With a baby on the way, it can feel like your to-do list is never-ending. But one task you don't want to overlook is creating your baby registry. Why? Because your friends and family are super excited to spoil you and your little bundle of joy with gifts! So, why not make their lives easier by directing them to a list of items you actually want and need? (Trust us, you'll need quite a bit of stuff for that little one!)

We get it. With the overwhelming number of baby essentials out there, it's hard to figure out where to start and what exactly to include in your registry. But ANB Baby has got your back! We've compiled the ultimate baby registry checklist so that you won't forget a single thing. Our guide covers all the baby registry essentials you'll need to ensure you're well-prepared for your baby's arrival. So, take a deep breath, relax, and let ANB Baby help you navigate through this exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) process. With our ultimate baby shower registry checklist, you'll be able to curate the perfect list of items for your little one and tackle parenthood like a pro.

What to Add to Your Baby Registry

Clothing

When registering for baby clothes, it's important to include a range of sizes. Newborn-size clothing may not last long as babies tend to outgrow them quickly, while some babies might fit into sizes 0-3 right from the start. It's also important to consider the season and anticipate the weather conditions your baby will experience at different stages. By registering for clothes in various sizes and considering the right attire for different weather, you'll ensure that your little one is comfortable and dressed appropriately as they grow.

• 4 to 8 onesies (opt for snaps at the neck or wide head openings, plus snaps under the crotch)
• 4 to 8 one-piece pajamas or gowns
• 2 footie sleepers or sleep sacks for a winter baby
• 1 to 3 sweaters or jackets (front-buttoned)
• 4 to 7 pairs of socks or booties 
• 1 to 3 hats (broad-brimmed for a summer baby or a soft cap that covers ears for a winter baby)
• No-scratch mittens
• Bunting bag or fleece suit for a winter baby
• 5 receiving or stroller blankets
• 5 burp cloths
• 5 bibs
• Gentle laundry detergent

Bedding and nursery items

Use only a fitted sheet in your little one’s crib. Avoid pillows, stuffed animals, crib bumpers, or blankets. This helps reduce the risk of suffocation or accidents during sleep and promotes a secure and comfortable sleeping space for your little one. 

• Bassinet
• Crib mattress
• Waterproof mattress protector
• 2 or more fitted sheets
• Night light
• White noise machine
• Baby monitor 
• Baby books
• Baskets or bins for storage

Feeding

If you don’t plan to nurse or pump, you’ll only need the starred items.

• Breast pump
• Breast milk freezer bags 
• Nursing pads
• Nursing bras 
• Nipple cream
• Feeding pillow*
• Formula*
• Bottle warmer*
• Bottle sterilizer*
• Baby bottles and nipples*
• Bottle brushes and bottle drying rack*
• High chair*

Bathing

• Baby bathtub
• Soft hooded towels and washcloths
• Baby hairbrush or cradle cap brush
• Baby-safe body wash, shampoo, and body lotion
• Simple bath toys
• Faucet cover

Diapering

• Diaper bag
• Diaper pail 
• Cloth or disposable diapers
• Diaper wipes
• Diaper cream
• Cotton balls and swabs

Healthcare necessities

• Baby-safe nail trimmer
• Baby thermometer
• Rubbing alcohol pads
• Saline nasal drops
• Nasal aspirator or suction bulb
• Pacifiers
• Humidifier

Baby gear

• Car seat
• Stroller
• Travel crib or play yard
• Swing or bouncy chair
• Infant carrier
• Activity mat
• Teething toys
• Organic cotton stuffed animals 

What NOT to Add to Your Baby Registry

While creating your baby registry checklist, it's important to know which items you can skip. Here are a few products that you should not request when preparing your list.

• Crib bumpers and inclined sleep aids. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long warned against the use of crib bumpers due to the potential risks of suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment. In a significant development, Congress passed the Safe Sleep Act in May 2022, officially banning the sale, manufacture, or distribution of bumpers and inclined sleepers (so you probably can’t add them to your registry anyway). This action aligns with the AAP's guidance and aims to ensure the safety and well-being of infants during sleep. 
• Drop-side cribs. Although the manufacturing of drop-side cribs was discontinued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 2011, there is still a possibility of encountering them if you receive a hand-me-down crib or purchase one secondhand. Make sure that the crib you use adheres to the current safety standards set by the CPSC. 
• Baby shoes. While baby shoes can be absolutely adorable, the truth is that infants don't actually need them. After all, babies aren't walking yet, and it's highly probable that your little one will simply kick off those shoes. Instead, it's best to opt for inexpensive booties, baby moccasins, or socks to keep their feet cozy and protected. Focus on comfort and practicality for now, and save those cute little shoes for when your baby starts taking their first steps.
• Teething gels. Teething gels containing benzocaine, such as Anbesol and Baby Orajel, not only offer limited benefits but also come with significant safety risks for babies and should be avoided, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It's also a good idea to steer clear of amber teething necklaces, as they are not particularly effective and can pose risks of strangulation and choking. Instead, opt for safe teething toys that provide relief and are specifically designed for this purpose. 
• Super fancy clothing. When it comes to baby clothes, durability is key. Infant clothes need to withstand daily spit-up and diaper blowouts, which often result in frequent hot rinse cycles. Unless you have a special event planned during the first few months of your baby's life, it's perfectly fine to focus on cute basics for their wardrobe. Prioritizing comfort and functionality will ensure that your little one is dressed appropriately while making laundry a breeze. 

The Bottom Line

Now that you know what to add and leave off of your baby registry, it's time to start marking off items from your list! Trust us, when it comes to preparing for your baby's arrival, creating your registry is a task you'll want to tackle sooner rather than later. So, don't delay, and begin curating your ANB Baby Gift Registry to ensure you have everything you need when the time comes.

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