Must-Have Baby Registry Items for Every Category: The Ultimate Guide for New Moms
Bringing home a new baby is one of life’s most beautiful moments — but it can also feel overwhelming when you start looking at all the gear, gadgets, and baby products out there.
As a pediatric occupational therapist and first-time mom, I’ve learned that you don’t need everything — just the right things that make life smoother, safer, and more joyful.
Whether you’re building your registry or preparing for your little one’s arrival, here’s a simple, category-by-category guide to the must-have baby items that truly make a difference.
Activity & Gear Essentials
These are the tools that make playtime, travel, and everyday routines easier for both you and baby.
The keyword here is wipeable. Spit up? Spilled food? I can wipe it up instantly. A play mat is a must as a pediatric occupational therapist to help with those developmental milestones.
Perfect for contact naps, hands-free snuggles, and getting things done around the house. Make sure the one you get is ergonomic and allows the baby’s hips to be in an “M” shape for newborns!
We started with a Halo bassinet for our beside, but we only used it for 2 weeks! Our baby liked to squirm and move around so we decided it was time to upgrade to the Pack and Play. We love how it’s easily moveable and you can pack it for a trip easily!
There’s a lot of rolling carts out there, but I wanted one with maximum storage area. This one has 3 extra mini storage compartments along with hooks that I can hang her bows or her outfits! You can use it as a mobile baby station stocked with diapers, wipes, burp clothes, and essentials – this portable storage system is so useful!
A stylish yet functional bag to hold all your must-haves that holds more than you think! I didn’t want one of those big diaper backpacks and this one was it!
Bath Time Favorites
Make bath time soothing, safe, and sweet with these gentle, practical picks.
I love items that are multi-functional and space-saving. This one has a built in thermometer that prevents burns and takes the guesswork out of bath prep. A collapsible design makes storage simple – it also grows with your baby, lasting through multiple stages. It also has a floating suspension pad that helps the baby float while washing them.
Go for a tear-free, fragrance-free formula that’s gentle on sensitive skin. Choose something pediatrician-recommended and free of dyes and harsh chemicals.
Soft, reusable, and perfect for wiping baby’s delicate skin. This one is great for sponge baths, cleaning milk dribbles, or even doubling as burp cloths in a pinch. Always keep a stack handy in your nursery or diaper caddy!
Lightweight and quick-drying, ideal for drying off your baby or using as mini burp cloths. Muslin is super breathable and gentle, reducing skin irritation.
Diapering Must-Haves
Perfect for diaper changes anywhere — in the car, on the couch, or at grandma’s. This one is a wipeable material with storage pockets for wipes and diapers. It folds up compactly and fits right into your diaper bag. A must for on-the-go parents.
I like to opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic wipes to protect baby’s skin barrier. Stock up — you’ll go through more than you think!
We have these on hand for just in case scenarios. A gentle, fragrance-free ointment that soothes and protects baby’s bottom from irritation.
Feeding Essentials
As a feeding Occupational Therapist, we emphasize on having a high chair with a foot rest to help babies sit upright and safely explore solids. I love this one because of the adjustable footrest – encouraging proper posture as the baby grows.
The long sleeves offer full coverage for new eaters. They’re easy to rinse or wipe clean — no extra laundry needed. Perfect for baby-led weaning adventures!
A straw cup supports oral motor development and strengthens mouth muscles. Skip the sippy cups!
This spoon eliminates scooping and balancing struggles and makes the transitions to solid easier!
Health & Wellness Favorites
A humidifier adds moisture to dry air, helping prevent congestion and dry skin. It’s especially useful during cold months or when your baby is sick. It can make a noticeable difference in your baby’s comfort and sleep quality.
We couldn’t get ourselves to do the Nose Frida one where you have to suck the boogers out. This electric one clears out nasal congestion gently and effectively and helps your baby breathe, feed, and sleep better!
This one is a must and don’t forget to pack it in your hospital bag! (Check out my hospital bag checklist blog). Their little nails grow SO fast and this one makes nail filing stress-free.
I love how this one is an all-in-one: night light, sound machine, and can be used through the years as they grow to set routines! You can customize it so it fits you and your family.
Nursing Must-Haves
There is a reason why this pillow is EVERYWHERE and recommended by SO many mamas! It provides a firm, supportive cushioning and helps you maintain good posture. The clip on strap is golden for hands-free stability!
I literally wore these after EVERY feeding session the first month and it helped save my nips. These natural silver nursing cups soothe soreness and prevent infection. Best part – they’re reusable and chemical-free.
I should’ve gotten this day 1 for catching letdown from the opposite breast during feeding! I wasted so much of my liquid gold the first month – don’t be like me!
Offers privacy and comfort while feeding in public or around guests. This one with the curve allows you to see baby during the feed which is a must!
Stroller & Car Seat Essentials
As an Occupational therapist, I want freedom of movement for my baby as much as possible for their development and wanted a stroller that has a pramette. We love the big storage space this one has!
A rechargeable fan that can be attached to almost any surface (those hospital beds if you run hot!) We take this everywhere with us (adults can use it too!)
I’m SO glad we got this because it keeps are essentials within reach. Two cup holders and pockets for phone, keys, wallet, etc. This one is a must!
Toys That Support Development
Newborns can only see high-contrast colors in the beginning, so these black and white cards are a must! Use them during tummy time or tracking while laying down.
These are so multipurposeful and love that they have different textures on them! Lightweight rings are great for grasping and help develop fine motor skills.
Stick them to a window, high chair, or floor for endless spinning fun. They encourage reaching, visual tracking, and cause-and-effect play. You can use it during tummy time, reaching, learning how to pull up to stand, the ideas are endless.
These teethers feature a variety of textures to support sensory development and an easy-to-hold handle that’s perfectly sized for your baby to safely bring to their mouth.
