What to actually put on a baby registry

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Most registry lists are padded. A newborn needs somewhere safe to sleep, a way to eat, a way to get cleaned up, a car seat, and clothes. Almost everything else is comfort, convenience, or optional. Here is what earns its place.

Sleep

• Crib or bassinet — one safe sleep surface with a firm, flat mattress. A bassinet buys you a few months of keeping the baby in your room, which is the recommended arrangement early on.
• Fitted sheets — 2 to 3, so there's always a clean one during a 2 a.m. change.
• Sleep sacks or swaddles — 2 to 3 in the newborn size. Loose blankets don't belong in the sleep space.

Feeding

• Bottles — a small starter set (4 to 6). Babies are picky about nipples; don't stock up on one brand until you know it works.
• Burp cloths — more than you think. A dozen is not too many.
• Nursing pillow — useful whether you nurse or bottle-feed, for positioning.
• Breast pump — if you plan to pump. Many US insurance plans cover one; check before you add it.
• Bottle brush and drying rack — small things you'll use every single day.

Diapering

• Newborn diapers — one pack only. Babies grow through the newborn size fast, sometimes skip it. Register for size 1 and 2 as well.
• Wipes — buy in bulk; they never expire before you use them.
• Changing pad — plus a couple of waterproof covers.
• Diaper cream — one tube to start.

Travel

• Infant car seat — non-negotiable, and you can't leave the hospital without one. Buy new; don't accept a used seat with unknown history.
• Stroller — one that accepts the car seat, or a travel system, covers the early months.
• Carrier or wrap — a newborn-appropriate one. Many babies settle fastest against a chest.

Bath and health

• Baby bathtub or a sink insert.
• Hooded towels and washcloths — 2 to 3 towels.
• Digital thermometer — rectal is the most accurate for newborns; your pediatrician will ask for a number.
• Nail file or clippers, and a basic first-aid kit.

Clothing (newborn and 0–3 months)

• 5 to 7 onesies / bodysuits
• 5 to 7 footed sleepers — zippers beat snaps at 3 a.m.
• 2 to 3 swaddle blankets
• A few hats, socks, and no-scratch mittens
• One going-home outfit

What most parents end up skipping

• Wipe warmers — one more thing to clean; babies adjust to room-temp wipes.
• Newborn shoes — decorative only.
• Full bedding sets — bumpers, quilts, and pillows aren't used in a safe sleep space.
• Bottle sterilizers — hot soapy water or a dishwasher is enough for most families.
• Changing tables — a pad on a dresser you already own works fine.
• Newborn-size clothing in bulk — a lot of it never gets worn.

Nuga's in-app registry links to retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Some of those are affiliate links — if you buy through one, Nuga may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and it's never why an item is on a list.