The Honest Baby Registry Guide

These are items you genuinely cannot care for a baby without:

SAFE SLEEP

• •Crib or bassinet - Baby needs a safe, flat sleep surface
• •Skip: Expensive crib - basic meets same safety standards
• •Consider: Pack 'n Play as bassinet AND travel crib
• •Firm mattress - Must fit snugly in crib (no gaps)
• •Fitted sheets (3-4) - You'll change these frequently

FEEDING

• •If breastfeeding: Nursing bras (3-4), breast pump (insurance covers), storage bags
• •If formula feeding: Bottles (start with 4-6), formula
• •Either way: Burp cloths (12+), bottle brush

DIAPERING

• •Diapers - Start with small quantities of different brands (baby may prefer one)
• •Wipes - Stock up (you'll use thousands)
• •Diaper cream - One tube to start
• •Changing pad - Can be a $10 foam pad, doesn't need to be fancy

CLOTHING

• •Onesies/bodysuits - 8-10 in newborn AND 0-3 months
• •Sleepers/footie pajamas - 5-6 (easiest for nighttime changes)
• •Socks or booties - 4-6 pairs
• •Hat - 1-2 for sun/cold
• •Seasonally appropriate outerwear - If winter baby, a warm suit

CAR SEAT

• •Infant car seat - Required to leave hospital
• •Buy new (used car seats may have been in accidents)
• •Don't need the most expensive - all pass same safety tests

BASIC CARE

• •Baby nail clippers or file - Those nails are sharp!
• •Thermometer - Rectal is most accurate for infants
• •Bulb syringe or NoseFrida - For stuffy noses
• •Baby bathtub or bath support - Simple is fine

These make life easier but you can survive without them:

HELPFUL BUT OPTIONAL

• •Baby monitor:
• •Video not necessary - audio works fine
• •Skip WiFi monitors (security concerns, complexity)
• •Simple audio monitor: $30-50

• •Swing or bouncer:
• •Some babies love them, some hate them
• •Borrow or buy used first to test
• •Don't need both - pick one

• •Baby carrier/wrap:
• •Lifesaver for some parents
• •Try before you buy (different styles suit different bodies)
• •Borrow from friends to find what works

• •Stroller:
• •You'll use this A LOT
• •Don't need the $1000 model
• •Consider: Does your car seat click into it? (travel system)
• •Test in person before buying online

• •Diaper bag:
• •Any backpack works honestly
• •"Diaper bags" are often overpriced
• •Needs: Pockets, wipeable interior, comfortable straps

• •White noise machine:
• •Very helpful for sleep
• •Free apps work just as well
• •$20 Hatch or similar is plenty

• •Nursing pillow (Boppy/My Brest Friend):
• •Helpful for feeding
• •Regular pillows can substitute
• •My Brest Friend better for breastfeeding, Boppy more versatile

• •High chair:
• •Not needed until 4-6 months
• •IKEA Antilop ($20) is a favorite for good reason
• •Skip the $300 "grows with child" chairs

• •Play mat/activity gym:
• •Nice for tummy time
• •A blanket on the floor works too
• •Wait until after birth to see if baby engages

Marketing hype. Most parents regret buying these:

WASTE OF MONEY

• •Wipe warmer:
• •Dries out wipes
• •Baby adjusts to room temp wipes in 2 days
• •One more thing to plug in and clean

• •Bottle warmer:
• •Bowl of warm water works perfectly
• •Most babies take room temp bottles fine
• •One more appliance to clean and store

• •Diaper pail (Diaper Genie, etc.):
• •Expensive refills forever
• •Regular trash can with lid works fine
• •Take diapers out frequently, problem solved

• •Baby shoes (before walking):
• •Babies don't walk. They don't need shoes.
• •Socks are all you need until they're standing
• •"Soft sole" shoes are just expensive socks

• •Special baby laundry detergent:
• •Free & Clear regular detergent is fine
• •"Baby" detergent is same thing, higher price
• •Unless baby has reaction, regular is safe

• •Changing table:
• •Pad on dresser works perfectly
• •You'll change diapers on bed/floor/couch anyway
• •One less piece of furniture to buy and move

• •Baby food maker:
• •A fork or blender you already own works
• •Most parents give up making baby food
• •Pouches and jarred food are fine

• •Newborn photography props:
• •Professional photographers bring their own
• •Baby doesn't care about matching headbands
• •Those Pinterest photos aren't worth the cost

• •Elaborate nursery decor:
• •Baby can't see more than 12 inches at first
• •They don't care about $500 wall murals
• •You'll be too tired to notice anyway

