As a mom of two, I can speak from experience that having a good baby registry is so helpful when you bring your little one home.
Baby items are so expensive and so knowing what to ask for on your baby registry will save you money (because you receive them as gifts!) but more importantly, it will really help you be prepared!
I want to start off by first saying that this list is huge and can feel overwhelming.
However, these are products that you will actually use for your baby, so I wanted to provide a comprehensive list, especially for all you first time mama’s.
Let’s get started!
Here’s a List of Baby Registry Must Haves for 2021:
First lets start with the best sellers from this list because these are items that mamas are already buying from this registry and they are the most popular!
Now let’s talk a little about each category, why it’s so important and I will share some best sellers in each!
SLEEP
The first and probably most important category is sleep. Everyone knows that a baby needs their beauty sleep and so being prepared with the essentials is key to not only making sure they get enough sleep, but that you also get your sleep as well.
Crib – I always tell my mom-to-be friends to get a unisex crib. This way you can keep one crib for your growing family. White or grey are great unisex colors. Purchasing a crib that can turn into a toddler bed is also great for when you want to transition your little one to a “big kid bed.”
Dock a Tot – This is a truly amazing product. It’s like baby sleep magic! For some reason, babies just love this thing and sleep so good when in the Dock a Tot. If you plan on co-sleeping this is a great option because it keeps the baby nestled and safe next to you.
Crib Sheets – Make sure to add a few sets of crib sheets to your registry. Babies spit up, have blow outs and somehow manage to make awfully large messes for how little they are. Having several on hand makes it easy to change them out as needed.
Bassinet – The first few weeks and months are hard as you are constantly feeding your baby around the clock. Having a bassinet next to your bed is a life saver because you won’t have to constantly get in and out of bed every time your baby needs you.
Video Monitor – When your baby is in another room, you will want to be able to hear and see them. Baby monitors are a must on the registry list.
Swing and/or Bouncer – I used my swing and bouncer constantly with both of my babies. The swing keeps them entertained when they are awake and I loved the bouncer because I could bring it anywhere in the house with me. It is so small and portable. I used to bring the bouncer in the bathroom while I showered or in the kitchen while I made dinner. There are some great two in one bouncer/swing sets. I had a two in one and loved it because it was such a space saver.
Mamaroo – I personally never had a Mamaroo but several of my girlfriends did and they absolutely loved this product. It is more than a bassinet and swing, it’s supposed to move like the mother. It’s comforting for your baby and helps them feel safe. There are several different motion settings, music setting and it is bluetooth enabled so you can control the motion from any compatible smart device.
Swaddles and Sleep Sacks – see my swaddle and sleep sack review post here. It talks all about the benefits of swaddling your little one
Owlet Baby Monitor – This is a must have so make sure you add this to your list! As a parent of a newborn, it can be impossible not to get worried when the baby is sleeping, especially if they are in their own crib or bassinet. The Owlet gives you peace of mind as it tracks your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels. It will alert you if anything isn’t right. You just put a little sock on your babies foot and it will send alerts to your phone! Priceless, if you ask me!
Night Light – A night light is important so that you can see where you are going when your baby needs you at night. You don’t want to startle the baby by suddenly turning on a bright light, so having a soft night light will take care of this.
Shop all Sleep Essentials Here:
TRAVEL
Stroller – There’s an old saying that you should always invest more in the things that come between you and the ground (tires, shoes, a mattress, and so on.) The stroller that’s going to be carrying around your little one is no exception, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get something great. We’ve gone through several strollers and our absolute #1 favorite to-date is the Mockingbird Stroller. For the price, you just can’t find anything comparable on the market! Read my in-depth Mockingbird Stroller review here.
If you want more options, you can read my single stroller review post here and if you are in need of a double stroller, you can read my review here.
Car Seat – If you decided to go with the highly recommended Mockingbird Stroller (best stroller of 2020!), then you will want to get the carseat adapter which is only an additional $30.00.
The adapter is compatible with almost every single car seat on the market!
We have the Maxi Cosi Car seat and it has been amazing. It is so comfortable and so easy to snap and and out of car.
Here are some of the top rated car seats on the market right now:
Diaper Bag – Now that we’ve covered most of the essentials, it’s okay to treat yourself a little bit if you find a designer diaper bag that you absolutely adore. This choice really comes down to your personal preference and style, just make sure you find something you love! You can read my diaper bag review post here.
Ergo Baby Carrier – A multi-position baby carrier can be an absolute lifesaver. This one is loaded with features, from comfortable and padded straps, a large pocket for storing things, support for breastfeeding in the carrier, and more.
