Your Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist: 10 Must-Haves

Creating your baby registry is a key step in preparing for your newest addition, giving you the confidence and essentials to navigate this new chapter. Whether it’s your first baby or you’re adding another to the crew, choosing the right baby registry items is crucial for making those early days smoother. From essentials that keep your little one cozy to game-changers for your daily routine, we’ve rounded up the must-haves you won’t want to skip.

Let’s dive into the top 10 picks that belong on your baby registry checklist.

What Is a Baby Registry?

So, what is a baby registry? Think of it as your personal wish list, but instead of birthday presents or wedding gifts, it’s all about the baby gear. A baby registry is a curated list of must-haves (and a few nice-to-haves) that parents pick out in advance of their baby’s arrival.

It’s your way of letting friends and family know exactly what you need, so there aren’t any guessing games about swaddles, carriers, or that high-tech baby monitor you’ve been eyeing.

When to Create a Baby Registry

When it comes to setting up your baby registry, timing is key. Most parents start around the 20-week mark to allow plenty of time for researching and adding those must-have baby registry items. At this stage, there’s no rush, and you still have the energy to choose what to put on baby registry lists thoughtfully. By starting early, you can ensure you cover all the baby registry essentials without missing out on any of the important stuff.

Baby Registry Checklist

Creating the perfect baby registry checklist is easier when you’ve got a solid lineup of essentials—and know where to find them. That’s where Target comes in. When it comes to the best place to set up a baby registry, Target is a fan favorite, offering an extensive collection of must-haves in their Target baby registry ideas.

Here’s a quick guide to the top 10 baby registry must-haves for 2024:

Tushbaby Hip Carrier

The Tushbaby Hip Carrier isn’t just a carrier—it’s a multitasking marvel for parents on the go. It’s designed to support your back while evenly distributing your baby’s weight, so you can carry your little one without feeling like you need a doctor on speed dial. Plus, it has built-in storage for all the little things, from keys to snacks, making it perfect for adventures big or small.

Sound Machine

Because anything that helps your baby sleep is worth its weight in gold. Whether it’s white noise or soothing ocean waves, a good sound machine drowns out distractions and helps create the peaceful environment your baby needs to sleep soundly.

The Pod

Tired of digging through your bag for a pacifier only to find it covered in mystery crumbs? The Pod is Tushbaby’s sleek and stylish solution for paci storage and protection on the go. Clip it onto your Tushbaby carrier, your bag, or even your keys to keep pacifiers clean, safe, and right where you need them. Better still, The Pod doubles as a petite pouch for essentials like earbuds, credit cards, and lipstick.

Swaddle Blankets

A key player in making sure your little one sleeps better (and you, too). These cozy wraps help recreate that snug, womb-like feeling to keep your baby calm, secure, and (fingers crossed) asleep for longer stretches.

Convertible Car Seat

Get ahead of the game with a car seat that adapts to every growth stage. Designed to adjust as your child gets bigger, a convertible car seat saves you from buying multiple seats and ensures your little one is safe and comfy from newborn to toddlerhood.

Baby Monitor

For peace of mind when you finally get some downtime. A reliable baby monitor lets you keep an eye (and ear) on your baby from another room, so you can relax knowing they’re safe and sound.

Stroller

A solid stroller that’s durable and comfortable for all-day outings where you may need more than a hip carrier. Whether you’re in for a long day on your feet or just packing up for the park, a sturdy stroller with good wheels and a smooth ride is a total game changer for getting around with ease.

High Chair

Essential for those messy but adorable first food moments. Look for one that’s easy to clean (because there will be food everywhere) and adjustable to grow with your child as they transition from purees to solids.

Diaper Bag with Storage

Keep all your baby’s needs organized and on hand. A diaper bag with smart compartments makes it easy to quickly grab what you need, from wipes to bottles, without the dreaded bottom-of-the-bag search.

Baby Care Set

A baby care set is one of those sneaky baby registry essentials you didn’t know you needed until you’re elbow-deep in bath time. These sets usually come with everything from baby-safe shampoo and body wash to nail files and a gentle brush for that adorable baby fuzz. Think of it as the ultimate starter kit for keeping your little one fresh and pampered.

Don’t forget, Target makes it easy to track these baby registry items and helps your loved ones find your wishlist through the baby registry lookup feature. Plus, when you create your Target baby registry, they’ll send you a free baby registry welcome box packed with samples and coupons for baby and parent essentials.

FAQs

What Should You Not Include on Your Baby Registry?

When it comes to what to put on baby registry lists, it’s easy to go overboard, but there are some things that shouldn’t make the cut. Toys and books are fun, but they’ll pile up on their own—stick to practical baby registry ideas like diapers and swaddles that you’ll actually need right away. Trust us, your future self will thank you for keeping things simple and functional!

How Many Items Do You Need on Your Baby Registry?

If you’re wondering how many items should be on a baby registry, aim for around 100 to 120 to cover all the essentials without going overboard. Be sure to include the baby registry must-haves like diapers, bottles, and a sturdy crib, while leaving room for a few fun extras. A mix of price points ensures there’s something for everyone to choose.

When Should You Tell People About Your Baby Registry?

The best time to tell people about your baby registry is when you send out your baby shower invites—usually around a month before the event. This gives everyone time to browse your must-have baby registry items and pick out something that’s both practical and thoughtful. And don’t forget to include a link to your baby registry lookup so they can easily find your wishlist!

Do You Put Postpartum Items on a Baby Registry?

Absolutely, you should put postpartum items on your baby registry—because let’s face it, the fourth trimester is real. While it’s easy to focus on baby gear, don’t forget about yourself! Essentials like nursing pads, comfy robes, and soothing bath salts are total lifesavers during recovery. Adding a few postpartum must-haves alongside your baby registry items makes sure you’re just as taken care of as your little one.

As you build your Target baby registry, make sure to add Tushbaby’s parent-friendly essentials to help simplify life with your little one. Shop Tushbaby today!