As you are approaching your last trimester and preparing for your baby shower, you will want to make sure you register for the essentials for your baby. It can be very overwhelming walking through a store to register for all your baby needs! There are so many sections, options and items that are not necessarily needed to help you care for your new bundle of joy.
It helps to be prepared by researching key items ahead of time and going with a checklist so you do not over register and end up with items you don’t even need…kind of like grocery shopping! Here is a list of all the items broken down into sections to help ease the overwhelming process of registering for your baby!
Nursery & Decor
- Crib
- Mattress
- 2 waterproof mattress pads
- 3 fitted sheets
- Mobile
- Dresser with a changing top
- Changing pad
- 2-3 changing pad covers
- Bassinet
- 2-3 bassinet sheets
- Glider & ottoman
- Diaper stacker
- Storage baskets & bins
- Sound machine
- Hamper
- Baby size hangers
Baby Gear & Travel
- Stroller
- Stroller rain cover & sun shade
- Storage console for snacks & drinks
- Infant and/or convertible car seat
- Extra car seat base
- Car seat head & body support
- Seat protector mat
- Car mirror
- Car window shade
- Toys for car seat and stroller
- Baby carrier
- Baby swing
- Bouncer or rocker
- Jumper
- Bumbo seat
- Pack n’ play
- Diaper bag
- Changing pad
Feeding
- Breast pump & accessories (some insurance companies will cover this so check with yours before you buy or register for one!)
- Nursing cover
- Breast milk storage bags
- Nursing bras
- Nursing pads, gel pads & soothing ointment
- Nursing pillow & cover
- Formula
- Formula dispensers
- 8-12 bottles & nipples
- Bottle brush
- Drying rack
- High chair
- Booster seat
- Baby food cookbooks
- Infant bowls & spoons
- Burp cloths
- Bibs
- 4-6 pacifiers
- 2-3 teethers
Bath & Diapering
- Baby bathtub
- Baby shampoo/body wash
- Diapers (newborn & size 1)
- Diaper pale
- Wipes
- Diaper cream
- Shampoo rinse cup
- Body lotion
- Bath toys and toy holder
- Bath spout cover
- 3-6 hooded towels
- 6-8 baby wash cloths
Safety & Health
- Baby video monitor
- Baby safety gates
- Humidifier
- Safety locks
- Thermometer
- Nasal aspirator
- First aid kit
- Infant Tylenol
- Nail clippers & filer
- Hair brush
- Chemical free cleaning supplies (babyganics, honest company, etc)
- Laundry detergent
- Shopping cart/high chair cover
- Saline drops
Toys
- Play mats
- Rattles
- Books
- Developmentally appropriate toys
- Stuffed animals
Essentials
- Onesies
- Sleep sac
- Jammies
- Hats
- Seasonal clothes
- Socks
- Swaddle blankets
- Photo album/keepsake book
Not so Essentials
- Baby wipe warmer
- Crib bumper-safety hazard!
- Bottle sterilizer
- Bottle warmer
- Baby food maker- you can use your own blender/food processor
Here’s One Final Tip!
Be sure to research pediatricians ahead of time and have one established before baby’s arrival. Here are a few questions/topics to discuss with your pediatrician:
- “What to expect” type questions such as typical newborn appearances, sleep patterns, immunization schedule, feeding patterns, sleep safety, car seat safety
- Check out the American Academy of Pediatrics SIDS prevention