Last Updated on 07/01/2021 by Mama Must Have
Congrats mama you’re expecting a little one! Where do you even begin? Are you looking for help creating your baby registry? You’ve come to the right place for a complete baby registry checklist for 2021. These are items that are tested, tried and approved by many moms. Consider creating a baby registry at Amazon, Target, or Babylist.com. Amazon will provide easy online access for anyone and Target will provide easy physical access for those who prefer to shop in store or online. Babylist is a great registry option because you can include items from multiple stores. This will give people options on where they want to purchase specific items from. So let’s get started on this baby registry checklist.
Grab a printable baby registry checklist here to get you started.
Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a commission.
CLOTHING
- Footed Pajamas – Your baby just might be living in these for awhile. Get multiple pairs because accidents happen.
- Kimono Onesies – Long and short sleeved – these are essential especially during the first few weeks where you’re trying extra hard to be careful with the baby’s head and neck. They make the job easier for a first time parent.
- Socks – You’ll need lots of socks since half of them will somehow disappear.
- Burp Cloths – Get enough burp clothes to place in various places throughout your house and in your diaper bag.
- Bibs – Before you know it, your baby will be drooling all day and you may need to replace bibs throughout the day. These will also be useful when your baby starts eating solids. Silicone bibs are a better option for meal time as they make it easier to clean up the mess
- Swaddles – Swaddles allow a baby the comfort of feeling like they are still in the womb. The Swaddle Me Original Swaddle is a favorite among parents. The Love to Dream Swaddle is another parent favorite as this one ensures that baby’s hands won’t break free from the swaddle.
BATHING
- Baby Tub – A tub with multiple uses will be most beneficial as you can use it for a few years. If you want a sling for the newborn phase consider getting this newborn to toddler tub. This tub is also a great option as it transitions into a step stool for the later years.
- Soft Hooded Towels – Grab a few of these to keep your little one warm after a nice bath.
- Washcloths – Get some soft hypoallergenic wash cloths.
- Baby Body Wash/Shampoo – The Honest Company has a good baby wash and shampoo. Buying a 2 in 1 makes it easier on you. Whatever you buy, make sure it is a tear free product.
- Baby Lotion – Get a good lotion that you can use to massage your baby. Lotion containing lavender is beneficial and can help a baby relax before bed.
- Bath Toys – Early on your baby may not be very interested in bath toys but eventually they will be a source of entertainment. You may find that your baby tub comes with a few of them. If not, try this interactive bath toy.
NURSERY
- Crib – Get a crib that converts to a toddler bed like this 7-in-1 convertible bed. Another option is a crib that comes with a drawer below the mattress like this 4-in-1 crib. That drawer will be very convenient.
- Dresser – For an affordable dresser, consider this easy pull dresser option. Or you can get a dresser that also doubles as a changing table like this one. When you no longer need that changing table, you can remove it.
- Changing Table – If you prefer a standalone changing table, this one comes with space for a laundry hamper underneath.
- Rocking Chair – This glider and ottoman is a parent favorite as it is very comfortable and affordable .
- Bassinet– There are so many options when it comes to bassinets. This baby bassinet is extremely convenient and will help keep the baby nice and close to you. This is also a great and safe co-sleeping option. A pack n play bassinet is a good option because you can take it with you and it really doesn’t take up much space. It is also a plus that you can use it for play.
- Humidifier – Pure Enrichment provides excellent humidifiers. Consider one that comes with a night light.
- Night Light – Get a night light for the nursery. This is probably more for the parents peace of mind to know that their baby isn’t in a completely dark room.
- Sound Machine – Use a sound machine for naps and bed time. This will be a good signal to let your baby know what time it is. This will help a baby sleep and it will also mask other noises taking place throughout the house. There are lots of affordable options but if you want one that is a little more high tech, the Hatch baby is a great option and it includes a night light.
- Baby Monitor – Consider getting this Hello Baby monitor. It is decently priced, has great features and 960 feet range. Or if you prefer, check out the other Hello Baby monitors. They have a wide variety and all are differently priced.
