14 Items You Shouldn’t Leave Off Your Baby Registry

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. The Boba X 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 and adjust a few quick buckles and you (and your baby) are good to go. You can also use it into the toddler years (45 lbs) and it’s comfy enough that you won’t mind toting them around.

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: zippers are your friend! Baby clothes with zippers (instead of snaps) 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 off of 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.

You probably know that you’re going to need a diaper bag once your baby arrives, but you may not realize how heavy it can get once it’s packed full of stuff. Consider a backpack-style bag when deciding what diaper bag to add to your registry. Lots of parents find backpack diaper bags more comfortable to carry than traditional over-the-shoulder bags. They also leave you hands-free, a nice feature when you’re also trying to hold your little one or push a stroller.

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 quickly strip their crib in the middle of the night 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.

Think a sound machine seems too much like a fancy feature at your local spa instead of a baby must-have? Think again. Sound machines help many babies sleep better and longer by creating soothing white noise and blocking out background noise. The Dohm is a tried and true favorite that uses a fan to generate the sound of rushing air, reminding your little one of the sounds they heard inside the womb.

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.

Think of these burp cloths like the catch-all (literally) of baby gear. They have so many uses, from wiping your baby’s spit up to cleaning up boogers. These are made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton for extra softness. They’re also machine washable.

We’re not big fans of baby socks in general, as they’re pretty impractical and really tough to keep on tiny toes. That’s not the case with these Zutano booties, though. They really do stay put on baby’s feet (we promise) 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. They also come in an organic cotton version, a great option for babies born in warmer months.

We realize this is a bit of a splurge compared to traditional changing pads, but hear us out. Most changing pads require covers, and since diaper changing can be a bit of a dirty business, those covers require washing. A lot. This Skip Hop change pad does not. Its surface is soft and wipes completely clean. That means less mess and less laundry—two things you’ll be all about as a new parent.

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 gym is the one piece of toy gear that’s worth adding to your registry. This Lovevery play gym is something baby can use from birth to their first birthday and encourages learning, exploration and play. It’s also a comfy, safe space to set baby down when you need your hands free.

It’s hard to think ahead to your baby crawling or walking when you’re busy building your registry and thinking about diapers, swaddles and pacifiers. But your little one is going to be on the move before you know it, and it’s a good idea to add a baby gate or two to your registry now so you have it on hand when they become mobile. This is a popular baby-proofing pick and a well-priced option that’s easy to set up and works in a variety of different door openings.

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. It truly takes a village!