Baby Registry Checklist: 100 Essentials New Parents Actually Use (2025)

Making a baby list in 2025 means mixing safe picks, easy use, and new tools. Here is what you should know:

• Why it's key: A list sets you up for when your baby comes, stops last-minute buys, and makes sure you have must-haves for both baby and mom.
• How to kick off: Use tools like GiftList's Wish List Maker to put in items from any shop and get smart tips with AI Genie.
• Main types:
  • Nursery: Safe beds, sound tools, and spots to keep things.
  • Feeding: Pillows to help nurse, bottles, and tools to make baby food.
  • Travel: Seats for the car, small strollers, and beds to take along.
  • Health & care: Kits to groom, tools to check temp, and calming stuff.
  • Playtime: Toys with bold colors, shakers, and play areas.

Start your list around 20–24 weeks into being with child and change it as you need. Think of things that really help and use shared gifting for big buys. GiftList makes it easy to share and keep track of your picks.

MOST-USED BABY ITEMS 2025 | baby registry guide from 2nd time mom

What You Must Have for a Nursery

Making a nursery for your baby is all about being safe and smart in your choices. With the key things, you can make a space where your baby can have good sleep and where everyday tasks are easier. Here's what you must have for a useful and safe nursery.

Things for Safe Sleep

Keeping your baby safe while they sleep is key. Sadly, deaths while babies sleep went up almost 12% from 2020 to 2022. Begin with a crib or small bed that meets new safety rules - one made after June 2011.

The bed for your baby should have just the main things: a strong, even mattress with a tight sheet on it. And that's all. As sleep expert Lori Strong says:

"When it comes to child sleep and safety, boring is best. You don't need a lot to get a baby to sleep."

Do not use blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, or crib bumpers. They all can grow the chance of not being able to breathe easy. In fact, 90% of SIDS cases happen before kids are six months old. Now, the new Safe Sleep for Babies Act has banned selling and making crib bumpers and items that make babies sleep at a tilt.

You may want to add a sound machine to make for calm sleep and a baby monitor to watch your little one from a different room. If you want to share a room (this is a good idea for at least the first six months), a bassinet is a good pick for those first months.

Once you've made the sleep spot, sort out the rest of the baby's room by putting in spots to change them and keep things.

Changing and Storage Items

If you put things in their place, day-to-day care is smoother. A changing table or a dresser with a changing pad makes a set spot for swapping diapers. Most moms and dads like dressers that can be used for other things as their kid gets older.

Alex Lund, the big boss at Safetynook, Inc., says:

"Changing tables come in many sizes and setups. Some parents like to use a removable changing pad on a dresser, while some nursing furniture comes with a box and a changing pad that can be removed later when not needed any longer and you have a nice dresser."

Many pick the Delta Children Infant Changing Table with Pad ($99, 4.7/5 stars) or the cheap IKEA SNIGLAR Changing Table ($39). For tight spots, the Egree Portable Folding Diaper Changing Station ($75.99) works well.

Think about using under-crib storage bins for stuff you don't use much and put up wall shelves to use up high space. A rolling cart can work as a movable diaper spot. For example, Happiest Baby says you can change a bar, craft, or coffee cart to hold toys or books later.

Room Comfort Items

To make care nicer each day, make a calm, cozy room. Blackout curtains block light, helping with better sleep, and dimmable lights or soft lamps offer easy light for night feeds and diaper changes.

A comfortable nursing chair or a glider with an ottoman is key for feed times and calming your baby at night. A humidifier keeps the air moist, good during cold months. Put down a soft, non-slip rug for play - make sure it's easy to clean.

Use storage bins and shelves to keep toys, books, and supplies neat. Choose calming colors like light blue, soft green, or gray to help relax the room, as bright colors can be too much.

Food and Baby Care

Giving your baby food - by breastfeeding, bottle, or both - is much easier with the right gear. With good planning, you can set up a food routine that works for your home.

