Newborn Registry Checklist: What I Actually Used (and What I Wish I’d Had)

When I was pregnant, I made my baby list like most first-time moms: a little bit of research, a lot of guessing. Some things ended up saving me every single day. Others I barely touched. And a few things I didn’t have at all, and wished I had from day one.

This is the list I’d give my best friend. It’s organized by category, with my honest notes on each item.

A quick note on honesty: most of these are products I used myself. When the exact one I had isn’t sold in the US, I’ll tell you, and I’ll suggest the closest option you can find on Amazon.

Tip: if you’re building your list, an Amazon Baby Registry is free and easy to share with family. Amazon often adds perks for registry owners, like a welcome box or a completion discount, so check the current terms when you sign up.

1. Getting Around

Car seats

You’ll need a car seat before you leave the hospital, so this one goes at the top of the list.

• Infant car seat: Cybex Aton 2. This is the one I used for the first months. It clicks in and out of the base, so you can carry your sleeping baby without waking them. In the US, the current version is the Cybex Aton G2.
• Convertible car seat: Graco Extend2Fit. This is the car seat I have now, in the Gotham color. I chose it because it’s a very safe seat, and I’m happy with it. It’s not perfect, though: it doesn’t rotate, so if I were buying today, I’d look for one that does. Its secret is a 4-position extension panel that adds up to 5″ of legroom, so your child can keep riding rear-facing up to 50 lb. That matters, because pediatricians recommend keeping kids rear-facing as long as possible, until they reach the highest rear-facing weight or height allowed by their car seat. Safety laws set the minimum, which varies by state, but the longer, the safer, and with this seat, that can mean up to 50 lb. When it’s time, it turns forward-facing with a harness up to 65 lb, so it lasts for years. It’s also certified for use on airplanes in harness mode, which is great if you travel (check the label on the seat and your airline’s rules before you fly). The headrest and harness adjust together in one move, with no rethreading, which you’ll appreciate every time your child has a growth spurt. Check the Graco Extend2Fit · Read the full review

Car seat safety: always buy car seats new (you can’t know if a used one has been in a crash), check the expiration date, and if you can, have the installation checked by a certified child passenger safety technician.

Strollers: what kind of family are you?

I had two strollers, and they were good for completely different lives.

• A city stroller that folds small and takes up little space. Mine was a Babyzen YOYO, and it’s so practical in crowded places like restaurants and shopping malls, where a big stroller just gets in the way. It folds small enough to take on the plane as carry-on, which makes traveling so much easier. The YOYO isn’t sold on Amazon US, but these compact options work the same way:
• UPPAbaby Minu V3: from birth up to 50 lb, with suspension, and slim enough for most airplane overhead bins.
• gb Pockit Air All Terrain: only 10.4 lb, carry-on compliant and budget-friendly, with double wheels that don’t get stuck on cobblestones.
• Mountain Buggy Nano V3: under 13 lb, lies flat for newborns, and folds to fit many carry-on spaces.

Airline rules vary, so check your airline’s carry-on size before you fly.

• An all-terrain stroller if you live in the countryside, love being outdoors or like to run. I’m a runner, so this one was a must for me. My Mountain Buggy Swift has come with us on several trips, and it has handled everything: sand, broken sidewalks, dirt roads and runs on pavement. I haven’t tried it on grass yet, but I’m sure it would do just fine. The Swift is no longer sold on Amazon US, but these are great options:
• BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0: the closest to mine, a jogging stroller with big air-filled tires and suspension, an adjustable handlebar and 4.7 stars from more than 3,000 reviews.
• Thule Urban Glide 3: honestly, if money were no object, this is the one I’d buy. It’s lightweight, with a front wheel that locks for running, a twist hand brake for speed control, a big cargo basket and an adjustable handlebar. It can be used from birth with the Thule bassinet or an infant car seat adapter (sold separately).
• Baby Trend Expedition Jogger: the budget-friendly pick, with all-terrain bicycle tires, a lockable front wheel, a parent tray with cup holders and 4.7 stars from almost 6,000 reviews. It also works as a travel system with an infant car seat.

Running with your baby: most jogging stroller brands, including BOB, recommend waiting until around 8 months, when your baby has good head and neck control. Walking is fine sooner.

