7 Baby Registry Must Haves: newborn essentials for a happy baby |

As a first-time mom who has scoured every source, from books to blogs, to prepare for my baby’s arrival, I’ve compiled a comprehensive baby registry checklist of newborn must haves that I found most useful during the early months. My baby registry must-haves list includes only the essential baby products that every new mom truly needs.

I’ve deliberately avoided unnecessary items that often lead to wasted money—those things you might use once or twice, or sometimes not at all. This baby registry checklist ensures you’re fully prepared while also highlighting the things you can confidently skip.

1. Nursery furniture and accessories

Crib and Mattress

The safety and comfort of your baby while they sleep cannot be overstated. I chose a sturdy, safety-standard compliant crib and paired it with a firm mattress that fits snugly. This setup has given me peace of mind knowing my baby is sleeping safely.

Crib: essential for your baby

For the crib, I would definitely recommend buying a convertible one from mini crib to crib to toddler bed. It’s also important to have the base adjustable, so as the baby grows, you can lower it all the way closer to the ground, so you get more years out of it – before transforming it into a day bed/or toddler bed. This makes it one of the most important baby registry must haves for long-term use.

If you want something comparable I see the best value for the money the Dream on me one , although I haven’t use it myself.

7 Baby Registry Must Haves: newborn essentials for a happy baby baby registry must haves

Bassinet

If you chose to get a bassinet first, you may considered the ones below. However, bare in mind that babies outgrow them at about 4-6 months. We used Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer for naps during the day – but to be honest you don’t need both mini-crib and a bassinet. Just pick one. I suggest a mini-crib that extended into a full crib – like the one above is all you need on your checklist.

You probably heard about the SNOO – should you get it? I say not yet but read my full opinion on To Snoo or not to Snoo?

Crib bedding

For bed sheets I got ultra soft ones, and breathable ones for mini crib that can stretch to fit the normal size crib. Make sure whatever you buy they are fitted sheet so they don’t become a suffocation hazard. Read my full article on sleep safety.

Best baby mattress

One of the most important newborn must haves is a high-quality, breathable mattress that reduces suffocation risks. I chose the popular Newton mattress for both the mini crib and the baby/toddler crib because doctors vouch for its 100% breathability and proven reduction in suffocation risk. It’s a bit pricey, but in my opinion, it’s worth the peace of mind, making it an essential item on your checklist.

Newton Baby Mini Crib Mattress
Newton Toddler Bed Mattress

Nursing chair: a must-have for those long nights

A comfortable rocking chair makes nighttime feedings much easier. If you’re working on your baby registry checklist, this is a great addition for both comfort and convenience

Sweetcrispy Swivel Rocking, Glider Rocker Recliner, Nursery Chair with Extra Large Footrest

2. Baby changing essentials

Dresser with changing table top

I absolutely love the one we got Babyletto Lolly 6-Drawer with changing table top. I love that I can have everything handy, such as small drawers for diapers, big drawers for grabbing the clothes, upper left compartment for the changing pad (Keekaroo Peanut Changer fits perfectly), and upper right compartment for wet wipes, wipe warmer and diaper creams.

Babyletto Lolly 6-Drawer with changing table top

I like this one because it’s elegant solution to hide all mess inside the drawers.

Changing pad

A wipeable, waterproof changing pad is one of those baby registry must haves that saves you from doing extra laundry. I personally purchased the famous and pricey Keekaroo. It is super easy to clean because it’s foam, you don’t need extra disposable pads or changing pad liners and you don’t need to wash any cover. That being said, there are other options equally good.

Tips: I would just advice you to stay away from any pad that has a cover. You’ll have to do a lot of laundry anyway, I wouldn’t add this one on your list.

Diapers

If you’re stocking up on essentials, be sure to add diapers and wipes to your baby registry checklist

You’ll go through a lot of diapers, at least 6 per day. I used Huggies, because these were the ones they gave us in the hospital so we stuck with them. At some point when the baby had a rash, we got some hypoallergenic ones from Papers. They were ok too. To me, you can’t really go wrong with diapers, as long as they have the yellow/blue line in the middle to let you know when the baby pee!

If you want to know how many to buy here is a diaper calculator per day.

Wipes

I stocked up on hypoallergenic baby wipes and diaper rash cream, which were essentials for keeping my baby clean and comfortable. And since these are the stuff you buy all the time, I looked for price sensitive options.

If you want to know how many to buy here is a wipes calculator per day.