Feeding with Breast and Bottle

Breastfeeding feels better with some key stuff. A nursing pillow is key for good baby hold and cuts down strain. Items like the Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow ($55) and My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow ($57) give strong support for long times.

Do not skip burp cloths - needed to keep clean. Try the Burt's Bees Baby Burp Cloth 5-pack ($19) or Copper Pearl Burp Cloths ($22) for their soak-up strength. For sore nipples and leaks, use Weleda Nipple Balm ($15) and Curve By Cache Coeur Nursing Pads ($16).

To make life easier, get nursing bras and tops. The Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra ($40) and Ingrid and Isabel Seamless Nursing Bra ($46) are good picks. For night feedings, the Kindred Bravely Davy Sleepwear Set ($57) is cozy and works well.

If you pump, a good breast pump is a must. The Spectra S1 Plus (about $199) is known for being comfy and quiet. For no-hands use, the Elvie Stride Breast Pump ($200) has smart app choices, while the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump ($24–$35) is good for now and then.

Even breastfeeding moms might use bottles for more options. The Comotomo Baby Bottle ($15) feels like breastfeeding, while the NUK Simply Natural Glass Bottle ($28) gives a real feed feel. The NUK Perfect Match Bottle 3-pack ($20) is easy to clean.

To heat bottles fast and even, a bottle warmer can change the game. The Chicco Digital Bottle Warmer & Sterilizer ($60) does warming and cleaning, while the Baby Brezza Safe and Smart Bottle Warmer ($90) has top features.

Bibs are also a must, keeping your baby’s clothes clean. The Loulou Lollipop Waterproof Bib ($22) fights stains and is kind to Earth.

Keep feed tools clean with bottle brushes like the OXO Tot Bottle Brush or Philips Avent Baby Bottle Brush (about $6). For drying, racks like the OXO Tot Bottle Rack ($23) and Philips Avent Drying Rack ($17) make sure air moves right.

Once you've got liquid food down, get ready for the next part: starting solid food.

Starting Solids

When your baby is set - often at six months - starting solids needs the right tools. Soft-tipped baby spoons like the Mushie First Feeding Baby Spoons 2-pack ($12.99) are soft on gums and great for first feeds. Kid food expert Dahlia Rimmon shares tips:

"Unlike a traditional spoon that curves (where purees or yogurt can easily slip off), self‐feeding spoons better capture the food so it doesn't fall off before it reaches the baby's mouth. Imagine how frustrated a baby would be if every time they brought a utensil to their mouth, there wasn't food there?"

To cut down on a mess, suction bowls and plates work well. The EZPZ Mini Mat ($22.49) is both a plate and a placemat, and the AEIOU Suction Bowl with Lid ($12) sticks tight.

Moving away from bottles? Doctors say open cups or straw cups are better than sippy cups. As Dr. Mona Amin puts it:

"Straw cups encourage proper tongue movement and can strengthen muscles used in speech. Sippy cups with traditional spouts don't promote these same skills and can encourage a more infant‐like sucking motion."

The Dr. Brown's Wide‐Neck Sippy Straw Bottle with Silicone Handles 2-pack ($15.99) is top-notch for good mouth growth.

For making baby food at home, food prep tools ease the job. A crinkle cutter ($5) lets babies hold slick foods well, while the Nuby Masher ($5–$6) makes soft textures. The Boon Pulp Popsicle & Freezer Tray + Pulp Silicone Feeder Bundle ($19.99) lets you craft cool, gum-soothing snacks.

Bibs that keep water off with pouches are key to catch drops and save clothes at meal times.

Formula and Milk Storage

Smart storage fixes keep breast milk good and new. Breast milk bags are cut for safe freeze, and as per the CDC, breast milk stays four hours out in the air, four days in the cool of a fridge, and up to 12 months frozen.

An insulated cooler with ice helps while on the go, keeping breast milk new for up to a day. For formula, take cold boiled water and dry formula apart. If you must move made formula, make sure it's very cold and use it in two hours.