Carrier and wrap

• A stretchy wrap for the newborn weeks. Mine was a simple one, and most wraps do the same job, but pay attention to two things. First, the fabric: it should be soft and slightly stretchy, so it hugs your baby without feeling stiff. Second, the size: a wrap that’s too narrow or too short won’t tie securely. Most stretchy wraps are around 5 meters long (about 16 to 18 feet) and 50 to 55 cm wide (about 20 to 22 inches). The KeaBabies wrap is 514 x 55 cm, made of soft, breathable stretchy fabric, and certified hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. With almost 30,000 reviews, it’s one of the most popular wraps on Amazon.
• A structured carrier for later, for walks and travel. Read how a carrier saved our trip to Europe.

Diaper bag

I used the simple gray bag the clinic gave me when my baby was born, and I still use it today, especially for traveling. But I’ll be honest: it’s hard to keep organized. It has one big pocket and a few small ones, so I’m always rearranging it to find things quickly.

If I were buying one today, I’d go for the RUVALINO diaper bag backpack, mainly for its organization (and because I think it’s really pretty). It has mesh organizer pockets, insulated bottle pockets, an extra-wide opening so you can see everything at a glance, a changing pad and a pacifier case. It expands from 30 to 40 liters, works as a backpack, handbag or hung on the stroller, and has 4.8 stars from more than 36,000 reviews.

Travel high chair

A hook-on chair that clips onto almost any table is great for restaurants and visits. I almost bought the Inglesina Fast, but in the end someone gave us a different one as a gift. Mine works well, but it has no padding, and after sitting in it for a while my baby got a small sore from the hard seat. That’s exactly why I’d recommend the Inglesina instead.

The Inglesina Fast Table Chair has an extra-padded seat and a high backrest, so your baby sits comfortably at the table like a grown-up. It clips onto tables up to 3.5″ thick without scratching them, has a 3-point harness, a washable seat lining and its own carry bag. It’s designed for 6 to 36 months (up to 37 lb) and has 4.8 stars from more than 8,000 reviews.

2. Feeding

• A good nursing pillow. If there’s one thing I’d put at the top of this list, it’s this. Without the right support, you hunch over and hold your baby up with your wrists, feed after feed, and that’s how I ended up with “mommy thumb,” a tendinitis that still bothers me today. A firm nursing pillow brings your baby up to the right height, so your back, shoulders and wrists can finally relax. And here’s something nobody tells you: most of the time, you’ll be breastfeeding alone, with a hungry baby in your arms and no one to help you arrange the random pillows from the couch. So choose a nursing pillow that works for your real life, one you can put on with one hand and that stays in place on its own. We’re not octopuses (yet), wink wink. My top pick for the newborn weeks is the My Brest Friend Original: firm, flat and with a strap that keeps it in place. Read my full guide to the best nursing pillow for breastfeeding.
• A double electric breast pump. I used the Medela Swing Maxi, and pumping both sides at the same time cuts your pumping time in half. When you’re exhausted and your baby will want to eat again soon, that time makes a real difference. Medela says its 2-phase expression, which imitates your baby’s natural sucking, helps you get more milk than a single pump. It’s rechargeable (up to 1.5 hours without a plug, with USB-C charging), so you can pump anywhere in the house. The closed system keeps milk out of the tubing, and the flexible breast shields mold to your shape for a comfortable fit.
