Baby Registry Essentials
This post is all about my must have baby registry essentials as a first-time mom and somewhat of a minimalist!
Bringing a baby into the world is exciting, overwhelming, and—let’s be real—expensive.
As a first-time mom, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need everything for your little one. But the truth is, babies don’t need nearly as much as baby registries and stores want you to believe.
If you’re aiming for a minimalist approach or simply want to avoid unnecessary clutter, this guide will help you focus on the must-haves and avoid the things you’ll likely never use.
Baby Registry Essentials You Actually Need
1. A Safe Place to Sleep
Your baby needs a crib, bassinet, or pack ‘n play that meets safety standards. You don’t need a fancy, expensive crib—just something safe and sturdy. A firm mattress and a few fitted sheets are all you need for bedding—skip the bumpers and extra blankets, as they can be unsafe.
Personally, I’m going with the Graco Pack ‘n Play with Bassinet combo. We’re going to keep this beside our bed and let baby sleep in the bassinet part of it for the first few months until we transition to the crib, but honestly some I’ve seen some people stick with this and avoid a crib all together. The Pack ‘n Play will continue to be super useful all throughout baby’s first few years as a playpen and travel bed. No use in buying a separate bassinet that only has one purpose and then you’ll be looking to get rid of it after a few months.
2. Car Seat
A rear-facing infant car seat is non-negotiable if you plan to drive anywhere with your baby. Many hospitals won’t even let you leave without one! Choose a model that fits your car well and meets safety standards.
We’re choosing to go with the Chicco ClearTex Infant Car Seat because it’s one of the safest and most breathable options available. Unlike many other car seats, it’s made without added chemicals, using GREENGUARD Gold Certified fabrics that have been tested for low chemical emissions. That means fewer toxins in the air, making it safer for baby to breathe in—especially during long car rides. Plus, it’s easy to install and has excellent safety ratings, giving us peace of mind every time we buckle up.
3. Diapers and Wipes
Whether you go with disposable or cloth diapers, you’ll need plenty. Newborns go through 8–12 diapers a day, so stock up. Fragrance-free wipes are best for sensitive skin.
4. Feeding Essentials
- If breastfeeding: A breast pump, nursing bras, breast pads, and storage bags are helpful. (Don’t forget to check with your insurance to see if you qualify for a FREE breast pump! I seriously never knew this was a thing until I was creating my registry on babylist.com and read about it on their website. Once you receive your free pump you can also get free replacement parts and milk storage bags!)
- If formula feeding: A few bottles, a bottle brush, and formula are all you need. Skip the bottle warmer—it’s unnecessary!
5. Baby Clothes (But Not Too Many!)
Stick to the basics! Babies grow fast, so 5-7 onesies, 3-4 sleepers, and a few comfy outfits are plenty. You’ll also want socks, a couple of hats, and seasonally appropriate layers (a light jacket or a warm snowsuit). Skip the fancy outfits—they rarely get worn!
6. Swaddle Blankets & Burp Cloths
A few soft swaddle blankets will keep your baby cozy and help with sleep. Burp cloths (or cloth diapers used as burp rags) are a lifesaver for spit-ups.
7. A Safe Place to Put Baby Down
A simple bouncer or baby lounger can give you a hands-free moment while your baby is awake. No need for an elaborate swing or expensive baby contraption.
8. A Stroller or Baby Carrier
A lightweight stroller or a baby wrap/carrier will make outings much easier. Babywearing is great for keeping baby close while you go about your day.
9. Bath Time Basics
All you need is a gentle baby soap, a soft towel, a few washcloths, and a baby bathtub or sink insert. No need for fancy bath toys just yet!
We went with a sink insert to avoid having any extra bulky items around the house! Highly recommend.
10. First Aid & Baby Care Kit
Include baby nail clippers, a thermometer, saline drops, and a nasal aspirator to handle common newborn needs.
What You Can Skip
Wipe Warmer – By the time you get the wipe to your baby, it’s already cooled down.
Bottle Sterilizer – Hot, soapy water or the dishwasher works just fine.
Changing Table – A changing pad on a dresser or even the floor works just as well.
Baby Shoes – Adorable, but completely impractical until baby starts walking.
Fancy Bedding Sets – Bumpers, blankets, and pillows aren’t safe for newborns and won’t be used.
Tons of Newborn Clothes – They grow out of them so fast!
Expensive High Chair Right Away – You won’t need one until around 6 months.
Keeping your baby registry essentials simple and practical will save you time, space, and money.
Babies need love, comfort, and a few essentials—not a house full of baby gear!
By focusing on the must-haves and skipping the unnecessary extras, you can enjoy this special time without the overwhelm of too much stuff.
Are you preparing for your baby’s arrival?
Let me know what baby items you couldn’t live without—or what ended up being a total waste!