Pack N Play – I bought three of these exact Pack ‘n Play’s – one for our house and one for each Grandma’s house. This way the kids were able to nap anytime we visited and I had one for myself for when we traveled. These are provide a safe place for baby to hang out and chill while you do important mom stuff, it’s nice to have a Pack N Play that’s easy to move around and well-made. It compacts stores nicely too.
Car Mirror – It’s nice to be able to see what your little one is up to when in the car and this mirror allows you to safely do so.
Shop all Travel Here:
CLOTHES
Footed Pajamas/Footed Onesies – My babies lived in footed pajamas. I love the footed pajamas because their feet are actually kept warm and covered. Socks often fall off at night, so be sure to add a few sets of footed pajamas to your registry.
Basic Onesies– Lots and lots of onesies, trust me. You will go through several of these a day! I love these ones that I am linking here. They are so soft, wash really nicely and are breathable!
Hats – Heat escapes through our extremities so you will want to be sure to keep your little ones head nice and snug with some cotton hats.
Socks – Keep their little toes warm.
Mittens – Babies scratch themselves and these mittens protect their little hands and face.
Drool bibs – Yes, babies drool and they drool A-LOT. I constantly changed our drool bibs for both of my kids and still use them every day for my one year old. Add lots of these to your registry!
Shop all Clothes Here:
FEED
Breast Pump – Gotta have one of these, especially if you want to build up a milk supply! I have always used the Medella Pump in Style and it is AMAZING!!!
It is rated best Breast Pump of 2020!
For a complete Breast Pump review, see my post here where go in depth about different types of pumps and help you find the best one for your needs!
See my breastfeeding essentials list here.
Also for more information about what to eat while breastfeeding, I have an article with a great little info graphic here.
Bottles, Bottle Brush, Drying Rack – Also on my breastfeeding essentials list found here.
Boppy Pillow – This pillow fits perfectly around your waist so that you can lay the baby on the pillow and provide support for your lower back while holding and feeding your baby! More info here.
High Chair – Before you know it, your baby will be ready for solids. High chairs are expensive, so add one to your registry. It really helps when all of the large purchases are given as gifts! The Stokke Steps will get your from newborn through 3 years old!
Bibs – Again, lots of bibs! Your little one is going to make quite the mess when they start exploring their first foods.
Bumbo – The Bumbo seat helps teach your wee one to sit on their own and it is a great portable seat for feeding and entertaining.
Shop all Feed Items here:
DIAPERS & CREAMS
This whole section is pretty self explanatory. Add lots of diapers and wipes to your registry. You are going to go through these like you won’t even believe, so stock up!
Also, a wipe warmer makes changing your little one a little more comfortable.
Rash Cream – Desitin is hands down the best diaper rash cream out there. It has Zinc Oxide which protects the skin and helps it heal quickly, preventing any nasty infections or yeasty growths (yes, thats a thing!).
PLAY
Babies want to be entertained and play! There are so many fun toys and games, checkout my Best Gifts for Baby Guide here!
BATHE + CARE
Here is a list of bath time essentials. Be sure to get a grooming kit that includes a temperature thermometer, nail clipper and nasal aspirator.
I’ve linked everything here:
SOOTHE
Pacifier – A pacifier that actually does what the name suggests is a godsend. It’s a good idea to carry around a spare, too, because if you’re out and about and one gets lost, things can turn chaotic really quickly.
Pacifier holder – You can use these to keep tabs on a pacifier so it doesn’t get tossed away, or for other small baby items too.
Sophie the Giraffe teether – Sophie’s here to help with early childhood development in a number of ways!
Shop all Soothe Items here:
Gift Cards – I’ve noticed more and more people are adding gift card to their registry! Amazon gift cards are a great addition to your registry because then you can go buy what you still need!
Amazon Baby Registry – You may have noticed that many of the products listed above are from Amazon and that is because Amazon gift registries are the new thing!
Lastly, if you are having a planned c-section (I had two of them!), be sure to read my post about the best c-section recovery products here.
I had to have two c-sections and these belly wraps/abdominal binders really helped me recover faster and more smoothly.
Here is a little trip down memory lane. This is me at my baby shower with my firstborn, Charlie! He just turned 6 this September!
You can see my baby shower post here. It was the cutest theme!
I hope this list comes in handy when you start putting together your baby registry list! Don’t be afraid to add a lot of items on your list. The people who are celebrating this amazing journey with you will be glad to help you out by providing what you need to be the best parents you can be!
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