• A hands-free pumping bra. This is the one thing I wish I’d had from the very beginning. I pumped for 2 or 3 months holding the bottles with my hands before I finally got one, and it changed everything: I could even cook while I was pumping. My bra was from Medela, which doesn’t sell it on Amazon US. A similar one with great reviews is the Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bra: it’s adjustable, slips on over your regular nursing bra and has more than 20,000 reviews.
• A Haakaa. Full honesty: I had one and barely used it. But several of my friends swear by theirs, so it’s worth a spot on your list, especially if you have a lot of milk or leak a lot. While your baby feeds on one side, you attach this soft silicone collector to the other, and it gently catches the milk that would otherwise soak into a breast pad. Those drops add up, and you can save them for later. It’s made of 100% food-grade silicone, fits all breast shapes and costs much less than any pump. Check the Haakaa
• Silver nursing cups for sore or cracked nipples. When feeding hurts, these were a true relief for me. They’re tiny silver cups that sit over your nipples inside your bra: they protect the skin from rubbing on your clothes, and silver is known for its natural soothing properties. You don’t need any cream, so there’s nothing to wash off before the next feed. Mine were from a Chilean brand that isn’t sold in the US. My pick on Amazon is Koala Babycare Silver Nursing Cups: 925 sterling silver, reusable for the whole breastfeeding period and even your next baby, with 4.6 stars from almost 8,000 reviews, at a much friendlier price than the original. If you prefer the original Italian brand, handcrafted in Italy, go for Silverette.
• An infrared lamp for sore nipples. This was another thing that helped me when my nipples were damaged: I was advised to use an infrared heat lamp to help them heal. If you try it, be careful with the exposure. I was told a maximum of 10 minutes per breast, always away from your baby so the light doesn’t reach them, and with your face and eyes covered or protected. The Beurer IL11 Infrared Lamp has an adjustable angle, a protective grill and comes with protective glasses, with 4.3 stars from more than 3,800 reviews. Ask your doctor, midwife or lactation consultant before using it, and stop if your skin feels too hot or irritated.
• Bottles, but not too many. This is important: don’t buy a big set before your baby arrives. Every baby has a preference, and some babies never take a bottle at all. Start with one or two and see how it goes. We used Pigeon and NUK.
• Pacifiers and a pacifier clip. I used Suavinex pacifiers, which aren’t sold on Amazon US. The most similar one is the MAM Perfect 0-6 months. It was developed with orthodontists and pediatric dentists, and its extra-thin, super-soft silicone nipple supports healthy teeth and jaw development. It’s symmetrical, so it can’t go in upside down (a lifesaver at 3 a.m.), and it glows in the dark, so you can find it in the crib at night. A silicone pacifier clip saves you from picking the pacifier up off the floor all day, or losing it on the street. Never tie a pacifier around your baby’s neck, and remove the clip for sleep.
• A big water bottle for you. When you’re breastfeeding, you get really thirsty, and with a baby in your arms, it’s so easy to forget to drink. Mine is an insulated bubba bottle of about 800 ml (27 oz), with a handle on the lid so I can grab it with one hand and take it from room to room. It seals without leaks, so I can toss it in the diaper bag. A similar one is the bubba Dualsip 32 oz: leakproof, vacuum-insulated so your water stays cold for hours, and dishwasher-safe. Keep it next to your nursing chair, and refill it every time you sit down to feed.

