Baby registry checklist (free printable)
A free printable baby registry checklist with 72 items sorted into eight groups: sleep and nursery, feeding, diapering, bath and care, clothing, gear and travel, play, and things for the parents. Suggested quantities sit next to items where they help, such as 7 to 10 bodysuits or 6 to 8 burp cloths.
Baby registry must-haves
If you only add a few things at first, these are the items most families use from day one:
| Group | Must-haves | Suggested amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep | Crib or bassinet, firm flat mattress, fitted sheets, sleep sacks or swaddles | 2 to 3 sheets, 2 to 3 sleep sacks |
| Feeding | Bottles, burp cloths, bibs, breast pump if you plan to pump | 4 to 6 bottles, 6 to 8 burp cloths |
| Diapering | Newborn and size 1 diapers, wipes, diaper cream, changing pad | Mix both sizes |
| Clothing | Bodysuits, footed sleepers, socks, hats, a going-home outfit | 7 to 10 bodysuits, 5 to 7 sleepers |
| Travel | Rear-facing infant car seat, stroller or travel system | 1 each |
| Care | Infant bathtub, digital thermometer, nail clippers, nasal aspirator | 1 each |
What to put on a baby registry beyond the basics
- Larger clothes. Babies outgrow newborn sizes quickly, so ask for more 0 to 3 and 3 to 6 month clothes than newborn.
- Things for the parents. Postpartum pads, a peri bottle, nursing-friendly pajamas, a big water bottle and meal delivery gift cards.
- Group gifts. Most registries let several people put money toward one large item, like a travel system.
- A range of prices. Small items such as wipes and washcloths next to big ones, so every guest can find something.
Safety checks before you buy
- Keep the crib bare: a firm, flat mattress with only a fitted sheet, and no pillows, bumpers, blankets or soft toys. This follows the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep guidance, which also warns against inclined sleepers and weighted swaddles.
- Bouncers, swings and car seats are not for sleep. If your baby falls asleep in one, move them to a flat crib or bassinet.
- Register your car seat with the manufacturer so you hear about recalls. NHTSA explains how.
Plan the rest of your pregnancy
Once the registry is sorted, the pregnancy planner keeps your dates and appointments in one place, and the pregnancy journal gives you a page for every week. You can also print our free hospital bag checklist.
Questions
Does this checklist work with any baby registry?
Yes. It is a plain list, so you can use it with a Walmart baby registry or any other store or online registry. Tick items as you add them.
When should I start a baby registry?
There’s no set week. Starting in the second trimester gives you time to research big items before a baby shower, and you can keep adding after it.
Is the checklist the same in the A4 version?
Yes. Both files have the same items; only the page size changes.
Planning the weeks ahead? The pregnancy planner keeps your dates and appointments in one place.