- Laundry Hamper – There’s so many options for laundry hampers. Mesh, woven, fabric, plastic…take your pick for what you like best.
- Books – Stock up on baby books! Amazon prime book box is a great option that can deliver books to you every 1, 2, or 3 months. The books are 40% off of list price. The first box is $16.99 and if you choose to continue it is $19.99 for 4 books. You can’t go wrong with that!
DIAPERING
- Diaper Pail – The Ubbi steel diaper pail does a good job of keeping all the smells contained. Bonus is that after you’re done using it for diapers you can use it elsewhere around the house.
- Diapers – You may need to try various brands to find what works best for your baby. Meanwhile start with some pampers. If you’re looking for higher quality, Pampers pure is a great option.
- Baby Wipes – You’ll go through a ton of wipes so make sure you buy them in bulk. Huggies natural care are a great option that will cater to your child’s sensitive skin.
- Diaper Cream – Aquaphor is a popular mom go to brand. For a more organic option try Earth Mama diaper balm.
- Changing Pad – Get a good waterproof and easy to clean changing pad that will fit standard changing tables.
- Changing Pad Covers – Changing pad covers are an item that some moms forgo because of how much you might have to be continually changing them.
FEEDING
- Handsfree Pumping Bra – A handsfree pumping bra is going to be a lifesaver when you are trying to multitask with a little one. This bra will help keep everything in place and give you peace of mind while you pump. It comes in adjustable sizes which is helpful as the breast size fluctuates.
- Nursing Bras or Nursing Tank Tops – You might just be one of those moms who will end up living in nursing bras or nursing tanks because lets admit it, its exhausting having to change multiple times if you’re breastfeeding or pumping.
- Breastmilk Freezer Bags – If you’re planning on pumping you might have excess milk to freeze. Lansinoh freezer bags do a good job and also provide the ability to pump straight into the bag and then freeze.
- Nipple Cream – Lansinoh also sells a Lanolin nipple cream that is a saving grace especially during those first few weeks of breastfeeding. If you’re looking for an organic option consider Earth Mama Nipple Butter
- Baby Bottles – You may have to test out a few bottles because each baby is different. If you are breastfeeding and bottle feeding, choose these bottles because they are designed to mimic breastfeeding and not cause nipple confusion.
- Bottle/Nipple Brushes – Munchkin bottle and nipple brushes are great because they come in a set of 4 brushes and you can use them for a variety of products.
- Drying Rack –Boon lawn drying rack provides a lot of space to dry your bottles. You can also get additional accessories to help provide more drying space.
- Bottle Warmer – The Phillips Avent bottle warmer is easy to use and evenly heats up the milk. It works for baby bottles, toddler cups and even baby food. This 6-in-1 bottle warmer is also a great option that includes the ability to sterilize your bottles as well.
- Nursing Pillow – This pillow is very user friendly and new moms like it because of its adjustability around the midsection. A Boppy pillow is also useful while breastfeeding but may feel a little more restrictive with its size. If you opt for the boppy pillow, consider also getting a replacement cover.
- Nursing Cover – If you’re breastfeeding and want to use a cover when you are outside the comfort of your own home, this 5-in-1 nursing cover is a great option. It also doubles as a car seat cover.
- High Chair – Before you know it, you’ll need a high chair It’s good to consider a transitional high chair. This Graco high chair can be used through many stages of life and is foldable. For the use that you will get out of it, the price is reasonable. For a more affordable chair that takes up less space, consider this Fisher Price chair.
BEDDING
- Mattress – You will need a good firm mattress for your baby. It will be of added benefit if you can get one that has a water resistant and washable outer cover. You should still use a mattress protector but this just add an additional layer of protection.
- Fitted Sheets – Make sure you have a few fitted sheets because you may have to change them frequently.
- Waterproof Mattress Protector – This is a must have item and this organic mattress protector is an affordable option that comes in a 2 pack.
