Top Items to Put on Your Baby Registry

If you’ve ever been on the buying side of a baby registry list, you’ve probably experienced a few moments of sticker shock—and even some “they’ve got to be kidding!” moments. If you’re a first-time parent, though, you know that nothing is too good for baby. We’ve pulled together this list of top items to put on your baby registry that family, friends, and work colleagues could happily purchase.

Baby Backpack, Sling, or Carrier

Gift-givers will appreciate specifics about what sort of baby carrier expectant parents want to use, and there’s nothing wrong with selecting a few variations. Switching up your carrier can relieve shoulder pain or muscle aches associated with carrying around your baby in the same position all the time.

Meal Service Subscription

Sleep-deprived people make lousy chefs! A subscription meal delivery service will be a welcome relief when you can barely find enough time to shower and change your sweatpants—much less whip up a nutritious meal in a kitchen littered with bibs, burp rags, and bottles.

Car Seat-Stroller Combo

It’s okay to go big-ticket on this essential item. Work colleagues, friends, and family members will be happy to pool resources to get you a top-of-the-line car seat and stroller combo. The carrier latches onto a base secured in the back seat of the car and also locks into a stroller frame for walks around the neighborhood. Friends who want to complement a group gift with an individual contribution can also supply a Milk Snob stretchy car seat cover. These attractive, versatile items perform multiple functions, from car seat cover to nursing coverup and more.

Swaddling Blankets, Bibs, and Onesies

There’s really no limit to the number of swaddling blankets, bibs, burp rags, and onesies a new baby can go through. Drool, spit-up, and accidents during diaper changes come with new-baby territory, so make sure your registry doesn’t limit the number of these items too strictly.

Baby Swing or Bouncy Chair

For times when the baby is awake and needs entertaining or soothing—but when parents need to get on the laptop to pay bills or work from home—a baby swing or bouncy chair is a lifesaver. Read the fine print on the safety for these items, and select something to add to the registry that will fit into your home.

Baby Bag

Listing a baby bag is likely to yield not just the bag, but also a good supply of gear inside it. A gift-giver who buys a baby bag is likely to add a bottle, pacifiers, bibs, burp cloths, and a supply of diapers and wipes to round out the gift, giving parents a head start on their first outings with the baby. Packing a baby bag has a learning curve, so experienced parents can be particularly helpful in outfitting a loaded baby bag for first-timers.

If you’re worried about forgetting an important item, baby retailers will often provide helpful suggestions of other items to put on your baby registry to ensure you don’t forget the practical as well as the indulgent things that make life as a new parent easier.