We put together an unbiased, unsponsored list of recommendations to help you navigate what to put on your registry. It’s informed by advice from our in-house child development experts, including sleep specialists, lactation consultants, pediatric occupational and physical therapists, child psychologists, and seasoned, been-there-done-that parents. 

The links in this post were chosen without marketing sponsorship or partnerships—they just reflect our experts’ genuine recommendations. Lovevery will donate to Every Mother Counts any commissions it receives through affiliate links in this post. 

 ♻️ = great items to get used or as hand-me-downs

Sleeping

1. A safe spot to sleep ♻️ Cribs and bassinets can be great items to get second-hand—just make sure whatever you find meets current safety guidelines and isn’t subject to any recalls. 
2. Swaddles ♻️ A swaddle can help your baby feel safe and cozy as they transition from the womb and sleep without their Moro reflex startling them awake. Get a pack of three, if you can.
3. Wearable blanket ♻️ After your baby shows signs of rolling over, it’s no longer safe to swaddle them—but you’ll still want something to keep them warm. Get two wearable blankets in case one is in the wash.
4. Soft baby wrap ♻️ Having your newborn baby snuggled up on your chest as they nap can be indescribably cozy. Baby carriers make this easier and allow you to do other things while they snooze. 
5. Video or audio-only baby monitor Though they’ve fallen out of fashion, audio-only options are worth considering. They’re less expensive, tend to have a longer range and battery life, and some parents find them more relaxing, as there’s no screen to “check.”
6. Sound machine and night light ♻️ Sound machines can mimic the noisy environment your baby was used to in the womb and drown out startling noises, like dog barks and door bells. And though your baby doesn’t need a night light yet, the soft glow can be super helpful to you for middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes.
7. Pacifiers If you have questions about whether or not to offer your baby a pacifier and/or how to choose one, check out this article from our in-house lactation consultant. 
8. Travel crib ♻️ If you travel frequently or spend lots of time at the homes of friends and family, consider a travel crib. They can also be helpful as a safe spot to put your baby at home if there’s an active older sibling or pet around. 
9. The Lovevery App Don’t underestimate the power of information. Consider taking a newborn sleep class and/or downloading The Lovevery App.

Consider skipping:

Crib blankets and bumpers—at least for now The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping your baby’s crib clear of all bedding and loose fabric until after age 1.

Feeding

10. Nursing/pumping bra This one is incredibly soft and works for both nursing and pumping.
11. Burp cloths Get at least 8 to 10 to save yourself from doing laundry every day.
12. Nipple balm You’ll thank us later 😉
13. Breastfeeding pillow This one is very supportive for newborns and ergonomic for mothers.
14. Electric breast pump Most health insurance plans will cover an electric breast pump. 
15. Silicone, suction-based breast pump This type of pump uses natural suction. You can use it before a nursing session to relieve engorgement or after nursing to collect a little additional milk. And unlike an electric pump, it doesn’t involve the hassle of cleaning small parts.
16. Manual breast pump These are smaller than most electric pumps, making them a good option to pop in a bag and use on the go when you’re away from your baby for a few hours. 
17. Bottles Read our lactation consultant’s advice on how to select a bottle here.

Consider skipping:

• Bottle warmer These tend to be among the least-used items new parents buy. Placing a bottle in a bowl of hot water does the trick just as quickly, without the extra cost.
• Bottle sterilizer You should sterilize a bottle before using it for the first time. But all you really need is boiling water. After that, sterilization isn’t necessary unless your pediatrician recommends it. Warm soapy water with a bottle brush or a dishwasher both work great for most families. Consult with your doctor for additional information. 
• High chair ♻️ You won’t need a high chair until your baby is about 6 months old. If you’d like to add one to your registry, consider asking for a gift certificate so that you can order it closer to the time you’ll need it. Rebelstork and GoodBuy Gear have used options. Pediatric occupational therapists recommend choosing one that has adjustable foot support to help your baby sit ergonomically and eat safely.

Diapering

18. Diapers and wipes Choose between cloth or disposable diapers—or register for some of each. 
19. Diaper rash cream Pediatricians recommend options with zinc oxide. 
20. Diaper cream applicator and hand sanitizer Because you can’t wash your hands in the middle of a diaper change 🙃
21. Diaper caddy with wipeable changing mat Keep a basket or two filled with diapering supplies so you can easily move them around the house with you.
22. Changing pad plus covers or wipeable changing pad Both options work well secured to the top of a low dresser, it just comes down to whether you’d rather wipe up messes or throw them in the laundry.

Consider skipping: 

• Wipe warmer Many families find it unnecessary. 
• Changing table You may find it more convenient to use a changing pad atop a low dresser or a simple foldable mat on any nearby surface. This is less expensive, takes up less space, and doesn’t require you to figure out how to get rid of it a few years later.

