I registered for WAY too much stuff with my first baby.

Wipe warmers. Bottle warmers. 47 receiving blankets. Things I used exactly zero times.

With baby #2, I knew better. Here's the honest, battle-tested registry list.

Sleep (The Most Important Category)

Crib & Bedding

  • Crib (any safe crib works—babies don't care about brand)
  • Crib sheets (at least 5—you'll need backups for 2am blowouts)
  • Swaddles (3-4—these saved us in the newborn phase)
  • Blackout curtains (ESSENTIAL for good sleep)

    • Skip: Crib bumpers (unsafe), fancy quilts (they can't use them), decorative pillows

    Sleep Tools

  • White noise machine - This is NON-NEGOTIABLE
  • Baby monitor - Get video, skip the movement/breathing ones

    • My white noise machine is still going strong 4 years later. Best $50 I ever spent.

    Diapering (You'll Go Through 10-12 Diapers a Day)

    Must-haves:

  • Diapers (size newborn AND size 1—babies grow fast)
  • Wipes (SO many wipes)
  • Diaper pail - Trust me, you want smell containment
  • Changing pad
  • Diaper cream (I like Boudreaux's)

    • Skip: Wipe warmers (unnecessary), fancy diaper cream (basic works fine)

    Feeding

    If Bottle Feeding:

  • Dr. Brown's bottles - Reduced colic for both my babies
  • Bottle brush - Get a good one, you'll use it 1000 times
  • Drying rack
  • Formula (if not breastfeeding)

    • If Breastfeeding:

  • Nursing pillow - Saves your back
  • Nursing pads - Prevent embarrassing leaks
  • Nipple cream - You WILL need this
  • Breast pump (insurance usually covers this!)

    • Skip: Expensive bottle sterilizers (dishwasher works fine), 800 bottles (start with 4-6)

    Clothing (Babies Outgrow Everything Immediately)

    What you actually need:

  • 7-8 onesies per size (newborn, 0-3M, 3-6M)
  • 4-5 sleepers per size
  • 4-5 pants per size (once they're out of newborn)
  • 2-3 warm outfits (depending on season)
  • Socks (they'll lose half of them)

    • Skip: Shoes for newborns (they can't walk!), fancy outfits they'll wear once, too many newborn sizes

    Real talk: My babies lived in Carter's onesies and sleepers for 6 months.

    Gear (Where to Invest vs. Save)

    Invest:

  • Car seat - Safety first, get one that grows with them
  • Baby carrier - Hands-free parenting = sanity
  • Stroller - You'll use it daily, get a good one
  • Diaper bag - A great bag makes outings easier

    • Save:

  • Bouncer/swing (any works, try secondhand)
  • Play mat - Cheap ones work fine
  • Bathtub (honestly, the sink works for months)

    • My Ergobaby carrier is still my most-used baby item. Worth every penny.

    Safety

    Non-negotiables:

  • Baby gates (if you have stairs)
  • Outlet covers (cheap insurance)
  • Cabinet locks
  • Thermometer (ear thermometer is fastest)

    • What to Skip Entirely

  • Wipe warmer
  • Bottle warmer
  • Diaper Genie refills (use regular bags)
  • Baby shoes before they walk
  • Crib bumpers (unsafe)
  • Special baby laundry detergent (regular works fine)
  • Expensive diaper bags (I love mine, but you don't NEED it)

    • My Actual "Would Re-Register" List

    If I could only register for 10 things:

    1. White noise machine 2. Baby carrier 3. Good stroller 4. Crib sheets (5+) 5. Blackout curtains 6. Swaddles 7. Dr. Brown's bottles 8. Diaper pail 9. Nursing pillow (if breastfeeding) 10. Car seat

    Everything else? Nice to have, but not essential.

    Registry Strategy Tips

    1. Add More Than You Need

    People love buying the cheap stuff. Add lots of basics:

  • Diapers (all sizes)
  • Wipes
  • Diaper cream
  • Burp cloths
  • Onesies

    • 2. Use Completion Discounts

    Most stores (Amazon, Target, Buy Buy Baby) give you 10-15% off remaining items after your shower.

    Buy the expensive stuff yourself with that discount.

    3. Register at 2 Places Max

    I did Amazon (for convenience) and Target (for in-person shoppers).

    Don't spread yourself too thin.

    4. Add Bigger Sizes

    Register for 3-6 month and 6-12 month clothes. You'll need them soon enough.

    The Real Secret

    You don't need half the stuff baby stores try to sell you.

    Babies need:

  • Safe place to sleep
  • Diapers
  • Food
  • Warm clothes
  • Love

Everything else is just... stuff.

Start small. You can always buy more later.

What was on your registry that you actually used? I'd love to hear!