What to put on your baby registry: the complete 2026 guide

Choosing what to put on your baby registry is a small balancing act: you have to think about the first days at home, but also the months that follow, when your baby's needs change almost every week. This guide walks you through a checklist organized by category, using the same rule of thumb we follow ourselves: genuinely useful gifts, no duplicates, and room for anyone who wants to contribute at a different price point.

1. Safe sleep

The most important category and, paradoxically, the one where most mistakes happen. Pediatric guidelines are clear: no padded bumpers, no pillows, no stuffed animals in the crib during the first year. Add these to your registry:

• Crib or bassinet that meets EN 716 (for Europe).
• Firm mattress cut exactly to the crib dimensions — it should fit with no gaps on the sides.
• 2–3 waterproof mattress protectors in cotton or Tencel: you'll always want a clean one on hand.
• 4–6 fitted sheets, solid colors. You'll be washing them often.
• Sleep sack for the right season (TOG 0.5 for summer, 1.0 for spring/fall, 2.5 for winter).
• White-noise machine or an app with a timer: a real help in the first months.

2. Diapering and hygiene

Here the watchword is practicality. The changing station will be your command center for at least two years.

• Changing table with rails, or a padded changing pad you can place on top of a dresser you already own.
• Digital ear thermometer or infrared forehead thermometer.
• Baby nail clippers with rounded tips and a soft file.
• Zinc oxide diaper cream for rashes (Bepanthen, Desitin, etc.).
• Saline solution and a nasal aspirator: they'll save you through those first cold seasons.
• Anatomical baby bathtub: no point filling an adult tub.

3. Feeding

No matter how you feed (breast, bottle, or both), some accessories are useful for every mom.

• Nursing pillow (C-shape or horseshoe). Handy during pregnancy too.
• Electric breast pump: if you plan to breastfeed, it's worth asking for as a single gift or a group contribution.
• Breast milk storage bags for the freezer.
• Anti-colic bottles (2 x 150 ml, 2 x 250 ml) with nipples in a few flow speeds.
• Bottle warmer or countertop food warmer.
• Sterilizer, either electric steam or microwave-based.

4. On the go

This is where 70% of the budget lands. It really pays to break the big-ticket items into group gifts.

• Stroller or 3-in-1 modular travel system (carrycot + infant seat + stroller seat).
• Group 0+ or i-Size car seat: double-check the certification and that it fits your car.
• Baby wrap or ergonomic carrier: a must-have in the first months.
• Roomy diaper bag with insulated pockets.
• Portable changing mat that folds up.

5. Clothes: size 0–3 months, and that's it

Classic mistake: getting a thousand 0–1 month onesies as gifts. Your baby will wear them for three weeks. Ask for only a few newborn pieces and more in the 3–6 and 6–9 month sizes. Also keep the season in mind: short-sleeve bodysuits for summer, footed sleepers for winter.

Mistakes to avoid

1. Too many stuffed animals: relatives will hand them over anyway. Leave them off your registry.
2. Sterilizer + microwave steamer + kettle: pick just one.
3. "One-size 0–12" clothes: they don't really exist, and if you list them you'll end up with 30 newborn-sized things.
4. Expensive items with no group-gift option: nobody wants to buy a stroller solo. Give guests a way to chip in together.

Our take

The ideal baby registry has between 25 and 45 items. Fewer, and some guests won't find the right idea; more, and gifts spread thin while the big items stay uncovered. Split it across three price tiers (under 30 €, between 30 and 100 €, and above 100 € with a group-gift option) so there's something for everyone.

On BabyWish you can create your registry for free, share it with a unique link, and turn on the group gift option for the priciest items: anyone who wants to can contribute whatever amount they're comfortable with.