Bath and toiletries

23. Baby shampoo and body wash Look for something gentle, tear-free, and made without dyes, parabens, and phthalates.
24. Lotion or oil Keep your baby’s skin moisturized after baths. 
25. Baby brush A soft-bristled brush can be helpful for massaging your baby’s scalp to combat cradle cap.
26. Baby bath tub ♻️ or bathroom sink insert There are a lot of great options on the market. Consider where you’ll want to bathe your baby and make sure the tub or insert fits the dimensions of your space. 
27. Tiny nail file and electric nail trimmer Cutting a newborn’s tiny nails is intimidating, but purpose-made tools can make it less nerve wracking. Consider storing these with your feeding supplies; it’s often easiest to sneak in a trim when your baby is satisfied and snuggled in after eating.
28. Nasal aspirator and a multi-purpose tool for cleaning your baby’s little ears, nails, and nose Just trust us 🙂
29. Thermometer and syringe with pacifier You’ll be helpful for your baby’s inevitable first cold.

Consider skipping: 

Special towels and washcloths Whatever you already have on hand will work fine.

Clothes

30. Onesies ♻️ Can help keep blowouts (somewhat 🙃) contained, add an extra layer of warmth, or be worn alone over a diaper on hot days. Get at least six. 
31. Pajamas with zippers ♻️ They can save you from fiddling with snaps and buttons. Get at least six pairs.  
32. Organic hat ♻️ The AAP recommends against babies wearing hats inside, but you may want a couple on hand for trips out of the house.
33. Closet ♻️ and drawer dividers, baby-sized hangers ♻️ It helps to have a way to organize and contain that teeny tiny wardrobe.
34. A hand-me-down box Keep a bin or box in a handy location so you can easily toss clothes in as your baby outgrows them. When it fills up, label it by size, then either donate it, pass it on, or pack it away for a younger sibling. You may not need to add anything to your registry for this—any old box will do.

Consider skipping:

• Fancy clothes Baby clothes can be irresistibly cute. Do what moves your heart, but be mindful that the more you have, the more there is to wash, organize, store, and eventually get rid of. A good rule of thumb for many families is to have one extra-cute outfit per size for pictures and special outings. And otherwise, stick with the basics.
• Clothes that restrict your baby’s movement Stiff and bulky clothing can get in your baby’s way as they learn to move. Pediatric occupational therapists recommend options that are simple, soft, and stretchy. If you’re thinking pink, instead of skirts and dresses, consider bubble rompers and onesies with small peplums. 
• New clothes Let your friends and family know that you’re more than happy to accept hand-me-downs by explicitly asking with a used clothes coupon on your registry. 

Getting around

35. Stroller ♻️ Don’t underestimate how much their size and weight can impact their convenience.
36. Car seat ♻️ Be careful of expiration dates if you buy used. If you have low back pain, consider getting a rotating car seat. 
37. Baby carrier ♻️ It can feel so freeing to step outside without a stroller. Don’t skip the baby carrier—the easier it is to get out of the house, the more you’ll do it.
38. Pacifier clip and/or holder There’s nothing worse than crawling under a car to fetch a dropped pacifier while a crying baby waits in the car seat. 
39. Diaper bag Many families find that backpacks work well, as they leave your hands free and tend to be comfortable for all of the caregivers in the family. Another option is to repurpose something you already have. In that case, you may want to add a portable changing pad and a wet/dry bag. 

Postpartum care and support 

40. Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit The hospital will likely provide you with some basics for postpartum recovery, but they may not be very comfortable or easy to use. Treat yourself by stocking your bathroom with a caddy of higher quality self-care items. The upside down peri bottle in this kit is a game changer.
41. V-Hive pelvic floor membership gift card Your pelvic floor and deep core muscles will have done a lot of work by the time your baby is born. A subscription to online, on-demand exercises from a leading pelvic floor physical therapist can be wonderfully healing. There are programs for pregnancy and labor prep, too.
42. Help and favors Sometimes it’s what money can’t buy that makes all the difference. Let your village know what kind of support you’d most appreciate with these blank coupons for things like home-cooked meals, babysitting, and dog walking.

Play, development, and parental confidence

43. The Play Kits Not sure how to play with a newborn? Lovevery’s early learning program can help support you, your child, and your budding relationship. The kits evolve with your family as your child grows. Each Play Kit includes 7 to 10 playthings, 1 to 3 books, and an approachable, research-backed Play Guide for parents. Our subscription also comes with access to The Lovevery App.
44. The Play Gym Our award-winning Play Gym has five developmental zones to help your baby learn, grow, and stay engaged through their first year. It is a great complement to the Play Kits.
45. The Course Packs Each pack is a complete toolkit to help your family tackle new stages together. The Tummy Time Course Pack was made to answer all of your questions about how to support your baby’s gross motor development to prepare them for rolling, crawling, and walking. Food Before 1 is a comprehensive guide to safely introducing your baby to solid foods with a flexible, baby-led approach. If this isn’t your first child, The New Sibling Course Pack will give you peace of mind as you help support the transition into siblinghood. And if you want to get potty training out of the way before the new baby arrives, we’ve got that covered, too. 

Consider skipping:

Bouncers, swings, loungers, jumpers, and walkers One of the best ways to support your baby’s motor and sensory development is to remember the mantra “Floor First.” When your baby is on the floor, they’re able to push up, stretch, and unfold their little bodies out of the crunched up position they were in in the womb.

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Meet the experts

Breana Barron

Breanna Barron is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and board certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (DNP). She has worked with breastfeeding mothers for more than a decade. 

Rachel Coley 
Rachel Coley, MS, OT/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist with expertise in early neuromuscular development. You can get her support for common parenting challenges in the Lovevery Tummy Time and Food Before 1 Course Packs.