What to put on your baby registry in 2024
Photo by Mediamodifier on Unsplash
It can feels utterly overwhelming getting ready for a new baby. I remember not knowing where to start when I was trying to set up my nursery. To help you cover all the most important baby bases, here’s a guide to the best items to add to your registry. From toys, to sleep suits, to car seats, I’ve got your covered.
Nighttime needs
Mattress protector: With babies, the one thing you can count on is that gross stuff will happen. Having a protector under your sheets helps save your mattress from the worst of it.
Sheets: I love how soft these sheets are. Highly recommend.
Sound machine: If you’ve been looking up sound machines, you’ve probably heard of the incredibly popular Hatch. It’s a sound machine, night light, listening device and clock that can be controlled from your phone. It also has a built in battery so you don’t need to worry about night time disruptions.
Video camera: Any video camera will do. I use a pet one myself. Your main choice for cameras is if you want one that uses wifi or one that’s independent. With wifi, you can easily check the baby from your phone anywhere you are but you run the risk of someone hacking your video feed or losing the camera in a power outage.
Audio monitors: I like having both the video and audio monitors set up when I’m going to be on a different floor and don’t want to be watching my phone all the time.
Pacifier: You will hear a lot about the good and bad of pacifiers. If you decide you want to use them, I highly recommend a Ninni. It’s the best one on the market for not impacting oral development and is designed to resemble a breast. This means it looks nightmarish when babies use them but it’s the next best thing to mom. I introduced a Ninni at 4 months when I stopped nursing the sleep and it was a breeze. My baby also self weaned from them at 14 months.
Sleep suit: If you haven’t heard of the brand Woolino yet, trust me you will. Everyone seems to use these sleep suits and for good reason. Made from merino wool, these suits are 4 season and designed to regulate body temperature. They’re also flame retardant which I find a rather alarming product addition.
Sleep swaddle: The decision to swaddle or not to swaddle is a question for every mom. Personally, my baby slept better with the swaddle so I used this one until he was about 3 months old. I loved how easy it was to Velcro the inner pieces together to hold my boo in place. It also has mesh panels to keep baby cool.
Gro Egg: A Gro Egg is a room thermometer that changes colour to alert you if a room is too hot or cold for baby.
Thermometer: Just in case baby gets sick, this is a nice thermometer you can use for forehead readings. Also the display lights up to make nighttime readings easier.
Humidifier: Again you can use any type but a humidifier is nice to have on hand when your baby is sick and congested.
Baby clothes
Sleepers: Honestly, all you need to start is sleepers. Get the 100% cotton ones that are breathable, not fleece. Your newborns won’t need shoes or frilly dresses. You’ll be exhausted. Baby will be sleeping most of the time and screaming for the rest. No one will care if they are in cute little outfits with a bow tie. All you need are sleepers. Lots and lots of sleepers. Like 20.
Baby toys
Play mat: I loved my play mat. I used it for tummy time every day without the hanging toy parts attached. Then when my kiddo was older the canopy addition was great for keeping him entertained for a few minutes.
Jumperoo: Much like the swing, Jumperoos are just nice to have as an option when you really need some hands free time.
Graphic books: Young babies like graphic, contrasting imagery so “Hello World” was a fan favourite from day one. Out of all my books, I think it got used the most.
Sophie: I don’t know why we all have Sophies, I really don’t. But we do. So here’s the link to the best version.
Manhattan sensory toy: My baby loved this one.
Rattle: This one is easy to hold.
Crinkle books: Crinkle books are the best! Babies love them in all shapes and forms.
Stroller toy: Having something on the stroller bar is important especially if baby is teething and wants to chomp on the bar itself.
Sensory ball set: This set of sensory toys includes both the teething balls but also soft plastic blocks that are great for early play.
Books: There are so many great ones to get you started from Robert Munch’s Paper Bag Princess to Llama Llama Red Pajama to Each Peach Pear Plum and so many more.
Nursing
Nursing pillow: Buy the Snuggle Me. Just do it. Don’t test out others first, it’s just a waste of money. The difference this luna pillow makes to your comfort while nursing is insane. Hands down one of the best baby products I bought across the board.
Pump: Pumping is not the best part of being a mom, let’s be real. Getting the right pump, though, can make a big difference. If you can try some out, do it. If not, this is the one I used and liked. Also FYI, the flange size can make a big difference. Which brings us to the next item.
