Hi friends, it’s Courtney here. I recently shared a tour of my son Forrest’s nursery and promised to follow up with my baby registry inspiration and practical advice. Creating a registry was fun but also overwhelming — so many options and decisions to make. If you’re expecting, I hope this guide helps simplify choices and offers some useful gift ideas for anyone shopping for a new parent.
Below I’ll outline registry setup tips and then share the items we chose in each category, focusing on practical, budget-conscious, and safe options that worked well for our family.
Tips for Setting Up Your Baby Registry
I used Babylist plus separate Amazon and Target registries. I added items on Babylist that weren’t sold at Amazon or Target (like Etsy items) and then linked my Amazon and Target registries to Babylist so I could share one link that included everything. You can create a complete registry using only Babylist, but I recommend linking separate store registries for a few reasons:
- Registry perks: Stores often offer welcome boxes and completion discounts that are valuable after baby arrives.
- Ease and fewer duplicates: Some people find Amazon and Target more straightforward when purchasing, and marking items purchased is easier for preventing duplicates.
- Thank-you notes: Amazon and Target show who purchased an item and can provide addresses if guests opt in, making thank-you note writing easier.
Completion Discount Tips
Both Target and Amazon offer completion discounts. Amazon’s completion discount is flexible — typically 15% off eligible items for a window around your baby’s arrival date. Important: to use the Amazon completion discount, add the item to your registry first, then add it to your cart from the registry page so the discount applies. Target also offers a completion discount but with more limited uses, so plan purchases accordingly.
General Thoughts and Encouragement
We tried to be intentional and selective on our registry, mindful of budget for ourselves and our generous friends and family. Babies need a lot of things, but not every trendy item is essential. Decide which items are worth splurging on for quality or convenience, and which you can buy more affordably or skip. There’s no one-size-fits-all list — do what suits your family and circumstances.
Clothing and Sleepers — How Much to Register For
A practical approach we used was registering for about ten sleepers per size so we weren’t doing laundry constantly. Two-way zippers are lifesavers for nighttime changes. For going-out outfits, add a few in each size. Keep a clothing inventory note on your phone to track what you have and what you still need — this helped us manage hand-me-downs and plan ahead as sizes changed. Wash and sort clothes by size before baby arrives to simplify transitions.
My Baby Registry Favorites
Below are items that worked well for us. These are personal recommendations and choices that fit our budget and needs. Your list may differ depending on hand-me-downs, lifestyle, and preferences.
Baby Carriers
We used a variety: an all-position carrier for newborn to toddler (great for back support and hikes), a cozy newborn carrier for around-the-house use, and a striped wrap that ended up being our most-used. Try carriers before baby or watch tutorials and practice a few times in advance so you’re comfortable using them when baby arrives.
Baby Sleep
A portable sound machine has been helpful every night — the clip feature is handy for stroller trips. For bedside sleeping we used a breathable swivel bassinet that could move close to our bed; breathable mesh was a big selling point for peace of mind. We also recommend having two fitted bassinet sheets and two waterproof pads.
For swaddling, a zip swaddle with internal velcro was easy to use and helped with arms-in or arms-out transitions. Lightweight muslin swaddle blankets are great as a blanket or for bath time. Sleepers with two-way zippers are essential. Use at least two sleep sacks and a good baby monitor (we preferred a non–Wi-Fi option with clear video and alerts).
Crib, mattress, and waterproof pads: choose a breathable, washable mattress with safety certifications where possible. Small touch night lights are useful for quick nighttime checks and are hospital-bag essentials for many parents.
Baby Lounge
A portable bouncer and a supervised lounger (like a Snuggle Me style) were daily essentials for us in the first months. They provided safe, cozy places for supervised rest and play and were handy around the couch and house.
Diaper Bag & Changing Essentials
A compact portable changing pad for the diaper bag and a wipeable foam changing pad for the changing station made diaper changes easier. A functional, lightweight diaper backpack with compartments worked great for outings. For smells, a diaper pail that accepts regular trash bags is a good value. Wet bags, diaper cream applicators, and a reliable diaper cream were handy additions.
Toys and Books
Simple, developmentally appropriate toys like a wooden piano, a soft kick-and-play piano in muted colors, a hanging jingle toy, soft rattles, a learning cube with crinkle and mirror, stacking cups, and a play gym provided lots of engagement. Favorite board books and soft activity books are wonderful both for play and early reading routines.
Feeding
We preferred glass bottles and used silicone sleeves as an option. Muslin bibs in multiples were very useful. A bottle warmer and a sterilizer-dryer saved time and kept parts clean and dry — we found the sterilizer-dryer especially helpful and ended up taking it on trips. A dish basin for dirty parts, a bottle brush set, and natural dish soap rounded out our washing setup. Have several burp cloths and smaller washcloths on hand.
Bathing
A baby bath tub that fits your space, a silicone bath brush for cradle cap or eczema, a soft hooded towel, and a gentle baby wash are good essentials. A soft wooden brush and comb are nice finishing touches and make sweet keepsakes if personalized.
Storage
Drawer organizers, baby-size hangers, and wire baskets with handles help keep pump parts, clothes, and essentials organized and portable around the house.
Car Seat and Stroller
Choosing a stroller and car seat felt overwhelming, but we went with a set that included an infant car seat and bassinet. It was good value, lightweight, and easy to fold. The ability to click the infant car seat into the stroller has proven very useful for quick outings. Consider practicality and ease of use alongside features and style.
Baby Care
A set of silicone pacifiers, a pacifier holder and clip, a transparent silicone nasal aspirator, nose/nail/ear tools, and baby nail clippers are helpful. We also found a stain treater spray very useful for clothes and linens.
Gift Ideas
Keepsake memory books, a baby journal, an instant camera for quick memories, soft activity books, a baby quilt, and durable slipper socks or booties make thoughtful gifts. Small, practical items that support daily life are often appreciated by new parents.
Postpartum
Useful postpartum items include comfortable postpartum underwear, a better peri bottle, Tucks pads (or an effective generic), a donut pillow, perineal ice packs, nursing cups, reusable nursing pads, a Haakaa with base, cozy pajama sets with pockets, and plenty of snacks. Small comforts and easy-to-reach food made those early weeks much smoother.
Final Advice
Prepare as much as you can, but remember you can always order items after baby arrives. Amazon and local stores like Target will still be there for late-night needs. Do what feels manageable and don’t stress about having every single item before baby comes — you’ll figure out what you truly need as you go.
I hope this was helpful — feel free to share with anyone who might find it useful!
- If you missed the nursery tour, you can find it alongside other home posts on my blog.
- Follow me on Instagram to see more snapshots of life and home updates.
