Creating a baby registry is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a new arrival, but it can also be overwhelming. With so many baby products available, it’s easy to end up with unnecessary items that take up space and waste money. In this guide, we’ll break down the top 15 baby registry essentials, highlight what to remove, and recommend the best dupes to save you money without sacrificing quality.
Top 15 Baby Registry Essentials
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Convertible Car Seat – Instead of getting an infant car seat and then upgrading later, consider a convertible one that grows with your baby. A great choice is the Graco 4Ever DLX, which lasts from infancy to booster seat stage.
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Diapers (Lots of Them!) – Babies go through thousands of diapers. Stock up on different sizes and consider adding a subscription service like Hello Bello or Pampers Pure for convenience.
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Wipes & Diaper Cream – You’ll need plenty of wipes and a reliable diaper cream to prevent rashes. Aquaphor and Desitin are top picks for protecting your baby’s delicate skin.
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Swaddle Blankets & Sleep Sacks – Swaddling helps newborns sleep better by preventing startle reflex. Love to Dream Swaddle Up and Halo Sleep Sacks are excellent options.
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Sound Machine – White noise can help soothe babies to sleep. The Hatch Rest+ is a great choice as it doubles as a nightlight and alarm clock for later years.
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Baby Monitor – A good monitor gives peace of mind. The Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO offers clear video without relying on Wi-Fi.
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Breast Pump or Bottles – If you’re breastfeeding, a good pump like the Spectra S1 is a lifesaver. If bottle-feeding, Dr. Brown’s Bottles help reduce gas and colic.
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Burp Cloths & Bibs – Spit-ups are inevitable! Muslin burp cloths and waterproof bibs will save your baby’s outfits from constant washing.
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Baby Carrier or Wrap – A hands-free way to carry your baby is essential. The Ergobaby Omni 360 or Boba Wrap are great for comfort and support.
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Infant Bathtub & Towels – A soft, supportive bath like the Angelcare Baby Bath Support makes bath time easier. Pair it with gentle hooded towels for warmth.
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Pacifiers & Teethers – A good pacifier can help soothe a fussy baby. Philips Avent Soothies and Comotomo Silicone Teethers are parent favorites.
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Nursing Pillow – Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, a pillow like the Boppy or My Brest Friend provides arm and back support.
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High Chair – For later months, a sturdy high chair like the IKEA Antilop is simple, easy to clean, and budget-friendly.
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Baby Clothes (Zippered Onesies!) – Choose zippered onesies over buttoned ones for easier nighttime changes. Brands like Burt’s Bees Baby offer soft, organic options.
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Stroller – A lightweight, versatile stroller like the UPPAbaby Vista (or a budget-friendly dupe like the Mockingbird Stroller) is a great long-term investment.
What to REMOVE from Your Baby Registry
While many baby products are marketed as “must-haves,” there are several items you can skip:
- Wipe Warmer – Wipes warm up in your hands, and babies don’t need them heated.
- Bottle Sterilizer – A dishwasher or boiling water works just as well.
- Diaper Pail – Regular trash bags with frequent disposal can be just as effective.
- Fancy Newborn Shoes – Babies won’t walk for months, so socks are enough.
- Expensive Crib Bedding Sets – Pillows and blankets aren’t safe for infants.
- Changing Table – A simple changing pad on a dresser saves space and money.
- Baby Food Maker – A regular blender works fine when it’s time for solids.
- Tons of Newborn Clothes – Babies outgrow them fast; get a mix of sizes.
- Baby Towels & Washcloths – Regular soft towels work just as well.
- Overpriced Baby Detergents – Free-and-clear detergents like All Free & Clear work fine.
Best Baby Product Dupes (Save Money!)
If you love high-end baby items but want to stick to a budget, here are some great alternatives:
- UPPAbaby Vista Stroller ($1,000) ➡️ Mockingbird Stroller ($450) – Similar design and features at less than half the price.
- DockATot Lounger ($195) ➡️ Snuggle Me Organic ($100) – Both provide a cozy baby nest for supervised lounging.
- SNOO Smart Sleeper ($1,700) ➡️ Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper ($250) – A fraction of the price with great functionality.
- Nuna Pipa Car Seat ($400) ➡️ Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite ($220) – Comparable safety ratings for less.
- Hatch Rest+ ($90) ➡️ VTech Soothing Sounds Nightlight ($30) – Similar white noise and nightlight features at a lower cost.
- BabyBjörn Bouncer ($250) ➡️ Ingenuity SmartBounce Bouncer ($60) – Both offer gentle motion but one is way more affordable.
Final Thoughts
Building a baby registry is all about focusing on practical, high-quality essentials while avoiding unnecessary clutter. By choosing budget-friendly dupes, you can get the same functionality as luxury brads without overspending. Stick to what truly benefits you and your baby, and don’t be afraid to swap out overpriced products for well-rated alternatives