A full feeding cart lets you grab what you need fast, keeping must-haves like bottles, cloths, and bibs easy to reach.

Want easy shopping? Go to GiftList's Shop to set a list with all the feed tools you need for your baby - whether you nurse, use a bottle, or start on soft foods.

Trip and Easy-to-carry Gear

The best trip gear can make family outings easy and safe. Add these top items to your GiftList to make sure your trips with your kid are free of stress.

Must-Haves for Moving

A baby car seat is a must for any trip. Pick ones that are up to today's safety laws - since nearly half of car seats are not used right, making them less safe. Two liked options are the Britax One4Life ClickTight ($350–$400), good from baby age to young kid age, and the Cybex Cloud G Lux ($400–$450), with top safety parts like a load leg and anti-rebound bar.

It's key to have side-hit safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety people stress this danger:

"Side impacts are especially dangerous when the impact is on the passenger compartment because, unlike a frontal or rear-end crash, there are no substantial, energy-absorbing structures between the occupant and the impacting vehicle or object."

To move easy at your place, a travel stroller is a top pick over big, day-to-day strollers. The UPPAbaby Minu V2 ($400) folds with one hand and has a place to keep things, while the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 ($260–$320) is small but needs two hands to fold.

A baby carrier lets you hold your baby close while your hands stay free. The Baby K'tan Original Baby Wrap ($60) has no straps for easy use, while the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL Baby Backpack Carrier ($297) is best for long walks or hikes.

Keep your stroller safe on flights with a stroller travel bag. This tool helps stop harm when you check your stroller at the gate.

When travel means are set, staying neat on your trip is next.

Travel Organization

A travel crib gives your baby a safe, known spot to sleep wherever you go. The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light ($200) sets up fast and folds small. Add the Burt's Bees Baby Beekeeper Sleep Sack ($19) for warmth without loose covers.

Packing cubes and a ziplock bag of key items keep all tidy. Roll baby clothes, don't fold, to save space and cut down on creases.

A stroller caddy puts snacks, bottles, and toys close. The Bentgo Deluxe Lunch Bag ($25) is good for cold bottles, and the Boon SNUG Snack Catcher ($11) keeps snacks in place.

For eating on the go, the Pura Kiki Vacuum Insulated Toddler Sippy Cup with Sleeve ($36) keeps drinks hot or cold, and the Mountain Buggy Pod Portable High Chair ($60) gives a clean spot to eat.

If you are breastfeeding, the Sarah Wells Abby Breast Pump Bag ($205) sorts pump parts well, and the OXO Tot On-the-Go Bottle Drying Rack ($17) helps dry bottles easy, even in a small room.

With all set, make sure your family stays safe with a few key items.

Travel Safety Items

A backseat mirror lets you watch your baby while you drive and can keep them busy. Most are under $25 and fix easy to headrests.

A portable sound machine makes a calm space. The Hatch Rest Go for Babies and Kids Portable Sound Machine ($39.99) stops outside noise, while the VTech Myla The Monkey Sound Machine ($22) is a cheap pick.

For flying, the Baby Shusher – The Sleep Miracle ($34.99) calms upset babies, and Banz Earmuff Protection ($30) keeps their ears safe from loud plane sounds.

Don’t miss a travel first aid kit with basics like the Vicks SpeedRead Thermometer ($10), Band-Aid Bandages Family Pack ($13), and Easy Grip Nail Scissors ($6). Small Baby Dove Lotion ($10) and Honest Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo and Wash ($16) are also plane safe and handy.

Before you leave, list what to pack and think about sending big things like diapers and wipes right to your place.

Looking to make your travel list? Visit GiftList's Shop for all the travel must-haves that will make your family trips smoother and more fun.

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Baby Care and Health

Looking after your baby means you keep them well, meet their daily needs, and help them grow.

Health and Grooming Basics

All parents need a good grooming kit. Babies often come with long nails, so it's key to have the right tools for safe grooming.

