Baby Registry Checklist: What You Really Need

Newborn babies are fragile and taking care of them when they come home can be overwhelming. As a parent of a newborn, there may be a thousand things to do for the baby. Among them is putting together a baby registry.

The process of setting up a baby registry can take up a considerable amount of time. However, it can be a lot of fun if you know what you need. Remember you don’t have to buy everything you come across at the store.

With a registry, you can also let your friends and family know what to bring as baby shower gifts.

WHAT’S A BABY REGISTRY?

You’ll need a list of baby products you’d like to stock up before your baby arrives. It plays a role in ensuring you have everything you need to welcome the newest addition to your family. Typically, a baby registry can be set up by baby stores online or physically.

With some registries, you can combine lists from multiple retailers. As you create your registry, don’t let aggressive salespeople push you into buying what you might not need.

How then should your baby registry checklist look like? Here’s a guide you can rely on.

WHEN TO MAKE A BABY REGISTRY

You can create a baby registry at any time, but it’s best to have it ready way in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute to start the process as you may end up overlooking some items.

Your baby’s gender will influence your decision on the design and colors of some items. Hence, you might have to wait until you’re 20 weeks along to have the gender checked.

Once you’re ready, there are several online options you can check. Your choice will depend on the perks available, price range, and personal preference.

WHAT TO INCLUDE ON YOUR BABY REGISTRY

Figuring out a baby’s must-haves is a slightly hard task. There are no right and wrong answers as it all depends on what you’d like your baby to have. However, here’s a baby registry checklist that’ll ensure your baby doesn’t lack the essentials.

CLOTHING

It can be tempting to register for baby clothes in the same size. Keep it in mind that babies outgrow their newborn-size clothing very fast. You’ll also need to take factors like the weather and season into consideration.

Here are cloth items you’ll need to register:

Undershirts or onesies either long or short-sleeved
Nightgowns
Pairs of pants
Newborn hats
Booties
One-piece sleepers
Cardigans or jackets
Bunting bag or snowsuit
Laundry detergent for baby clothes

The number of each type of clothing item will depend on your preference.

FEEDING

If you decide to breastfeed your baby, they’ll soon outgrow it. Besides, you may not always be around for each of your baby’s feeding. For pumping and feeding, here’s what you’ll need

Bottles
Bottlebrush for cleaning
Sterilizer
Pacifiers
Bottle warmer
Breast pump and accessories
Nursing cover and pillow

You may also need a high chair for use during feeding. Don’t forget to register some pacifiers.

If you decide to bottle-feed the baby, here are things you’ll need.

Baby feeding bibs
Burp cloths
Newborn four-ounce bottles with low-flow nipples
Eight-ounce bottles with medium-flow nipples
Nipple and bottle brush
Formula
Thermal bottle carrier

Be sure to check Star Walk Kids for baby product reviews before making your purchase of any item.

BABY BEDDINGS

Have you decided if your baby will have a nursery? If not, you’ll need to make their sleeping space on your bed as comfortable as possible. You’ll hence need

Large cotton baby blankets
Receiving blankets that also make handy burp cloths
Soft muslin blanket for nursing or swaddling

You’ll also need a waterproof mattress protector.

If your baby will have a nursery:

Approved crib and crib mattress
Fitted crib sheets
Sleep slacks
Waterproof mattress covers
Crib mattress pads
Changing pad and changing pad covers
Rocker glider
Bassinet or co-sleepers
Swaddle blankets
Hampers
Diaper pail

It’s advisable to have more than one of each of these items. With a small baby, you never know when they’ll need changing. It might also be at a time when you’re not able to do laundry.

DIAPERING

You can choose between disposable and reusable diapers. For the disposable type

At least two boxes of newborn-size diapers
Diaper pail with a set of bag refills
Changing pad
Disposable wipes
Baby cream or ointment

For cloth diapers

About 60 reusable diapers
Waterproof covers
Disposable wipes
Wet bag for use while on the go

When buying the diapers, avoid buying too many of them. Your baby may outgrow them faster than you think, needing a replacement.

BATH TIME ITEMS

Your baby will need to have a bath, separately from the rest of the family. Your baby’s skin is sensitive and therefore needs to have a separate set of washing items.

Newborn-size tub
Washcloths different from those you’ll use during diaper changes
Baby cleanser or soap
Soft-bristled hairbrush for baby
Soft-hooded towels

For the cleansers, check whether you’ll need shampoo for your baby’s hair.

This is basically the baby registry checklist that’ll get you started with your baby. With time, you may want to register other things like a car seat, stroller, travel crib, and potty.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Preparing for the arrival of a newborn baby can be both fun and overwhelming. Planning early helps avoid the last-minute rush that could make you overlook some items. Your baby registry checklist could comprise many items, but it depends on your preference.

Among the things to register are baby clothing, beddings, feeding items, diapering, and bath time items. As the baby grows bigger, you’ll need a stroller and potty, among other things.