The Baby Registry List I Wish I'd Had

This isn’t just another baby registry list. This is the list for you if you’re all about functional and frugal. It has what you need, for good prices, and nothing more, plus a section about what not to put on your registry.

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Let’s be honest: there are a zillion baby registry lists out there. But after two kids and a lot of trial and error, I realized most lists include things you can get for free or stuff you’ll never actually use.

This is my “functional and frugal” list. It’s exactly what I wish someone had handed me: the essentials that actually work, without the fluff.

For context on how much you can save, I spent less than $7,000 (in 2023) on everything maternity and baby-related with my first, including my midwife!

Where and When to Start

I recommend Amazon simply because it’s the easiest for guests and carries almost everything. As for timing:

Wait for 20 weeks if you want gender-specific items, though I’m a huge fan of gender-neutral gear so it can be reused for future siblings.
Start early if you’re busy! It takes more time than you’d think to research and add items.
Aim to finish a few weeks before your shower so guests have plenty of time to choose their gifts.

Pro-Tip: If you’re hesitant about an item, leave it off. You can always buy it later if you find you actually need it!

The Essentials List

While I’ve tried to be minimal in what I include, every mom and baby are different. If anything on this list doesn’t fit your fancy, leave it off! You are the expert on your own family.

Diapering

The average baby goes through thousands of diapers, so efficiency is key. Here is what made the process smoother for us:

Diapers & Wipes: It’s great to have a pack of Newborn and Size 1s ready. I personally liked the Kirkland (Costco) brand. And for wipes, Walmart’s Parent Choice Ultra-Sensitive became my favorite for being both budget-friendly and clean.

The Changing Station: Instead of a dedicated changing table, we used a dresser of the right height. It’s a two-in-one purchase that grows with the child. (Just make sure to get a dresser with legs so you don’t stub your toe every time you step up to it!)

Foam Changing Pad: If you splurge on one thing, make it a wipeable foam pad. Fabric covers are cute until the first blowout; being able to simply wipe the pad clean is a total game-changer.

Diaper Rash Cream: We usually used an herbal salve, but for stubborn rashes, a barrier cream like Desitin worked best for us.

Sleeping

Sleep is the number one goal for both you and baby in those first few weeks. Here’s how to set up a functional, comfy sleep space without overcomplicating it.

The “Crib” (Pack N’ Play): If you want a traditional wooden crib, look for one that “grows” with your child. However, if you want the ultimate thrifty, space-saving option, do what I did: buy a Pack N’ Play. With a bassinet-height insert, it doubles as a newborn bed and a full-size crib later on—plus, it’s travel-friendly!

Mattress & Sheets: No matter what bed you choose, you’ll need a firm mattress and a few fitted sheets.

Tip: For extra protection against leaks, tuck a puppy pad under the fitted sheet for a quick, middle-of-the-night cleanup.

Bassinet: Having a small, portable bassinet (like an on-bed version) is great if you want baby to have a safe sleep spot in multiple rooms during the day.

Swaddles & Sleep Sacks: Not all swaddling is created equal—just ensure there is plenty of room for baby’s hips to move.

While lightweight blankets are nice for snuggling (I love the flannel ones with crocheted edges!), we found wearable blankets (sleep sacks) much easier to use. They keep baby warm safely and can even work as a gentle swaddle for newborns if you tuck the sleeves into the main body.

I recommend getting at least two so you have a backup when one is in the wash.

(And if you want to be ready for later, this sleeveless kind is great for older babies.)

Noise Maker: Most babies sleep better with white noise. A simple, portable machine is a lifesaver for travel, but if you’re a fan of multi-use items, a classic box fan works just as well—especially if you already use one for yourself!

Baby Monitor: You can find monitors that track everything from heart rate to video, but I found a simple audio monitor was all I really needed. Look for one with a rechargeable battery, a good range, and a clip so you can carry the parent unit around the house.

