Must-Haves For Baby’s Arrival
Before the baby arrives, a million thoughts rush through your mind—but one question that echoes loudest is what you really need. Amid the aisles of cute onesies and bottle warmers, it’s easy to overlook essentials that will make those first months smoother. Building a registry isn’t about collecting stuff but choosing what actually supports you when it counts. We curated these 20 items to show you what serves a real purpose and brings ease.
1. Convertible Crib That Grows With Baby
A convertible crib adjusts from crib to toddler bed, providing a long-term sleep solution. This investment saves you from buying multiple beds as your baby grows. Many include teething rails to protect both the crib and the baby.
2. Breathable Mesh Crib Mattress
Besides reducing the risk of suffocation by allowing air circulation, mesh mattresses are washable and hypoallergenic—ideal for sensitive skin. Some can be rinsed off in the shower for easy cleanup, and they often dry faster than traditional foam mattresses.
Newton Baby Breathable Crib Mattress Review / Peace of Mind for Parents! by Clean Freak & Germaphobe
3. Diaper Pail With Odor Lock System
Standard trash cans don’t trap smells like a quality diaper pail does. Those that are foot-operated allow hands-free use, and many hold up to 270 diapers before needing emptying. They simplify disposal and hygiene, especially for frequent changes.
Aroma Room Diaper Pail Odor-Locking Review by Mack Robertson
4. Baby Carrier With Ergonomic Back Support
These carriers promote bonding through close contact while keeping hands free. They also distribute the baby’s weight evenly to prevent back pain and can be worn in front or backpack-style. Some models even offer hip-seat features for toddlers.
Polka Tots Ergonomic Baby Hip Seat / 6 in 1 Baby Carrier with Airbag Seat by Polka Tots
5. Portable Changing Pad For On-The-Go Changes
Protect your baby from germs on public surfaces with a foldable pad. While allowing hygienic diaper changes anywhere, most come with built-in storage for diapers and wipes. Also, they're lightweight and fit easily in a diaper bag.
Using our Portable Changing Pad by Dreambabytv
6. Video Baby Monitor With Night Vision
Video baby monitors let you keep a visual on your baby without entering the room, and night vision ensures 24/7 monitoring, even in complete darkness. Many include two-way audio so you can soothe from afar.
Amazing night vision on this baby monitor! by Our Favorite Things Reviewed
7. Electric Bottle Warmer With Auto Shutoff
Heat bottles evenly, avoiding hot spots that can burn the baby, with this device that is faster and safer than microwave or stovetop methods. They often include timers or beeping alerts when ready, and their compact size fits on countertops or nightstands.
Dr. Brown's Deluxe Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer - Complete Product Demo by Dr Brown's India
8. Sterilizer For Bottles And Pacifiers
During the first 6 months, when the immune system is weak, sterilizers are helpful. Using steam, they eliminate 99.9% of harmful germs. While many models sterilize in under 10 minutes, some double as bottle dryers and storage units.
Unboxing + Easy Setup: GROWNSY Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer, 2024 by Eclectic Ideas
9. Silicone Bibs With Food Catcher
These bibs reduce cleanup time by catching spills and crumbs. Being waterproof and stain-resistant means they can last through multiple kids. Dishwasher-safe and ready for reuse within minutes, they are rollable for easy storage in diaper bags.
10. High Chair That Transforms Into A Toddler Seat
The multi-stage design of this chair grows with your child’s needs, providing a safe eating space from 6 months to 3+ years. Some models recline for bottle-feeding or newborn support, and tray tops are often removable and dishwasher-safe.
Baby High Chairs | Baby Highchairs / Highchairs & Booster Seats - Baby Products by Research Rocks
11. Swaddle Blankets Made With Organic Cotton
By mimicking the womb’s snug feel, they promote restful sleep. Organic materials reduce the risk of rashes or irritation. Doubling as nursing covers, burp cloths, or stroller shades, they may also include Velcro or zippers for easier wrapping.
MOZAH Organic Cotton Muslin Swaddle Blankets #baby #founditonamazon by Great Online Buys
12. White Noise Machine With Nature Sounds
These machine establishes consistent bedtime cues for babies and improve sleep quality by masking sudden background noises. Options include lullabies and heartbeat rhythms, and they help adults sleep better, too! Portable models are great for travel and car naps.
Magicteam White Noise Machine Review by No Sleepless Nights
13. Baby Bathtub With Temperature Indicator
Many of them fit inside kitchen sinks for convenience, and the foldable options save space in small bathrooms. Besides keeping babies safe by warning if the water is too hot or too cold, they provide non-slip, contoured support for newborns.
Little Olive Temperature Bath Tub Feature Video by Little Olive Team
14. First-Aid Kit With Baby-Safe Supplies
Tailored for infant needs, these kits include alcohol-free wipes and digital thermometers. They help address minor scrapes or allergic reactions and often include baby-safe scissors and medication droppers. With them, you get peace of mind in emergencies or while traveling.
Infant & Toddler First Aid Kit but make it Cute! Packed by a ER/UC nurse by lilmommaCora
15. Wearable Breast Pump For Hands-Free Pumping
Thanks to wearable pumps, one can multitask while expressing milk on the go. Their discreet design fits inside bras for private use. Some models sync with phone apps to track output. No cords or tubes are needed, as they are completely wireless.
16. Nursing Pillow That Supports Multiple Positions
As they help position the baby correctly for a better latch, they also reduce strain on the mom's back, arms, and neck. Doubling as a support seat for tummy time, many come with washable covers in cute patterns.
Nursing pillow demos by BabyCenter
17. Diaper Bag Backpack With USB Charging Port
Even weight distribution makes diaper bags easier to carry, and the USB port charges phones or bottle warmers on the go. Often including insulated pockets for bottles, built-in changing pads are also common bonus features.
Upsimples Diaper Bag with USB Charging Port by Upsimples Baby
18. Car Seat And Stroller Travel System
This system ensures a seamless transition from car to stroller without waking the baby. It meets strict crash tests and safety regulations. Click-in design allows for one-handed transfers, and many models offer extended rear-facing use for safety.
Best Car Seat Stroller Combo [2024] - Top 5 Picks by Unbox Rex
19. Fridge-To-Freezer Breast Milk Storage Set
Besides keeping milk safe with dated and leakproof containers, they also make milk organization simple for caregivers and partners. While color-coded lids help track storage dates, BPA-free materials preserve milk purity and taste. Some sets include stackable trays for space-saving.
How to properly Store, Freeze, Thaw, Combine & Travel with your Breastmilk by Isabel Faith
20. Non-Contact Infrared Baby Thermometer
These thermometers allow fast readings without waking a sleeping baby, and they are more hygienic than oral or rectal options. They can read temperatures in under 2 seconds and also scan bathwater and bottle temps. Backlit screens make night use easy.
How to: General Use | non-contact infrared baby thermometer by Sweet Dreamers
