Top Ten Items for your Baby Registry

  1. Car Seat - You absolutely need to have a car seat before baby’s arrival. They won’t let you leave the hospital without one. Make sure you have it installed in your car a few weeks before baby arrives so you are not scrambling to figure it out in the hospital parking lot.

  2. Crib - Crib, crib mattress, crib sheets, swaddles and sleep sacks

  3. Stroller - You’ll need a way to move baby around. You have a lot of options for strollers but getting a system that includes a carseat, base and stroller is a convenient way to make sure everything first together.

  4. Breastfeeding pump and supplies - Some health insurance plans cover a breastfeeding pump and supplies. Before adding this to your registry, check with your insurance company. If your health insurance plan doesn’t cover a breastfeeding pump and supplies, definitely add them to your registry. You’ll need to include milk storage bags, nipple cream, nursing pads and a nursing pillow. You can also include a nursing cover, nursing bras and nursing clothing (e.g. nursing bra, nursing tanks, nursing tops, etc.)

  5. Baby bottles - If you plan to formula feed, you’ll definitely need to have an ample supply of bottles. Even if you plan to breastfeed, having bottles on hand will be helpful for when you return to work or if someone else is helping you with bottle feeding expressed milk.

  6. Diapers and wipes - You are going to go through thousands of diapers and wipes, why not get a little help with starting your supply.

  7. Changing Space Items - Changing pad, changing pad covers, diaper cream

  8. Baby bath - In addition to a baby bath, you’ll also need baby wash, lotion, wash cloths and towels

  9. Baby clothes - Don’t register for too many newborn sized clothes. Your baby may be born bigger than you think and will skip that newborn size. Make sure you have a basic collection of onesies and you’ll be all set.

  10. Baby First Aid Kit - A baby first aid kit is good to have on hand before you need it. Most baby first aid kits include helpful items that you’ll need if your baby is sick or hurt, such as a thermoment, antiseptic ointment and bandages.