The Baby Registry Checklist: What to Add (by Budget)
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Short answer: a good baby registry mixes the true essentials (feeding, changing, sleep, going-out), a few mid-range comfort items, and one or two bigger "group gift" pieces — while leaving off the things new parents rarely use. Register for a range of price points so every guest can find something, and don't over-register on clothing or gadgets.
A registry isn't a wish list of everything — it's a curated ask that gets you what you'll actually reach for. Here's how I'd build one, sorted by budget so it's easy for guests.
Under €25 — the everyday workhorses
These get used daily and make lovely, affordable gifts:
- A pack of breathable muslins — the most-used item in the house
- A soft hooded towel or wrap towel
- A grooming kit for tiny nails and cradle-cap brushing
- A portable changing mat for the bag
€25–50 — the comfort upgrades
- A warm-toned night light for the 2am feed
- A bottle warmer if bottle-feeding or expressing
- A nursing cover that doubles as a pram shade
- A set of milestone cards for the first-year photos
€50+ — the "group gift" pieces
- A well-organised changing bag — the one you'll carry every day for two years
- A supportive feeding pillow that earns its place before and after birth
- Big-ticket gear (pram, car seat) — set these as group gifts so several guests can chip in. Buy safety items from certified retailers.
What to leave off
- A full wardrobe in newborn size — babies grow out of it in weeks.
- Single-use gadgets (wipe warmers, bottle-steriliser towers).
- Newborn shoes. Adorable, unused.
Frequently asked questions
How many items should be on a baby registry?
Enough to cover the essentials across a range of prices — roughly 30 to 50 items — so every guest can find something in their budget. Include a few under €25, several mid-range, and one or two bigger group-gift pieces.
What should I not put on my baby registry?
Skip a full newborn-size wardrobe, single-use gadgets, and newborn shoes. They're rarely used before your baby grows out of them. Focus on feeding, changing, sleep and going-out essentials instead.
When should I create my baby registry?
Most parents set one up in the second trimester, around 20–24 weeks, so there's time before a baby shower and before the birth. You can keep adding to it as you learn what you need.
Written by the founder of Baby Zaza — a parent of one, and the person who tests everything in the shop. New to it all? Start with the newborn essentials checklist, then browse Start Here.