Bath and Health

Whether you’re a “bath every night” parent or a “once a week” parent, keeping things simple is key. Here are the products that actually earned their keep in my house.

Baby Bath: We started by using a towel in the kitchen sink, which works, but it’s definitely a two-person job. We eventually bought this baby bath and I love it because it’s stable and grows with the baby from newborn to sitting up. While it’s a bit bulky, I prefer the stability over collapsible versions that can be flimsy.

Washcloths & Towels: While you can use what you already have, a set of soft baby washcloths is one of those small luxuries that is worth the few dollars to stay gentle on newborn skin. Hooded towels are also a sweet, practical addition—I skipped them with my first but found them so helpful with my second!

Body Wash & Lotion: Common brands can irritate sensitive skin. And even clean brands you use for yourself might still be too harsh on baby’s new skin. I recommend Hello Bello Fragrance-Free Shampoo & Body Wash; it’s gentle and worked great for us.

For dry skin, unscented Attitude Baby Leaves body lotion is a solid choice.

Nail Clippers: Baby nails grow incredibly fast. Don’t be nervous—you’ll get the hang of it quickly! I recommend plain ol’ baby clippers for speed and simplicity.

The “Nose Picker”: It’s not glamorous, but the OogieBear is a gem. It’s way more effective than a bulb syringe for getting those stubborn little boogers out safely.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is beautiful and natural, but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally…it definitely comes with a learning curve. These tools helped me navigate the early days with much more comfort and success.

Nursing Pillow: A good nursing pillow brings the baby to your breast so your arms and wrists don’t have to do all the heavy lifting. I’ve tried several brands, and honestly, they all have things I like and things I don’t. If you can, buy a few used ones to see which shape and style fits your body best!

Tip: Grab two pillow covers so you have a spare when one inevitably gets covered in spit-up or milk. Also, tuck a puppy pad in between the pillow and the cover so you aren’t washing your pillow constantly either.

Burp Cloths: You’ll need more than you think—I recommend having at least 25 on hand. Make sure to get soft ones that actually absorb the messes.

Breast Shells & Milk Bags: If you want to catch the “leakage” from the side baby isn’t nursing on, breast shells are a great, passive way to build a freezer stash without extra pumping. (Don’t forget the bags to store it in.)

Tip: If you’re going to be exclusively breastfeeding, skip the oodles of bottles and just get one nice one in case you want to let your husband take a night shift here and there. (And don’t forget the bottle brush.)

Nursing Bras: These are a must. I’ve had the best luck with Target’s Auden nursing bras (the cups don’t bunch in the wash!) and Momcozy cotton bras for a softer feel.

Tip: Buy some simple, cupless bras for bedtime to give your body a break from the structure of a normal bra.

Nipple Shields: Every mom and baby is different, but keeping a set of these on hand can be a total lifesaver.

Silver Nursing Cups: As an alternative to nipple shields, a pair of these protect against friction and have natural antimicrobial properties that help heal sore nipples fast. They were a lifesaver for me with my second baby.

Manual & Electric Pumps: A Haakaa (manual pump) is great for taking the edge off when you’re overfull. For electric pumps, check with your insurance first—many offer a hospital-grade pump for free!

The “Smocked Dress” Hack: You don’t need expensive nursing dresses! Look for smocked-top dresses with stretchy necklines that you can easily pull down. It’s a stylish, frugal way to stay nursing-friendly.

Tip: If you do go for actual nursing dresses, try these with an elastic band if you don’t want them to look like a nursing dress.)

Nursing Pads: Leakage is part of the breastfeeding package, which is why I’m a huge fan of reusable pads (Bamboobies are my favorite). They are gentler on your skin and save money in the long run. However, I still recommend keeping a pack of disposables in your diaper bag for travel or as a backup on laundry day.

Nursing Chair: Whether it’s a dedicated glider or a thrifted rocker, you need a comfortable spot where you can rest your head. I’ve used both and found that as long as your nursing pillow fits in the seat, you’re golden.

