Planning · Complete Checklist
Baby Registry Checklist 2026: What You Actually Need
👥 Reviewed by the SBC Parent Panel, 6 European parents
⚡ The Honest Summary
Truly essential~15 items, far fewer than most lists suggest
Biggest waste of moneyWipe warmer, nappy disposal unit, baby shoes under 12m, activity jumper
Most underrated itemMuslin cloths, you need at least 10, most people buy 4
Most overrated itemNewborn-size clothing, outgrown in weeks, often not needed at all
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📋 In This Guide
The average baby registry contains 70–100 items. The average baby needs about 15 of them in the first 3 months. This checklist cuts through the commercial noise and gives you an honest, opinionated list, with notes on what you can wait and see on, and what you genuinely need before baby arrives.
Sleep ✅ Essential
- Crib or co-sleeper crib, with EN 716 certification. IKEA Sundvik (€80) or Chicco Next2Me (€200). See our crib guide →
- Firm flat mattress, buy new, never second-hand. Fits the crib exactly (max 25mm gap at sides)
- 3–4 fitted crib sheets, cotton, well-fitted
- Swaddles / zip swaddles × 3, KeaBabies, Love to Dream See guide →
- Sleep sacks × 2, for when swaddling stops (from rolling signs)
- Blackout blind, the most impactful sleep purchase. Measure the window precisely.
- Baby monitor. not needed in a small studio, essential with any wall between you. See guide →
Feeding ✅ Essential
- Breast pump, if breastfeeding. Check whether your health insurance covers it (in Germany: Krankenkasse covers rental; France: Sécurité Sociale covers purchase with prescription). See guide →
- Nursing pillow, Ergobaby Natural Curve or Boppy
- Bottles × 4, even if breastfeeding, for expressed milk. Start with slow-flow teats. See guide →
- Steriliser, electric steam (Momcozy BS03) or microwave bags. Required for all feeding equipment until 12 months See guide →
- Nursing bras × 3–4, size up from pre-pregnancy measurement by 1–2 cup sizes
- Lanolin nipple cream, Lansinoh is the most recommended
Changing and Nappies ✅ Essential
- Changing table or mat, correct height (80–90cm) prevents back strain. See guide →
- Nappies, size Newborn and Size 1 (don't overbuy Newborn, babies grow fast). Size 2 to have ready
- Nappy cream, Bepanthen or Sudocrem for nappy rash prevention
- Cotton wool and water wipes, for newborn nappy changes (fragrance-free)
- Muslin cloths × 10+, for burping, wiping, covering, swaddling in emergencies. You will use these constantly. Most people buy too few.
- Nappy bin with lid, any bin with a tight lid. No need for proprietary Sangenic-type systems.
Bath Time ✅ Essential
- Baby bath tub, or bath support for adult tub. Stokke Flexi Bath is best value long-term. See guide →
- Bath thermometer, €5–10. Don't rely on your elbow.
- Hooded towels × 2, large, soft, at least 70x70cm
- Fragrance-free baby wash, optional for first weeks; plain water is sufficient for newborns
Getting Around ✅ Essential
- Stroller with lie-flat for newborns, either carry cot included or fully flat seat. See guide →
- Infant car seat, Group 0+/i-Size (R129). Required from first hospital journey. Check compatibility with your stroller for travel system.
- Baby carrier, Ergobaby Omni 360 or BabyBjörn One Air. Used daily, worth the investment. See guide →
- Rain cover for stroller, most strollers include one, check before buying separately
Play and Development 🔸 Important but can wait
- Play gym / activity mat, Lovevery or simpler alternative. Can wait until 4–6 weeks. See guide →
- Baby bouncer, BabyBjörn Bliss. Very useful but not needed from day one. See guide →
- High-contrast cards, for newborn visual stimulation. Can print for free.
What to Remove from Your Registry
Skip these entirely
Wipe warmer, creates bacterial growth, completely unnecessary.
Nappy disposal unit, any bin with a lid does the same job without proprietary refills.
Baby shoes under 9 months, babies don't need shoes until walking. Pre-walking "shoes" are purely aesthetic.
Newborn clothing beyond 6 outfits, most babies skip Newborn size entirely or are in it for 2–3 weeks.
Baby monitor with multiple subscriptions, a DECT monitor does the core job without ongoing costs.
Activity jumper (Jolly Jumper), actively discouraged by paediatric physiotherapists in Europe. Delays walking development and encourages incorrect posture.
Baby food maker, a regular blender and steamer do the same job. Save the €80–150.
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FAQ
How many nappies should I put on my registry?
A newborn goes through 8–12 nappies per day. Request 2–3 packs each of Newborn and Size 1 (about 100–150 nappies). Don't overbuy Newborn, many babies skip the size or are in it for 2–3 weeks. Size 2 is safer to stock up on. Alternatively, put a Lillydoo subscription on your registry instead of individual packs.
When should I create a baby registry?
Around 20 weeks (mid-second trimester), after the anatomy scan confirms everything is developing normally, and with enough time for guests to buy before your shower (typically 28–32 weeks). Don't wait until the third trimester, you'll run out of time and feel rushed.