MEDICAL/MISCELLANEOUS
- Electric Nail File – Your baby’s nails are going to grow really fast. Save yourself a lot of precious time and get this nail file which will make the job a lot easier. It works so well that your baby might not even notice that you’re using it.
- Thermometer – The best way to get an exact temperature is by using a rectal thermometer. For a regular digital thermometer that works well, go with the Occobaby thermometer.
- Saline Spray – You’ll need saline spray to help loosen up all the gunk that you will need to remove from inside your baby’s nose. NoseFrida spray is a good option and is easy to use on the baby.
- Nasal Aspirator – You’ll be sucking a lot of snot and buggers out of your baby’s nose. Make the job easier by using an electric or battery powered nasal aspirator.
- Baby Detergent – Remember that babies have sensitive skin so use a baby friendly laundry detergent.
- Gripe Water – Gripe water will be a saving grace when all else has failed to calm your baby down. It usually works within minutes and it will make both you and the baby feel better. There’s Original Gripe Water for the daytime and there’s also night time Gripe Water.
PLAYTIME
- Swing – A swing is one item that is an absolute must have as your baby will probably spend a lot of time in it. A good swing will allow you to have moments to yourself where the baby is calm and content and just enjoying the rhythmic movement as well as what ever gadgets come with the swing. This swing comes with various song options, calming sounds, moving items and a mirror that can really keep your baby entertained. If you’re looking for a more luxurious swing, 4moms mamaRoo is one that does a good job soothing a baby but the mobile on this swing is not as entertaining for the baby.
- Playmat – A playmat is an essential item especially in those early months where the baby can’t do much beside lay on their back. A good playmat can also keep your baby entertained for long periods of time.
- Playpen – A portable playpen will be very useful once your little one is sitting up on their own and you want to have a safe space to put them in. A playpen can provide peace of mind knowing the baby won’t be getting into anything that they shouldn’t.
- Rattles – Once a baby starts to grasp at items a good rattle will keep them entertained for awhile. This rattle is a good one to have as it allows for an easy grasp.
- Stuffed Animals – Give your baby some buddies to play with!
- Teething Toys – There are so many teething toys available that it’s hard to know which ones would be best. A good suggestion is to have a few incase your baby takes onto some better than others. You don’t want to be unprepared when the teething begins. Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys are a baby favorite as they can be refrigerated and will provide nice cooling relief. Sensory toys that double as a teething toy are also a good option. Mombella offers a range of teething toys that babies love.
TRAVEL
- Stroller – Consider this Travel System as it includes an infant stroller, infant bassinet, and a toddler stroller. It is also reversible with 9 ways to ride for front or rear facing. If you need a stroller that you can be active in then consider this Jogger Stroller. If you want a simple stroller without all the frills then a Lightweight Stroller is the way to go.
- Baby Carrier – Having a baby carrier will be convenient when you want to go places with your babe all snuggled up to you or even when they refuse to be put down but you have things to do. This affordable 4-in-1 carrier does the job and allows the baby to fit nice and snug. If you would prefer a wrap instead of a carrier, the Boba wrap is a comfy option for a baby. A Ring Sling carrier offers something similar for a lower price point.
- Portable Changing Pad – Make sure you have a portable changing pad in your diaper bag. There are some that come complete with toys to entertain the baby as well as keep their hands out of the mess in the diaper.
- Diaper Bag – Make sure your diaper bag has enough compartments to fit the various things that you’ll need to tote around for your baby.
- Travel Crib – If you plan on travelling with your baby, get a playard that doubles as a bassinet and comes with a changing station and storage space.
- Backseat Mirror – If you want to keep an eye on your baby while you drive you’ll need to get a car mirror. Make sure it is shatterproof incase of an accident.
Keep in mind though that each journey is different and what may work for one baby might not work for you. You may end up needing to try different options before you settle on what is best for your baby. Good luck on this journey Mama and hope this baby registry checklist was helpful to you!