Preparing for the arrival of your little one is exciting, but it can also seem as if there's a never-ending list of clothes, furniture, toys, and baby gear you’ll need to get.
Although you have a lot on your plate, creating a baby shower gift registry list is actually a smart time saver and great way to get organized because it gives your family and friends info about which essentials you need.
Whether your baby shower is already in the works or you’re doing some pre-planning ahead of time, we can help you build the perfect baby shower registry list.
What Is a Baby Registry List?
A baby registry is a list of items from a local store or online shop that you would like to receive at your baby shower or before your baby's birth. The list can also serve as an organizing tool to help you keep track of what you still need to get once you see what you’ve received at your baby shower.
There’s no need to hold back when making your registry. Think of all the things, both big and small, you’ll want and need for your baby’s first few weeks and months.
The longer your list of baby shower registry items is, the more choices your friends and family will have. It’s a good idea to include a wide variety of price points, too, so there’s something on it to suit everyone’s budget.
Aim to have your registry list created by the time the host of your baby shower sends out the invitations, so that the details of your registry can be included on the invites.
Benefits of a Baby Registry
By creating a baby shower registry list, you can let your loved ones know what you really want and need; they, in turn, will appreciate knowing that they’re giving you something you’ll love and use.
It’s also a great way to avoid getting duplicate gifts. By having a registry, you can be sure to have the essentials you’ll need for those first weeks and months with your new baby.
You might find it’s not just baby shower guests who ask you for your registry details, but perhaps co-workers and others like your neighbors who may want to surprise you with something from the list.
When Should You Create Your Baby Registry?
You can put your baby shower registry list together whenever you have the chance, but try to give yourself plenty of time to research products and think through what you need. You’ll want it to be ready by the time your baby shower invites go out, so check in with the host of your shower about when she plans to do this.
Like many moms-to-be, you might find it convenient to start to prepare your registry toward the end of the first trimester, adding more items during the second trimester as you start making decisions about which products are best for you and your baby.
You may want to change or add items to your list once you know your baby’s sex — if you’re finding out ahead of time, that is! You might be able to find out whether you’re having a boy or girl when you’re about 20 weeks pregnant during the mid-pregnancy ultrasound.
Once your baby shower registry is complete, the host of your baby shower can include your registry information in the shower invitations or share it via email or social media.
Things to Consider When Choosing Where to Register
You can create a registry in person at your local department store, big-box store, or independent retailer. You can also make a registry online through sites like Amazon.com, Target.com, and Babylist.com.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing where or with whom to create your baby registry list:
- What’s convenient for your family and friends. You might like to have a physical store registry as well as an online option so that it’s easy enough for those who prefer to walk into a shop and choose a gift, as well as for those who prefer to shop online.
- How easy it is to create and manage. Ask around and try it out to make sure the registry list is simple to use. It should also be easy for your baby shower guests to navigate. If you opt for a list in a store, the store associates might be able to help you, and you might be able to take a closer look at the products you’re considering adding. Online registries might be a good choice if you want to take your time adding and deleting items as you do your research.
- Low prices. Shop around and choose to register with a physical or online store that offers good prices. Have a selection of variously priced items on your registry list to ensure all your baby shower guests find something for their budget.
- Wide selection. Some stores offer a wider selection of product types, brands, and models than others. Check to make sure the items you’d like are on offer.
- Discounts and promotions. Find out whether the store offers special deals or price match guarantees. Others might give you freebies like samples and coupons for registering with them. Some offer a discount when you buy those remaining few items that weren’t purchased by your baby shower guests.
- Easy returns. Even though you’ve created your registry, you may still want to return some items if you change your mind. Check whether the exchanges and returns policy is generous before deciding on who to register with.
- Free shipping. Some registry lists offer free shipping, or free shipping over certain spending limits. Those browsing your registry list will appreciate this.
- Personalization. Some stores let you personalize your online registry with photos, while others let you track who bought what so you can send thank you notes more easily.
What Should You List on Your Baby Registry?
Now comes the fun part. If you're wondering what to put on your baby registry, the list below gives you ideas for all the baby registry must-haves and nice-to-haves you might like to include. You can navigate by the categories below, or you can read through the entire list of 96 items making note of those that you'd like to include.
- Diapering
- Feeding
- Baby Gear
- Bathing
- Clothing
- Nursery Essentials
- Health and Safety
- Electronics
- Personal Care
- Comfort Accessories
- Playtime Accessories
- Keepsakes
Diapering
These may not be the most glamorous of gifts, but you'll definitely appreciate having plenty of diapers on hand during those first few weeks and months with your new baby, along with these items:
- Diapers (in various sizes)
- Diaper pail
- Diaper bag
- Changing pad
- Baby wipes
- Diaper rash cream.
- Lumi by Pampers™ - a video baby monitor and activity sensor that can also alert the parents when their baby needs a diaper change.