In January 2025, What to Expect named Safety 1st Deluxe Baby Healthcare and Grooming Kit the best kit overall. It costs $23 and has many needed items like a cradle cap comb, soft brush, nasal tool, bottle for meds, and a 3-in-1 thermometer. With almost 16,000 top reviews on Amazon, many parents love it.

For a simple pick, the FridaBaby Baby Basics Kit costs $40 and has just the needed stuff, while the American Red Cross Kit for $28 also has a thermometer and tools for giving meds.

When picking tools, get small nail clippers that are easy to hold and have a light. A 3-in-1 thermometer is smart too, as it works for mouth, underarm, and other uses. Since babies can’t clear their noses until they're older, a nose tool is key to help with a stuffy nose. If your kit has no case, add one to stay organized at home or when away.

After dealing with health and grooming, it’s time to help your baby calm down and sleep.

Soothing and Comfort Items

Many babies feel bad from colic, hitting about 5% to 19% of them. The right calming tools matter a lot.

Pacifiers help soothe upset tots. Known picks include the Chicco PhysioForma Soft for $14, Philips Avent Soothie for $8, and Dr. Brown's HappyPaci for $4.

Swaddling lets babies sleep better and more quietly. The Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Sleepsack for $109 is high-end, while the Miracle Blanket Swaddle for $30 is cheaper.

During teeth growth, teething toys help with sore gums. The Comotomo Silicone Teether for $7 and Mombella Elephant Teether for $10 are safe picks.

Sound machines also boost sleep. Studies say steady sounds can tune a baby’s heartbeat for better rest. Favorites are the Hatch Rest Sound Machine 2nd Gen for $69 and budget choices like the MyBaby Soundspa On-The-Go for $14 and Housbay White Noise Sound Machine for $36.

For movement-based calming, baby swings and bouncers are great. Favorites are the Ingenuity InLighten Swing for $150, Graco Simple Sway Swing for $139, and BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft for $210. Baby carriers are also great for when your baby wants to be close to you when tired.

Next, it's key to boost your baby’s learning with fun play.

Development and Play Items

Playtime is key to reach big milestones. Start belly time as soon as your baby is home from the hospital, and pick toys that boost growth.

Toys with strong black and white colors are great for new babies. They can see them better as their eyes get better. Dr. Alexis Phillips-Walker, a child doctor, tells us this:

"Toys with high-contrast images are easier for babies to see as their eyesight is developing...try to incorporate toys that implement black and white so they can start to distinguish patterns."

The Wee Gallery Woodland Art Cards for Baby ($16.45) are a top pick for high-contrast picks.

Sound toys aid in hearing and word growth. Dr. Phillips-Walker says:

"Toys with sound help babies follow or track sounds...Items that play soft sounds and/or music…can help encourage babies to make noise, which is critical in language development."

The Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Chime & Teethe Toy ($6.99) makes soft sounds and also works as a teether.

Grasping toys help baby's hand skills. Rattles make them reach and grab. Toys like the Bright Starts Oball Easy Grasp Classic Ball ($4.99) and the Manhattan Toy Comet Teether and Rattle ($18) give fun touches and sounds.

For tummy time and moving play, play gyms are top picks. The Lovevery Play Gym ($140) is high-end, and older babies may like jumpers like the Baby Einstein Neptune's Ocean Discovery Activity Jumper ($100).

Mobiles with sharp colors and smooth moves offer more for baby's eyes. The Flensted Mobiles Five Flying Swallows Mobile ($51.50) is well-liked.

Also, start reading to your baby early with simple black-and-white books or soft cloth books. Pick toys that are bigger than your baby’s mouth to keep them safe.

Want to buy these must-haves? Visit GiftList's Shop for well-picked grooming sets, calming items, and toys that help your baby grow and smile.

Making Your Gift List with GiftList

GiftList makes setting up a gift list easy - and gives you ways to keep track of the list with ease. Track what you need and stay neat as your family grows; GiftList has tools built to save you time and make everything smooth.

