A baby registry checklist lists all the items that need to be purchased before the baby is born or you would like to receive them during your baby shower.
In addition, it includes what needs to be bought for the different baby care needs. The checklist will enlist items ranging from clothing items to safety and healthcare essentials. This article will provide a baby registry checklist and items to incorporate into the list.
Benefits of Baby Registry Checklist
The functions and benefits of a baby registry checklist are many. A baby registry checklist is a written document created to help you organize all the items you need to buy for the newborn. Moreover, it helps prevent people from buying items their parents do not need. This also ensures you get the baby items you need and avoid receiving similar items from friends and family. You can have baby essentials for the first weeks and months.
Free Baby Registry Checklist Templates
Having a personalized checklist is essential for ensuring that you have everything you need before your bundle of joy arrives. But let’s face it, creating a comprehensive list from scratch can be overwhelming and time-consuming. That’s where using a template comes in handy. It takes away the stress of starting from square one and provides a structured framework to work with.
The beauty of a baby registry checklist template is that it covers all the essential items you’ll need for your newborn, from diapers and clothing to nursery furniture and feeding supplies. It serves as a fantastic starting point, allowing you to customize it according to your specific preferences and needs. With a template in hand, you’ll feel confident knowing that you haven’t missed anything crucial for your little one’s arrival. So, let’s get organized and make this journey into parenthood a breeze!
When Should You Create a Baby Registry Checklist?
It is best to create a baby registry checklist early, especially before the newborn is due. However, giving yourself ample time to research what you require before the baby is born is essential. This gives you time to review your entire list to ensure all the names are correct and all the essentials are included in the final list. You would then be able to organize the list in a way that will make your life much easier.
So, you can prepare a baby registry checklist before the baby arrives. Ideally, most parents-to-be will prepare the checklist when edging close to the first trimester. You should then add items in the second trimester. Changes to the checklist should be further expected as time goes on. Certain factors determining these changes include establishing the baby’s sex, etc. If you find out the baby’s sex earlier, this information will facilitate better preparation.
Where to Create a Baby Registry Checklist?
There are plenty of alternative ways to create a baby registry checklist. First, you can have a digital baby registry checklist if you can access online baby registries. Most online stores will allow you to create registries on their platforms. Alternatively, you can use an online baby registry service to enlist baby items from the internet.
Another alternative is to create a list by visiting your local brick-and-mortar baby stores and creating a paper checklist. Lastly, you can combine online and in-store checklists. From the different methods, you can also select the method that is most effective and efficient.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Where to Register
Before you select where to create your baby registry checklist, you must consider the factors that would assist you in making an informed decision.
Applicable factors are as follows:
Choose what is convenient
Whether you want to create a registry online or manually, you must consider which one will be most convenient for you. Both options can be more convenient for those who prefer brick-and-mortar and online stores.
Easy to create and manage
A simple baby registry that is easy to use is preferred. Your baby registry checklist will be much more convenient if it allows you to add, delete and edit items and allows users to navigate easily. Online registries are most suitable as they allow you to personalize your checklist. However, store attendants can help you review and revise the issued registry to suit your needs if you decide to use an in-store registry.
Low prices
It is important to research where you will get the best prices for the items on your baby registry. As such, it is essential to know how much you want to spend on the items for your baby. This way, you can shop efficiently and reduce the costs of unnecessary items or avoid buying several similar things by mistake. You must go to different stores and include items with different prices.
Wide options
Each baby item on the checklist has different types, brands, and models with the same utility. So, consider this factor and specify which items (in terms of brand, model, and type) you prefer in the registry. This is to avoid receiving items that you end up not using.
Discounts and promotions
Different stores offer incentives such as discounts, freebies, special deals, and promotions to encourage shoppers to shop with them from time to time or whenever they register. Take these incentives into consideration when creating your baby registry checklist.
Easy returns
Sometimes you may have to return certain items after purchase. Some stores will have policies encouraging you to return items and get a new one if you do not like them. Therefore, you should consider registering with stores with favorable exchange and return policies.
Free shipping
Some stores may offer free shipping and delivery services, usually upon fulfillment of certain pre-conditions, such as after spending a specific amount of money. This is a significant factor to consider when creating your baby registry checklist.
Personalization
Some baby registry checklists allow users to personalize their lists. Personalization may include incorporating pictures and allowing certain functions, such as tracking what items were bought.
Pre Considerations for Creating Baby Registry Checklist
As you create a baby registry checklist, you must consider the factors that affect what to include in the baby registry checklist.
Examples of these pre-considerations include:
Check for safety
Safety is a crucial consideration in baby care. Items included in the registry should not put the baby at risk – physically or health-wise. However, certain safety items, such as a first aid kit, are necessary. In addition, safety should be observed during the baby’s waking and sleeping hours.
Decide between first-hand and second-hand things
Weigh between buying new or second-hand items. While you may wish to buy all new items, second-hand items may sometimes be more affordable. However, not all items are sourced from second-hand items for health and safety reasons. These include a car seat, breast pump, crib mattress, nipples for bottles, pacifiers, and baby carriers or slings. In addition, second-hand items can include those from family, friends, or your first baby.
