Hi friends, it’s Courtney here. I recently shared my son Forrest’s nursery tour and promised to follow up with my baby registry inspiration and practical advice. Creating a registry was fun but also overwhelming—so many choices and questions about what you really need. If you’re expecting, I hope this guide helps simplify decisions and offers good gift ideas for anyone shopping for a new parent.
Later in this post I list the specific items we chose in each category, but first a few tips for setting up your registry.
Tips for Setting Up Your Baby Registry
I created registries on Babylist, Amazon, and Target. I added unique items (like Etsy finds) to Babylist and linked my Amazon and Target registries to it so I could share a single link with friends and family that included everything. You can also build a complete registry through Babylist and add items from any store, but I preferred to keep separate Amazon and Target registries linked to Babylist for a few reasons:
- Registry perks – Stores offer welcome boxes and completion discounts that are useful after baby arrives.
- Less chance of duplicate gifts – Amazon and Target felt more straightforward for guests; with some third-party links on Babylist people sometimes forget to mark purchases, which can lead to duplicates.
- Easier thank-you tracking – Amazon and Target registries make it simple to see who bought what and to collect addresses when available.
Completion Discount Tips
Both Target and Amazon offer completion discounts. Amazon’s completion discount (15% off on many eligible items) is flexible: you can use it starting 60 days before your estimated arrival date and up to 90 days after. To apply Amazon’s discount, add the item to your registry first and then add it to your cart directly from the registry page so the discount appears.
Target also offers a completion discount, but it can be used only a limited number of times, so use it for higher-value purchases to get the most benefit.
General Thoughts and Encouragement
We tried to be intentional about each item we added, mindful of budget for both us and our loved ones. Babies need a lot, but not every trending or pricey product is essential. Decide what matters most—safety, convenience, durability, or aesthetics—and be willing to splurge on a few items while choosing budget-friendly options for others. There’s no one-size-fits-all registry; do what feels right for your family.
How Much Clothing and Sleepers to Register For
This was stressful for me. We aimed for about 10 sleepers per size so we weren’t doing laundry nonstop. Sleepers with two-way zippers are a lifesaver for night changes. For outings, we added a few cute outfits in each size. I kept a clothing inventory note in my phone to track what we had and what we still needed—especially helpful with hand-me-downs. Washing and sorting clothes by size before baby arrived made transitions easier.
My Baby Registry Favorites
These are items we liked and used; they reflect our preferences, budget, and experience. They aren’t exhaustive—every family will have different priorities.
Baby Carriers
We used a mix: an all-position carrier for hikes, a cozy newborn carrier for around the house, and a striped wrap I used most. Practice with carriers before baby arrives and save tutorial links in your phone for quick reference.
Baby Sleep
A portable sound machine has been essential for our nightly routine. We used a mesh, breathable bedside bassinet that swivels over the bed for the first few months. Have at least two fitted bassinet sheets and two waterproof pads. For swaddles, we liked organic options with easy closures that allow arms out; muslin blankets worked well as lightweight layers. Sleepers with two-way zippers and sleep sacks for over pajamas were staples. We chose a non-Wi-Fi baby monitor with solid video quality and 2-way audio.
Swaddle systems that zip or use Velcro made evenings much easier than mastering complicated wrapping techniques. Muslin swaddle blankets are versatile for warmth and bath time.
Sleepers in organic cotton waffle knits with two-way zippers were our go-to pajamas. Buy at least two sleep sacks to layer over sleepers.
A bedside bassinet used for about four months gave us convenience and peace of mind; breathable, mesh designs that allow an easy-access side were particularly helpful.
Baby Lounge
A portable bouncer and a supervised lounger were used daily for the first months. Loungers provided a comfortable spot on the couch for supervised rest and play and are often machine washable or have removable covers.
Diaper Bag & Changing Supplies
A portable changing pad kept in the diaper bag is indispensable. For the changing station, a wipeable foam changing pad is easy to clean and practical. Choose a diaper bag with multiple compartments and a lightweight backpack style for hands-free outings. A diaper pail that accepts regular trash bags helps contain odors without specialty liners. Wet bags are useful for soiled clothes or swim gear. Small tools like a diaper cream applicator, diaper cream, and a travel-sized supply of wipes are handy.
Keep a compact set of essentials in the diaper bag so you’re ready for messes and quick changes when out and about.
Toys and Books
Simple, development-focused toys like small wooden pianos, kick-and-play mats, hanging rattles for bouncers, high-contrast soft books, and soft learning cubes have been favorites for playtime and early development. A few stacking cups and a small, portable piano are great for on-the-go engagement.
Baby Feeding
We used glass bottles (with optional silicone sleeves), many muslin bibs, a bottle warmer, and a sterilizer that dries—this last item was a later purchase that saved a lot of time and hassle. Keep a dedicated dish basin for dirty bottles and a bottle brush set for cleaning. Large cotton burp cloths are indispensable. For early feeding, a simple booster seat or floor seat can work well before upgrading to a full high chair.
Bathing
We tried a couple of baby tubs and preferred one over another based on fit and ease of use. A soft hooded towel, a silicone brush for cradle cap or eczema, a gentle baby wash and shampoo, and a soft wood hairbrush are all useful. Small, decorative options like personalized brushes make sweet keepsakes but aren’t necessary.
Storage
Affordable drawer organizers, slim baby hangers, and wire baskets for pump parts or small items help keep things tidy and portable around the house.
Car Seat and Stroller
Choosing a stroller and car seat combo can feel overwhelming. We chose a set that included an infant car seat, stroller, and bassinet for convenience and value. The infant car seat that clicks into the stroller has been useful for quick trips. Consider your lifestyle—foldability, weight, storage, and ease of use matter most.
Baby Care
Keep a few pacifiers, a clear holder clipped to your diaper bag, pacifier clips, a clear nasal aspirator that’s easy to disassemble, nail clippers or an electric file if you prefer, a nose/nail/ear picker, and a trusted stain remover. These small tools are surprisingly helpful.
Gift Ideas
Consider keepsake items like a baby memory book, an instant camera for capturing moments, soft activity books, a sweet baby quilt, or durable slipper socks that actually stay on tiny feet. Practical gifts like a sterilizer, burp cloths, or a cozy lounger are also much appreciated.
Postpartum
Postpartum essentials we found helpful: supportive postpartum shorts, a good peri bottle, Tucks or a similar pad, a donut pillow for comfort after birth, perineal ice packs, reusable nursing pads, a Haakaa for milk collection, cozy pajama sets with pockets, and a stash of snacks. Small comforts and practical items make recovery and early days with a newborn much easier.
Final Advice
Prepare what you can, but remember you can always order items after the baby arrives. Amazon and Target remain available for quick purchases if something was forgotten. Take a deep breath—you’ll figure things out as you go, and most “must-haves” are flexible. I hope this guide helps—feel free to share with anyone who might find it useful.
- If you missed my son’s nursery tour, you can find it in my previous post.
- Follow me on Instagram for more updates and behind-the-scenes of life and home.
- See more blog posts I’ve shared, including house tours and other projects.
