One of the best parts of pregnancy is creating your baby registry. It’s so important to register for those baby must-haves, so you are all ready for your newborn’s arrival.
Given the plethora of available choices, from Amazon baby registry must-haves to Walmart’s offerings, determining what truly matters can overwhelm. This guide sheds light on the must-haves for baby registry, current for this year, offering perspectives for first-time moms and seasoned parents alike.
Target baby registry must-haves, Babylist registry essentials, and more— I hope this post gives you wisdom in choosing the best items from an experienced mom of 3 to you!
Read on to find out our favorite must have items for this year!
This post contains affiliate links. All content and opinions are my own.
Choosing Where to Register
I’m a mom of three and thought extensively on where to create my baby registry every time. Currently I think Babylist has the best offerings with Amazon not far behind.
However, if you want to dive deeper check out our guide that compares all the >> best baby registries!
Various platforms offered their unique benefits, which made the decision intriguing. Amazon baby registry must-haves included a vast selection that seemed unending. It promised convenience with a click of a button.
Target and Walmart baby registry must-haves, on the other hand, were not far behind. They promised enticing discounts that were hard to overlook. The choice wasn’t easy, but it became clear that each had something special to offer. Honestly, I like to at least create a registry everywhere just to get the free baby stuff!
For 2024, I realized the platform I would choose needed to offer more than just products. It needed to provide a seamless experience from start to finish. Amazon, with its easy returns and vast choice, seemed like a stronghold. Yet, Target and Walmart competed fiercely with their physical locations for immediate needs. Each choice beckoned with unique perks, making the journey of picking one both challenging and exciting.
Must-Have Items for Your Baby Registry
I’ve learned that preparing for a little one’s arrival will involve choices, plenty of them. Among these decisions, choosing the essentials to include on a baby registry ranks high. Before you register you might also want to read this list of things not to buy for baby.
For first-time moms and dads, as well as veteran parents understanding what must-haves to gear up for can feel overwhelming. I’ve sifted through Amazon, Target, and Walmart baby registry must-haves, not to forget the recommendations from Babylist registry must-haves, to craft a guide that touches on everything from nursery necessities to health products and engaging toys.
Nursery Essentials
Choosing the right items for the baby registry can feel overwhelming. Focused on the nursery, a sanctuary for your newborn, I’ve looked through so many options to highlight the essentials. Reflecting on perspectives from Amazon baby registry must-haves to the curated choices on Walmart and Target, certain items consistently top the list.
A sturdy crib
This will ensure your baby’s sleep environment is safe and comfortable. Models that convert can grow with them, providing value for years.
The adaptable design of the Adley 3-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib from Delta Children coordinates with many styles-pair it with a mid-century dresser for a modern look, a rustic storage piece for a farmhouse feel or keep it classic with timeless décor. The crib's straight lines, airy slats, and convertible design that transforms from a crib to a toddler bed or daybed makes it the most versatile choice.
Playfully pairing painted and natural wood surfaces, the Lolly 3-in-1 Convertible Crib has a clean, modern look. The round spindles contrast with the rectilinear frame, which is softened with curved corners and tapering legs. Use the included conversion kit to transform the crib to a toddler bed.
The Monarch Hill Ivy Metal Crib has a beautifully arched metal frame and decorative ball castings for a timelessly classic look. It adjusts to three different heights (start at the highest and lower as baby grows). When they’re ready, it also converts into a toddler bed (toddler rail sold separately).
A comfortable mattress
Finding a good mattress complements the crib, designed for infants to support their developing spines while ensuring they rest peacefully.
Introducing the Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress — America's #1 Crib Mattress (*Based on dollars sold, according to 2019-2022 market data compiled by The NPD Group). GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Formaldehyde Free Certified by UL, JPMA Certified, and with a CertiPUR-US Certified foam core. Proud recipient of the 2023 Top Product Award by Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA), the PTPA Seal of Approval, the 2020-2023 Women’s Choice Award for “9 out of 10 Customer Recommended Crib & Toddler Mattress” and National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA) winner.
The Sealy Baby Posturepedic Evolution 2-Stage baby crib mattress and toddler mattress provides one-of-a-kind targeted support with the Posturepedic® Advanced Zone Support System. The targeted areas create support and comfort where infants and toddlers need it most and is unlike any other baby mattress available.
Every inch of this mattress was designed for your baby’s health, safety and comfort. The star of the show: a patented Wovenaire core that’s made of 90% free air (yes, air) and 10% food-grade polymer—so basically your baby could breathe right through it.
Storage solutions
Good storage keeps necessities within reach yet neatly organized. This aids remarkably in maintaining a clutter-free space, vital for your peace of mind and the baby’s safety.