HOW TO BUILD YOUR REGISTRY:

1. Start with the must-haves list above

• •Add basics first before cute stuff
• •Multiple price points for different gift-givers

2. Don't register for everything in one brand

• •Different bottles/pacifiers for picky babies
• •Mix of diaper brands to test

3. Register for consumables

• •Diapers in multiple sizes (not just newborn)
• •Wipes (you'll use 5,000+ in first year)
• •Diaper cream, baby wash, lotion

4. Include gift cards

• •You'll discover needs after baby arrives
• •Nice for emergency runs

5. Add things for YOU

• •Postpartum recovery items
• •Nursing supplies
• •Snacks and easy meals

COMPLETION DISCOUNT STRATEGY:

Most registries offer 10-20% off remaining items after baby arrives:

• •Amazon: 15% (10% without Prime)
• •Target: 15%
• •Babylist: 15%

Strategy: Register for expensive items even if you don't expect them as gifts → buy them yourself with completion discount.

Example: $300 car seat × 15% off = $45 savings

REALISTIC PRICE RANGES (New):

BUDGET WINS (Same quality, lower price):

• •IKEA Antilop high chair - $20, loved by parents worldwide
• •Pack 'n Play as bassinet - Two products in one
• •Target Cloud Island clothing - Quality comparable to expensive brands
• •Amazon Basics bottles - Work as well as Dr. Brown's
• •Graco car seats - Same safety as $400 seats

WHERE TO SPLURGE (If you have the budget):

• •Stroller - You'll use it for 3+ years, comfort matters
• •Carrier - If babywearing a lot, ergonomics matter
• •Crib mattress - Firm, quality mattress is worth it for sleep

MUST BUY NEW:

• •Car seat - No exceptions. Could have been in accident.
• •Crib mattress - Hygiene and firmness concerns
• •Bottles/nipples - Hygiene, wear concerns
• •Breast pump parts - Hygiene (pump motor can be used)

GREAT TO BUY USED:

• •Crib - Check for recalls at cpsc.gov first
• •Stroller - Test wheels and brakes
• •Clothes - Baby wears them for weeks, still like new
• •Books and toys - Wipe down, good as new
• •Swing/bouncer - Often barely used
• •High chair - Clean thoroughly
• •Baby bathtub - Basically just plastic
• •Carriers/wraps - Inspect for wear, wash

WHERE TO FIND USED:

• •Facebook Marketplace
• •Buy Nothing groups (free!)
• •Once Upon a Child (consignment store)
• •Just Between Friends sales
• •Local mom groups
• •Nextdoor app

BEFORE BUYING USED:

1. Check cpsc.gov for recalls

2. Inspect for damage, missing parts

3. Test all moving parts

4. Verify manufacture date (some items expire)

5. Clean thoroughly before use

REALISTIC QUANTITIES:

CLOTHING (Per Size):

• •Onesies/bodysuits: 7-10
• •Sleepers/footies: 5-7
• •Pants: 3-5 (onesies alone work fine)
• •Outfits/rompers: 2-3 (for going out)
• •Socks: 6-8 pairs (they disappear)
• •Hats: 2

Note: Babies grow FAST. Don't over-buy newborn size.

• •Some babies never fit newborn (born big)
• •Most are in newborn 2-4 weeks
• •Buy more 0-3 month than newborn

FEEDING:

• •Bottles: 4-6 (can always buy more)
• •Burp cloths: 12-15 (used constantly)
• •Bibs: 4-6 initially, more for solids stage

DIAPERS:

• •Newborn: 1-2 packs only (outgrow fast)
• •Size 1: 3-4 packs
• •Size 2: Stock up (longest wear time)
• •Size 3+: Wait and see

LINENS:

• •Crib sheets: 3-4 (midnight blowouts happen)
• •Swaddles: 3-5
• •Receiving blankets: 4-6
• •Burp cloths: 12+

BATH:

• •Towels: 2-3 (hooded nice but not required)
• •Washcloths: 6-8

IF YOU WANT TO START WITH ABSOLUTE MINIMUM:

Everything a newborn truly needs (first 2 weeks):

Total items: ~25

Total cost: $300-500 (all new, budget options)

WHY THIS WORKS:

• •Most baby stuff exists to solve problems that haven't happened yet
• •You can buy more after baby arrives
• •You'll know what YOU need, not what Instagram says
• •Less stuff = less clutter = less stress

ADD LATER AS NEEDED:

• •Baby carrier (try friend's first)
• •Swing/bouncer (some babies hate them)
• •Fancy bottles (if basic don't work)
• •More clothes (after you know growth rate)