Making sure you have everything you need for your baby's arrival can be an overwhelming task.

It’s not always obvious to parents what items they actually need on their baby registry. This is especially the case for first time parents. To help you figure out which items should be on your registry, we’ve made a list of the items most commonly found on baby registries.

Before we jump into the list of items you need on your baby registry, here are two helpful tips:

1. Making a registry is more manageable if you break it out into the following six categories: Feeding, Bedroom, Bathroom, Going out, Clothing and Play.

2. It can be helpful to keep two lists; one with all the items you know you 'definitely' need and another with items you 'might' need. That way you can prioritise getting all the items on the ‘definitely need’ list, while not losing track of the items on your 'might need' list.

Online registry providers like Moonsift allow you to create as many registry lists as you like, so keeping multiple lists is easy.

You'll also find a more comprehensive registry checklist specifically designed to help first-time parents ensure they have everything they need before their little one arrives.

What is usually on a baby registry?

Below is our check list of the most commonly found items on baby registries in 2023. You can also browse real product examples using the following links: 2023 Baby registry USA / 2023 Baby registry UK

Baby Sleep Items

Creating a safe and soothing sleep environment is one of the most important things you can do in those early months. From cribs to white noise, here are the essentials that help your baby (and you!) get better rest.

Baby Clothing

Keeping your baby comfortable starts with the right basics. These cozy, practical pieces make dressing (and changing!) easy while keeping your little one snug, safe, and season-ready.

Baby Travel Essentials

Getting out of the house with a newborn can feel like a mission, but having the right gear makes all the difference. These travel essentials help keep your baby safe, comfortable, and well-prepared, whether you're running errands or going on a weekend getaway.

Baby Feeding

Feeding your baby, whether nursing, pumping, or using formula, comes with its own learning curve. These essentials help make the process smoother, cleaner, and more comfortable for both of you.

Baby Health & Bath

Keeping your baby clean, comfortable, and healthy doesn’t need to be complicated, but having the right basics on hand makes a huge difference. These essentials will help you stay prepared for bathtime and minor health hiccups.

This checklist covers the most commonly recommended essentials, but when it comes to bigger purchases, it’s worth chatting with friends who have kids, and reading reviews to make the best choice for you and your baby.

What do you put on a first time baby registry?

When it's your first baby, you are starting from scratch. With so much to acquire, making a registry is a must. Not just so that friends and family can support you with gifts, but also to help you stay organised. Having a list of everything you may need will help your peace of mind.

Below is a complete checklist of everything you might need as a first time parent. Use the list to help you decide what you want to put on your baby registry and what you want to buy yourself.

Comprehensive first time baby checklist:

Baby Sleep:

• Co-sleeper or bassinet

• Cot/ crib (not needed for first few months)

• Moses basket

• Mattres protector

• Fitted sheets x 2 at least

• Blackout drapes/ curtains

• Baby monitor

• Sleepsuit

• Baby sleeping bag

• White noise machine

• Pacifiers/ dummies

• Pacifier/ dummy clip

Baby clothing:

Start with 0-3 month old clothing. If you can start planning for 0-6 months as well you will have less to do in the first 3 months. This should include:

• Onesises (x10)

• Bodysuits/ Romper (x5 short sleeve & x5 long sleeve)

• Sleepsuits (x5)

• Jumper / sweatshirt

• Footed pants

• Shorts

• Pramsuit

• Booties

• Socks (x5)

• Woollen hat/ beanie

• Sun hat

• Swim suite (if relevant)

• Drool bibs (x5)

• Muslin (x10)

• Shoes are just for novelty until they walk

Baby Travel:

Going out your front door is about to get a lot harder, here are the items you will need:

• Car seat (don’t get second hand)

• Baby changing bag

• Travel changing mat

• Pram/ Stroller

• Baby carrier or wrap/ sling

• Travel pump (if relevant)

• Travel cot/ crib (if expecting to stay away overnight)

• Snooze shade

• Sun shade for car

Baby Feeding:

This will depend on your intended feeding plan. Your baby may not always decide to follow your feeding plan, so you may need to be open to exploring different options.

