Set Up a Baby Shower Registry That’s Helpful for You and Your Guests

Your friends are planning your baby shower, and guests are asking what baby essentials you need. As you prepare your home for your newborn’s arrival, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by choices, but a baby registry is the ideal tool to help you get organized.

Use this guide to learn what crucial items to add, which gear to skip, and how to get the best baby gifts you'll actually use.

The Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist: Must-Have Items

Focus your registry on essentials first: items for sleeping, feeding, and bathing are great starting points.

Choosing items for a baby shower gift registry can feel overwhelming, so take your time checking out what your store has available. To make things easier, bring along this list of must-have items to make the most of your shopping experience.

For the nursery

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) safe sleep guidelines, the ideal environment for your baby is a firm, flat, non-angled sleep surface with only a fitted sheet.

• Crib, co-sleeper, or bassinet: The AAP’s "bare is best" policy is crucial for safe sleep.
• Firm mattress and fitted sheets: Remove any soft objects and loose bedding to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths.
• Swaddles: These help newborns feel secure, so have a few on hand
• Baby monitor: For your peace of mind when you’re in another room

For diapering duty

Since you’ll be changing a lot of diapers, use your registry to stock a changing station with both disposables and cloth diapers to see which you prefer.

• Diapers: Start with newborn sizes and consider adding larger sizes as well.
• Wipes: Choose gentle, unscented wipes to care for your newborn's sensitive skin.
• Diaper cream or ointment: A barrier cream is a must-have to prevent diaper rash.
• Changing pad or mat: A dedicated, easy-to-clean surface for changes.

For feeding time

To help you fully prepare for breastfeeding, consider these essential items.

• Nursing pillow: Offers comfortable support for both you and your baby, reducing strain on your back and arms during feeding sessions
• Nursing cover: Provides extra privacy and comfort when you're breastfeeding around guests or in public
• Burp cloths: A necessity for every feeding to handle any spit-up
• Nipple cream: A lanolin-based or baby-safe cream can help soothe soreness during the first few weeks of feeding
• Nursing pads: To help absorb any breast milk leakage and keep you comfortable and dry.
• Lactation snacks: To help support your milk supply

For bath time fun

Make bath time safe and enjoyable with these must-haves

• Infant tub: One with a newborn sling or insert is great for the early months.
• Hooded towels and washcloths: Choose light and breathable fabrics like cotton and bamboo, which are gentle on your baby’s skin.
• Baby soap and shampoo: Look for tear-free, gentle formulas that are suitable for sensitive skin.

For baby's health and safety

Having these on hand keeps you ready for your baby’s needs.

• Baby thermometer: A rectal or temporal artery thermometer is most accurate for infants
• Nail clippers or file: A baby’s nails grow surprisingly fast. (Clear with your pediatrician when you can cut your baby's nails.)
• First-aid kit: A pre-made kit is a great starting point.

What to Add and Skip on Your Registry

Wondering about other popular baby shower gift ideas? Here’s a look at items you might want to add, and some you can probably hold off on buying for now.

Add to your wish list

• Play mat or activity gym: Great for your baby’s "tummy time" and sensory development
• A good quality stroller: This is a big-ticket item that’s perfect for group gifting.
• Baby carrier or sling: For hands-free bonding and getting things done around the house
• A high-quality car seat: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash by 71% to 82% compared to using a seatbelt alone. Ensure it meets current safety standards and is suitable for newborns.

Think twice about these items

• Too many newborn-sized clothes: Babies grow incredibly fast. It's wiser to ask for a variety of sizes (0-3 months, 3-6 months).
• Crib bumpers and blankets: These are considered unsafe for sleep by the AAP due to suffocation risks.
• Baby shoes: Don't pick the smallest size. Instead, opt for larger shoe sizes that will fit children aged 8 months and older. You can also choose soft booties or socks.

Tips for a Guest-Friendly Registry

A clear registry makes your baby shower helpful for everyone, so aim to do your wish list during your second trimester.

To make your registry helpful for everyone, keep these tips in mind.

1. Offer a wide range of prices.

Include items at various price points, from small things like pacifiers to larger gear. This allows guests to choose a newborn baby gift that fits their budget.

2. Register at one to two stores.

Select stores that are conveniently located for your guests. Many online registries now allow you to add items from different stores.

3. Time it right.

You can have your baby shower during the third trimester, but it can also be a busy time, with final checkups and preparations for childbirth. So, aim to set up your wish list during your second trimester, giving you plenty of time to research without feeling rushed.

The host should then share the registry details when the baby shower invitations are sent out, which is usually four to six weeks before the party. This gives your guests enough time to browse and choose their gift.

4. Make big-ticket items a group gift.

Don’t shy away from adding basic, big-ticket items like a crib, stroller, or car seat to your list. Many online registry platforms now offer a group gifting feature, allowing friends and family to contribute smaller amounts toward a larger item.

5. Add a gift card or cash fund option.

Consider gift card options from your favorite baby store or supermarket for future needs, like diapers and wipes. Some registries also allow you to create a cash fund for a specific goal, like the baby's nursery furniture.

A well-planned registry takes the stress out of gift-giving for your baby shower. This allows everyone—especially you—to focus on what matters, the celebration and arrival of your little one.

Connect with other parents on the ParentTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group and share registry gift ideas for a successful baby shower!