Nipple measuring tool: Yeah you read that right. If your pump flange is too small or big, you can experience quite a lot of pain while pumping. Measuring your correct size can help you get the most out of your pumping sessions.
Pumping bra: I’ve tried a few nursing bras and this one is the nicest for both nursing and pumping.
Milk storage bags: I don’t know why the Medela bags are better but they really, noticeably are. Skip the other brands and just buy this one.
Bottle/pump brush: I hated cleaning my pump parts but this brush made it easier.
Drying rack: Any will do. You just need a clean place to put your pump parts that isn’t just tossed in with the rest of the dishes.
Large glass water bottle: The nursing thirst is so real. Invest in a larger than normal water bottle so you’re not running to the kitchen every hour. I still take mine everywhere.
Post partum care
Sitz bath: While you’re healing, you’ll want to do a daily sitz bath, especially if you have stitches.
Sitz bath soak: I loved the Earth Mama soaking sachets. It’s like sitting in tea but it does help you heal faster.
Ice pads: Thank god for ice pads. To whomever invented them, you are a champ. Get the ice pads and use the ice pads. All praise the ice pads.
Earth Mama set: Along with the sitz bath soak, I also loved the perineal spray. This set of three also includes their perineal balm as well.
For more on post partum care, including the popular items you can skip, check out this blog.
Diaper time
Diapers: Duh. This one shouldn’t come as a shock. I prefer Pampers but it’s best to try out different brands to see what fits the best.
Wipes: Always buy more wipes than you need. You do not want to run out in a crisis.
Diaper cream: Diaper cream is a must have to protect your baby from diaper rash, especially at night.
Keekaroo peanut changer: It’s just so much better than the competition. Get a Keekaroo and save yourself some headaches. This light, easy to clean changer is a must have for tired moms. I had it beside the bed for midnight changes.
Bath time
Bath wash: I like Green Beaver for baby products as it’s a trusted company that produces good quality items that are baby safe. However, any bath wash will do so long as it’s gentle on baby’s skin.
Body lotion: Likewise, I like Green Beaver but any will do. Lotion your baby as needed. Some newborns have very dry skin.
Temperature duck: This thermometer ducky is the best thing ever. Never worry about bath temperature again with this handy invention.
Baby wash cloths: I LOVE baby washcloths. They are so much softer than regular ones and great to have on hand after a meal to wash baby’s face. It’s also good to have a ton so you can just toss dirty ones in the wash without worrying about running out before bath time.
Baby towel: You can use regular towels but baby towels are softer and easy to wrap up your boo. Also most come with a hood to keep your little one’s head warm when they have wet hair.
Stokke bath tub: This is the best tub option out there. It folds flat for easy storage between uses and comes with a sloping insert for young babies to lie on. It clicks out when you no longer need it for babies that can sit up on their own. What I like most is the baby is in the water the whole time so they don’t get cold, unlike other popular models that run the water over the baby and directly into the sink.
Vitamin D drops: Babies need additional vitamin D as they grow, particularly ones in colder climates like Canada where we get less sun. 1-2 drops a day is recommended. My kiddo loves getting his after bath time.
Nail trimmer: Baby nails, ha! More like baby talons. Get an automatic nail trimmer to safely cut those claws.
Eating and food
Spoons: These spoons are great for new eaters. It’s easy for baby to hold and the food doesn’t fall off as fast as a regular spoon. Plus it’s easy to mash food with it as you’re feeding them.
Plates: Any suction type plate will work and the plainer the better. The cute animal ones with weird shapes aren’t great as it’s harder for baby to reach some of the plate sections.
Bottles: I tried every bottle out there and the only one that ever worked for my kiddo was Como Tomo.
Sippy cups: This Munchkin sippy cup was super easy for my baby to get used to. I also love the weighted bottom of the straw so that no matter what way your kid tries to drink, the end is always in water.
Drinking cups: To help baby practice how to drink from a cup you should also have some of the tiny baby cups on hand at meals. I liked to give my baby a drink of water in the bath so it wouldn’t matter if he spilt everywhere when he was practicing.
Bibs: Any bib will do so long as it’s plastic and easy to clean. I tried the full body bibs too and honestly, during that messy stage just feed them naked. It’s so much easier.
Baby food machine: I had a steamer. I had a blender. Did I make baby food? No. But as soon as I got the little machine that did both, I was making food everyday! I don’t know what it is about these baby food machines but they’re great. So easy to use.