Rash cream

I got both of these brands. Desitin is great for bigger rashes, while Aquaphor I used it on a daily bases, and it fits nicely in my diaper bag as well.

Diaper Pail

I would go for one with a foot pedal-activated lid. How would you open the lid if you have the diaper in one hand, and holding baby down with the other? I have the Genie and I love it. But I also love the Munchkin brand, so I would personally purchase it as a second option. They are both the same size. I like bigger one so I don’t have to take the bag out many times a day.

Wipe warmer

This one is not a MUST, but your baby will certainly appreciate a warm wipe instead of a cold touch, and will wake up less in the night. I have the TinyBums and I’m very happy with it after 18 months.

s that can be used at a later phase just as a dresser. Some people use the portable ones, but too me they look messy to have them around for at least 2 years (until potty training).

3. Sleep essentials: what your baby needs for better rest

Here is a guide on to how to dress your baby for sleep. Below are the products that you need:

Pajamas and sleepwear

I honestly kept my newborn in a PJ day and night. I felt she was much comfortable in it during the day as well.

If it’s hot outside, use short sleeves onesies.

Some for boys:

Swaddles: an essential for newborn sleep

The velcro ones, such as life saver! The most famous are the Halo ones, but SwaddleMe are great value and I used them more often.

Tips: If it’s cold, below 71 F, use a fleece swaddle, or TOG 1.5+.

Below is an HALO swaddle that can be used hands in and hands out. This is great when you want to transition from a swaddle to a sleep sack.

HALO fleece, TOG 3

🚨 Remember! Very important don’t swaddle the baby after they start rolling from back to belly. They can get in a compromised position during their sleep. Immediately stop swaddling and use a sleep sack instead.

Sleep Sack (after baby starts rolling, 4+ months)

You don’t need this right away – so you could hold off to buy these until your baby rolls. After baby rolls from back to belly, you have to stop the swaddling and use a sleep sack instead.

Sound machine for better sleep

Babies, especially newborn, need the sound machine to reproduce the familiarity of the sound in the womb. A portable white noise machine is an essential newborn must have that helps babies sleep by mimicking the sounds of the womb.

Best sound machine ever is the Yogasleep Hushh Portable. I use it in her room, I use it in her stroller I use it in the plane, everywhere on the go. You charged it over night while running.

Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Sound Machine For Baby

3. Baby gear: travel and transportation must haves

Stroller

When planning your baby registry must haves, consider a travel system that includes both a stroller and car seat for convenience.

I personally opted for a stroller that grows with the baby, that adapt to fit an infant car seat, a basinet, or to a toddler seat. I got the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 that matches with Mesa infant car seat (see section below). You can attach the car seat in this stroller (without any extra adapters). You could also use a UPPAbaby Bassinet, so the baby sleeps in a better position while you walk around.

(Optional) You could also use this basinet as an overnight sleep solution when you travel. (I didn’t use the bassinet though because my baby had acid reflux and couldn’t be all the way on her back – she was sleeping better in the car seat. Although in the car seat you can’t keep the baby for more than 2 hours!)

Car must-haves

Best car seat

Traveling with a newborn means having a reliable car seat. I opted for a rear-facing model that meets all safety guidelines. It was a lifesaver, especially with all the hospital visits and family outings. Ensure it’s properly installed—it’s worth every minute spent to ensure your baby’s safety. There are groups on Facebook that are focused just on that. Watch the videos on installing the car seats from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administartion.

We got the MESA Infant Car Seat. We tried a few at Buy Buy Baby and we thought this one was less bulky, checked all the safety guidelines and it’s FAA approved for air travel. This car seat works with the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 (above).

MESA Infant Car Seat

After the baby is either heavier than 35 lbs or taller than 32” height you’ll have to change the car seat with a one for toddler. But you don’t have to worry about this now.

Tips: Whatever car seat you chose (1) make sure it’s compatible with your stroller (2) make sure it’s endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Tips: You can’t keep a baby in the car seat for more than 2 hours. You need breaks if you plan a longer ride.

Read my full article for my best car seat recommendation.

Bay car mirror

If nobody is in the back with the baby, get a mirror that doesn’t shatter in case of accident.

Shynerk Baby Car Mirror Shatterproof

Carseat cover

I recommend 2: one that is versatile and good for nursing and the other that is thicker and good for keeping warm and windproof.

Baby carrier: a must-have for hands-free parenting

A comfortable baby carrier is a must-have for newborns, allowing you to keep your baby close while staying hands-free.

