By Olivia DeLong, former senior health editor at BabyCenter and What to Expect.
Around 12 weeks pregnant, I popped online to start my baby registry – something I’d been looking forward to for months. But I quickly realized that when it comes to baby gear, there’s a lot to figure out. What kind of car seat works best for my car? Do I really need five different bottle types? My questions felt endless.
So I did what I always do: I texted a few mom friends, gathered their recommendations, and built what I thought was a pretty solid baby registry. And honestly, many of those picks – like a hook-on high chair, a baby bouncer, and a monitor – ended up being staples we used all the time. Others? Not so much.
After actually living through the newborn stage, I’d tweak my original registry if I were building one today. These are the 23 baby registry items I’d absolutely include again – you can thank me later.
1. Lalo, Hook-On High Chair
A hook-on high chair was a total game-changer. It made early solids and eating out or traveling so much easier. The Lalo version is easy to clean, folds down nicely, and comes in three neutral colors. My favorite feature? The adjustable footrest for ergonomic support. Small detail, big difference.
2. Zoe The Traveler Stroller
We traveled often when our daughter was little, and this stroller was an MVP. Lightweight (just 13 pounds), easy to fold and maneuver, and compact enough to fit in overhead bins. We honestly used it until she was five – yes, even for Disney trips.
3. Nuna PIPA Aire Car Seat
We love Nuna gear, and this car seat didn’t disappoint. It’s lightweight, made with flame-retardant–free materials, works with the Nuna MIXX stroller, and can be used on airplanes with or without the base (a huge plus when you’re juggling a baby and everything else).
4. Coterie Diapers
The hype is real. These diapers are made with clean, hypoallergenic materials, come in eight sizes, and actually work, day and night. The subscription option is also a lifesaver when you don’t want to think about restocking.Coterie Diaper
5. Canopy Bedside Humidifier
Our pediatrician recommended a humidifier early on, and this one checks all the boxes. It’s dishwasher-safe (hallelujah), has built-in white noise, looks sleek, and is loved by skin experts. A great long-term investment.
6. Tubby Todd The Regulars Bundle
This brand is perfect for babies with sensitive skin or eczema since their products are clean, gentle, and effective. The bundle lets you try their body wash, lotion, in a fragrance-free option, or a calming scent like lavender and rosemary. Honestly, I used them for myself too.
7. Comotomo Silicone Baby Bottle Bundle Starter Gift Set
I tried nearly every bottle out there, and these were our clear winners. Minimal parts, dishwasher-safe, soft silicone, and an extra-wide nipple that works well for both breastfed and bottle-fed babies. The starter set includes multiple sizes so you can adjust as your baby grows.
8. Nanit Baby Monitor System
There's no question the Nanit is the gold standard of baby monitors. Crystal-clear video, real-time sound and movement alerts, and phone access – even when we had a babysitter. There are plenty of add-ons, too, like travel stands and extra screens. Major bonus? After 6 years, ours is still kicking! A solid 10/10.
9. Lalo Play Gym
Play gyms were essential during wake windows – hello tummy time, rolling practice, and cuddles. This one includes sensory toys like a mirror and silicone ball, plus a clean, safe mat that looks good in your space. Available in two chic colors, with optional art cards. Yes, please!
10. Weezie Blankets
A soft cotton blanket is a must for tummy time, outings, and nursery décor (never for the crib, of course – safe sleep always). These Weezie blankets are adorable, cozy, and customizable with embroidery. I especially love the floral prints.
11. Hatch Sound Machine
Confession: I use this one too. Years later, our Hatch is still going strong. It offers soothing sleep sounds, gentle lights, app control, and even lets you record a personalized bedtime message.
12. Magnetic Me Magnetic Footie
Newborns sleep…. a lot. Which means you are gonna need an outrageous number of sleepytime outfits. These magnetic sleepers are a lifesaver during middle-of-the-night diaper changes. No zippers, no buttons, just snap shut and go. The breathable TENCEL™ fabric is soft and cozy, too.Magnetic Me Magnetic Footie
13. Halo Bassinet
After gifting ours to a friend, she texted me after night one: “We actually slept.” Enough said. The swivel feature makes nighttime feedings easier, and it’s ideal for keeping baby close while following safe sleep guidelines.
14. BUMPSUIT Armadillo Baby Carrier
I wore Amelia everywhere. This carrier is chic and functional, with padded lumbar support, cozy cushioning for baby, plenty of pockets, and adjustable positions for inward- and outward-facing wear.
15. Baby Bjorn Bouncer Bliss
Hands down one of our most-used baby items. Perfect for when you need a few hands-free minutes. It’s lightweight, folds flat, and was developed with pediatric experts to ensure proper support.
16. Boppy Feeding Pillow
Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, a supportive pillow makes a huge difference. This one is easy to use, works in multiple positions, and comes in neutral designs (with optional covers if you want to mix it up). I used mine around the clock.
17. Lalo Baby Bathtub
Bath time is already adorable (who doesn’t swoon over a smiley baby wrapped up in a towel?). But this bathtub makes things easy, too. Made from non-toxic materials, it includes a removable insert for different stages, supporting newborns early on and encouraging sitting as your baby grows.
18. Frida Quick Read Digital Rectal Thermometer
Rectal thermometers are the most accurate for infants, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This one gives a reading in 10 seconds, stores previous temps, and includes a stopper so it’s safe and easy to use.
19. BIBS Pacifiers
You never know which pacifier a baby will prefer, but these were a favorite in our house. They come in multiple sizes and nipple styles, and the curved shield is gentler on baby’s skin. They’re also known for closely mimicking the way your baby positions their suck to breastfeed, too.
20. Water Wipes
My daughter is 6-years-old and I’m still using these water wipes for just about everything. Made with minimal ingredients, they’re great for diaper changes, messy meals, and everyday cleanups. Pro tip: set up a subscription so you never run out.
21. Halo Sleepsack Swaddles
We tried a lot of swaddles—and like pacifiers, it can take some trial and error to find the right fit. The HALO Sleepsack was hands down Amelia’s favorite. It’s incredibly easy to use (zip up, then Velcro), which is clutch during sleepy, middle-of-the-night changes. It keeps your baby secure and helps limit that startle reflex – basically acting as a super-snuggly cocoon.
22. Zutano Cozie Fleece Zipper Booties
I have a long-standing grudge against baby socks. None of them stay on. After venting to a mom friend, these showed up on my doorstep and I was instantly converted. Zutano’s fleece booties are warm, cozy, and actually stay put thanks to the snap closure. Larger sizes even have gripper soles, which is great once your baby starts cruising.
23. Burb Cloths by Little Unicorn
You’re going to need a lot of burp cloths—and these are some of the best. Little Unicorn’s muslin cloths are soft, stylish, and ultra-absorbent thanks to four layers of cotton muslin. They’ll quickly become a daily staple, and the prints (especially the Garden Bee pattern) are almost too cute to hide in a diaper bag.
About the writer:
Olivia DeLong is the former senior health editor at BabyCenter and What to Expect. She’s been an editor, writer, and content strategist for over 15 years, holding staff positions at WomansDay.com and Sharecare prior to her role at pregnancy and parenting brands. After a traumatic fertility journey, she’s now a mom to her 6-year-old miracle girl, and lives with her family in Atlanta, Georgia. She loves digging into parenting, women’s health, and wellness trends with experts, and believes that speaking up about just about anything is so important for moms to feel seen.
