The ultimate baby registry checklist

This is the master checklist. Every category, every item, why you actually need it (or don't), and rough cost ranges. If you want a faster version, the Registry Builder tool filters this list by your budget, feeding plan, and lifestyle.

Sleep (start here)

Most expensive category and the one you'll use most. Get this right.

• Bassinet ($100–$350). For the first 4 to 6 months. Easier than a crib for night feeds. Halo Bassinest swivels; SnooBaby vibrates (controversial).
• Convertible crib ($200–$700). Skip if you're using a bassinet for the first months. Convertible-to-toddler-bed extends the value. Ikea Sundvik is the budget pick.
• Crib mattress ($80–$280). Firm and flat. Get organic if budget allows. Your baby spends 16+ hours a day on it.
• Crib sheets (3) ($30–$80). Two minimum. Three saves your sanity at 3 AM.
• Velcro swaddles (3) ($35–$70). Easier than wrap-style. Harder for baby to break out.
• Sleep sack TOG 1.0 (2) ($35–$90). For after baby starts rolling. Bamboo is breathable.
• Sound machine ($30–$100). Continuous white noise improves sleep consolidation. No timer.
• Blackout curtains ($60–$150). Light bleed is the top cause of early wakings.
• Video monitor ($100–$280). Audio-only is fine if budget is tight. Video helps for the crawler stage.
• Pacifiers (5, assorted) ($15–$35). Babies have preferences. Buy 2 to 3 styles to find a winner.

Feeding

Highly dependent on whether you're breast, formula, or combo feeding.

For everyone

• Burp cloths (10) ($25–$60). You will use these for everything.
• Bibs (5, drool style) ($15–$40). Triangle bandana bibs work for drooling.
• Bottle brush and drying rack ($15–$40).

If formula or combo feeding

• Bottles (6, 8 oz) ($60–$140). Don't bulk-buy one brand. Test 1 to 2 first. See Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies.
• Formula (start with 2 cans of one brand to test).
• Bottle warmer ($50). Skippable. A cup of warm water works.

If breastfeeding or pumping

• Breast pump ($0–$350). Most insurance covers a pump for free. Check before adding to registry.
• Nursing pillow ($35–$70). My Brest Friend has better support; Boppy is multi-use.
• Nursing bras (4) ($60–$160). Buy at 36 weeks. Size up one cup.
• Milk storage bags ($20–$50). Lansinoh fits most pumps.

For when solids start (6 months)

• High chair ($200–$350). Stokke Tripp Trapp grows with kid.
• Silicone plates and spoons ($30–$50). Suction-base prevents throwing.

Diapering

• Newborn diapers (1 box) ($25–$45). Don't over-buy. Many babies skip newborn entirely.
• Size 1 diapers (2 boxes) ($50–$90). Stock up here.
• Wipes (8 packs) ($35–$70). Water-based, fragrance-free.
• Diaper pail ($50–$90). Ubbi (no special bags) or Diaper Genie.
• Diaper rash cream ($12–$20). Triple Paste or Aquaphor.
• Changing pad and 2 covers ($50–$100). On top of the dresser saves space.
• Diaper bag ($60–$250). Backpack style preferred.

Bath

• Baby tub ($25–$60). Puj Tub for a kitchen sink (apartment); Skip Hop Moby Tub (full-size).
• Hooded towels (2) ($25–$60). Bigger bamboo ones outlast tiny novelty ones.
• Washcloths (8) ($12–$25). Use for bath, feeds, spit-up.
• Baby soap and shampoo ($12–$25). Tubby Todd, Honest, Mustela.
• Baby lotion ($12–$18). Optional unless dry-skin baby.

Travel

• Infant car seat and base ($200–$550). Required to leave the hospital. Nuna Pipa or Cybex Cloud Q for premium.
• Stroller ($250–$1,000). UPPAbaby Vista if more kids planned. A cheap umbrella stroller is fine for the short term.
• Carrier ($80–$200). Ergobaby Omni 360 or Solly Wrap for newborn.
• Second car seat base ($130). Only if both parents drive separately often.
• Car seat winter cover ($35–$60). JJ Cole Bundle Me. Safer than thick coats.

Apparel (newborn essentials only)

• Cotton onesies (10) ($40–$140). Mix of NB (5) and 0–3m (5). Many babies skip newborn entirely.
• Footed pajamas (5) ($60–$180). Magnetic or zip-style. Skip snaps.
• Hats (2) ($12–$30).
• Mittens (2) ($8–$18). For nail scratches.
• Socks (5) ($15–$30). They will get lost.
• Going-home outfit ($25–$80).

Health and safety

• Rectal thermometer ($15–$40). Most accurate for under-3-month fevers.
• Nasal aspirator (NoseFrida) ($15–$25). Yes you suck through it. Yes it works.
• Baby nail clippers and file ($8–$18).
• First aid kit ($20–$50). Confirm it has an infant Tylenol dropper.
• Cool-mist humidifier ($50–$90). Lifesaver for cold or dry air.

Postpartum (for you)

• Mesh underwear ($12–$30).
• Postpartum pads ($25–$50). Always Overnights work fine.
• Peri bottle ($12–$18). Frida Mom or hospital one.
• Nursing robe ($50–$100). What you'll live in for weeks.
• Postpartum care kit ($30–$50). Frida Mom or DIY with witch hazel and pads.

Nursery furniture (optional)

• Glider/rocker ($250–$600). You'll live in this for 12 months.
• Dresser with changing topper ($200–$450). Doubles as changing table.
• Nightlight ($25–$70). Hatch Rest is the upgrade.
• Hamper ($30–$60).

What to skip (most-returned items)

• Wipe warmer. Breeds mold, dries wipes.
• Crib bumpers. SIDS hazard, banned in many states.
• Quilts and full bedding sets. Unsafe for sleep.
• Shoes for non-walkers. Just socks for the first year.
• Baby food maker. A regular blender works.
• Bottle sterilizer. Dishwasher works.
• Specialty Diaper Genie refills. Regular trash bags work.
• Newborn dresses. Impossible to put on a newborn.
• Tons of newborn clothes. Many babies skip the size.
• Diaper stacker. You have a diaper pail.