Creating a baby registry sounds exciting… until you actually start building one. Between influencers, big-box stores, and “must-have” lists that include 300 items, it’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need nearly as much as the internet tells you.
Personally, I got a ton of baby items for free from my local Buy Nothing Facebook group, which meant I didn’t need many of the typical registry staples. That said, if you don’t want to end up with random clutter at your baby shower, you should still create a registry. People want to buy you gifts, and a thoughtful registry helps guide them toward things you’ll actually use.
Below is exactly what I registered for, what I bought later, and what I got for free and genuinely loved.
Table of Contents
Baby Registry Tip (Learn From My Mistake)
I highly recommend registering only with Amazon and Target.
Why?
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Easy returns
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Fast shipping
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No complicated registry systems
Babylist sounds great in theory, but returns are much more annoying. Trust me on this one.
Baby Registry Must-Haves (The Essentials I Actually Used)
Feeding Must-Haves
Dr. Brown’s Silicone Nipples
If you’re using Dr. Brown’s bottles, you’ll need multiple nipple flow levels. After Level 1, you’ll move quickly into Levels 2 and 3.
Dr. Brown’s Wide-Neck Glass Baby Bottles
I’m a big fan of glass bottles. The wide-neck versions were a win for us, especially since my baby hated the skinny bottles.
Munchkin Baby Feeders
Absolute must-have once your baby starts solids. These are amazing for bananas and other soft foods.
Teething & Comfort
Baby Teethers
Any teether works, but we loved the carrot-shaped ones.
Pacifiers
My baby only liked NUK pacifiers. Babies are picky, so don’t over-register until you know what they’ll accept.
Health & Medicine (Do Not Skip These)
You will need these, usually at 2 a.m., so just register now.
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Baby Tylenol
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Mylicon (gas drops)
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Vitamin D drops
Play & Development
Skip Hop Activity Center
We used this constantly. If your baby likes to bounce and stand, this is worth every penny.
Fisher-Price Baby Musical Toy Set
This was basically the only toy my baby cared about before turning one. She loved laying on her back and kicking nonstop.
Diapering Essentials
Diaper Rash Paste (Butt Paste)
Non-negotiable.
Pampers Swaddlers Diapers
I used cloth diapers during the day but always used Pampers Swaddlers at night once my baby slept longer stretches.
➡️ Register for sizes 2 and 3, not newborn.
Everything Else I Bought on Amazon (Birth to 16 Months)
If you’re wondering what you’ll actually end up buying later, here’s a real-life list of items I purchased over time:
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NUK Comfy Orthodontic Pacifiers
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Bio-Oil (for C-section scar recovery)
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Conway Airmega Air Purifier + filters
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Mylicon Infant Gas Drops
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Flannel cloth baby wipes
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Baby bath thermometer
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Infant Tylenol
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Vitamin D drops
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Prenatal vitamins (keep taking these while breastfeeding)
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Frida Baby hairbrush and comb set
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Waterproof bassinet mattress covers
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Mama Bear Water Wipes (great for travel)
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Nursing nightgowns (I still sleep in these)
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NUK learner straw cups (5 oz and 10 oz)
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Little Bot play mat (WAY better than carpet or foam tiles)
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Magnetic drawing board
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Audio-only baby monitor (no fancy video needed)
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Suction plates for feeding
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Mineral sunscreen (when baby is old enough)
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Postpartum oversized t-shirts
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Teething sticks
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Pet camera used as a nanny cam (no subscription, under $30!)
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Baby-safe dishwasher detergent
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Baby-friendly laundry detergent
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Cabinet locks (skip the magnetic ones)
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Infant pool float
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Nose saline mist
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Baby bath brush
Baby Must-Haves I Got for Free (And Loved)
Before buying anything big, check your local Buy Nothing group or Facebook Marketplace. I got all of the items below for free and would absolutely recommend them.
Chicco Stroller with Tray
Way cheaper than trendy strollers and honestly more comfortable for my baby than $500+ models.
Chicco KeyFit Car Seat & Base
I almost bought a Nuna and am SO glad I didn’t. You barely carry the baby in the car seat anyway.
Chicco KeyFit Caddy Frame Stroller
This is all you need in the early months. Way better than expensive all-in-one options.
Swaddles
Register for a few, but grab extras secondhand. You’ll go through a lot.
Cloth Diapers & Wipes
Easy to find used and save a ton of money.
Toys
I paid for almost none. Parents give these away constantly.
Final Thoughts: Less Stuff, More Sanity
You don’t need a massive baby registry to be prepared. Focus on:
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Feeding
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Sleep
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Diapering
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Basic comfort and health
Everything else can be added as you go.
If I could do it again, I’d register for fewer items, prioritize easy returns, and lean heavily on Buy Nothing groups.
Your future self (and your home) will thank you.
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