The 25 Most Overlooked Baby Registry Items

“I didn’t realize I’d need a convertible so soon!” is something we hear from so many new parents. It’s easy to think you have plenty of time before you make the switch from an infant car seat—but that transition sneaks up fast. Most babies outgrow their infant seat around the one-year mark, and lots of parents move to a convertible even earlier because carrying the infant seat + a very not-light baby inside gets old really quickly. Adding a convertible to your registry right out of the gate can help you be ready for the transition whenever you decide the time is right. 

High chairs feel like “later” gear, but solids start sooner than you think, often around six months. This one is sturdy, easy to wipe down (trust us, you’ll care a lot about that) and grows with your baby thanks to multiple height and footrest adjustments. Adding it now means you’re ready the moment your little one is ready to explore food.

Bandana bibs and other cotton or muslin options are fine for the first few months, but once you start solids, your baby’s clothes won’t stand a chance. A waterproof smock bib keeps everything covered—arms, belly, even the lap—so you’re doing a lot less stain treating and outfit changing. 

It may feel daunting to even think about heading outside with your new baby, but once you’re ready, this blanket makes it easy. It’s soft on one side and water-resistant on the other and folds down neatly to stash in your stroller basket or your car trunk.

Most parents add a few crib sheets to their registry, but don’t think much beyond that. A crib mattress pad fits over your crib mattress and under your regular fitted crib sheet. It creates a waterproof barrier between the two, ensuring your mattress stays dry and clean when your little one (inevitably) has a blowout, spit up or any other unexpected yuck.

A sound machine is a popular registry add, but most parents don’t think about what they’ll use for sleep away from home. This portable option is a great solution whether you’re doing an overnight at the grandparents’ or trying to soothe a fussy baby in the stroller.

A humidifier likely won’t spark joy like other nursery decor, but you’ll reach for it constantly—most parents use one through baby’s first year and beyond to help with dry air and congestion. This one is quiet and doubles as a soft night light.

I’ll admit I thought this was frivolous before I had kids, but after kneeling over the tub at bathtime for weeks on end, I changed my mind. The pads support your knees and your elbows and suction into place so they won’t move around. And they’re machine washable.

Baby clothes: exciting! Not as exciting: figuring out where you’re going to store them. These hangers are sized just right for tiny clothes and provide the option to utilize hanging space in your closet if your dresser is full.

Washing bottles and pump parts doesn’t magically stop just because you’re traveling (unfortunately). This travel-friendly set is a smart registry add your future self will thank you for. (It has occupied a spot in my suitcase for over a decade.) There’s a full-size bottle brush tucked inside and the case itself unfolds to double as a drying rack.

Milk and formula residue is real, and regular dish soap doesn’t always cut it. Dapple is made for baby bottles and pump parts, breaking down that filmy buildup without harsh chemicals. It’s plant-based, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free—a not-so-glamorous item that quietly becomes a daily essential.

A wet/dry bag sounds unnecessary until the first time you’re stuck with a dirty diaper, soaked outfit or dripping swim gear and nowhere to put it. This waterproof pouch keeps the messy stuff contained and away from everything else. It lives in my diaper bag and gets used constantly.

Rear-facing is the safest way for babies and children to ride in a car, but can leave you guessing as to what’s happening in the back seat. As long as it’s securely attached to your car’s seat back and won’t distract you too much while driving, a back seat mirror can offer peace of mind. This one is made from shatter-resistant material.

It’s more fun to think about fun baby outfits than about all the stains you’ll be trying to scrub out of them—but we promise Miss Mouth’s will make it pretty easy. This parent-favorite stain remover really works, and you’ll be thankful you have it from day one.

A tool for sucking your baby’s boogers may not be at the top of your baby registry, but it should. (Really.) Tiny nostrils get stuffed up fast, and a congested baby = an unhappy baby. The NoseFrida is a safe, effective way to clear things out so your little one can breathe better. Gross in theory, glorious in practice.

I know, I know. But trust us on this one. Babies have immature digestive systems. That means lots of gas, and gas means belly pain and fussiness. The Windi is a single-use catheter that helps babies eliminate trapped gas and return to their happy selves.

Babies have teeny, tiny nostrils and an impressive ability to produce bookers. If you don’t need to go in with the NoseFrida, the Booger Picker is your next line of defense. And it’s a lot safer (and more effective) than trying to jam your finger up their nose. Bonus: Also works on earwax!

Saline is one of the simplest, safest tools for easing congestion, but many parents don’t think to add it to their registry. A quick spray helps loosen mucus so it’s easier to remove. 

It’s easy to focus on baby gear when you’re building your registry, but don’t forget yourself. Nipple cream is a must-have even if you’re not planning to nurse, and an extra must-have if you are. Unlike many other creams, this one goes on smoothly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue behind.

Instead of panicking over diaper rash at 2 a.m., prepare ahead of time. This sampler bundle lets you try four top brands to see which one works for you. 

Think you’ve registered for enough baby wipes? Think again. If there’s one universal parenting truth, it’s that you can never have too many. These are thick, large and water-based, but tough on messes.

Know what’s not fun? One squirmy baby and 10 tiny snaps. Two-way zippers make changes infinitely easier. These footies are soft, breathable and cute enough for daytime but practical enough for round-the-clock wear.

Traditional swaddle blankets take practice. This swaddle wrap is fast and foolproof and offers all the benefits of a traditional swaddle, helping your baby feel snug and preventing their startle reflex.

No one likes to think about their baby getting sick, but it’s a normal part of life with a little one, so it’s better to be prepared. Add a thermometer to your registry so you’ll have one on hand if you think your baby is feeling under the weather. 

Babies under six months can’t have ibuprofen (Motrin) unless a doctor okays it. Adding Infant Tylenol to your registry means you’ll have something on hand for pain or fever relief just in case you need it.