3. Bath, Skin and Daily Care

• A baby bathtub with a newborn sling. In my experience, a tub with a soft fabric sling (like a little hammock) is much better than one with a hard plastic support, especially for those first nervous baths with a newborn. The sling cradles your baby, keeps their head above the water and leaves both your hands free to wash them. It’s also much nicer for your baby: the fabric is soft and flexible instead of hard, and it doesn’t feel cold against their skin the way plastic can. Mine was a whale-shaped Fisher-Price tub that isn’t sold on Amazon US. The Skip Hop 4-in-1 Grow with Baby tub has exactly that: a machine-washable mesh sling with a cushioned head support for newborns, then an upright position and a sit-up insert, so it lasts until your baby is a toddler. It has 4.7 stars from more than 13,000 reviews. Never leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a second.
• Gentle wash and creams. I used the Weleda Baby line after baths and diaper changes: the Calendula Diaper Cream and the Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash. Two other brands I love:
• Mustela, a French family brand and one of the best-known baby skincare names in Europe. Its products are soft and gentle, and they smell delicious. The easiest way to try it is the Mustela Newborn Arrival Gift Set, with 5 bath and skincare essentials in one box. It has 4.8 stars from almost 8,000 reviews and makes a lovely baby shower gift. If you prefer to buy one by one, start with the Gentle Cleansing Gel (hair and body, safe from birth, 4.8 stars from more than 22,000 reviews) and the Hydra Bébé Body Lotion.
• Eucerin Baby, a skincare brand that specialists often recommend, great if your baby has dry or sensitive skin. Try the Eucerin Baby Wash & Shampoo (tear-free and fragrance-free) and the Eucerin Baby Lotion.
• Wipes. WaterWipes are gentle on newborn skin.
• Newborn diapers. Huggies Little Snugglers or Pampers Swaddlers. Don’t overbuy the newborn size: babies grow out of it fast.
• A padded changing pad with a toy bar. I didn’t mention it until now, but it’s on my list for a reason: you’ll change diapers many times a day, and a comfortable, cushioned pad with something to look at keeps your baby calmer (and still) during changes. The Skip Hop Contoured Changing Pad has cushioned foam with raised sides, a wipe-clean surface (no covers to wash), a non-skid base, a safety belt and a tuck-away toy bar with a baby-safe mirror. It has 4.7 stars from almost 7,000 reviews. Always keep one hand on your baby while they’re on the changing pad, even with the belt on.
• An electric nail trimmer with a file. This is the thing I wish I’d had from day one. My baby scratched me and scratched their own face a lot. Until I got one, when my baby was 5 days old, I put socks on their hands, because we didn’t have mittens yet (and socks stayed on surprisingly well). An electric file is gentle and you don’t risk cutting the skin. Just make sure it comes with pads made for newborns (the softest, finest ones, usually marked 0–3 months), and always start on the lowest speed. Check what’s included before you buy. Check the Momcozy nail file · No-scratch mittens
• A good nasal aspirator and saline spray. Don’t buy just any aspirator: cheap ones often don’t work and can irritate your baby’s nose. And be careful with electric ones: they can be too strong for your baby’s delicate nose. I preferred a manual one that you control with your own breath. I know, it sounds a little disgusting, but in the end, we do anything for our little ones (and a filter keeps everything safely away from you). Mine was a Nariklin, which isn’t sold in the US. The most recommended one there is the NoseFrida, with almost 40,000 reviews. Pair it with a gentle saline spray to loosen the mucus first.
• An all-in-one baby care kit. If you want to cover several basics at once (or you’re looking for a great baby shower gift), the Momcozy Elite Baby Kit isn’t cheap, but it comes with a lot: an electric nail trimmer, a nasal aspirator, a heated tummy wrap, a thermometer, a medicine pacifier, a bath brush, a cradle cap brush, a teether, a finger toothbrush and a comb, all in one bag, with 4.8 stars. Three of the things inside are ones I really missed:
• The heated tummy wrap. My baby suffered from colic, and I would have loved to have one to soothe that little tummy a bit. Gentle warmth can help comfort a gassy, colicky baby. If you only want this one, the Dr. Brown’s Gripebelt is a soft, adjustable belly band with a reusable clay pack that you warm in the microwave for about 10 seconds (it can also be frozen to use as a cold pack). Always test the temperature on your wrist first (it should feel just warm, never hot), stay with your baby while they wear it, and never use it during sleep.
• The medicine pacifier. I didn’t have one, so I gave medicine with a syringe or a spoon. It works, but a pacifier dispenser is so much easier: your baby sucks and the medicine goes in without spills or fights. If you only want this one, the Frida Baby Medi Frida has 4.8 stars from more than 23,000 reviews.
• The finger toothbrush. Brushing is a habit I wish I’d started earlier. I began brushing my baby’s teeth at 12 months, and at first it was hard. I finally found a way, and now we brush every night, but starting early makes it so much easier. Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. About toothpaste: in the US, the usual advice is a tiny rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth, but always check with your pediatrician or dentist first. If you only want this one, try a soft silicone finger toothbrush. Later, move to a real baby toothbrush: I use a Pigeon one, and a popular option on Amazon is the Dr. Brown’s Infant-to-Toddler Toothbrush.
• A note about the Momcozy Elite Baby Kit: its nasal aspirator is electric. If you use it, start on the lowest setting, or go with a manual one like the NoseFrida (see above).
• A spacer with a valve and mask. They’re expensive, and it’s good to have one ready from the start in case your pediatrician prescribes inhaled medicine. Only use it as your pediatrician recommends, and ask them which size to buy.

4. Play and Rest

• A simple baby bouncer. This was one of the most helpful things I had, and I didn’t need a fancy one: the most basic model worked perfectly. When I was home alone with my baby, it gave me my hands back: I could take a shower, cook or eat a real meal while my baby sat safely next to me, entertained by the little toys hanging from the toy bar. The Bright Starts bouncer is simple, affordable and even has a soothing vibration mode, something I never got to try but would have loved to. It has 4.5 stars from more than 13,000 reviews.

