This is the baby registry advice I wish I had as a first-time mom

Back when my husband and I were creating our wedding registry, it was a fun, low-pressure opportunity to select some new dishes and linens. After all, I knew a thing or two about stocking my home and making the “wrong decision” with thread count was the only thing that posed any risk to my sleep at night.

Fast-forward a few years to when I created a baby registry before the birth of my first child—and I found the experience to have a much steeper learning curve. Unlike those sheets, it felt like a bad swaddle or bassinet selection would be catastrophic. Unsure of what to expect from motherhood or my baby, I leaned heavily on advice from friends who already ventured into parenthood. (Starting with their reminders to take deep breaths!)

Now a mom of three little ones under the age of four, I’m happy to be in a position to pass along some wisdom (and products to go along with it) to help other mamas-to-be crack the code of what to put on a baby registry.

Go shopping with a veteran parent

My husband and I barely knew the difference between a bouncer and a swing as first-time parents, let alone what specific features we would want. So when a mom friend recommended we head to Target to build my registry together—because she found them to carry the trendy brands she loved AND make registering a breeze during her pregnancy—I leaped at the chance.

By walking through the aisles together and actually getting to see the products, I was much more confident in my registry selections. Thanks to that quick, in-store tutorial from my friend, I understood exactly how to match a perfect infant car seat with a base and stroller—which is something I would have been clueless about on my own. (Another great option is signing up with a service like Babylist, so you can add products from any store—even Etsy!)

Chicco

1. Bravo Trio travel system

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$399.99

It’s easy to plunk down some serious cash on the essentials—but you don’t necessarily have to. Chicco’s best-selling travel system, the Bravo Trio (which includes the #1-rated Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat) has all the features you need, like a smart fold close, easy-to-install base and UPF protection, at a really reasonable price.

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Include baby registry items at a variety of price points

When it comes down to it, a registry is really a wish list. So, while I had a personal budget for a stroller if it had to come out of my own pocket, this was an opportunity for me to ask for the stroller of my dreams. And, wouldn’t you know it? A few family members went in on it together, which made a bigger price tag much more manageable.

At the same time, it’s nice to include some of the smaller ticket items that are absolutely essential. I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I was to skip buying my own diapers for those first few weeks. (With super cute patterns, these are also surprisingly fun to give, too!)

UPPAbaby

1. Cruz V2 Stroller

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$699

When it comes to dream strollers, this one is a worthy consideration. Slim and agile without compromising your little one’s comfort, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 stroller was designed with versatility in mind. It offers excellent maneuverability so you can navigate through everything from narrow bodega aisles to busy streets and folds compact for easy storage. Added features you’ll love include a reversible toddler seat, a zip-out UPF 50+ canopy and oversized shopping basket for those errands.

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2. Honest diapers

$29.99

Gentle and absorbent and totally free from all the yucky stuff, you can never have too many Honest diapers. (If you want to explore other natural options, check out our round-up of eco-friendly diapers and find your new favorite!)

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Mustela

3. Newborn Arrival Baby Bath and Body Gift Set

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$36.49

Baby care products are another great low price point inclusion. This gift set from tried-and-true favorites, Mustela, includes all the natural essentials for keeping your little one fresh and clean.

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4. Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blanket Set

$34.95

What does a new mama want most of all? Sleep. Sure, babies sleep a lot throughout the night and day, but they’re light sleepers, which often results in interrupted sleep for both you and baby. So what’s an under-slept mama to do? Swaddle. These super-soft muslin swaddles are breathable and cozy and last well beyond the swaddling days.

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Think about the gifts you would like to give

The first time I bought a mom-to-be a gift after my own child was born, I knew immediately what to look for on her registry: a diaper bag backpack, which I had come to have very strong opinions about after battling falling straps with my first diaper bag. This allowed me to feel like I had a personal touch in my gift, even if I brought one pre-selected by her.

I also appreciate it when my friends clearly incorporate their style into their registry choices, like with adorable baby outfits or nursery decor—and there’s no sweeter “thank you” than a picture from a friend showing your gift in use.

Dagne Dover

1. Indi Diaper Backpack

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$215

The Dagne Dover diaper bag is the Mary Poppins of diaper bags, with slick mesh slim pockets inside of a structured and stretchy backpack that feels like it can hold everything. Made of an easy-to-clean premium neoprene fabric (what the brand is known for), the inside is a true treasure trove of goodies, including a fold-out changing mat, zipper pouch, and even a laptop sleeve.

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2. Tea Collection Outfit

$28

With their gorgeous prints and top-notch quality, Tea Collection clothes are a go-to for gifting and for our own babies. They hold up wash after wash and make every single moment feel particularly photographable. Prices start at $28.

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3. Wooden tile letterboard

$29.99

This one pulls double duty as fab wall decor and insta-worthy photo prop.

