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Baby registry checklist

Baby Registry Checklist

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How baby registry works

A baby registry is a list of items done by expectant parents showing the gifts they would wish to receive from specific stores. The purpose of the registry is to prevent receiving duplicate items and also make sure the items blend well with their nursery décor. 

The registry can be done online or offline, and there is no limit to the number of stores the parents can register with. However, if the registry is done offline, it is advisable to choose a store whose location is convenient for most friends and family.

The parents go to the store(s) and create the registry themselves on the kiosk computer, or the store clerk assists in setting it up. Barcodes of the items they wish to receive are then scanned. The clerk then downloads the items into a computer file and creates the registry. It is also advisable that parents register items that have a varied price range. For the online registry, the stores have a specific section on their websites where parents enter the information directly.

When family and friends decide to buy gifts for the baby, they will go to the store where the expectant couple registered and print a copy of the registry from the kiosk and locate the item they wish to buy. Once they buy, the cashier scans the registry paper, and the item is removed from the registry. The same applies when online purchasing is done.

Is baby registry free?

There are usually no charges to create your baby registry

Can the baby registry be private/ anonymous?

Yes, most online baby registries have the option of making your registry private. You create settings to control who is able to view it. Also, you can change the settings at any time you wish.

When to do a baby registry

There is no set right time to start registering for a baby, but as a general rule: the earlier, the better. A baby registry can be serious work with so many different brands and models of baby items in the market; you will need to do detailed research to make sure you come up with the right products that are most suitable for your family’s needs. Most moms-to-be start at around 12 weeks

Where to do a baby registry

There are many baby registry options everywhere that you can be lost for choice. Also, the preference will vary from person to person. For instance, some parents might prefer a user-friendly website or app while another will be compelled by free samples, another one discounts.

The best way to help you decide where would be first to compile your baby registry list, that way you know exactly what you need, and you can be able to narrow it down to the specific retailers selling it. Ease of use, convenience, and ability (or not) of adding products from other retailers to your registry are other factors that you could consider to make your decision.

To help you choose the best baby registry for you, we have compiled a list of enticing perks being offered by popular baby registries:

  • Free samples: some retailers send you a gift box with free samples and coupons once you sign up with them for a baby registry on their website.
  • Extended return period: some registry sites offer extended return windows for items bought from your registry. This gives you an opportunity to return unused items and trade them for store credit. 
  • Completion discounts: some baby registry sites offer you discounts for a limited time (a few weeks) towards the end of your pregnancy or after your due date. It is usually a one-time coupon code.
  • Group gifting: this offer is especially great if you have several items on your registry that are expensive. It allows a group of friends or family members to contribute towards meeting the cost.
  • Some of the best baby registry options with the best perks we would recommend are Amazon, Target, Walmart, Buy Buy Baby, among others.

Essentials for baby registry checklist/ baby registry checklist

We can understand how just walking into a baby shop makes you start realizing more and more items that you think your baby needs but truth be told; the baby only needs you your tender love and breast milk preferably(formula), clothes to keep them warm, and lots of sleep. However, we know it is much it takes much more to make this happen; that why we give you a list of absolutely necessary items to include on your baby registry list.

Swaddle Blankets:

All newborns are always swaddled up, in hospitals, at home, even the movies! And there is a good reason; to keep them warm, feeling safe and comfortable enough to sleep. You will need plenty of them.

Infant car seat:

We cannot emphasize how much safety is important to any baby, and the hospitals cannot take chances too. In the US, You must have a properly installed infant car seat to be allowed to take your baby home after being discharged. Chicco KeyFit 30 has been highly rated on Consumer Report and Amazon by many parents over the years for safety.

Double electric breast pump

This will be a lifesaver if you will be breastfeeding. A good double electric breast pump will give you a strong and steady milk supply and freedom. Once you have collected the milk, you can freeze for future feeding. Where you can have your partner assist you or the nanny feed the baby as you take a breather or while working later on.

Nursing pillow

Nursing pillows are great at holding the baby comfortably when nursing or breastfeeding. They are also handy for visitors and little kids who wish to hold your baby. Later on, when the baby is older, the pillows will help keep the baby upright when sitting.

Adorable onesies /gowns/sleepers

These are all that babies wear depending on the season; you can look for the most adorable ones for your baby.

Strollers:

Strollers are great not only for the traveling mom but every mom because you will need to feel fresh air on your face from time to time and some sunshine too for you and your adorable little one. Strollers range in price and functionality from the most basic to the fancy and expensive ones.

Diapers:

You will need them for a long time, so make sure you have them on the list. Also, specify multiple sizes since the baby will outgrow the newborn stage fast.

