What to Put on a Baby Registry: A Complete Must-Have List by Category

Summary 

Wondering what to put on a baby registry? This guide breaks down exactly what to add and how to build a practical registry that supports your baby (and you) from day one.

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Creating a baby registry is one of those things that sounds fun in theory (tiny socks! adorable sleepers!) until you’re 47 tabs deep trying to decide between six nearly identical bottle brands. Deep breaths: Figuring out what your baby actually needs can feel overwhelming, but with a little strategy, it doesn’t have to be. 

We’re here to help you cut through the noise and help you build a baby registry you’ll actually use. By honing in on your priorities as a parent and thinking through your everyday routines, you can build a baby registry that feels intentional, useful, and customized to your life. Here’s what to know and how to get started. 

Table of contents

1. How to Build a Baby Registry
2. What to Put on Your Baby Registry (By Category)
3. Why Hatch Baby Belongs on Your Registry
4. Key Takeaways
5. FAQs
6. References 

How to Build a Baby Registry 

A baby registry is a curated list of items you’d love to receive for your baby and for your life as a new parent. It helps friends, family members, and even coworkers know exactly what you need, while preventing duplicates and guesswork. More than a gift list, registries exist to provide practical support during a season when time, energy, and sleep are in short supply.

Most people who shop from registries are close friends and family, but it’s also common for coworkers, neighbors, and extended relatives to browse your list when they want to contribute something useful. Many parents create their registry during the second trimester, which tends to be the sweet spot: early enough to plan thoughtfully, but late enough to have a clear sense of your needs.

Start by choosing one or two registry platforms rather than spreading your list across multiple sites. From there, think about your top priorities, whether sleep, simplicity, travel-readiness, or sticking to a budget. Be sure to mix price points so there are accessible options for every shopper, and add items you’ll need across different growth stages, from newborn essentials to gear you’ll use later in the first year. 

Your Baby Registry Checklist

Not sure where to start? Here’s a baby registry checklist with must-haves, from sleep and feeding tools to travel and health essentials. 

Sleep Essentials

• Crib or bassinet
• Mattress 
• Waterproof mattress protectors
• Fitted crib sheets
• Swaddles and sleep sacks
• White noise machine or night light, such as Hatch Baby
• Rocking chair or glider for night-time feeds
• Baby monitor

Feeding Must-Haves

• Bottles and nipples
• Formula basics
• Burp cloths
• Bottle cleaning brush
• High chair or feeding seat
• Bottle drying rack or mat
• Feeding pillow
• Breast pump, if you’re planning to breastfeed 

Diapering

• Diapers in various sizes
• Wipes
• Diaper cream
• Diaper trash bin

Travel 

• Infant car seat
• Stroller
• Baby carrier
• Diaper bag
• Portable changing mat
• Portable sound machine, such as Hatch Go
• Extra car seat base for second vehicle
• Weather cover for stroller or car seat

Health and Care

• Thermometer
• Nasal aspirator
• Baby nail care
• First-aid basics
• Humidifier
• Pediatrician-approved over-the-counter medications
• Baby bath tub or sink insert
• Soft towels or hooded towel

Play and Development 

• Play mat or activity gym 
• A few soft toys
• Board books
• Tummy-time support pillow 
• Soft rattle or teether
• Black and white cards

Postpartum or Parent Care

• Postpartum recovery kit
• Nursing bras/tanks
• Breast pads
• Sitz soak supplies
• Peri bottle
• Compression socks
• Heating pad or cooling packs
• Large water bottle with straw
• Meal delivery gift cards
• Lounge clothing
• Sleep consultant or guided sleep support for new parents, included with Hatch Baby

Why Hatch Baby Belongs on Your Registry

Figuring out baby sleep is a lot, especially when you’re already short on Zzzs. With soothing sounds and lullabies,magical colored lights, and 24/7 sleep support chat included for the first 6 months, Hatch Baby makes it easy to soothe baby as you adjust to life at home. As baby gets older, you can start building routines that help them form associations with sleep (and hopefully, fall and stay asleep more consistently). 

During the toddler years, you can start fostering independence with cozy bedtime stories and a Time-to-Rise light. Control it all from the Hatch app on your phone, so you don’t have to tiptoe into the nursery to turn up the sound when the dog’s barking or your toddler is melting down. The 

Need help troubleshooting the witching hour or sleep regressions, or just want some validation that you’re doing the right thing? Every Hatch Baby purchase comes with 6 months of sleep support from Hatch sleep consultants and instant answers 24/7 with Hatch AI chat. 

Key Takeaways

• Creating a baby registry is a big (and important) project that helps friends and family members know what you actually need while preventing duplicate gifts.
• Taking time to think about your parenting priorities can help you determine what to add and what to skip. 
• Hatch Baby supports families in creating healthy baby sleep routines from night one, with 6 months of real-time sleep support included. 

Expecting? Discover how Hatch Baby can help your baby (and you) sleep. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a baby registry if I’m not having a baby shower?

Absolutely. Many parents create registries to share with friends and family who ask how they can help, even without a formal shower. Registries also unlock completion discounts, which can save you money on remaining essentials.

Is it okay to register for items even if I plan to buy some myself?

Yes, and it’s smart. Adding everything you plan to use helps you track what you still need and lets friends and family choose meaningful gifts. Anything left at the end can often be purchased with a registry discount.

Should partners or co-parents manage the registry together?

If possible, yes. Building a registry together helps align expectations around routines, gear, and priorities, especially for big decisions like sleep setups, feeding plans, and travel gear.