Tip: If your nursing chair doesn’t have side pockets, I highly recommend getting one to hang over the armrest. I crocheted mine but you can buy them too.

Nursing Cover: Even if you’re comfortable nursing in public, a cover can be nice for certain settings. I skipped the stretchy multi-use covers because I needed both hands to help baby latch and couldn’t hold the fabric out of my way. Instead, I recommend a 360° cover with a structured neckline. It stays up on its own, forming a little “tent” so you can actually see your baby while staying covered.

Recovery

Postpartum is a major physical transition. If a product can make your healing process even a little easier, it’s worth including.

Healing Salve: I used an organic comfrey salve to help heal after birth. Even if you don’t have stitches, a good natural salve is amazing for “skid marks,” dry skin, or even as a gentle diaper balm later on.

Pads: You’ll experience heavy bleeding for a few weeks, so stock up on pads. I recommend getting some super maxi ones plus one or two thinner sizes as well.

Tip: Learn how to make your own “padsicles” if your care provider isn’t planning to make them for you.

Perineal Tea & Spray: My midwives both made me perineal tea, for padsicles and for use in a peri bottle to help with healing (applied after using the bathroom). For a quick alternative, Earth Mama Perineal Spray is a fantastic, cooling option that smells and feels great.

Witch Hazel Pads: Layering Tucks Medicated Pads inside your regular pad helps significantly with inflammation and discomfort.

Belly Binder: I used to think these were just for aesthetics, but they are actually a functional healing tool. After birth, your internal organs are shifting back into place and your core is weak; a binder provides much-needed support for your abdomen and your back. It felt amazing the first time I put mine on! (Be sure to check with your provider before using, though, as it can exacerbate some conditions.)

Gear

This is the category where you could spend a fortune on gadgets, but you don’t have to. These are the pieces of gear that actually earned their spot in my home.

Travel System (Car Seat + Stroller): Buying these as a combined “system” is often the best deal if you’re buying new. I love being able to pop the car seat off the base and straight onto the stroller without waking a sleeping baby. Look for one that folds compactly for travel and has a good sun canopy. Bonus points if it has a toddler seat for when your little one outgrows the carseat.

Tip: If you plan on having kids close together, consider a double stroller from the start!

Car Seat Cover: The inexpensive stretchy kind (around $10) is worth adding. It keeps baby protected from sun and wind during walks or quick trips from the car to the store. Bonus: it also works well as a breastfeeding cover in public.

Carrier or Wrap: If you have one kid, a carrier is nice; if you have two, it’s a survival tool. Every body is different, so try a few (used, if you can)! My personal favorite has been the ErgoBaby Embrace. I also love a traditional wrap for the first weeks and the ErgoBaby Omni 360 for more support as they get bigger.

The “Safe Spot” (Bouncer & Bumbo): You need a safe place to set the baby down. A bouncer is great for newborns because it’s portable and the incline helps with reflux (plus the bouncing can be soothing). Once they want to see the world more, a Bumbo seat is a fantastic way to let baby sit up safely before they can do it on their own.

Diaper Bag: You don’t need a designer bag, but a dedicated diaper backpack with a fold-out changing mat and oodles of pockets is much more functional than a standard backpack.

Pacifiers & Clips: While it’s wise to wait until breastfeeding is well-established, introducing a pacifier can be a lifesaver. Dr. Brown’s silicone pacifiers are our favorite. They’re shaped like the breast, easy to clean (just a single piece of silicone!), and easy for baby to grab once they’re a little older.

Tip: Get a silicone pacifier clip. I tried a crocheted one first, but it got soaked in spit and smelled—silicone is much easier to keep clean!

Pacifier Case: While not strictly “necessary,” one or two pacifier cases are genuinely super helpful. They keep the binkies clean, and they make it way more likely that you’ll actually remember to bring one when you leave the house. For less than $15 per two pack, they make it on my list.

Baby Bandanas: Around 2–3 months, the drooling starts. Muslin bandana bibs save you from changing the baby’s entire outfit five times a day.