Thermometer:

A thermometer is useful for knowing how warm or cold your baby. It will come in handy, especially days when the baby is unwell with flu or teething. It will keep you from being frantic with worry. A digital thermometer is ideal.

Baby carrier:

A carrier is handy for when you need to carry your baby when attending to other things like house chores or taking a walk. Slings styles are trendy.

Newborn sleep space

Your newborn will need a cozy place to sleep; some great choices include Dock A Tot for in the bed with you, co-sleeper, or bassinet.

Baby swing

You will have many hours of rocking the baby to sleep which will really tire out your arms, having a swing will give your arms a rest and help the baby have a normal sleep cycle instead of keeping the baby dependent on being rocked to sleep.

Baby Registry Checklist for Twins

Twins require double items, but the good thing is that they can share some items in the early months except essentials. Also, to cut down the cost, you could also buy second-hand items that are in good condition like baby gears that would otherwise be pricey. However, if you are not tight on budget, it will be great to have everything new for your angels.

Nursery

  • 2-4Swaddle blankets
  • 2-4 Sleepsacks
  • 6-10 receiving blankets
  • 2-4 Heavy blankets (for babies born in winter)
  • 1 or 2 cribs/bassinets or both
  • Crib mattresses
  • 4-8 sheets for the crib/bassinets
  • 1 changing table/ changing pad
  • 1-2 changing pad covers
  • 1 diaper pail /garbage can with liners

Clothing

  • 10- 14 onesies (one-piece undershirts)
  • 10-14 sleepers
  • 2-4 pairs of socks/ booties
  • 2-4 pairs of mittens
  • 4-6 hats

Baby care

  • Diapers- more than 100 per week
  • 2-4 boxes of baby wipes
  • 1 wiper warmer
  • 2-4 soothers
  • baby wash and lotions
  • 1 bathtub
  • 4-8 washcloths and towels
  • 1-2Diaper rash ointment
  • 1 baby nail clipper
  • 1 thermometer
  • Gripe water
  • Tylenol (for infants)
  • 1 bulb syringe

Breastfeeding 

  • Twin nursing pillows (applicable for bottle feeding too)
  • 2nursing covers
  • Nursing pads
  • Nipple cream
  • 2-4 nursing bras or tank tops
  • 1 good quality double breast pump

Baby gear

  • 1 logbook (to keep a schedule for recording feedings and diaper changes or temperature changes)
  • 2 car seats
  • 1 double stroller and one extra inexpensive umbrella stroller- for when you only need to take one baby with you like for appointment.
  • 1twin diaper bag
  • 1 wrap or sling
  • 1 double baby carrier or 2 single baby carriers

Gear you will need when the twins are older:

  • 1-2 baby swings/bouncer chairs
  • 1 playmat
  • 1 jumper
  • 1-2 bumbos
  • 2 high chairs
  • 2 cart /high chair covers
  • 1 potty
  • 1 or 2 exersaucers

Baby Registry Checklist for New Moms/ Baby Registry Checklist for First Time Mom

For all the first-time moms out there who have no idea where to start for their baby’s shopping, we have your back. This is a carefully compiled list after doing a lot of research from various mommy blogs and other forums. Ultimately you will decide what suits your family’s needs, but this guide will give you a clue.

Baby clothes

  • 7-10 Bodysuits (onesies) look for the ones with a zip on the front or snap down
  • 5-7 Leggings stretchy pants
  • 5-7Tops (long sleeved and short sleeved)
  • 3-5 Outer layer (fleece jackets, fleece jumpsuits, zip-up sweaters)
  • 2 pairs baby mittens
  • 2 hats
  • 3-7 pairs Socks or booties
  • 3-7Pajamas /nightgowns

Breastfeeding/bottle feeding

  • Nursing pillow
  • 5-10 Burp cloths
  • 5-10 bibs

Breastfeeding supplies

  • Breast pump
  • Breast milk freezing bag
  • 2-3 Nursing bras, breast pads
  • Nipple cream 
  • Nursing cover

Bottle feeding supplies

  • Formula
  • 6-12 Bottles and nipples
  • 2-Bottle scrubbing brushes and sterilizer
  • Bottle warmer
  • Bottle drying rack

Sleeping 

  • Bassinet
  • Crib
  • Mattress
  • Bedding (crib sheets and mattress washable pads)
  • 3-5 Swaddling blankets
  • Wearable blankets (fleece or cotton sacks to sleep in)
  • Baby monitor

Sleeping extras:

Traveling gear 

Bathing and grooming

  • Bathtub
  • Shampoo and lotion (oil)
  • 2-3 bath towels
  • 3-5 washcloths
  • Bath thermometer
  • Bath toys
  • Nail clippers
  • Soft hairbrush
  • Hair accessories

Play  

Health

  • Digital thermometer
  • Bulb syringe
  • Teething toys
  • Humidifier
  • Motrin/Tylenol
  • Gripe water
  • Diaper rash cream

Baby Registry Checklist for A Second Child

We compiled this list with the idea that you already have the basics from the first child, so most of the items can be handed down from the older child. The following checklist only includes the items you must buy for the second or any other child after the first one. Also, you have the option of buying everything new for your second-born child and our comprehensive register checklist for firstborn should provide the guidance you need.

