blankets (sleep sacks)
  • Newborn hats
  • Mittens and hat (for winter babies) 
  • Sweaters and jackets
  • Socks
  • Undershirts
  • Sun hat (for summer babies)
  • Swimsuit (for summer babies)
  • No-scratch mittens
  • Swaddles
  • Dressy clothes
  • Casual clothes
  • Baby laundry detergent 
  • Hangers
  • Dirty diaper bin
  • Diaper bin liners
  • Diaper cream
  • Baby wipes
  • Cloth or disposable diapers 
  • Diaper covers for cloth diapers
  • Diaper fasteners for cloth diapers
  • Diaper bag


Bath supplies


Baby covered in bubbles in a small bathtub

As your baby grows, bath time can turn into playtime. Put bathing necessities on your baby registry checklist to keep your baby squeaky clean and having fun at the same time! 


  • Baby bathtub
  • Sink cushion for sink baths
  • Soft washcloths
  • Towels or hooded towels
  • Baby soap
  • Baby shampoo
  • Baby hairbrush
  • Bath thermometer
  • Faucet cover
  • Bath toys and a box for storing
  • Bath oil


Feeding and nursing


Whether you’ll breastfeed or bottle feed, there are several items you’ll need, including: 


  • Breast pump and storage containers
  • Breastmilk freezer bags
  • Breast pads
  • Nursing bras
  • Nipple cream
  • Nursing pillow 
  • Burp cloths 
  • Pacifiers 
  • Formula
  • Bottles and nipples 
  • Bottle cleaner or dishwasher basket
  • Bottle storage system
  • Bottle warmer
  • Bibs
  • Insulated carrier


As for feeding necessities when your baby starts sitting up and eating solids, add these items: 


  • High chair
  • Baby utensils
  • Bowls and plates
  • Sippy cups 

Toys and playtime


Baby sitting on the grass playing with stackable toys


How many and what types of toys you choose for your child is completely up to you. The options are endless, but here are a few ideas to facilitate playtime: 


  • Swing
  • Bouncer
  • Books
  • Rattles 
  • Soft blocks
  • Toybox
  • Music
  • Teethers
  • Baby mirror
  • Play mat
  • Puzzles
  • Stuffed animals


Travel and transportation



Dad pushes stroller while mom looks on at the park

The right travel and transport items allow you to easily bring your tiny copilot along for every adventure! This is when it’s especially important to opt for lightweight, portable, comfortable options. 


Here are a few of our favorite travel must-haves:


  • Baby sling
  • Baby backpack
  • Car seat
  • Car seat mirror
  • Sunshades for car windows
  • Stroller
  • Sun canopy and rain cover for the stroller


If you need a double or twin stroller, turn to the Donkey 5. For city strolling with one child, whip in and out of where you need to go with the Bee 6


Health and hygiene


To keep your child safe and healthy day in and day out, add these babyproofing, health, and hygiene items to your baby registry checklist. 


  • Nail clippers, scissors, or file 
  • Bulb syringe
  • First aid kit with a thermometer 
  • Baby medicine syringe and spoon
  • Standard baby medications (speak with your pediatrician)
  • Petroleum jelly and gauze for a circumcised boy
  • Cotton balls and swabs
  • Baby sunscreen
  • Baby gate
  • Cabinet locks
  • Drawer locks
  • Outlet protectors
  • Fireplace cover and bumper
  • Corner protectors
  • Toilet lid locks


Ready and waiting for your new baby


Baby nursery with items from a baby registry checklist


Once you have the nursery set up and all the right baby products in hand, all that’s left is to eagerly await the new addition to your crew! Prepare well and allow friends and family to participate in this process by creating a baby registry checklist of the things you need. 


Use the checklist in this article to be sure you’ve covered all your bases. Once you’ve adjusted the list based on your family and lifestyle factors, you’ll be ready to roll. 


Most importantly, enjoy the process of preparing for your new partner in crime as the happy anticipation grows by the day!