The Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist for 2025

Everything You Actually Need
Welcome to Baby Wonderss! Preparing for your little one is exciting—and yes, a little overwhelming. With so many baby products out there, it’s easy to lose track of what you really need versus what’s optional. That’s why we’ve created this fully updated for 2025 checklist to help you build a smart, streamlined registry that covers essentials without the overload.

Why This Checklist?

Making a baby registry isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about preparing for your new life while protecting your time, space and sanity. Experts in 2025 emphasize “what can make a new parent’s life easier” when choosing products. ([The Everymom][1])
And real parents say you often need less than you think. For example:

“Our top used items were zipper sleepers, noise machine, bottles/formula pitcher … diapers and wipes, pacifiers, sleep sack.” ([Reddit][2])

So, use this checklist as your foundation—and adjust for your baby, your space, your budget.

How to Use This

Go through each category below and check off what you already have or want.
For each item: ask yourself: Do I have it? Will I use it? Is it essential for my lifestyle and space?
Register for a mix of “big ticket” items (nursery furniture, travel gear) and “everyday” essentials (diapers, wipes).
Don’t forget your own postpartum needs — you matter too!
Share your registry with friends/family with clear indications: “Absolutely needed”, “Nice to have”, “From me to baby”.

1. Nursery & Sleep Essentials

Crib (convertible if you’ll use longer)
Crib mattress + breathable crib sheets + mattress pad ([myregistry.com][3])
Bassinet or bedside sleeper (especially if you’ll room-share) ([Babylist][4])
Swaddle blankets or sleep sacks (depending on baby’s age and rolling stage) ([Babylist][4])
Baby monitor (video or audio)
Humidifier for nursery (especially in dry climates) ([Crane Baby][5])
Optional: glider/rocker, mobile, night-light, sound machine

Tip: Choose a crib mattress that fits snugly, and aim for at least 2 – 3 fitted crib sheets to rotate laundry.

2. Feeding & Nursing

Nursing pillow & covers
Nursing pads, nursing bras (if breastfeeding)
Bottles in a few sizes, bottle brushes, bottle drying rack (if bottle feeding)
Breast-milk storage containers (if pumping)
High chair (for when baby begins solids)
Bibs, burp cloths, cloths for spills
Formula prep system (if formula feeding) ([The Everymom][1])

Tip: Don’t go overboard on bottles before you know if you’ll breastfeed or bottle-feed; often fewer are needed than expected.

3. Diapering & Changing

Diapers (newborn size + 0-3 m; consider size up-grade)
Baby wipes (a must)
Diaper pail & refills (odor-control) ([Babylist][6])
Changing pad + covers
Diaper cream/ointment
Portable changing pad set (for on-the-go)
Hand sanitizer for parent’s station
Changing table or sleek changing station (or a dresser top)

4. Clothing & Soothing

Bodysuits/onesies (0-3 m) – around 5–10 pieces recommended ([Babylist][4])
Pajamas/footie sleepers (especially for newborn)
Swaddle blankets + sleep sacks
Socks, hats (for cooler days)
A few cute outfits (but baby will live in comfy basics)
Muslin blankets (great for swaddling, burping, cover-ups)

Pro tip: Many new parents find they over-buy clothes; babies grow fast. A couple of basics in each size may be more than enough.

5. Travel & Gear

Infant car seat or convertible car seat (for newborn and travel) ([Babylist][4])
Stroller (choose based on lifestyle: city, travel, jogging) ([Babylist][4])
Baby carrier or wrap (for hands-free)
Diaper bag (with compartments)
Travel crib/portable play yard (if you travel or have lots of visitors)
Sunshade for stroller, baby rain cover (depending on location/weather)

6. Bathing & Health

Baby bathtub or bath support ([Babylist][6])
Washcloths + hooded towels
Baby-safe shampoo, body wash, lotion
Brush + comb set, nail clippers or baby-nail scissors
Thermometer
First-aid kit for babies
Optional: Nasal aspirator, baby grooming kit ([Mint Arrow][7])

7. Play & Development

Play mat or baby gym (great for tummy time) ([Babylist][4])
Soft books, sensory toys (age-appropriate)
Bouncer or infant seat (for safe lounging)
Mobile or activity gym
Storage bins/baskets for toys

8. Parent & Postpartum Essentials

Postpartum underwear, pads, comfort items
Nursing cover (if needed)
Convertible clothing or easy-access tops (for breastfeeding)
Water bottle, snacks (you’ll be tired!)
A good support pillow for parent’s comfort (while nursing or resting)
Self-care items: eye mask, comfy clothes, healing balm

9. Housekeeping & Miscellaneous

Laundry detergent (baby-safe)
Cabinet locks and babyproofing supplies (pre-baby)
Extra trash cans or diaper disposal system
Organization baskets for baby gear
Baby monitor stand or shelf to mount monitor

Bonus Tips for 2025 & Beyond

Register early: Some big items can ship slow in 2025.
Mix big & small items: Big-ticket items get group gifting; smaller items are easy for guests.
Filter for your lifestyle: A city apartment needs different gear than a large home with yard.
Don’t forget siblings/fur-siblings: Consider items that will include older kids or pets in the process.
Focus on quality over quantity: One great stroller, one convertible car seat, one safe sleep space – beats many mediocre buys.
Plan for growth: Register for sizes 0-3 m and maybe 3-6 m, because babies often skip newborn size quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-buying newborn size clothes (baby grows out fast). ([Reddit][2])
Adding too many fancy items that seem fun but you’ll rarely use.
Forgetting your own postpartum needs while only focusing on baby.
Not thinking about your space (garage full? stroller aisle clearance?).
Leaving the registry till last minute—items might be out of stock or shipping delayed.

Final Thoughts

At Baby Wonderss, we believe the best registry is one that fits you—not what everyone else says you should have. Use this checklist as your framework, pick what reflects your lifestyle, and leave out the rest. The goal isn’t just to buy “everything”—it’s to prepare thoughtfully so you can enjoy your baby’s arrival.

Wishing you joy, calm preparation, and magical first moments…
Here’s to welcoming your little one! .