Baby Registry
Is your baby coming soon and you don't know what to buy?
You don't want to spend unnecessarily but want to have everything you need?
You're in the right place:
we list what you need to buy and what can wait.
Reading guide
To help you prioritize your purchases, each item is marked as:
- Required : Essential from birth
- Almost required : Strongly recommended
- Optional : if your budget is limited, wait until you need it before buying
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Car seat
RequiredRequired to leave the hospital if you came by car
There are two main types of models: either the seat stays in the car and you carry the baby from the stroller to the car seat; or the seat detaches and fits directly onto the stroller (and the baby stays in it). Until about 1 year old, the second model will work, then you often need a separate seat.
Tip: babies fall asleep easily in the car, so start with a model with a detachable seat. You'll bring your sleeping baby home without waking them up! -
Stroller
RequiredHere's a lightweight model, but there are other models (4x4 type) for going off the beaten path.
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Baby carrier (wrap or backpack)
OptionalPractical for having your hands free
If you get one, make sure it's physiological, with knees slightly at hip level (and not legs dangling)
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Bottles
RequiredUse glass bottles with silicone nipples, they'll better withstand frequent washing.
Have about ten bottles so you always have clean ones ready -
Formula
Almost requiredSometimes mom's breast will be "empty" and the baby will still be hungry. Formula is a good supplement.
Don't buy too much at first as the baby may have contraindications to certain types. You also don't know if you'll naturally produce enough milk or not -
Breast pump
Almost requiredUnless you have no issues with breastfeeding, the automatic breast pump is the magic accessory. It also allows dad to give the bottle while mom rests.
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Bottle washer
OptionalIf mom isn't breastfeeding, you'll use about 8 bottles per day. Having a mini machine to wash/sterilize them will save considerable time
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Bottle warmer
OptionalWe all have the image of milk being poured on the wrist to check the temperature. Know that many babies drink cold milk just fine. If you really want to warm a bottle, let it soak in a container of warm water.
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Nursing pillow
OptionalOptional but devilishly practical. It can be positioned in several ways and feed baby without hunching over from your bed, couch, ... A cheaper, shorter version is available.
And it will serve as a body pillow later when baby is bigger
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Baby crib
RequiredTechnically a bassinet can work until 6 months of age. A crib can be used until 3 years or more.
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Bassinet
OptionalPractical if you have a large house
Takes up much less space than a crib; practical to have one in the living room for example -
Sheets, mattress protector
Required -
Bouncer
OptionalIt's a change from being in a crib or in your arms. Put the baby in it when you need both hands for 5 minutes.
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Baby bathtub
Almost requiredFoldable, with support and built-in thermometer
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Bath water thermometer
OptionalGenerally, give water that's neither too hot nor too cold and trust your intuition. But if you have doubts or if one person in your couple is very tech-savvy, a thermometer is quite useful.
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Baby shampoo
RequiredThe shampoo serves as soap in the first months
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Care products kit
RequiredNail clippers, nail file, brush, ...
Babies have very sharp nails, and they need to be cut regularly otherwise they scratch themselves
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With luck, you'll have a line on the diaper that turns blue if there's pee. Thank you technology!
Diapers
Required -
Changing table
OptionalThe important thing is to have a space where everything is within reach for changing diapers (and that is minimally comfortable for laying baby down)
Otherwise, this type of furniture is perfect (with drawer for diapers, clothes, etc)
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Disposable changing pads
Almost requiredUse absorbent, disposable pads on the changing table
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Special diaper pail
OptionalCan wait, mainly depends on your baby's poops
There are special bins, almost airtight, that really contain odors -
Wipes/cotton
RequiredFor cleaning baby's bottom
Wipes or very soft cotton (makeup remover type) that you'll wet -
Butt paste
OptionalThe modern equivalent of talcum powder. From wiping baby's bottom repeatedly, it will get irritated
Some babies don't need it, so wait until you need it before buying.
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Sleepsuit, sleeping bag
Almost requiredA kind of pajama where you're sure the baby won't suffocate
There are very good Velcro models for swaddling the baby tightly -
Bibs, towels, cloths
RequiredBabies drool a lot when drinking milk
Choose very soft cotton -
Depending on the season!
Socks, mittens, hat
Optional
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Thermometer
Almost requiredTo check if your baby has a fever
Use either a special baby rectal thermometer or an electronic one -
Nasal aspirator
OptionalHere's an electric model from a known brand.
If you choose a manual one, know that you'll have to aspirate... with your mouth! In any case, be careful to choose one suitable for newborns (smaller nostril size) -
Baby aspirin
OptionalBuy it at the pharmacy but consult before giving it if you can.
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Amazon Prime
OptionalFree delivery in 1 business day and ability to easily return items that don't suit
Whether you like Amazon or not, when you have a baby you'll quickly realize its usefulness. -
To be honest, regular detergent probably works fine, but might as well not take any risks
Baby laundry detergent
Required -
Pacifier
Almost requiredA pacifier can calm many tantrums.
Pacifiers have different shapes and sizes, and some babies prefer certain ones to others, so try several. -
Video monitor
OptionalA camera that films the baby in their crib, with a portable screen. Works without wifi, and the camera can even be controlled remotely (rotation)
How can such a concentration of technology be so inexpensive? Thank you China! -
Play mat
Almost requiredUseless in the first weeks
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Toys
OptionalYou'll probably also get some as gifts (new or used), but here's a link just in case.
Note: useless in the first weeks, babies are too small to play with them. -
Note: useless in the first weeks, babies will be too small.
Teething toy
Almost required -
Kindle
Almost requiredWhat's this item doing in the list? You'll have baby sleeping on your lap, and you'll be stuck. What better than a good book?