Don’t Skip These 11 Baby Registry Essentials (Trust Us)

Babies love to be held and cuddled, but sometimes your arms will need a break. Carriers offer a great solution and deserve a spot on every baby registry—but only if they’re actually easy to use and suitable for newborn babies. Most carriers have a minimum weight limit, but it can be tricky to get a proper fit when baby is so tiny. While a stretchy wrap is a super popular option, it’s not the easiest to use.

The BabyBjörn mini, on the other hand, is lightweight and super easy to get on and off (we promise). You won’t need to worry about yards of material to wrap just right: simply slip the carrier over your shoulders, adjust a few quick buckles and you (and your baby) are good to go. 

It’s tempting to want to add all the cute baby clothes to your registry, and we’re not here to stop you. But we are here to make sure you remember this mantra: magnets and zippers are your friend! (Snaps, however, are not!) Baby clothes with magnets are easier and quicker to take on and off. You’ll thank us for them every day, but definitely during those 2 am diaper changes.

It’s fun to think about all of the fun baby stuff you’ll likely receive from your registry, but what you may not realize is that you’re also going to need a place to put it all. Nursery storage is a must-have, and you can never have too much. These storage bins are perfect for everything from diapers to toys. They also double as cute nursery decor.

This may not be the most exciting addition to your registry, but we promise it’s one of the items you’ll be the most thankful for. A waterproof crib sheet goes over your mattress and under your fitted crib sheet, creating a waterproof barrier between the two. Translation: when your baby spits up or has a diaper explosion in the middle of the night (which is going to happen more than you think), you won’t have to worry about your mattress getting ruined. Pro tip: consider having two protectors and two sheets to layer, so you can just quickly strip their crib to reveal clean sheets and get back to sleep.

You’re going to be changing a lot of diapers over the next few years, and many of them will be while you’re out and about. A portable changing station turns any flat surface into a soft, clean spot for baby’s diaper change. This one is compact and easy to carry but still has plenty of storage space for diapers and wipes, and it folds out into a pretty large changing pad.

There are lots of pacifiers to choose from when you’re deciding what’s right for your registry, but your baby is the ultimate judge on whether they’ll take a particular paci or not. That’s why we love this pacifier box—it includes seven of the most popular options so you can see which your baby prefers. It’s helpful to have a few on hand when first introducing and will save you some money in the long run by avoiding buying a bunch your baby may not take to.

Baby socks can be really tough to keep on tiny toes. That’s not the case with these Burt’s Bees booties, though. They really do stay put on baby’s feet and they’re a great registry addition if you’re welcoming your little one into chillier temps or are simply looking for a quick and easy solution to keeping baby’s feet warm and covered. 

You don’t need to add a ton of baby toys to your registry—like clothing, they’re something people love to go off script and gift at baby showers. But a play mat is the one piece of gear that’s worth adding to your registry. This Lovevery Anytime Activity Mat is a comfy, safe space to set baby down when you need your hands free.

Becoming parents is a huge transition—even the most prepared will need some help from time to time. Consider adding a few help and favors to your registry. You can personalize this blank option with whatever you’d personally like, or add others for things like home-cooked meals or house cleaning. Maybe it’s for a home-cooked meal or a stroller walk break when you need a minute to shower. It truly takes a village!