Feeding
Whether you plan to breastfeed or formula feed, or you're still undecided, you'll need a variety of supplies. You might also want to list some of the things you'll need for when your little one's ready to transition to solid foods down the road. Feel free to combine both nursing supplies and feeding supplies on your registry list, including items such as these:
- Nursing pads
- Nursing pillow
- Nursing bras
- Burp cloths
- Breast pump
- Nipple cream
- Formula
- Baby bottles and nipples
- Bottle warmer
- Bottle sterilizer
- Bottle and nipple brush
- Breast milk storage containers for storing expressed breast milk
- Baby food blender
- Small bowls
- Baby utensils
- Sippy cups
- Bibs.
Baby Gear
These are the big-ticket everyday items you’ll need. Oftentimes, friends or family members decide to get together to buy one of these for you.
Make sure you do plenty of research about which will be best for you and your baby. To help, we’ve put together top lists of the best baby gear based on the votes and experiences of Pampers Parents.
For some of the items, like a car seat and stroller, you may want to test in store first before adding to your list:
- Car seat
- High Chair
- Stroller
- Baby swing
- Baby carrier
- Play pen or yard
- Baby bouncer.
Bathing
Bath time is a great opportunity to bond with your baby. You’ll need a bunch of items to get the job done and to have some fun, too:
- Baby tub
- Baby body wash
- Baby shampoo
- Towels
- Hooded towels
- Washcloths
- Bath toys (like rubber duckies).
clothing
It’s almost impossible to have too many baby clothes but the key is to have outfits and accessories in various sizes that will suit the weather for the first few months of your baby’s life, such as these:
- Receiving blankets
- Bodysuits
- Undershirts/T-shirts
- Pajamas/sleepers
- Nightgowns
- Jackets
- Sweaters
- Rompers
- Socks
- Booties
- No-scratch mittens
- Hats
- Bunting bags/sleeping sacks
- Hamper.
Nursery Essentials
Consider if you want your nursery to have a theme or style before choosing these items. Then think about what exactly you’d like to have in your nursery, from big items like the crib and rocking chair, down to small décor items like wall decals or framed images:
- Bassinet
- Crib
- Crib mattress
- Fitted sheets
- Changing table
- Dresser
- Rocking chair or armchair
- Mobile
- Nightlight
- Humidifier
- Any nursery décor you’d like
- Toy chest
- Storage boxes and baskets.
Health and Safety
No baby registry list is complete without some health and safety items, many of which may need to be tested and/or installed before your baby arrives:
- Babyproofing essentials, like outlet covers or corner guards
- Baby gate
- Baby thermometer
- Baby first aid kit.
Electronics
Technology can help make keeping an eye on your little one easier. Some of these electronics may help you during those times when you need a second set of eyes:
- Baby monitor
- Soothing sound machines
- Baby activity and health trackers.
Personal Care
To help you feel more prepared for taking care of your baby as she grows, you might like to add some of these personal care items on your registry list:
- Baby sunscreen
- Baby lotion
- Baby oil
- Baby nail clippers
- Baby toothbrush and toothpaste
- Baby hair brush
- Bulb syringe for nasal mucus
- Gentle laundry detergent.
Comfort Accessories
You may consider registering for some practical items that will help soothe your baby when she gets fussy, such as any of the following:
- Pacifier
- Teething ring
Playtime Accessories
In addition to all the practical necessities, your friends and relatives might also enjoy giving cute and playful gifts. Not only will your baby enjoy discovering these toys, but your baby shower guests will love seeing your little one playing with these toys in the years to come:
- Children’s books
- Toys
- Rattles
- Activity centers
- Stuffed animals.
Keepsakes
Some guests might even like to add a more personal touch, so you can always suggest the following keepsakes:
- Quilt
- Photo frames or albums
- Artwork
- Baby’s first year memory book
- Personalized accessories, like a bodysuit
- Hands-on help. The Babylist.com online registry platforms let you register for gifts that do not come from a store, like home-cooked meals and babysitting services. These might be especially useful in those first few weeks at home with your newborn or after your return to work.
Creating a Registry List for Your Second Baby
If this isn't your first baby, you may want to think about what you'd like to add to your registry list for your second baby.
Although there may be quite a lot of items you'll be reusing from your first baby, such as a baby gate and baby swing, there may be some items your older child is still using. So, you might need a second set of bigger-ticket items like a
- Stroller 2. High chair 3. Car seat 4. Crib 5. Nursery furniture item.
There may be things you'll need more of, or different styles of, such as
- Diapers 7. Teething rings 8. Sheets 9. Clothes in different colors or patterns for your second baby 10. Stroller or double stroller (if you think it may be easier to take both of your children out in the one stroller) 11. Keepsakes.
For a quick recap, check out our baby shower registry checklist and our printable baby shower registry checklist so you don't miss any of the essentials, or take a look at this short video:
With these ideas, you’re ready to start creating your baby shower registry list. Good luck with planning for the arrival of your little one — this is such an exciting time. And have fun at your baby shower!