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Ask for things to grow with your child

Even though it’s called a baby registry, there’s no need to limit yourself to gifts to use before their first birthday. (To this day, I still have people who attended my baby shower to thank for the convertible bed that my oldest child sleeps in!) Looking back, I wish I’d included even more options with long lifespans in my registry.

A high-quality convertible car seat, for instance, can take you from the infant days well into the preschool years—saving you from having to buy multiple seats as your little one grows. Similarly, a well-designed high chair that converts into a toddler seat (or beyond!) can be a game-changer. I’ve watched friends get amazing mileage out of those 4-in-1 high chairs that transform from infant seats to toddler boosters and eventually into proper chairs that their kids still use for homework!

Speaking of convertible gear, I definitely would have included a baby carrier that could be used during the newborn months, baby months and well into the toddler years. A well-designed baby carrier would have saved my back from serious pain because it would have allowed me to comfortably and ergonomically carry my toddler as she made her way into the 25lb+ club.

One brand that’s designed to grow with your baby and accommodates 7-45 pounds (up to about four years old) and offers both inward and forward-facing positions is Ergobaby. With several different design and style options, you can easily find one that caters to your parenting needs. Like the Omni 360, an all-in-one carrier that grows with baby from the newborn stages into the toddler years, or a newborn-specific carrier, like the Embrace. The best part? All ergonomic designs are supportive and comfortable for both baby and parent, offering extra lumbar support with breathable, lightweight mesh styles. Everyone (even grandparents!) can get a kick out of babywearing, which is a nice and welcomed break for parents. Having one of these on my registry would have certainly made those first few years so much easier.

Don’t forget about play spaces either! A quality play mat with removable toys can evolve from a newborn activity gym into a toddler’s imaginative play space. And while we’re thinking long-term, consider adding some larger investment pieces like a dresser that can double as a changing table now and serve as regular furniture later, or a monitor system that can adapt from watching a sleeping infant to keeping an eye on an active toddler’s room. These might seem like big asks, but remember—your friends and family can always team up for the pricier items, and you’ll be thankful for years to come!

Ergobaby

1. Omni 360 cool air mesh baby carrier

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$179

Carry them inward, outward, front or back with the Omni 360. It’s also constructed of lightweight and breathable mesh to keep you both cool, even in warmer temps.

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Lalo

2. Bathtime Full Kit

Unlike other tubs that become yet another thing to unload in a matter of months, this clever design can stick around for an entire lifetime. Literally. The two-part construction features a comfy removable insert with a soft foam back rest for the tiniest babes and a contoured support for older babies. Once they’re able to sit comfortably on their own, just take it out and they’ve got a roomy tub for splashing. Ready to move on to the regular bath? No need to hand it down–the minimalist tub can be used as stylish toy storage or even filled with ice and beverages at their high school graduation party. Now that’s versatility!

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Stokke

3. Tripp Trapp High Chair Complete

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$399

We’re fairly certain there’s not a “best high chair” roundup on the planet that hasn’t included Stokke’s Tripp Trapp. The OG of high chairs, Tripp Trapp first debuted in 1972 and was ahead of its time for two reasons—for one, its minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic is perpetually stylish, and the chair grows with baby from birth to up to 242 pounds. (Yes, really!) We love its adjustable, ergonomic seat design that supports both your child’s back and feet, and the fact that chair is meant to belly right up to the table (though the complete set includes the tray accessory). Easy to wipe down after meals, Tripp Trapp also has extended gliders to prevent backwards tipping and comes in myriad colors, from natural light wood to fire-engine red.

You want to get the Tripp Trapp in its baby set configuration, which means it comes with a five-point harness that can be removed when baby is big enough. Want to use it from day one with your infant? Purchase the Newborn Set for an additional $149.00 or get the full set right out of the gate.

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Lovevery

4. The Play Gym

If you’re looking for the whole kit and caboodle, Lovevery’s got you covered. Their colorful but not overly loud playmat features five development “zones” that help take the “am I doing this right?” worry out of playtime. (Relax, mama. You’re doing great!) It’s got flaps for peek-a-boo, textures to explore and a gorgeous minimalist activity gym with a collection of toys to swap out as they grow. And if that’s not enough, it also converts to a sweet playtime fort to keep it relevant long past tummy time.

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Creating a baby registry might feel way more daunting than picking out those wedding sheets, but trust me—with a little strategy, you’ve got this! By shopping with a mom who’s been there, mixing in items at different price points, and thinking ahead to products that’ll grow with your little one, you can build a registry that really works for your family. Remember, those registry picks aren’t just about the newborn phase—they’re about setting yourself up for the wild and wonderful parenting journey ahead. So take a deep breath and focus on what matters: versatile, quality items that’ll make life easier when your bundle of joy arrives.

A version of this article was originally published on October 17th, 2021. It has been updated.