Top 10 Baby Registry Items You Actually Need

Creating a baby registry can be really overwhelming. Walk into any baby store or googling, and you’ll see aisles and checklists filled with gadgets, gear, and "must-haves"—many of which you may never even use.

As a mom who has tried just about every baby item under the sun, I’m here to cut through the noise and help you focus on the things you’ll actually use and love.

Here are the top 10 baby registry items that are truly worth adding to your list.

1. A Good Newborn Carrier – Keep you baby close and your arms free

As an avid baby wearer, I’ve owned just about every style of baby carrier, and here’s what I’ve learned: it’s great to own more than one!

🔹 Soft Wraps (like the Moby Wrap (I had 3!), Solly Baby Wrap or Boba Wrap) – Great for newborn snuggles and keeping baby close, but they take some practice to tie correctly- I’m happy to help teach you if you choose this route!

🔹Structured Carriers (like the Ergobaby Omni 360 or Artipoppe) – Offer more support, can be worn longer, and are easier for quick ups and downs.

🔹 Ring Slings (like the Sakura Bloom or WildBird) – Perfect for quick carries, easy to adjust, and great for once baby is holding their head up through toddler stage.

💡 Pro Tip: If possible, try a few styles before committing—some parents love soft wraps, while others prefer structured carriers for long-term use.

2. A Sound Machine – Sleep Is Everything

Babies are used to constant noise in the womb, so a sound machine can be a lifesaver when it comes to helping them sleep longer.

🔹 The Hatch Rest – Doubles as a nightlight and grows with your child.

🔹 Yogasleep Hushh – Portable, budget-friendly, and perfect for on-the-go naps.

🔹 The Baby Shusher - A portable device OR App (I use this for newborn sessions all the time!)

3. A Quality Infant Car Seat – Safety Comes First

A car seat is non-negotiable, and while all infant car seats meet safety standards, some are easier to install, adjust, and carry.

🔹 Chicco KeyFit 35 – One of the easiest to install with great safety ratings. (I used this seat with my youngest two!)

🔹 Nuna PIPA Lite RX – Ultra-lightweight and super sleek, great for parents on the go.

4. A Stroller That Fits Your Lifestyle

Your stroller will go everywhere with you, so choose one that fits your daily routine.

🔹 For city living: UPPAbaby Vista V2 (great for growing families) or Babyzen YOYO2 (compact & travel-friendly).

🔹 For suburban life: Mockingbird Stroller or BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 (jogging stroller for active parents).

💡 Pro Tip: Test strollers in-store if you can—push them, fold them, and lift them into your car- sometimes it takes a few tries.

5. A Safe, Comfortable Sleep Space – Including Safe Co-Sleeping Options

Your baby’s sleep space needs to be safe, functional, and easy to use. Whether you plan to have baby in their own crib or prefer a safe co-sleeping setup, there are great options for both.

For Independent Sleepers:

🔹 Halo Bassinest – A great bedside option with 360-degree swivel for easy access.

🔹 Babyletto Hudson Crib – A stylish, convertible crib that grows with your child.

For Safe Co-Sleeping:

🔹 Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper – Attaches to the side of your bed for safe nighttime bonding.

🔹 Chicco Next2Me Magic – A sleek bedside bassinet that keeps baby close but on a separate sleep surface.

🔹 DockATot or Snuggle Me Organic Great for contact naps or daytime lounging.

💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to co-sleep, follow the Safe Sleep Seven guidelines to reduce risks and ensure baby’s safety.

6. Swaddles & Sleep Sacks

Swaddling helps newborns sleep better by preventing the startle reflex from waking them up.

🔹 For traditional swaddling: Muslin blankets like Aden + Anais (multi-purpose and breathable).

🔹 For easy swaddling: Love to Dream Swaddle Up or Halo SleepSack (great for transitioning out of swaddles).

💡 Pro Tip: Skip scratchy Velcro swaddles—opt for ones with zippers for a quieter nighttime routine.

7. A Reliable Baby Monitor

Whether you choose audio-only or video, a good monitor gives you peace of mind.

🔹 Eufy SpaceView Pro – Great video quality without WiFi dependency.

🔹 Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro – A parent favorite with adjustable lenses.

🔹 Nanit Pro Smart Monitor – Tracks sleep patterns if you want extra insights.

8. A Breast Pump, Bottles, Breastfeeding supplies That Work for You

I nursed my 5 kiddos exclusively and exclusively pumped for both of the surrogate babies I carried. Whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, or using formula, having the right gear makes life so much easier.

🔹There are many amazing breast pumps: My Preference? The Medela Symphony (hospital-grade, rechargeable) or Momcozy (hands-free and discreet).

🔹 Best bottles: Dr. Brown’s (anti-colic) or Comotomo (great for breastfed babies).

🔹Breastfeeding Pillow: Boppy or My Brest Friend

🔹New nursing mom’s gear: Frida Mom Breast feeding Survival Kit

🔹More blog posts to follow on must-haves for feeding baby

💡 Pro Tip: If you're thinking about pumping, check if your insurance covers a free breast pump! If you need more tips and tricks on exclusive pumping- send me an email or text- 2 years of pumping for babies later and I have lots of great items to own to help you!

9. Diapers & Wipes That Don’t Irritate Baby’s Skin

Your baby will go through thousands of diapers, so finding ones that fit well and don’t leak is key. I used both disposable and cloth- and they have come up with so many new cute brands since my kids were in diapers- here’s what I found.

🔹 Best disposable diapers: Pampers Pure (gentle on skin) or Hello Bello (eco-friendly & affordable) or Dyper (Mail order diapers! No more store trips!)

🔹 Best cloth diapers: Rumparooz or Esembly (if you’re going the reusable route).

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t stockpile one brand! Your baby might react to certain diapers—try a few before committing.

10. A Diaper Bag That’s Actually Functional

You’ll use your diaper bag daily, so pockets, size, and comfort matter.

🔹 Best backpack-style: Itzy Ritzy Boss Backpack or Dagne Dover Indi or BÉIS The Ultimate Diaper Backpack

🔹 Best bag style: Petunia Pickle Bottom or Calpak Diaper Tote Bag

💡 Pro Tip: Look for one that clips onto your stroller for easy travel.

Want more tips? Feel free to email me! With 5 kids, believe me, I’ve tested just about everything.