Check if it is easy to clean
You must consider how easy cleaning the items included in the baby registry is. Babies are significantly messy, and selecting easy-to-clean items simplifies your work later.
Make sure you have space for this
To avoid buying items that cannot fit in your home or take up too much space, consider the size of items you include in the list. This is important when dealing with large items like a baby crib, stroller, changing pad, bassinet, etc. Next, you must assess the size of your home and determine available storage and usage space. Ways to increase space include removing closet doors, hanging items on walls, using shelves, hooks, etc.
Identify whether you will need this list again
Reusability is an essential aspect of the baby registry checklist that you ought to consider. This is especially important if you intend to have more babies. Include gender-neutral baby items and higher quality and durable items that you can reuse if you intend to.
For example:
Consider buying a convertible crib that can be adjusted to accommodate the baby as it grows.
Think ahead about the season
When adding items to the registry, consider including items for different seasons for the first year or two. Buying seasonal essentials is a good way of being prepared and reducing the hassle of revisiting your registry each season.
Breakdown of a Baby Registry Checklist
Creating a baby registry checklist is not as hard as it seems. You need to identify the elements that should be included in the list and factor them into smaller, easier-to-manage sub-lists.
The following is a breakdown of a baby registry checklist:
Nursery essentials
A baby’s nursery is one of the primary areas you must address in a baby registry. A nursery will have a variety of items that are used for baby care. The nursery can have a theme, though not necessary. Other factors to consider when planning the nursery include nursery design, décor, and space.
The following nursery essentials should be included in the registry:
☐ Baby crib
☐ Bassinet
☐ Cradle
☐ Breathable crib mattress
☐ Changing table
☐ Rocking chair or glider
☐ Pacifiers
☐ Swaddling blankets
☐ Nigh-light
☐ Dresser or chest
☐ Changing table receiving blankets
☐ Humidifier
☐ Clothes basket or hamper
☐ Fitted sheets
☐ Storage boxes and baskets
☐ Baby monitor
Nice to have items:
☐ White noise machine
☐ Blackout curtains
☐ Books and toys
☐ Toy Storage
☐ Cozy blankets
☐ Baby swing
☐ Newborn lounger or bouncy seat
Feeding essentials
Feeding is an important exercise that requires multiple items to undertake successfully. Feeding can be breastmilk or formula feeding. You can decide which feeding option to stick with or shop for both options. You must also buy supplies when transitioning to solid foods as the baby grows. Different feeding options will require different supplies, but some items may be applicable regardless of the feeding option.
If you are breast-feeding
When breastfeeding, you will require the following items on the baby registry checklist:
☐ Breast pump
☐ Bottles
☐ Extra pump parts, such as different-sized flanges
☐ Milk storage containers and freezer bags
☐ Breast pads
☐ Nipple cream
☐ Bottle and nipple brush for cleaning
☐ Burp cloths
Nice to have:
☐ Bottle drying rack
☐ Bottle warmer
☐ Carrier bags
☐Nursing bra
☐ Bottle warmer
☐ Breastfeeding pillow
☐ Nursing cover
☐ Bottle drying rack
If you are using formula milk
If you are using the formula to feed the baby, consider adding the following items to the registry:
☐ Formula
☐ Burp cloths
☐ Bottles
☐ Bottle and nipple brush (for cleaning)
☐ Bottled water /filter system
Nice to have:
☐ Bottle drying rack
☐ Bottle warmer
☐ Carrier bags and ice packs for days out
When the child starts eating solids
You can add the following items to the baby registry to prepare for when the baby starts eating solid foods:
☐ Bibs
☐ Highchair
☐ Sippy cups
☐ Kid-friendly silverware, such as feeding spoons
☐ Kid-friendly plates and bowls, preferably those with suction at the bottom
Nice to have:
☐ Ice cube trays meant for freezing small portions of homemade food
☐ Baby food processor
☐ Storage containers for storing homemade food
Diapering essentials
Diapering is the activity of caring for a baby’s excretory as well as sanitary needs. Without proper planning, diapering needs can be a headache. So, you need to include the diapering essentials in your baby registry. One critical decision you must make is whether you will use disposable or cloth diapers.
Regardless of the diaper option you select, consider the following diapering essentials:
☐ Changing pad
☐ Changing pad covers
☐ Diapers (various sizes)
☐ Diaper rash cream
☐ Wipes
☐ Diaper pail
☐ Diaper bag
Nice to have:
☐ Diaper caddy (especially in multi-level homes to avoid running up and down the stairs to change diapers)
☐ Wipe warmer
☐ Hand sanitizer
☐ Lotion
Tip: Some diapering essentials will depend on the type of diapers you use. For example, cloth diapers, including snaps/safety pins and waterproof covers. If using disposable diapers, buy several diaper packages of different sizes and preemie diapers in case the baby is smaller or comes earlier than expected.
