It’s baby registry planning tiiiiiime. FIRST TIME MOM EDITION
When I was pregnant with my baby boy, I had no clue what I actually needed vs what looked cute on somebody’s Instagram. As a first-time mom, building a baby registry felt like prepping for a whole new world, because it is one. I just remember thinking, “Okay… what’s really gonna help me once he gets here?”
Now that I’ve done this myself, I wanted to share the items that truly came through for me. The things that made those newborn days smoother, helped me feel a little more confident, and honeastly saved my sanity more than once.
1. Diapers (multiple brands & sizes)
Listen… I didn’t realize how picky baby skin could be until I saw my son break out in a rash from the “popular” brand. It’s wild how different each diaper feels once you actually get your hands on them.
What worked for my friend’s baby gave my son a whole reaction. So when you’re building your registry, don’t just add one brand in bulk.
Put a few different ones in smaller packs—Huggies, Pampers, Millie Moon, whatever—and try them before you commit. And go ahead and throw in a pack or two of size 1s and 2s.
Newborn size is cute, but babies grow fast, and not all of them stay tiny.
Currently loving Pampers
2. Fragrance-Free Wipes
Fragrance-free wipes are a safer choice for most newborns, especially those with sensitive skin.
Scented options can sometimes cause irritation or rashes, so starting with gentle, water-based wipes can help avoid discomfort.
These wipes are versatile and get used up quickly not just during diaper changes, but also for cleaning hands, faces, and surfaces.
It’s a good idea to stash a pack in multiple spots like your diaper bag, car, nursery, and living area for easy access.
3. Bassinet (or bedside sleeper)
Forget what anybody says you do not need a full crib right away.
My baby boy slept right next to me in a bassinet for the first few months, and it made life so much easier.
Those late-night feedings hit differently when you don’t have to fully get up and stumble across the room.
I got one that rocked gently and had a little storage underneath for diapers and swaddles, and let me tell you—it was worth every penny.
Especially as a single mom, having him right beside me gave me peace of mind.
4. Swaddles (Velcro-style)
Swaddling can help newborns sleep more soundly by mimicking the cozy feeling of the womb and reducing startle reflexes.
While traditional blanket swaddles work for some, Velcro-style swaddles offer a quicker, more secure option, especially for parents who struggle with folding techniques.
They’re designed to stay in place even if your baby moves around, which can lead to longer stretches of sleep.
It’s smart to have at least 3–4 on hand since frequent spit-ups and diaper leaks mean you’ll be changing them often.
5. Bottles (try 2-3 different types)
Even if you think you’re gonna exclusively breastfeed, life has a way of humbling you quick.
I had to pump sooner than expected, and I was glad I already had a few bottle options on deck.
My son ended up liking the Dr. Brown’s narrow-neck bottles, but I also had Comotomo and Avent ones to try.
Some babies are picky, some have reflux, and some just decide to reject a bottle altogether—so give yourself options.
6. Nasal Aspirator (not the bulb one from the hospital)
I don’t know who decided that little bulb syringe was gonna cut it, but… no ma’am. It barely did anything for my son.
I ended up using the NoseFrida (I know it sounds gross, but it’s really not), and it worked like a charm.
You’re not gonna believe how much stuff can get stuck in those tiny baby noses. Don’t wait till they’re congested at 2 AM
to go hunting for one—add it now.
7. Diaper Caddy or Organizer
I underestimated how often I’d be changing diapers in random parts of the house.
I thought everything would happen at the changing table like in the cute YouTube nursery tours. Nope.
Half the time, I was changing him on the couch or the bed with one hand and reaching for wipes with the other.
A little portable diaper caddy saved me. It kept diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and burp cloths in one place, and I could just grab and go.
8. White Noise Machine
My son would NOT stay asleep in total silence. I was tiptoeing around the apartment like a ninja until I plugged in a white noise machine, and sis… it changed everything.
The constant hum soothed him, drowned out the neighbors, and gave me the freedom to do things without feeling like I was gonna wake him up with every breath.
Some nights I even found myself sleeping better, too.
9. Soft Zip-Up Onesies
Do yourself a favor and skip anything with snaps.
I thought they were cute until I was trying to fasten them at 3AM while my baby was screaming and my eyes were barely open.
Zip-up onesies (especially the ones that zip from the bottom) are a whole blessing. Get the soft cotton ones with fold-over mittens and footies.
Target, Old Navy, and Amazon had some good ones that didn’t break the bank.
10. Fragrance-Free Baby Wash & Lotion
I didn’t think twice when someone gifted me a baby wash set that smelled amazing… until my son’s skin flared up like fire ants had touched it.
His pediatrician told me to switch to something gentle and fragrance-free, so I started using the Eucerin Baby or Aveeno Baby line, and his skin calmed down.
Especially if your baby’s got sensitive skin or eczema, this is one of those “better safe than sorry” situations.
11. Baby Carrier (wrap or structured)
I swear, having a good baby carrier was like having an extra set of hands.
When my son got fussy but I still had things to do around the house, slipping him into the carrier kept him close and calm.
Plus, it gave me freedom to move without lugging around a stroller everywhere.
I went with a stretchy wrap at first because it felt cozy and snuggly for him, then upgraded to a structured carrier for longer walks.
Either way, your back will thank you.
12. Burp Cloths (a lot of them)
I thought a couple of burp cloths would be enough. Wrong.
Babies spit up like it’s their favorite hobby, and sometimes the burps come in tidal waves.
I ended up with a pile of soft cotton burp cloths everywhere—in the nursery, living room, diaper bag, even my car.
Having plenty on hand means you won’t be caught off guard and scrambling to find a clean one when you need it most.
13. Pacifiers (try different shapes)
My son was so particular about his pacifiers. I bought a pack of one kind and he flat-out refused it.
