Your baby shower registry: Everything you need for a new baby
So, you’re having a baby. And feeling all the feelings. As you get ready for your baby shower, it can be both exciting and overwhelming trying to figure out what to register for. We asked some in-the-know parents what items they loved, and they delivered (ahem) in a real way.
Create a registry (or two)
Don’t be shy. Creating a few registries will ensure you include everything you’ll need, along with a few special things you can’t resist. We like that Buy Buy Baby’s registry checklist covers the basics, since there are so many things (looking at you nursing pads) you’ll be glad you have when you need them. Once you get the registry basics locked down, you can add additional items with another registry or two. Amazon Baby Registry is great for things you may want to reorder like diapers or formula, instead of buying them from multiple stores.
Baby shower invitations with registry information
Oh Baby by Sugar Paper, Too Real by Hello!Lucky, Floral Baby by Rifle Paper Co.
Instead of them sending separate baby shower registry cards, send your registry information to your baby shower hosts so they can include registry links in your baby shower invitations. Paperless Post makes it easy to send baby shower invitations with registry information. Easily attach registry links to any of our online invitations. Simply paste in the registry link and name the registry to share along with the party details. This way your guests don’t have to play telephone to find the right baby registry. While soon-to-be grandparents tend to start purchasing early, most shower guests will make last minute purchases, so set up your registry early on and continue to check in on and update your list as your baby shower approaches.
Baby Registry Essentials
Baby Clothes
Register for less newborn-sized clothing than you’d expect and focus on clothing in 3-12-month sizes since they’ll grow out of sizes quickly. Look for kimono-styles that don’t go over the head to help with stressful outfit changes. Registering for a few things in each size and a range of price points will give people a sense of how you’d like to dress your kid, even if they end up passing along hand-me-down outfits or finding something similar. If you’re into prints, gender-neutral styles or all pink everything, it will come through in the registry.
Gingham Sunsuit, Under the Nile Snap footies, Tadpoles layette set, and Zutano booties
Sleep & soothe
Ahhh, sleep. It seems so simple now. For the first few months, you’ll really just need a bassinet or co-sleeper along with pacifiers and a handful of swaddle blankets.
Snoo bassinet, Humidifier, and Bips pacifiers, and HALO SleepSack
As they get a little older and move to a crib, you may add quite a bit more to your routine to get them sleeping as regularly and soundly as possible. Go ahead and register for these larger items now, even if you won’t use them right away. We also suggest stocking up on at least one extra crib sheet, because babies.
Ikea Crib, White Noise Machine, Lewis Home Crib Sheet, and Eufy Baby Monitor
Play
Toys tend to accumulate whether you want them to or not. For toys to put on registry, you’ll be set for a while if you cover the basics for tummy time and story time. We especially like a baby gym that makes it easy to add and subtract hanging elements to mix things up as the child grows.
Baby Bjorn Bouncer, Maileg Rattle, Ikea Baby Gym, and Toki Play Mat
Guests will delight in passing along a favorite story to start a child’s book collection. Consider a mix of sweet classics, silly rhyming words and empowering new stories.
Jamberry, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Chicka Chick Boom Boom, and Ada Twist
Feeding
However you choose to feed, you’ll want to create a comfy go-to spot with rocker or glider and a feeding pillow. Consider registering for streaming services, Kindle e-books, or add a magazine subscription to your registry for late night feedings. Babies tend to prefer one brand of bottles over another so start with a few of one type and go from there. Nobody has ever regretted having a diaper pail—you’ll be glad you have it when your baby starts eating solid food.
Feeding pillow, Ubbi Diaper Pail, Rocker, and Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair
Bath
Simple and straightforward work best for the bath as you can add small toys to their routine as they grow. A foldable bathtub makes for easy storage, and a spout cover protects their wriggling head from bumping against the tub.
Tub insert, Puj Folding bath support, Moby tub spout cover, and fruit bath squirties
Travel
We won’t say “diaper bag” if you don’t. For everyday use, go with a backpack or minimal carryall that anyone can wear when they’re out with the baby. The stroller and car seat that are right for you will largely depend on your neighborhood and your home, so ask your neighbors for their thoughts and keep in mind where you’ll store it. Even if you have the stroller covered (thanks, Grandma!) you may still want to include it on the registry so that people will know which attachments and accessories go with it.
Baby Bjorn Carrier, Diaper Clutch, Car Seat & Stroller, and Portable Changing Mat
Showered with love
Babies need a lot of things. Rest assured that your loved ones want to support you and your partner and are waiting by to shower you with love… and registry gifts. No need to send separate baby shower registry cards though. Instead use our baby shower invitations with registry information. Our beautiful designs are always ad-free, with RSVP tracking included.
Baby shower Flyer with registry information
For more inspiration head to our how to host a modern baby shower guide. By the way, every product in this post is one we personally love and can confidently recommend to our users. Paperless Post may earn a commission through affiliate links on this post.
Hero image: Lewis