Bath time items
Bathing a baby is an activity that you need to perform frequently and effectively. You, therefore, need certain bath time items to make this activity simple and effective.
Some of the bathing essentials to include in the baby registry checklist are as follows:
☐ Baby tub
☐ Baby shampoo/body wash
☐ Towels
☐ Washcloths
Nice to have:
☐ Bathtub toys
☐ Lotion
☐ Baby soft hairbrush
☐ Hooded towels
On-the-go essentials
As the name suggests, on-the-go essentials are items you need to take the baby out. You should consider including the following items in your registry to make your life easier when taking the baby out for a park visit, shopping, or trip:
☐ Car seat
☐ Car seat base
☐ Baby stroller base
☐ Play yard
☐ Fold-up changing pad
☐ Diaper bag
☐ Bottle cooler bag
☐ Baby sun hats
☐ Baby-safe sunscreen (not advisable for babies below six months)
Nice to have:
☐ Baby carrier, wrap, or sling
☐ An extra car seat base (preferable for people with more than one vehicle)
☐ A jogging stroller with a newborn car seat converter
Safety and health hygiene essentials
Your baby will be exposed to different health risks during the first few years of its life. While some hazards can be avoided entirely, others cannot. Therefore, essential items that can help minimize health issues for the baby should be included in the baby registry checklist.
Such items include:
☐ Baby first aid kit
☐ Thermometer
☐ Nail clippers or file
☐ Humidifier
☐ Infant medication
☐ Outlet covers
☐ Baby monitor
☐ Medicine spoon
☐ Cotton balls and swabs
☐ Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator
☐ Baby gates
☐ Cabinet and drawer latches
☐ Playpen
Nice to have:
☐ Baby scale
Clothing items
Clothing items are items that your baby will wear to cover the skin and keep the body warm. Clothing items are essential in providing comfort to the baby. While adding clothing items to your registry, you must ensure there are clothes suited for various weather conditions.
Items that should be included in your registry are as follows:
☐ Onesies or bodysuits (8-10)
☐ Footed Pajamas (8) zippers being quicker than snaps
☐ 5 long and short pants
☐ Long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts (5-8)
☐ 8 pairs of socks and booties
☐ Sleep sacks (at least 2) for when the baby outgrows the swaddle
☐ Knit hats (2 newborn-sized)
☐ 2 pairs of mittens
☐ Snowsuit or fleece bunting for different climates throughout the year
☐ 2 sweaters or jackets
Nice to have:
☐ Shoes (for aesthetics during pictures or events, as the baby cannot walk yet)
☐ Special outfits for family meet-ups and photoshoots
☐ Magnetic fastening clothing, which is very easy and quick to get on and off, making them convenient
Tip: Make sure that the mattress fits tightly and neatly so that there are no suffocation accidents when the baby sleeps. You should avoid using a crib bumper and blankets. For the first six months, the baby ought to sleep in the parents’ room, according to AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). So, use a bassinet during this period and place it close to the bed where it is easy to reach. Always use baby-friendly detergent when washing their clothing to protect the baby from skin irritation and discomfort when they wear the clothes.
7 Items to Skip on the Registry Checklist
While most baby items are helpful in a baby’s first few years, there are other items you can skip on your registry checklist. This is because the baby may not need them or because they are not necessary.
The following are some items that can be skipped in your registry:
Wipe warmer
While it is a convenient item, a wipe warmer is unnecessary. You can do without warm wipes and skip it on the baby registry.
Changing tables
A changing table is not an item that will often be used daily. This is because other substitutes offer the same utility, such as a more convenient changing pad. Also, eliminating the changing table leaves more space for other essential items in the room.
Diaper bin
While a diaper bin has its conveniences, you can afford to skip it from your baby registry checklist. This is because instead of using the bin, you can dispose of your diapers outside in the trash bin or wrap them tightly and place them in a lidded trash can.
Baby shoes
Shoes are not essential in your registry in the early months or years before the baby starts to walk. Instead, prioritize other essentials before buying baby shoes to go with a particular outfit.
Baby food blender
If you already own a regular blender, there is no need to add a baby food blender to your baby registry. You can, however, exercise your options to determine if the baby blender is needed in your situation.
Diapers
Buying diapers before the baby is born can result in too many diapers of sizes 1 and 2. In addition, this can result in waste as the baby will outgrow these sizes, leaving plenty of unused diapers.
Mobiles
A mobile baby toy is perhaps a waste of money. Also, it is considered an outdated entertainment item you can skip from your registry.
Bottom Line
The baby registry checklist lists the items the parents need when their baby is born. The list can be used to track the items needed for the baby, making it easier to buy them later when assembling the baby’s essentials. The registry can also create a wish list by attaching an estimated cost to each item. This list can be given to family and friends to register what they intend to buy for the newborn baby. Such a list provides value to the users as they become aware of what items are needed without making inquiries. Instead, they can select from the registry what they intend to buy; this way, there is no confusion over what has or has not been bought. Also, the checklist makes it easy for friends and family members to know and plan how much they should spend on a particular item.
About This Article