• My favorite upgrade: when my baby outgrew the basic bouncer, I really missed having a seat for a bigger baby. That’s why I’d choose the Ergobaby Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer today. It costs more, but it grows with your child in 3 stages: a newborn lounger (with a patented insert that supports from head to hips), an infant bouncer and a toddler seat, from 5.5 to 25 lb. Your baby rocks it naturally with their own movement, so there are no batteries or plugs. The fabric is breathable and machine washable, and the frame folds flat. It was named “Best Newborn Bouncer” by Parents in 2025 and has 4.7 stars.
• To take everywhere: the Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer has 3 recline positions, organic cotton fabric and folds flat into its own carry bag, so it goes wherever you go.
• An electric swing: if you want motion without bouncing it yourself, the Bright Starts Portable Electric Swing has 6 quiet speeds, 10 melodies and 4.5 stars from more than 9,000 reviews. I didn’t choose a swing because it takes up more space, costs more and needs batteries or a plug. I also preferred that my baby learn to rock the bouncer on their own.

A bouncer or swing is not for sleep. If your baby falls asleep in it, move them to a flat, firm sleep space. Always use the straps and keep bouncers on the floor.

• A play gym. Great for tummy time and for the first months of play. Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym

• Newborn sensory toys. Newborns don’t need many toys, but a few simple ones help them explore with their eyes, ears and hands. These are the four types I’d have at home:
• Black and white: newborns see high contrast best, so black-and-white cards are perfect for tummy time and for the first weeks. The beiens High Contrast Baby Flashcards have 4.8 stars from almost 7,000 reviews.
• Sounds: wrist rattles and foot finder socks make a sound every time your baby moves, which helps them discover their own hands and feet (4.7 stars, more than 10,000 reviews).
• Textures: soft high-contrast cloth books, with crinkly pages and different fabrics to touch, are washable and great for little hands (4.8 stars).
• All in one: if you want a single gift, the Joyreal High Contrast Baby Toy Set comes with a car seat toy, a rattle, a black-and-white book and high-contrast cards in one bag.
• Toys are for awake, supervised play. Keep them out of the crib or bassinet when your baby sleeps.

• A thick, padded play mat. Mine is from a Chilean brand, Oruga Kids, and what I love is that it’s thick enough to cushion bumps when your baby rolls, sits up and starts to fall over. Look for at least 0.8 inch (2 cm) of foam. The XXL 0.8-inch Foldable Play Mat is the most similar: 79 x 71 inches, reversible, waterproof and easy to wipe clean.

• A bassinet for the living room. I didn’t have one, and I missed it. I used the stroller bassinet instead, but a separate bassinet would have made naps in the living room so much easier. My pick is the Chicco LullaGo Anywhere: it weighs only 13 lb, has a firm, flat waterproof mattress, mesh sides so you can always see your baby, and it folds flat into a carry bag to take on visits or trips. It’s GREENGUARD Gold certified and has 4.7 stars. For safe sleep: a firm, flat mattress, nothing else inside, and always on their back.
• A baby monitor. Read my VTech VM924 review, the one I still use after 15 months.

What I Wish I’d Had From Day One

If I could go back, I’d add these things to my list before the birth:

1. An electric nail trimmer with newborn pads, so I wouldn’t have needed socks on my baby’s hands.
2. A bassinet for the living room, for naps outside the bedroom.
3. A hands-free pumping bra, so I could pump and still have my hands free, even to cook.
4. The Ergobaby Evolve bouncer, so I’d have had a seat that kept growing with my baby.
5. A padded changing pad with a toy bar, to make all those diaper changes calmer.

And a few smaller things I missed: a tummy warmer for colic, a medicine pacifier and a finger toothbrush for the first teeth (all three come in the Momcozy kit).

Want to add these to your own list? You can put everything from this post on one Amazon Baby Registry and share a single link with family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start my baby registry? Many parents start in the second trimester, so friends and family have time to see it before a baby shower. You can keep adding to it until the birth.

What’s the most useful item on this list? For me, apart from the essentials like the stroller and the baby carrier: the bouncer and the electric nail trimmer. One gave me my hands back, the other stopped the scratches.

Do I need everything on this list? No. Start with the essentials (car seat, stroller, a place to sleep, diapers, wipes and feeding basics) and add the rest as you see what your baby needs.

The Bottom Line

No list is perfect, because every baby and every mom is different. But these are the things that made my first months easier, plus the ones I wish I’d had sooner. If you’re building your list now, you can start an Amazon Baby Registry and add what fits your family.

Congratulations, mama. You’ve got this.