These Over-the-Door Storage Organizers features an adorable Brannan Bear icon, polka dot motif and stripe pattern for a signature babyGap look. Great for stashing diapers, clothing, toys and more, they have four spacious pockets and two attached universal-fit hooks.
Add organization to any area of your home with the portable Floral Storage Caddy by Trend Lab. Perfect for dressers and changing stations, this lightly padded caddy has 8 outer pockets and a removable “T” separator for maximum versatility.
STURDY & STYLISH: This Kids Bookcase and Toy Storage Made from Engineered Wood, Construction is Durable With A Child-Safe And Easy-To-Clean Finish.White ,Painted Finish Adds a Clean Touch to Any Room.
A Cozy Rocking Chair
While this is not a must-have, my rocking chair became one of my cherished spots for feeding and bonding moments with all of my babies.
This rocking chair with ottoman is combined with soft linen fabric & strong stitches, providing you extra comfort.
Take some time to relax in this charming rocking chair. Designed with soft cushions, a high backrest, and includes a lumbar cushion for ultimate comfort.
This rocking chair adopts an excellent radian design, and there are non-slip foot pads under the base, making it rock gently and smoothly.
Baby Gear Essentials
I can’t stress enough the importance of including pivotal baby gear in your registry. Among these, the infant or convertible car seat towers above all. This is because its so important to keep your new little one safe on the go.
Similarly, a sturdy and reliable stroller becomes indispensable. It promotes mobility and ensures that outdoor ventures with your bundle of joy remain a breeze. The car seat and stroller often become the most used items during a baby’s early life stages.
Strollers
Joovy is an American company that makes vibrant, high-quality gear for your family. All their products, from high chairs to double strollers, have been designed to be useful, dependable, and just plain FUN. Say goodbye to ugly patterns and throwaway construction: you can use Joovy's products until they've been run ragged by the memories you make as a family.
Indulge yourself with the perfect blend of quality, comfort and style when you and your child experience the Baby Trend® Tango™ Stroller together. The lightweight, nimble stroller holds an abundance of features that you both will enjoy.
The Revolution Flex 3.0’s mountain bike-style suspension and air-filled tires provide an ultra-smooth ride on any type of terrain—sidewalks to hiking trails. It has a low-resistance push design, 360-degree swiveling front wheel and shocks mounted by the seating area so your little adventurer will feel less bumps along the way and ride happier, longer.
Carseats
Get the car seat that’s built to grow! From your first ride together coming home from the hospital to soccer day carpools, the Safety 1st Grow and Go™ All-in-One Convertible Car Seat will give your child a safe and comfortable ride. Built to Grow Through Three Stages The Grow and Go™ All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is designed to last through all your firsts with your child.
The Diono Radian 3R is the original slim-fit 3 across All-in-One convertible car seat, designed to protect from baby to booster seat (5 - 120 lb). Lovingly engineered with the famous Diono steel reinforced frame and now rear facing for even longer, expect 10 years of safety from just one car seat.
Ready to go with room to grow! The Britax Poplar™ S convertible car seat takes the stress out of moving to the next car seat stage thanks to the patented ClickTight® installation and slim SpaceSaver™ design. This convertible car seat accommodates up to 50 lbs when installed rear-facing and switches to a forward-facing car seat as your child grows.
Feeding Essentials
Each baby registry must have a handful of items critical for feeding times, especially for first-time moms navigating the overwhelming world of baby products.
Breastfeeding essentials, such as nursing pillows and breast pumps, had been indispensable for me. They offered a comfort zone where I could feed my baby with ease. For those preferring or requiring bottle-feeding, investing in a durable set of bottles that meet your baby’s feeding style is crucial.
A giftable box of five popular baby bottles that lets new parents try out different ones to see which works best for them—before buying a whole set.
The average parent buys more than 10 sippy cups. Cue the Babylist Sippy Cup Box—it lets you try out four different brands and styles before stocking up on your favorite.
Your options have never been better with Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow® Anti-Colic Options+™ Narrow Baby Bottle. The anti-colic internal vent system is clinically proven to reduce colic. Dr. Brown’s® bottles provide a more comfortable feeding experience for baby by decreasing spit-up, burping and gas.
This Boppy nursing pillow provides ergonomic support for breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and bonding. The c-shaped design allows for multiple feeding styles—cradle, cross cradle, football hold and bottle feeding. Aids positioning for a better latch and back relief. Machine washable for easy cleaning with removeable pillow cover for added ease.
All-Around Comfort - New concept of the double-sealed flange made from suction-sealed materials makes spills a thing of the past. It is designed to give moms that “barely-there” all-around comfort fit, and a spa-level pumping experience.