  • Car seat
  • Strollers
  • Bassinet
  • Crib
  • Sheets and blankets
  • Additional clothes (to combine with the one-handed down from your first but, you can buy all new as well)
  • Baby monitor(every child need to have their monitor)
  • Washcloths and towels
  • Shampoo and lotion
  • Diaper rash cream
  • New nipples (you can use the same bottles you used with the previous child or buy more)
  • Milk storage freezing bags
  • Nipple soothing cream
  • Baby food maker
  • High chair if the older child is still using theirs

Baby Registry Checklist Amazon

Travel and safety

  • Infant car seat
  • Stroller

Feeding 

  • Nursing bras
  • Nursing pads
  • Breast pump
  • Milk storage
  • Bottlebrush
  • Bottle totes
  • Burp cloths
  • Infant bottles
  • Breastfeeding pillow
  • Nursing blanket
  • High chair
  • Pacifiers
  • Teethers
  • Bibs
  • Infant formula

Nursery items

Diapering 

  • Diapers (disposable) (you will need 3 dozens on hand) for babies under 8lbs. buy a newborn size or size 1
  • Cloth diaper (3 dozen for a start) and waterproof diaper covers (4)
  • All-in-one diapers (8-10) and extra inserts (2-3 dozen)
  • Diaper pail and bags or refills
  • Diaper bag

Baby clothing

  • Sleeping outfits/ one-piece sleepers (4 or more)
  • Side-snap T-shirts (4 or more)
  • One-piece shirts (4 or more)
  • Baby cap
  • Socks or booties (6 pairs)
  • Soft daytime outfits (3)
  • Sweater or jacket
  • Snowsuit with mittens or cuffs, or bunting (for colder climates)
  • Stroller blanket (for colder climates)
  • Warm hat (for colder climates)
  • Sun hat (for sunny climates)

Bathing & skincare

  • Infant bathtub
  • Hooded towel (3)
  • Washcloths (3)
  • Body wash & shampoo
  • Baby nail clippers or blunt-tip scissors
  • Diaper rash treatment
  • Soft brush and comb
  • Mild laundry detergent

Baby health

  • Infant health reference book
  • Cotton pads and swabs (at least packs)
  • Nasal aspirator
  • Digital thermometer
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Night light
  • Baby monitor

Activities for baby 

  • Rocker or glider
  • Soft carrier or sling
  • Infant swing
  • Bouncer

How Amazon baby registry works

Amazon baby registration is online-based. You do the following:

  • Create a registry of items you wish to receive as gifts for you and your baby
  • Spread the word about your registry

Let the people you have told buy the items for you from the registry.

Unlike other registry options, Amazon has a huge selection, this way you have thousands of baby and maternity-related items to sort through to add to your registry.

 Once you find something you would like as you sort through, simply click the “Add To Baby Registry” tab.

Amazon then gives you a link to share with your family and friends, and people can easily locate your registry and buy from it.

Where to find registry on amazon

Any Amazon.com page has a registry on top

Baby registry finder amazon

To locate your baby registry, go to any Amazon.com page, then Accounts & Lists drop-down menu, then click on ‘Baby Registry’.

 If you already signed in, your registry will load by default

Amazon baby registry search

You can search for someone’s baby registry within one to six hours from the time it was created. Here is what to do:

  • Go to Baby Registry Search
  • Enter their first name, last name, or email in the appropriate box in the Find a Registry section.
  • Click find
  • Then click on the registrant’s name

NB: you cannot find a registry if it was set to ‘Private’ or ‘Shared.’

Amazon baby registry Welcome Box

To qualify for Amazon Welcome Box, you have to have a Prime Account. Then you have to create and complete your Baby Registry using Checklist. Additionally, you or a friend should buy purchases worth over $10 from the registry.

NB: the $10 does not include tax, shipping costs, and purchases of Prime or Gift Cards.

Welcome Box is only shipped within the continent of the US. and it is considered met once the associated order is shipped.

Amazon baby registry returns

You can easily be able to return gifts bought from your registry through your Thank you list.