Car Mirror: I originally skipped this for safety concerns, but being able to see my baby (and her being able to see me) provided way more peace of mind than I expected.

Foam Floor Mat: If you have hard floors, a padded mat is essential for tummy time and protecting little heads when they are learning to sit and roll.

Nighttime Lighting: To keep everyone sleepy during middle-of-the-night feeds, skip the overhead lights. I love using a red light bulb in a lamp; it’s enough light to see by without fully waking your brain (or the baby’s!).

Clothes

My best advice for baby clothes? Don’t buy them! Between friends, family, and neighbors, people are usually looking for an excuse to clear out their baby bins. We saved hundreds by using hand-me-downs from my sister-in-law and even my dental hygienist! Plus, you’ll likely receive plenty of cute outfits as gifts.

If you do decide to shop, here’s how to do it practically:

The Pajama Rule: For the first few months, babies sleep most of the day. Save your money (and save yourself time!) and just use pajamas instead of separate onesies and pants.
Go for Footies and Fold-over Mittens: Skip the tiny newborn mittens and socks—they never stay on. Instead, look for sleepers with built-in fold-over mitten sleeves and footies. It keeps everything connected so you aren’t constantly hunting for lost socks.
Snaps vs. Zippers: This is a personal preference, but I actually like snaps. They don’t bunch up in a newborn’s face like zippers do, and you can undo just the bottom for quick diaper changes. If you prefer zippers, look for the double-zipper style for that same bottom-up access.
Size Up: Babies grow incredibly fast. Buy a size larger than you think you need (or only a few items in the smallest sizes). Babies don’t mind the baggy fit, and the clothes will last much longer. (You might even save yourself from some squished-diaper blowouts.)
The “Goes With Everything” Staple: I highly recommend a pack of white Gerber onesies. They are soft, stretchy, and budget-friendly. Because they’re neutral, they’ll match whatever random hand-me-down pants or sweaters you happen to receive!
Think Used First: Before buying new, check your local thrift store. You can often find high-quality baby clothes for just a couple of dollars.

What NOT To Put On Your Baby Registry

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s look at a few things you can safely skip. Keeping these off your registry saves your guests money and saves you from house clutter!

Diaper Pails: Most seasoned moms will tell you: they don’t actually keep the smell away. Save your money and use a regular trash can for the early days. Once diapers get “stinky” later on, just walk them straight to the outside bin.

Wipe Warmers: These are a classic “registry trap.” Babies rarely mind a room-temperature wipe, and if it’s a chilly night, you can just warm one in your hands for a second.

Formula: If your goal is to exclusively breastfeed, I recommend not keeping formula in the house “just in case.” You are capable of making breastfeeding work! Having formula on hand can sometimes make it too easy to give up on a hard night. Of course, there are rare medical exceptions, but for most, keeping it out of the house helps you stay committed to your goal.

Specialized Sterilizers & Warmers: You don’t need a counter full of appliances. Hot, soapy water or a cycle in the dishwasher works for sterilizing. To warm a bottle, a mug of hot water does the job perfectly.

Bottle Drying Racks: If you’re breastfeeding, you won’t have enough bottles to justify a dedicated lawn on your counter. A clean kitchen towel works just fine!

Nursing Tops: Unlike nursing dresses, specialized nursing shirts aren’t usually necessary. It’s just as easy (and much cheaper) to lift a regular shirt up or use the “two-shirt” method with a nursing bra.

Bath Gadgets: You don’t need faucet covers, special rinse cups, or kneeling pads. A regular kitchen cup works for rinsing, and a rolled-up towel is a perfect cushion for your knees.

And there you have it—the baby registry list I wish I’d had. My hope is that this list helps you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed. Pregnancy is a big enough transition; your gear list doesn’t have to be!

Until next time,

Allison

Did I Miss Anything?

If there’s something I missed that you think all new moms need let us know in the comments!

The Baby Registry List I Wish I’d Had

Where and When to Start