11 Baby Products You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty for Adding to Your Baby Registry

Your infant car seat is arguably the most important piece of baby gear you'll buy—it's the first item you'll use (you can't leave the hospital without one) and it's essential for keeping your little one safe on every car trip. While all car seats meet basic safety standards, premium models often come with thoughtful features that make daily life easier: bases that install in seconds, no-rethread harnesses that adjust as your baby grows, and lightweight carriers that won't throw out your back during the car-to-stroller transfer.

Many parents don't realize how often they'll be taking that car seat in and out of the car, clicking it into a stroller, or carrying it into daycare. A well-designed infant seat makes all of these moments smoother. Plus, quality materials mean better temperature regulation and comfort for your baby during every ride. Yes, it's an investment—but when it comes to the gear you'll use multiple times a day for safety and convenience, it's worth adding to your registry. 

The Nuna Pipa RX isn’t cheap, but it checks all of the boxes mentioned above and is a favorite among Babylist parents and parents on our team (check out our gear editor’s in-depth review for more details!)

It can feel really nerve-wracking to take your eyes off of your newborn, which is why we think adding a high quality baby monitor to your registry is worth it for peace of mind. There are a bunch of options on the market, but that means a wide range of quality and convenience features, too. The Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor is one of the more expensive options, coming in around $300, but we think what you get makes it worth it. The Nanit has everything you’d ever need (and more) in a baby monitor: crystal clear video, more sleep tracking metrics than we can count, and even breathing motion monitoring.

Strollers are one of the more expensive baby gear items you’ll need, but when you consider how often you’ll use it—and how long they last—they’re worth every penny. Adding a convertible stroller in particular (one you can attach your infant car seat to and later, reconfigure it with an additional seat or riding board), means you can use it from birth trough toddlerhood.

We love the Vista because it’s incredibly sturdy, durable and can easily handle all different types of terrain while guaranteeing a smooth ride for your baby. It’ll also grow with your family from one to two to even three kiddos with the addition of a second seat and a ride-along board. The longevity makes the high price tag worth it. If you live in a city, you might find you get even more use out of it because you can utilize the basket for toting things you need like your diaper bag or groceries.

A supportive baby carrier is one of those items where comfort really matters—both for you and your baby. You'll likely wear your baby for hours while doing everything from household chores to neighborhood walks, which is why we think investing in a well-made carrier is worth every penny. Look for one that offers ergonomic support to prevent back strain, adjusts easily for different body types, and grows with your baby from newborn snuggles through toddlerhood. 

While quality carriers often come with a higher price tag, they're built to last and can be used daily for years. Plus, thoughtful details like breathable fabrics and intuitive buckles make a big difference during long wearing sessions. And if you find one that fits your aesthetic—even better! Anything that makes you feel good in your transition to parenthood is worth it. In fact, quite a few parents mentioned this Artipoppe Zeitgeist, which is definitely a luxurious baby carrier pick, in our best baby products survey. One Babylist parent wrote, “baby likes being in it and [mama] feels chic wearing it!”

Whether you’re planning to exclusively pump from birth or transitioning to pumping because you're returning to work, it’s a good idea to add a breast pump to your registry. Most insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of a standard breast pump (be sure to check your eligibility) but most lactation professionals recommend having a backup option, and a  wearable pump is a convenient tool to have in your stash. If you don’t have insurance or your plan doesn’t cover a regular pump, it’s completely acceptable to register for one.

We’re all for anything that makes pumping easier and more convenient, which is why the Willow Go is our best wearable breast pump pick—it checks those boxes and more. Instead of dealing with cords, outlets and tons of parts, the Willow is an all-in-one mobile pump that fits right into your bra, allowing you to pump while doing just about anything. 

Something that often gets overlooked on baby registries are products to help with physical recovery, if you gave birth. While everyone's focused on tiny onesies and nursery decor, the first weeks after birth are intense for your body—and having the right recovery supplies makes a huge difference. We're talking about postpartum care basics that help with healing, nursing essentials if you're breastfeeding, and breast pump supplies and accessories if you plan on pumping.

Adding recovery items to your registry isn't just practical—it's a way of prioritizing your own healing during those challenging early weeks. Plus, a comfortable, well-supported parent is better equipped to care for their newborn. Don't feel shy about registering for these essentials—they're just as important as the other stuff. We like this FridaMom kit that comes with all the basics and they also make one curated for C-section recovery.

Mealtime might seem far away when you're pregnant, but babies generally start eating solids around six months old, and a well-designed high chair is one of those items you'll use multiple times a day for years to come. While basic models get the job done, a thoughtfully designed high chair makes feeding time easier on everyone. Look for features that truly matter: easy-to-clean surfaces and adjustable settings that grow with your baby from first purees through independent toddler meals. The best ones can even pull right up to your dining table, like this Stokke Tripp Trapp, helping baby feel included. Yes, premium high chairs cost more upfront, but considering you'll use them for three or more years across thousands of meals, they're worth adding to your registry.

We can’t stress enough how great it is to add a glider to your nursery if you have the space for one. Perfect for feeding, rocking, reading and so much more, a glider is something you can use from day one well into the bigger kid years. They come in a wide variety of styles and price points (be sure to check out our guide for even more options), but even on the lower end, nursery chairs are still an investment—ranging anywhere between $200 to $600 or more.  

We love this pick from Namesake because it has everything you could dream of wanting in a glider. There’s a smooth swivel motion, a front-to-back glide, a comfy recline and even a built-in USB port neatly hidden under the armrest for convenient phone charging. The simple, modern style works in any nursery space and most importantly, it’s super comfortable.

A convertible crib is a smart nursery investment and something you won’t want to skip adding to your registry. Babies should only sleep in a bassinet until they’re able to roll (usually around four to five months, but it varies). What’s great about a convertible crib is that it’ll last for years to come. You're not just getting a crib, you're getting your child's first toddler bed and eventually, a twin-sized bed that'll take them well into their big-kid years. Don’t forget to add a mattress to your registry, too!

While it might feel extravagant to put a "real" piece of furniture on your registry, the nursery dresser is not just another piece of furniture. It's command central for the next few years of your life, so don't feel guilty about registering for a quality one that's built to last. This is the spot where you’ll likely be changing thousands of diapers, storing endless outfit changes and organizing everything from burp cloths to seasonal clothes as your little one grows. You can add a changing pad and some brands even make changing trays that are specifically designed to fit their dresser (usually sold separately). A well-made dresser will also transition from nursery to big-kid room, making it a cost-effective investment on your registry.

Your diaper bag is going to be your constant companion until your little one is out of diapers and potty trained, so it’s totally reasonable to add a high-quality, stylish pick that you won’t mind lugging around to your registry. And a diaper bag doesn’t have to look like it’s for your baby; there are plenty of bags designed with parents in mind. Something that makes you feel put-together during those bleary-eyed grocery store runs is a tiny glimmer in the life-changing transition into new parenthood.