  • Go to your Baby registry and click on ‘Thank You List & Returns.’
  • Find the item(s) you would like to return and then click on ‘Return Item’
  • Then follow the prompt given to submit the return

NB:

  • Gifts bought from your registry by other persons can only be returned within 365 days of the receipt of your shipment.
  • If you bought baby items from your registry, you have only up to 90 days since receipt of shipment to make a return.

Amazon baby registry discount

It is also called the Amazon baby registry completion discount. It is a discount given to you for items that were left on your baby registry. For instance, if your registry had 100 items and your friends and family bought 75 items, you get a discount for the 25 items left.

For the Amazon baby registry, you are offered a 10% discount. However, if you are also an Amazon Prime member, you get a 15% discount.

If you are eligible for the completion discount, a link will be displayed on your registry. Also, you can only be eligible if you have more than 14 days since you applied.

You get your completion discount 60 days before the expected birth of your baby, as you indicated in your Baby Registry. It expires 60 days after the arrival of the baby. This means Amazon gives you a 120-day window to redeem your discount.

Target Baby Registry Checklist

Strollers and car seats

Gear and activity

Nursery furniture

Nursery bedding and essentials

  • Crib bedding set
  • Crib pad
  • Blankets
  • Swaddle blankets
  • Sound soother
  • Hamper
  • HangersMobile
  • Crib sheets

Feeding

  • High chair
  • Bottles
  • Extra nipples for bottles
  • Bottle warmer
  • Sterilizer
  • Cleaning and organization
  • Formula
  • Burp cloths
  • Bibs
  • Home food prep
  • Bowls and utensils
  • Sippy cups
  • Feeding booster seat

Nursing

  • Breast pump
  • Milk storage
  • Nursing pillow
  • Nursing privacy cover
  • Nursing pads
  • Nipple cream
  • Nursing apparel

Bath

  • Bathtub or seat
  • Baby grooming kit
  • Bath time gift sets
  • Baby washcloths
  • Hooded bath towels
  • Baby bath wash
  • Lotion
  • Baby oil
  • Bath toys

Diapering

  • Diaper bag
  • Changing pad
  • Changing pad covers
  • Diaper organization
  • Diaper pail
  • Diaper rash cream
  • Wipes warmer
  • Wipes
  • Cloth diapers
  • Disposable diapers
  • Baby powder

Health and safety

Clothing

  • Laundry detergent
  • Newborn gift sets
  • Bodysuits
  • Tops
  • Bottoms
  • Pajamas
  • Hats, headbands, and mittens

Toys and books

  • Teethers
  • Development toys
  • Rattles
  • Soft plush toys
  • Books
  • Stroller toys

Parenting

  • Vitamins and supplements
  • Photo album
  • Video camera
  • Point-and-shoot-camera
  • Parenting books

How Does Baby Registry Work at Target

To create your baby registry at Target, click on ‘’Registries & Lists’’

Scroll down until you get to the Baby section and then click on the “Create a baby registry” tab. Follow the prompts to create and build your baby registry

Once you register with Target, you will receive great perks such as a free Welcome kit, a 15% off coupon and one year window period after your due date to make returns and exchanges. 

The Welcome Kit is usually $100 worth of handpicked samples from Target’s favorite brands. You can collect your welcome kit after registering.

The other benefit is that you are allowed to add items from other websites to your Target baby registry.

Baby Registry Checklist the Bump

Baby clothes

  • 4-8 onesies (wide head opening and loose legs)
  • 4-8 undershirts (with snaps at the neck or has a wide head opening, or snaps under crotch)
  • 4-8 one-piece pajamas 
  • 2 blanket sleepers for winter baby
  • 1-3 sweaters or jackets (front buttoned)
  • 1-3 rompers or other dress-up outfits
  • 4-7 socks or booties (shoes are unnecessary until baby walks)
  • 1-3 hats (broad-brimmed for a summer baby, a soft cap that covers ears for a winter baby)
  • No-scratch mittens
  • Bunting bag or fleece suit for a winter baby

Nursery items

  • Crib, cradle or bassinet
  • A firm flat mattress that fits snugly in the crib (no more two fingers should fit between mattress and crib)
  • Rocking or armchair
  • Baby monitor
  • Nightlight
  • Dresser
  • A cool-mist humidifier (warm mist can breed bacteria in the humidifier)
  • Toy basket

Baby bedding

  • 1-3 washable crib mattress pads
  • 2-4 fitted crib sheets
  • 4-6 soft, light-receiving blankets
  • 1-2 heavier blankets (for colder climates)