For hands-free convenience and to keep my baby close, I used a baby carrier. It was perfect for walks and doing chores around the house. Make sure it supports the baby’s head properly and maintains a healthy hip position.

In my opinion BabyBjörn is the best value for the buck. It’s comparable with the famous Artipoppe at a lower price point while it’s also a renowned brand. I used the mini one for almost 1 year. Lots of people recommend the Ergobaby Omni. Feel free to try it. I didn’t like it because of how it ties in the back, it’s hard to do it on your own, and also it was too bulky compare to BabyBjorn. Also, even if it’s says it’s good for babies 7+ pounds, my baby at 8 pounds was still too little for this. Below is what I had and used.

Tip 1: Make sure you get the BabyBjorn version with the lumbar support. It’s a bit pricer than without – but your back will thank you.

Tip 2: whatever you choose look if it’s certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. When baby is facing towards you, their legs have to be in a M shape. Not hanging down. All the certified carriers make sure the M position is kept.

Tip 3: You should be able to kiss baby’s head in the carrier – whatever product you choose.

Warning! Please don’t use the ring sling or other wrappers as baby carrier. I’ve read so many suffocation accidents happened while baby curled all the way down in the wrapper. You can use it as long as you can always see baby nose that is not obstructed and they can breath properly. Also the baby’s neck should be straight up to avoid suffocation.

Travel Accessories

When you travel you need to make sure you have diapers, wet wipes, a change of clothes, and milk. Usually folks buy a diaper bag and always have it ready. You can have any type of bag, but the one below is one with multiple compartments and one coated with insulated bottle pockets to carry milk bottles. I bought the portable diaper changing pad below. I am using it everywhere on the go – it’s so useful. I even changed my kid using this one in the back of my car – in the trunk opening.

4. First aid, grooming supplies

Baby first aid: must haves

My baby got a cold in the first few weeks she was born. I was freaking out when I read that babies don’t breath through their mouth. In this case, you have to clean their nose with saline water and nasal aspirator. I never used the electric nasal aspirator, even though I have the Watolt Baby Nasal Aspirator. I just went with something I can control better (by hand, or by my mouth see below). I gave her meds Infant Motrin or Infant Tylenol only when she had fever, over 100.4F. To check her fever get a standard thermometer, the ones for babies with bells and whistles are just marketing. Especially the forehead and ear one – evertime I read the temperature I had a different value. So I ended up using two standard ones for rectum and armpit. I do recommend getting the one with the light, since it’s easier to know when it’s high or low fever even in the night (based on the green, red light indicator).

Grooming checklists

There isn’t much to do at this age, they barely have hair. Many brands they sell hair brushes and combs (like Safety 1st Easy Grip Brush and Comb), however, I didn’t use them, even though my baby had cradle cap. I just used patience instead!

However, you need something for their growing nails. I used is a nail buffer at the beginning. Until I discover the Friday Baby nail clipper. That was a game changer. Because it’s on an angle it doesn’t let you cut deep. And it goes much faster than polishing. After few months baby won’t stand still for you to polish anything – so the faster (and safer) you go the better! There is also a Frida Baby Kit that includes many of the items above, I recommend buying it especially if it’s discounted.

Below is the must-have list:

5. Feeding supplies checklist

Breastfeeding must-haves

As a breastfeeding mom, a good breast pump and milk storage containers were invaluable. For those who formula-feed, invest in quality bottles and nipples that mimic natural feeding as much as possible.

I actually ordered my Spectra S1 pump ahead of time. Little did I know at that time that the recommendation is to start pumping only after 4 weeks when the milk supply is established. Read more about when to start pumping and bottle feeding. Hence, I recommend not getting one right from the get go – because you might not even need one – especially if you choose/can’t to not breastfeed from one reason or another. The only time when you want to do this in advance if your insurance covers it and it requires you to order from special websites that might take a while to deliver. My insurance accepted the common vendors (Amazon, BBBaby, Walmart etc) that all sold the hospital grade pump. Read here more details about how to choose a pump and why hospital grade.

The My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow was an absolute lifesaver for me. Before I started using it, I had constant back and neck pain from trying to find a comfortable breastfeeding position. This pillow’s design made such a difference, giving me the support I needed to sit comfortably. It also helped me get my baby in the right latching position much more easily than when I tried to do it without the pillow.

Nursing clothes

There are a few tops on Amazon that were helpful to me.

