Baby Registry Checklist (2024)

FAQs

What are the must haves on the baby registry? ›

What are baby registry must-haves for a first-time parent? Some essential items that you'll want are a comfortable and safe crib, a stroller that fits your lifestyle, a car seat that meets safety standards, a breast pump and bottles. Diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream are also must-haves for any new parent.

First-time-mom baby registries typically include between 100 and 120 items. This should be more than enough to cover everything you will need for your baby. Because with any type of baby registry, the aim is to only get things for your baby that you will actually need and use.

Like so many things in parenthood, how and when you set up your baby registry comes down to what feels right to you. While you can set up a registry too late (you'll want to start well before your baby shower!), there's really no such thing as starting a registry too early.

You can start early or wait. 20 weeks is a good rule of thumb if you're planning on adding gender-specific things. When should you share a baby registry? If you plan on having a registry, it's good to share your registry a few weeks in advance.

How many items should I put on my baby registry? There's really no right answer to this one, as what's right for one family isn't right for another. We do think it's helpful to know what other Babylist parents-to-be are up to, though. In 2018, Babylist users had an average of 121 items on their registry.

It's Your Registry

Conventional wisdom says to put whatever you want on your baby registry and not to worry about what other people think. If someone wants to buy an expensive gift, let them. If they don't, they can purchase something less expensive.

For a newborn, it's advisable to register for around 2-3 large packs of newborn size diapers, as babies can go through 8-10 diapers a day in their first weeks.

These may not be the most glamorous of gifts, but you'll appreciate having plenty of diapers on hand during those first few weeks and months with your new baby, along with other diapering essentials: Diapers (in various sizes)

Shying Away from Large Purchases. That said, it's totally acceptable to put some expensive items on your registry. You can list the things you need, including items like car seats and cribs. Pooling together for group presents is popular, and several friends might pitch in to get a stroller or crib.

When should I have a baby shower? ›

As a fast rule, baby showers are often held at the end of the second trimester or early to midway through the third trimester — usually four to six weeks before the due date. Expectant parents who are having multiples may prefer to have the baby shower on the earlier side.

There is no limit to how many baby registries you can make, but for most people, I find that three baby registries is the perfect number; that way you get the benefits of having multiple registries, but it's not too much to maintain.

The timing of your first prenatal visit varies by clinic. There's no right or wrong time. Most often, you'll be seen for your first appointment when you're 6-12 weeks pregnant. Yes, this seems like a really long time to wait, especially when you have so many questions!

Many expecting parents prefer to wait to buy baby stuff until they find out the gender of their baby. This generally happens between 18 and 21 weeks, but some people find out as early as 12 weeks. Of course, you don't need to know the gender of your baby to begin buying things for them.

Registries generally capture data on the characteristics of the patient, the disease or condition of interest; exposure(s), including treatments, and outcomes.