The ABCs of Baby Registries

By Ali Wing, author of giggle guide to baby gear and founder of giggle

Getting ready for a new baby? It’s an exciting time in anyone’s life, filled with lots of preparation and planning — especially when it comes to setting up your nursery!

The easiest way to make sure you have everything you need is by creating a baby registry. Not only can you use it to keep track of everything you still have left to purchase, it lets your loved ones know exactly what you want so they never have to worry whether you’ll like your gift.

Plan on starting your registry four or five months before you’re due. That gives you plenty of time to consider your choices and change your mind, and also allows for proper lead time on larger items and special orders. Besides, you’ll be glad you got it taken care of if the baby comes early!

When you’re filling your registry, choose items with a wide range of prices to accommodate all budgets. Unlike bridal registries, it’s typical for a baby registry to have a lot of smaller items and everyday essentials. And don’t be afraid to include some splurges: You never know when friends or family might want to go in together on a gift!

So where do you start? Here’s a checklist of everything you’ll need to get ready for your baby. Some things you might have already gotten or are planning on purchasing yourself, but the rest are all items worth considering for your registry. And if you need help choosing anything from a stroller to baby bottles to a diaper bag, check out giggle’s Baby Gear Guides to learn more about finding the products that are right for you!

Furnishings

• Crib
• Crib Mattress
• Changing table
• Changing table pad & covers
• Dresser or armoire
• Glider or rocker

Linens

• Receiving blankets (3)
• Crib bedding sets
• Fitted sheets (2)
• Stroller blankets (2)
• Swaddle blankets (3)

Clothing

• Short-sleeved onesies (6)
• Long-sleeved onesies (6)
• Baby gowns (4)
• Long-sleeved tees (4)
• Short-sleeved tees (4)
• Booties (6)
• Buntings (4)
• Mitts (6)
• Skull caps (6)
• Socks (6)

Strollers, car seats & gear

• Full sized stroller
• Infant car seat
• Toddler car seat
• Car seat adapter
• Front carrier
• Backpack carrier
• Diaper bag
• Extra changing pads

Nursing & bottle feeding

• Bottle set
• Bottle storage rack
• Bottle sterilizer
• Bottle warmer
• Burp cloths (12)
• Nursing pillow
• Breast pump

Introducing solids

• Baby plate sets (2)
• Bibs (2+)
• Food mill
• Highchair

Bath & potty

• Diaper pail &
• Diaper pail refills (3+)
• Cloth diapers (6+)
• Wipes (lots!)
• Barrier cream (2+)
• Baby lotion and powder (2+)
• Infant bath seat
• Infant bathtub
• Hooded towel (4+)
• Wash cloths (4+)
• Hair & body wash (2+)
• Potty chair
• Training pants

Cleaning & safety

• Baby monitor
• Sensitive laundry detergent
• Baby-safe cleaning supplies
• First aid kit
• Cabinet locks
• Outlet caps

Activities

• Bouncy seat or lounger
• Crib mirror
• Mobile
• Play mat for floor

Visit giggle.com for more