Products for feeding the baby

In terms of feeding bottle I recommend the anti colic ones. Here is why. You will need bibs when you feed them as the milk drips all over them, and also burping clothes to place on you as sometimes they spit up

You don’t need any plates or utensils until baby is 6 months.

Products to wash, dry, sanitize the bottles

I usually just soak the bottles in water with dish soap. Then rinse and dry on the bottle rack – not on the same rack with the other dishes. Once a week I sanitize everything using the bags below.

Munchkin® Sterilize™ Microwave Bottle Steam Sterilizer Bags

6. Bathing must-haves

I found a baby bathtub with a mesh that makes bath times safe and enjoyable for a newborn. Without this honestly I don’t think I would have followed any washing/bathing tutorial – I was too afraid. But in this one baby could stay a bit upright and I wasn’t too afraid. Read more on night routine including bath time.

7. Baby Monitor

You can use many things to monitor your baby, I used Nest and I connected to Google Hub from other rooms and also installed the Google Home app on everyone’s phone. It works pretty well.

I’ve never tried the famous and more pricey options out there. I heard great things about Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor that tracks sleeping and breathing. If you are really concern about SIDS tracking breathing can be done with the Nanit band (comes with it) or with the Owlet smart sock part of Owlet Dream Duo Tracks & Notifies for Pulse Rate & Oxygen. If you have the $$ go for one of these. Otherwise, Nest works just fine.

8. What you DON’T need on your baby registry checklist

No to: Pillow and blankets in the crib. However, you can have blankets if you go outside in the stroller, supervised though.
No to: Any kind of bumpers or anti roll pillows in the crib. At some point I considered to buy an anti-roll pillow so my baby can sleep on a side and not roll on the tummy. At that time we were sleep deprived because she wasn’t sleeping well on her back. She also had acid reflux, so sleeping on the back wasn’t happening. After ding a thorough research I was too afraid to buy this. It’s a suffocation hazard for the little ones.
No to receiving blankets. I still don’t know how people use them. I got them and never used them.
No to swaddle blankets. If you get the SwaddleMe ones, you don’t need the blankets to complicate your life. I got these and I used it as blankets on the go in the stroller, on the plane etc.
(Potentially) No to bottle warmer, see more details Bottle feeding: Warm or Cold Milk?. But if you really need one, I got the one from Dr. Brown to fit my Dr Brown bottles, Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer for Formula
(potentially) No to any other clothes either than the Sleep ‘N Play PJ or Footies. At least for the first 3 months, I didn’t like to have her in pants that I felt were too tight on her tummy.
(my opinion) No to gripe water for gas relief, colic etc. I think this is a myth. I still need to meet a mom the swears by it.

Final thoughts

Creating a baby registry checklist can feel overwhelming, but by focusing on practical baby registry must haves, you’ll be prepared without overbuying. Every family’s needs are different, but these newborn must haves will help make those first few months easier and more enjoyable.

Gerber Baby-Girls 8-Pack Short Sleeve Onesies Bodysuits	Simple Joys by Carter’s baby-girls 6-pack Short-sleeve Bodysuit
Onesies Brand baby-girls 8-pack Short Sleeve	HonestBaby baby-girls 5-pack Short Sleeve Bodysuits

Gerber baby-boys 5-pack Short Sleeve	Onesies Brand baby-boys 8-pack Short Sleeve
Gerber Baby 5-Pack Short Sleeve	Disney Pixar Toy Story 5 Pack Bodysuits

Motrin Infants	Infants’ Tylenol
Nasal Aspirator	Frida Baby Nasal Aspirator
Vicks SpeedRead Digital Thermometer, color coded (I used this one under armpit)	Medical Thermometer with Fever Alert, Memory Recall, C/F Switchable, Rectum Armpit (I used this one rectum)

Best hospital grade pump: Spectra S1	Maymom 19mm Flange and Duckbill Valve Compatible with Spectra S1, S2
My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow Enhanced Ergonomics	(you basically live in this thing – so better be a good one) Momcozy Pumping Bra
Hot and Cold Breast Pads (optional)	Nipple Butter™ Breastfeeding Cream – safe for baby to ingest (optional)
Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads (optional)	Lansinoh Milk Storage Bags

Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic Breast to Bottle Feeding Set with Premie and Slow Flow Nipples	TheAZBaby Organic Cotton 10-Pack Baby Bandana Drool Bibs
Burp Cloths Set	Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier (My baby ended up not using one. Read about my thoughts here.)