Baby registry on a budget
What changes on your registry, item by item, plus the full checklist.
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What changes
Baby monitor Nice to have → Skip for now · Quantity: 1
An audio-only monitor or none at all is fine.
Bottle sterilizer Nice to have → Skip for now · Quantity: 1
A pot of boiling water does the same job.
Diaper pail Nice to have → Skip for now · Quantity: 1
A lidded bin and regular emptying work fine.
Diaper bag Essential · Quantity: 1
A backpack you already own is fine.
Glider or nursing chair Nice to have → Skip for now · Quantity: 1
Any comfortable chair you already own works.
Bouncer seat Nice to have · Quantity: 1
Often available second-hand — check the recall list.
The full checklist
Sleep
- Full-size crib Essential · 1
- Firm crib mattress Essential · 1
- Fitted sheets Essential · 3–4
- Swaddle blankets Essential · 4–6
- Sleep sacks Essential · 2–3
- Bassinet Nice to have · 1
- Travel crib / play yard Nice to have · 1
- White noise machine Nice to have · 1
- Blackout curtains Nice to have · 1 set
- Baby monitor Skip for now
Feeding
- Bottles Essential · 4–6
- Bottle brush Essential · 1
- Burp cloths Essential · 6–10
- Bottle drying rack Nice to have · 1
- Nursing pillow Nice to have · 1
- High chair Nice to have · 1
- Bottle sterilizer Skip for now
- Bottle warmer Skip for now
Diapering
- Diapers Essential · A few packs in two sizes
- Wipes Essential · Several packs
- Changing pad Essential · 1
- Changing table Nice to have · 1
- Diaper caddy Nice to have · 1
- Diaper pail Skip for now
- Wipe warmer Skip for now
Bathing
- Hooded towels Essential · 2–3
- Soft washcloths Essential · 6–8
- Baby bathtub Nice to have · 1
- Infant bath seat Nice to have · 1
Out and about
- Infant car seat Essential · 1
- Stroller Essential · 1
- Diaper bag Essential · 1
- Baby carrier Nice to have · 1
Clothing
- Bodysuits Essential · 7–10
- Sleepers / footed pajamas Essential · 5–7
- Socks and scratch mittens Essential · 4–6 pairs
- Baby shoes Skip for now
Nursery
- Dresser Nice to have · 1
- Dim night light Nice to have · 1
- Glider or nursing chair Skip for now
Health & safety
- Digital thermometer Essential · 1
- Baby nail clippers Essential · 1
- Outlet covers Nice to have · 1 pack
- Baby gates Skip for now
Play
- Play gym Nice to have · 1
- Board books Nice to have · A few
- Bouncer seat Nice to have · 1