• Bottles

• Breast pump

• Formula (if relevant)

• Burp cloths/ muslin squares (x10)

• Bottle sterilisers

• Bottle brush

• High chair (won’t need for 1st 6 months)

• Silicone bib (won’t need for 1st 6 months)

Baby Changing & cleaning:

• Changing table (ideally with drawers)

• Changing mat

• Diapers/ nappies (x100+)

• Cotton balls

• Nappy wipes

• Baby bath

• Baby body wash

• Hooded bath towel

Baby health & other:

• Body thermometer

• Room & water thermometer

• Nappy rash cream

• Saline nasal drops

• Nasal aspirator

• Baby scissors

• Baby Paracetamol

• Nipple guards / shields,

• Nipple cream

• Nursing bras

• Breast pads

• Maternity pads

• Drawers (if not part of changing table)

• Storage baskets and organisers

• Baby swing chair

• Sheepskin rug

This is a comprehensive starting point, but every family’s needs are unique, so feel free to tailor your registry to suit your lifestyle, routines, and personal preferences.

The fun stuff is up next; toys and creative things for your baby to learn and play with.

What are more fun and creative baby gifts?

If you'd like to add some more fun and creative ideas to your registry, you have a lot of exciting baby gift options to choose from.

1. Soft toys: whether it’s teddy bear, doll, bunny or cat, soft toys are ideal baby gifts that can become your child's devoted buddy.

2. Baby sensory toy set: A collection of tactile stimuli for a baby can be provided through sensory toys, including a softball, textured blocks and rattles.

3. Activity gyms: these are great to for keeping your baby entertained and helping them build up their neck muscles and hand eye coordination.

4. Customised baby gifts:  Onesies and bib with a special message or the baby's name can make a thoughtful and one-of-a-kind gift.

5. Milestone blanket or card set: this is the perfect backdrop for photos that capture the baby at different milestones as they progress through their first year

6. Baby music box: A classic music box can add a charming touch to any nursery and help soothe your baby to sleep.

7. Handmade gifts: browse Etsy for lots of unique handmade baby gifts such as handmade rattles

8. Personalised baby keepsake box: A personalised keepsake box is a beautiful way to store and preserve precious mementoes, such as hospital bracelets, the first lock of hair, and other special items.

9. Baby photo album: A beautiful photo album is a great way to showcase your baby's adorable pictures.

Remember, the key to a great baby registry is choosing items that reflect your style and personality and will make life with a new baby more manageable and enjoyable.

Example registry on Moonsift

To bring the recommended list items to life, we’ve created a registry that gives examples of all the products listed above from a variety of brands. These are real examples of common items we see on registries in the UK and America.

Baby registry 2023 - U.S. examples

Baby registry 2023 ideas - UK examples

Because the above registries are public, you will not be able to mark off items as bought. When you create your own registry on Moonsift, the people you share it with will be directed to mark off what they buy.

While these examples are of products in the USA and the UK, you can add products from any store in the world to your Moonsift registry. So no matter where you are and which products you wish to add, you can do so on Moonsift.

How does a baby registry work on Moonsift?

In brief, creating a baby registry on Moonsift is quick and easy.

1. Add products from any store in the world to your registry

2. Share the registry anywhere with a link

3. Guests mark off the item(s) they buy

4. You can track what has and hasn’t been bought

Why Choose Moonsift for Your Baby Registry?

Moonsift is a completely free, independent platform that gives you total freedom to build a baby registry on your own terms. Because it's not tied to any single retailer, you can add items from any store in the world, whether that's Amazon, Etsy, or a local boutique.

Its innovative technology lets you save products from any website with a single click, making it effortless to build your registry as you browse online. The platform is also known for its clean, stylish design, developed alongside professional stylists, so your registry looks beautiful and is easy for guests to navigate on any device.

To prevent duplicate gifts, guests can mark items as purchased, which automatically hides them from others. They can choose to have gifts delivered directly to you or bring them in person. Whatever suits them best.

Sharing your registry is simple too. Once it’s ready, just send out your unique link and your friends and family can shop from it with ease. Plus, Moonsift is completely free to use, with no markups or hidden fees, for you or your guests.