Despite being tiny, babies require a lot of… stuff. For first-time parents, in particular, preparing your home for baby’s arrival is a massive undertaking. A registry allows you to receive everything you need and makes gift-giving easier for friends and family.

But with so much to prepare for, how do you even think about what to put on your registry? Start by thinking about your daily routine once baby arrives. From morning to night, what will you do and what will you need to get through each task? A good registry will equip you with items for feeding and bathing, diaper changes, playtime, and more. Luckily, we’ve created a checklist of must-haves for every new parent. Read on to see Harbor’s expert recs!

Download the Harbor Baby Registry Checklist!

What is a baby registry for?

When friends and family buy gifts from your registry, you can avoid duplicates and ensure you get what you need to welcome baby home. Creating a registry makes it easier for loved ones to give meaningful gifts and share in the celebration.

When should you create your registry?

It’s ultimately up to you! Welcoming a new baby home requires a lot of planning. Building and sharing your baby registry around 20 weeks will give you ample time to receive items and prepare your nursery. And if you plan to know baby’s gender ahead of time, you can tailor registry items accordingly!

Registry items for quality sleep

  • A crib or bassinet

  • A crib mattress that fits your crib or bassinet

  • A waterproof mattress protector

  • Fitted sheets that fit your crib mattress

  • A dimmable night light to help with nighttime feeds

  • Blackout curtains

  • A portable white noise machine

  • The Harbor monitor

  • Swaddles

  • Sleep sacks

Registry items for easier diaper changes

  • A changing table or changing pad

  • Chux pads or diaper changing pads for easier clean-up

  • Disposable and/or reusable diapers

  • Lots of baby wipes

  • Lots of diaper rash cream including a spray version 

Registry items for a well-dressed baby

  • Seasonally appropriate clothing and accessories to get you through baby’s first few months

  • Zip-up onesies and pajamas in a range of sizes (especially 0–3, rather than newborn)

  • Socks, booties, and beanies for babies arriving during fall or winter

  • Brimmed hats for babies arriving during spring or summer


Registry items for bathtime, grooming, and well-being

  • An infant-safe bathtub

  • Baby-safe shampoo and soap

  • Soft washcloths

  • Soft, hooded towels

  • A soft, baby-safe hairbrush 

  • A baby nail file

  • A snot sucker

  • An infant thermometer

  • A range of pacifiers from different brands so you can figure out what works best for your little one


Registry items for a well-fed baby

  • A bottle cleaning and sterilization system

  • A bottle drying rack

  • A range of bottles from different brands so you can figure out what works best for your little one

  • Burp cloths

  • Milk storage bags, if you’ll be breastfeeding and pumping

  • A nursing pillow or boppy


Registry items for playtime

  • Toy storage bins

  • A play mat for tummy time

  • A play gym that can grow with your little one

  • Age- and developmentally-appropriate toys

  • Teething toys

  • Books, books, books


Registry items for travel and time outside

  • A combination stroller and car seat

  • A stroller fan

  • A car seat and stroller cover

  • A few receiving blankets or muslin cloths

  • A baby carrier or babywearing wrap

  • A roomy diaper bag

  • A wet/dry bag for on-the-go diaper changes and blowouts


Registry items for mom’s recovery

  • A rocker for the nursery

  • A bouncer or lounger that lets you put baby down while you shower, cook, clean, and more

  • Nursing bras and tops, if you plan to breastfeed

  • A breast pump, if you plan to breastfeed

  • A peri bottle

  • Witch hazel pads

  • A sitz bath

  • Postpartum underwear

  • Comfy, roomy sweatpants and pajamas


Let’s recap

Preparing for a newborn’s arrival requires a lot of planning—especially if you’re a first-time parent. Creating a registry that documents all the items, objects, and accessories you need to get through the first few months sets the whole family up for success.

When uncertainty strikes, reach out to Harbor’s infant care experts for support. Not sure about pajama sizing or stroller capabilities? We’ve helped hundreds of expectant parents like you figure out what they need to prepare for baby’s arrival.