Bath Time Necessities
Ensuring a smooth and safe bath experience for our little ones requires some essential items. A baby tub has become a must-have for me. It provides a secure environment for bathing, making the process less stressful for both the parent and the baby. Having a baby tub that fits well in the sink or the bathtub can make all the difference.
Bath time is a special time to connect with your baby, and Angelcare makes handling your slippery infant safer and easier. The ergonomic design offers baby a comfortable place to recline, relax and enjoy - and it offers parents peace of mind knowing that baby is secure.
Welcome Baby! The Honest Baby Arrival Gift Set includes bestselling, naturally-derived essentials for baby + parents. Add to your own Baby Registry or give it as a gift for a friend’s shower!
Bathing baby can be a pain in the splash with all the gear you need for every stage they go through. The Grow-With-Me Baby Bath Tub is the one-and-done solution baby tub for newborns to toddlers. The bath pad cradles newborns on one side, and can flip to support & secure babies who are learning to sit up. Remove the pad completely for toddlers to give them space to soak and splash. Hang the baby bath tub to dry thanks to its built-in hook.
Health and Safety Products
It’s always good to have a baby health and safety kit on hand before your baby comes home from the hospital. These usually contain items you might need like a baby nail clipper and
While we hope this is a kit you’ll never need, most babies will get sick or hurt from time to time. So we worked with emergency-room doctors (and parents) to help you feel prepared if and when that time comes. These hospital-grade medical supplies and soothers were ones they depended on in their daily practice.
Be ready for anything baby throws your way. The Ultimate Baby Kit is your one-stop, curated assortment of fuss-busting solutions, including ten health and wellness, grooming, and teething must-haves. Whether you need to conquer congestion, tame their mane, or soothe sore gums, consider yourself armed and ready.
Entertainment and Education
Engaging a baby’s senses and stimulating their mind is crucial from an early age. Toys and books hold paramount importance in this developmental journey.
For those curating their registry must-haves, this cannot be overlooked. From tactile toys designed for tiny hands to colorful board books that capture their gaze, these items support cognitive and sensory development.
A giftable box with five curated board books to build baby’s first library.
Teethers give little ones something besides their fingers, or yours, to chomp on, and they help relieve achy gums. The Babylist Teether Box comes with five popular options for varying ages and stages so you can see which one your baby likes best. Bonus: the engaging designs double as toys.
Enjoy a light show with Disney’s Finding Nemo Mr. Ray Activity Gym under the cheerful stingray canopy! The number one Finding Nemo activity gym features twinkly lights to captivate & create immersive experience for baby
What to Avoid Adding to Your Registry
I learned a lot through having my 3 babies. Not every item billed as a “must-have” genuinely deserves a spot on your list. It becomes essential to discern which products to pass on, reducing clutter and focusing on essentials.
I wrote a whole post about this HERE, but I’ll discuss a few below.
For instance, crib bumpers might seem like an appealing way to cushion your baby’s space, yet they pose safety risks and have been advised against by experts.
Similarly, wipe warmers, while convenient, rapidly fall into the category of unnecessary luxury. These items, though marketed for comfort, offer little real value and can be effortlessly skipped. I focused my attention on items that would offer safety, convenience, and actual use.
Equally, I found that baby shoes, adorable as they may be, serve no practical purpose for newborns. Adding them to a registry felt silly since babies outgrow them quickly without ever truly needing them. Moreover, formula dispensers and teething gels also didn’t make the cut.
Registry Tips for Parents Expecting Multiples
Expecting twins or more brings joy and excitement, alongside a unique set of challenges. One such challenge will be deciding how to best approach your baby registry.
Firstly, focus on doubling up on the absolute necessities. Two infant car seats and double strollers will be non-negotiables for transporting your little ones safely.
Similarly, ample baby gear like no-scratch mittens and fleece suits for winter babies ensure comfort for both.
However, not everything requires a duplicate. Items like a changing table or a dresser can be shared, emphasizing the need for strategic purchasing. Furthermore, platforms like Target and Walmart baby registry must-haves often feature discounts and deals beneficial for parents expecting multiples. These savings can be substantial, making a significant difference in preparation costs.
Final Thoughts: Gearing Up For the Big Day
Creating a registry is daunting perhaps for first time moms, but with a list of must haves it isn’t so hard.
For every parent, the registry presents a unique opportunity to customize according to your personal style, needs, and preferences. It stands as a testament to the meticulous care and thought you’ve placed into preparing for your baby’s arrival.
In wrapping up, I hope this guide has illuminated the path to creating a baby registry that resonates with you. May it serve as a helpful companion as you gear up for one of life’s most beautiful chapters. With every item ticked off your list, may you feel one step closer to being ready for the big day.
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