Diapering must-haves

  • Changing table and cushioned changing pad for low dresser or bureau, with safety strap or railing
  • Diaper pail and liners
  • Diaper bag
  • Diaper cream
  • Unscented baby wipes (causes less irritation)
  • Soft washcloths
  • 6-10 dozen cloth diapers and 6-8 diaper covers, or 2-3 large boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers

Bath items

  • Baby bathtub
  • Baby soap
  • Baby shampoo
  • 2-4 soft towels or hooded baby towels
  • Baby hairbrush
  • Soft washcloths (use a different color or pattern than your diaper washcloths)
  • Gentle laundry detergent

Feeding essentials

  • 10-16 bottles and nipples, both 4- and 8-ounce (if fed strictly by the bottle, baby will go through about 10 in the 4-ounce size per day)Pump (if you plan to breastfeed)
  • Milk storage bags (if you plan to breastfeed)
  • Nursing pads (if you plan to breastfeed)
  • Nipple cream (if you plan to breastfeed)
  • Nursing pillow (if you plan to breastfeed)
  • Bottlebrush
  • Dishwasher basket for small items
  • 4-8 bibs
  • Burp cloths
  • 2-4 pacifiers
  • Formula (if not nursing)

Health products

  • Baby nail clippers or blunt scissors
  • Baby thermometer
  • Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care)
  • First aid kit

Baby gear 

  • An infant or convertible car seat
  • Stroller or infant carrier
  • Baby swing or bouncer
  • Play-yard with bassinet
  • High chair

Baby Center Registry Checklist

Baby Clothes

  • Bodysuits or “onesies” (7 to 10)
  • Leggings or stretchy pants (5 to 10)
  • Shirts (5 to 7)
  • Outer layers (3 to 5)
  • Hats (2) and mittens (2pair)
  • Socks and booties (5 to 7)
  • Pajamas or nightgowns (5 to 7)

Nice to have extra clothing

  • Special outfits (1 or2)
  • Shoes
  • Leg warmers
  • Hair accessories
  • Diaper covers

Diapering

  • Diapers
  • Diaper pail
  • Wipes and diaper cream
  • Backpack or tote
  • Changing pad

Nice to have diapering extras

  • Baby wipes warmer
  • Changing table
  • Diaper sprayer

Baby gear

  • Baby carrier
  • Stroller
  • Car seat
  • A car seat cover or blanket
  • Sunshades for the car windows

Nice to have baby gear extras

  • Baby backpack
  • Portable crib or play yard
  • Stroller sack
  • Stroller rain cover
  • Infant floor seat
  • Rocking chair or glider

Sleeping

  • Crib and mattress
  • Bedding
  • Wearable blankets (2 or 3)
  • Swaddling blankets (5 or 6)
  • Baby monitor

Nice to have sleeping extras

  • Nightlight
  • White-noise machine

Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding

  • Nursing or feeding pillow
  • Burp cloths (6 to 12)
  • Bibs (8 to 10)

Breastfeeding supplies

  • Lanolin ointment
  • Nursing bras (2 to 3)
  • Breast pads
  • Breast pump
  • Breast milk bags
  • Nursing cover

Bottle-feeding supplies

  • Bottles (6 to 12)
  • Formula
  • Bottle brushes (2)
  • Insulated bottle carrier

Nice to have breastfeeding extras

  • Bottle-drying rack
  • Dishwasher basket
  • Bottle sterilizer
  • Bottle warmer
  • Warm or cold gel packs (3 to 4)

Feeding solids

  • Highchair
  • Bowls (2 to 3)
  • Baby spoons (3 to 5)
  • Sippy cups (3 to 5)
  • Waterproof bibs (5 to 10)

Nice to have extras for feeding solids

  • Mess mat
  • Baby food mill or other baby food maker

Bathing 

  • Baby bathtub
  • Soap and shampoo
  • Infant bath towels (2 to 3)
  • Washcloths (4 to 6) 

Optional bathing extras

  • Bath thermometer
  • Bath toys

Baby soothers, toys and entertainment

  • Pacifiers (3 to 5)
  • Bouncy seat
  • Toys
  • Books

Nice to have baby entertainment extras

  • Mobile
  • Baby swing
  • Playmat (activity gym)
  • Play saucer (activity center)
  • Toybox or basket

Safety

  • Safety gates
  • Outlet covers
  • Cupboard and drawer latches
  • Toilet seat locks
  • Anti-tip straps and wall anchors

Health

  • First-aid kit
  • Bulb syringe
  • Teething toys
  • Humidifier
  • Baby nail scissors, clippers, nail file, or emery board
  • Baby-friendly laundry detergent
  • Soft-bristled baby hairbrush