I had to try the rounded ones, the orthodontic ones, and even some that glow in the dark (which helped during nighttime).
Don’t just add one style to your registry—get a variety so you can figure out what your baby prefers.
And keep extras because, let’s be real, pacifiers tend to disappear like socks in the laundry.
14. Nursing Pillow (or versatile support pillow)
Even though I planned to breastfeed, I didn’t realize how much support I’d need to get comfortable, especially during those long feedings.
A good nursing pillow helped me hold my baby at the right height without straining my back and arms.
Plus, you can use it for tummy time or propping him up once he gets a little older.
It’s a small thing that makes a huge difference for mama’s comfort.
15. Convertible Crib (for the long haul)
While the bassinet is great for the first few months, having a convertible crib on your registry is smart planning.
It grows with your baby—from crib to toddler bed—and saves you from buying another big piece of furniture down the road.
I went with one that matched the nursery theme and honestly, it felt like a big milestone when my son graduated to it. Plus, it was worth the investment knowing it’ll last years.
16. Baby Monitor (with video if you can)
I didn’t realize how much peace of mind a baby monitor would give me until I had one.
Being able to see and hear my son from another room was a lifesaver—especially since I’m a single mom and had to juggle chores and rest.
The video ones are great because you can check on him without walking in and possibly waking him up. It’s like your extra pair of eyes and ears.
17. Stroller (lightweight and durable)
You don’t want to wait till your baby arrives to figure out the stroller situation. I made sure to add a lightweight stroller that’s easy to fold and carry on my registry.
It made trips to the grocery store, park, and even just running errands way smoother.
Bonus points if it reclines for naps and has a good storage basket underneath—trust me, you’ll need that for all the baby gear.
18. High-Quality Baby Laundry Detergent
Babies are messy, and their clothes get stained with everything from milk to diaper leaks. But not all detergents are made for that sensitive skin.
I switched to a baby-specific detergent free from dyes and fragrances after noticing redness on my son’s clothes.
It made his clothes softer, and his skin stayed irritation-free. Definitely worth the extra money.
19. Baby Books (start early!)
It might seem like a cute extra, but reading to your baby from day one is so important.
I added a few colorful board books to my registry and made reading part of our bedtime routine early on.
It helped build his listening skills and gave us special bonding time.
Plus, it’s never too early to start building a little library for your child.
20. Bottle Sterilizer
A bottle sterilizer isn’t required, but it definitely makes things more convenient, especially in the early days when babies are more vulnerable and you’re sterilizing everything constantly.
While boiling works fine, a steam sterilizer is faster, easier, and can fit multiple items like pacifiers and breast pump parts all at once.
Many options also have drying functions, which cuts down on your drying rack clutter.
21. Baby Bathtub
A baby bathtub with a built-in sling or newborn insert offers extra support during bath time, which is especially helpful when babies are still small and slippery.
It keeps them safe and comfortable while freeing up your hands to gently clean. Some parents opt for sink inserts instead, which are softer and more portable.
Either way, having a proper bath setup helps make the routine smoother and less nerve-racking.
22. Humidifier
A cool-mist humidifier helps add moisture to the air, which can relieve dry skin, stuffy noses, and congestion, especially during colder months or in dry climates.
It’s a small item that can make a big difference in a baby’s comfort and sleep quality.
Look for models that are quiet and easy to clean, since mold and bacteria buildup can be a concern with regular use.
23. Nursing Pads
For breastfeeding moms, nursing pads are a must. Leaks are common, especially in the early stages when the milk supply is still regulating.
Disposable pads are convenient for on-the-go, while washable ones are more eco-friendly and cost-effective over time.
They help keep clothes dry and avoid any unexpected wet spots in public, which can be awkward, to say the least.
24. Diaper Cream and Applicator
Diaper rashes can come out of nowhere, and having a good diaper cream on hand is essential.
Look for a zinc oxide-based formula, which creates a strong barrier and soothes irritated skin.
An applicator—a mini silicone spatula—might seem extra, but it helps you avoid getting thick creams all over your hands, especially during middle-of-the-night changes.
25. Formula Dispenser (if formula feeding)
For formula-feeding parents, a formula dispenser takes the guesswork out of prepping bottles—whether it’s a manual one with pre-measured compartments or a high-tech machine that mixes and warms bottles at the push of a button.
It’s especially useful during nighttime feedings when you’re half-asleep and need things to be quick and accurate.
26. Swaddle Blankets or Sleep Sacks
Swaddling can help newborns sleep better by preventing the startle reflex from waking them up.
Swaddle blankets are great for those early weeks, while Velcro or zipper swaddles make wrapping easier for tired parents.
As babies get older and begin to roll, sleep sacks are a safe alternative that still provides warmth and comfort without loose blankets in the crib.
27. Car Seat Mirror
A car seat mirror lets you keep an eye on your rear-facing baby while driving. It’s not only convenient—it’s also a safety feature that helps you check if your baby has fallen asleep, dropped their pacifier, or needs attention without pulling over constantly.
Most attach easily to the headrest and can be angled for a clear view from your rearview mirror.
29. White Noise Machine
White noise mimics the sounds of the womb and can help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
While there are apps for that, a dedicated machine is more consistent and doesn’t drain your phone battery.
Many models have multiple sound options and a timer, and they can also help block out household noise, especially if you live in a busy area or have other people in the home.
29. Nail Clippers or Baby Nail File
Baby nails grow fast and can be surprisingly sharp. Keeping them trimmed helps prevent accidental scratches on their face or yours.
Traditional clippers work fine, but some parents prefer electric baby nail files because they’re gentler and reduce the risk of cutting too close.
It’s one of those tiny tools you’ll end up reaching for weekly, if not more.