Food storage cups: Once you make the baby food you need to store it. These freezer safe glass containers are the way to go.
Ring pops: Introducing solids can be scary. I often chickened out and put things in these teething ring pops so my baby could safely explore new foods. A strawberry in the pop was always a big hit.
Baby travel items
Pack n Play: It doesn’t matter what type of Pack n Play you get but you will need one for sure. Any time you travel or visit family, you need somewhere for the baby to sleep. A Pack n Play can double as a playpen and a sleep space for your baby.
Pack n Play mattress: Buy a mattress and sheet for your Pack n Play to keep it cozy in there for your little one. The “floor” that comes with the original isn’t very thick or comfortable.
Black out cover: There are different versions of a black out pod for the Pack n Play but this one was my favourite. Easy to use and store, it ties to the Pack n Play to keep it dark inside while still being breathable.
Diaper bag: Again any will do but I’d recommend something with straps as sometimes you might be full under the stroller. Back packs with portable changing pads and insulated pockets for milk are great.
Baby carrier: If you’re one of those moms who can figure out the long piece of fabric baby carriers, power to you. I, on the other hand, needed a structured carrier. I tried a few and loved LILLEbaby the best. It goes up to 45lbs which is rare with carriers meaning I’ll be able to use it much longer. It also has the option for 6 positions including back carrying and comes with cooling panels you can unzip for hot days.
Rear facing mirror: If you’re going to be driving, have this mirror set up to keep an eye on your boo.
Portable sound machine: This small but mighty machine is great for hooking to your stroller on the go.
Mementos
Baby book: This is a nice book for keeping track of the important milestones.
Baby handprint maker: This set comes with two uses so you can do one as a newborn and another at a year.
Age blocks: Taking a weekly photo the first year is a must do for parents. These blocks are large enough to see clearly and cover weeks, months, years and grades.
Larger baby items
Crib: It REALLY doesn’t matter what type of crib you buy. I recommend going second hand. But if you are crib picky, then try one like this that has a drawer for storage underneath. It’s convenient for keeping the baby’s bed linens organized.
Uppababy stroller: When shopping for a stroller you’ll probably hear a lot about the Uppababy line of strong, convenient strollers. If you’re planning on one baby, the Cruz is the way to go. For two, get the Vista which has an option to convert into a double stroller. Try and find a stroller that includes the bassinet option for newborns. Also, there are a bunch of additions you’ll likely need:
Mesa car seat: If you’re going to go Uppababy, then you’ll want to grab the matching car seat. It clicks into place when using the stroller for super easy travel. If you want a different car seat model, there are adapters you can buy to make it fit into your Uppababy stroller frame.
Jolly Jumper stand: I can’t say enough good things about this Jolly Jumper option. Far safer than the doorway version, this free standing version allows babies to swing and jump to their heart’s content. A 15 minute jump before bed was key to my nighttime routine.
High chair: Ingenuity is a great high chair for a few reasons. First, it comes with a tray guard that clicks in and out so you can remove a messy tray without taking the baby out of the high chair. I often don’t even bother with a plate and just serve food on the tray. Second, it has shoulder straps to secure baby safely and a foot rest for comfort. And lastly you can use it 3 different ways, as a high chair, booster seat, and toddler seat.
Rocking chair: You’ll need some kind of rocking chair or glider for the nursery. There will be many nights when you’ll be in it, nursing or rocking your boo to sleep, so make sure you get a comfy one.
Baby swing: Baby swings are life savers. If you need to make a meal, run to the washroom, do a quick vacuum, it’s so awesome to throw the baby in the swing for a few minutes. They’re safe and happy and mommy gets a cup of tea.
Baby bouncer: So here’s the thing, I loved my Bjorn bouncer and used it all the time so I could eat a meal at the table like a regular human. My bouncer would be next to me where I could bounce it while I ate and sometimes my baby would even fall asleep. However, this is an item that is NOT worth the price. But if you can get one second hand or on a great sale, I recommend it.
Pro-tip, I didn’t buy a single large item new. I highly recommend looking in your area for second hand stores or going online to sites like Facebook Marketplace to source these items.
Good luck on your registry!
I hope that helped give you some ideas of what you’ll need in most areas of your baby’s life. I highly recommend looking for second hand items as baby stuff is usually in great condition given how little one baby uses things. All the best with your registry and shower. And of course, good luck with your new baby.