Using the Universal Wish List Maker

The Universal Wish List Maker changes the game. With this tool, you can put items on your list using product links or a browser add-on. It pulls in all the info you need, all by itself. For example, if you see the Safety 1st Deluxe Baby Healthcare and Grooming Kit for $23 on Amazon or the Lovevery Play Gym for $140 on Lovevery's site, you can add both to your list easily.

This tool also stops the same gift from being bought twice by marking things as taken once someone picks them. Sharing your list is easy too - you can send out the link to people you know or ask others to help add gifts. Plus, you can pick if your list is public or private, so you control who can see and use it.

Getting Help from AI Genie

Not sure what to add? GiftList Genie, a smart helper, is here to aid you. It gives you custom gift ideas that match your needs, with prices, reviews, and links right there. Whether you need "safe sleep things for a newborn" or "feeding tools for nursing and bottles", Genie puts together a list of the best products from many stores. And the best thing? It's free.

Jonathan, who started GiftList, says:

"We understand the struggle of finding the perfect gift, especially during the busy holiday season. With GiftList Genie, we aim to make gift shopping easier and more enjoyable for everyone. We're committed to making GiftList the go-to platform for all your gifting needs, and we believe GiftList Genie is a significant step towards that goal."

This tool is great if you're not sure about which brands or models to pick - it does the research for you.

Working with Family and Friends

GiftList makes it very easy to share your registry with those you love. You can send it using QR codes, online invites, or even on social sites. For baby showers, add your registry info with the invites - use an extra card for paper invites or a QR code for online ones. This makes it easy for people to find your list and pick gifts.

You can also make your registry message your own to show thanks and tell what you like. Here’s an example: "Thanks for checking our baby registry! Here are things we think we'll need as our family gets bigger, but your care and help mean so much to us!"

GiftList keeps you in touch with those who are buying gifts through features that let you friend and follow them. Also, a tracker for key events makes sure no one forgets important days, like your baby shower. Whether you're planning a big party or a small meet-up, sharing your registry helps everyone know what you really need.

Ready to start? Go to GiftList's Shop to look at chosen baby must-haves and begin your registry today.

Wrap Up

Making a baby registry can be easy if you have the right thoughts and tools. Think of your registry as more than just a list of wants - it's a smart guide for new parents, full of 100 key items, from safe sleep stuff to toys that help babies grow. These picks are well-chosen, based on what real parents need every day, covering all from room needs and food tools to travel items.

As we head toward 2025, registries now have both old must-haves like diapers and onesies, and new key things, like care kits for after giving birth. By only adding what's truly helpful, you keep out stuff you don't need and make sure you're ready for those first few months.

GiftList makes it easy to handle your registry, letting you share, track, and change your list simply.

Most registries have about 125 items. It's smart to start yours around 20–24 weeks into your pregnancy. Update it as what you need changes, and mix in must-have items with some fancy picks or gift cards for more choices. A well-thought-out registry helps cut down on getting the same gift twice, lets groups chip in for big items, and gets you price cuts when you're finishing up.

With a strong registry set, you'll have a clear list that makes gift-giving simple for your friends and family. It helps you get things that ease your life and lowers the rush of last-minute tasks. Planning well now makes moving into parenthood more smooth.

Ready to begin? Head to GiftList's Shop to see chosen baby must-haves and start making your own registry today. You'll be glad later for the calm start!

FAQs

How can new moms and dads make sure their baby list stays right as their needs shift?

Keep your baby list updated by watching it as it grows. Look at it a lot - take off things you don't need and add stuff for your baby's next steps. This means your list stays useful and right for what you need most.

Online list sites make this easy. You can change, sort, and show your list to others. Be sure to tell people when you change it - this stops them from buying the same thing and makes sure they get you help that you will use. By keeping it neat and open to changes, your list will stay right and fit what your family needs as it changes.