Baby Registry: 30 Useful Ideas (and What People Often Forget)

Updated October 2026

In short: a good baby registry mixes the essentials (sleep, outings, feeding, changing), gifts at every budget so everyone can take part, and one or two keepsakes that will last. Here are 30 ideas by category, then the most common oversights and our tips for creating it.

When should you create a baby registry?

Most parents create it around the 5th or 6th month of pregnancy and share it at the baby shower or when announcing to family. This gives loved ones time to choose, and parents time to receive the essentials before baby arrives.

30 ideas for a useful baby registry

Sleep

1. A crib or bassinet, with a mattress that fits it.
2. Fitted sheets (3 or 4).
3. Sleeping bags in several sizes and weights.
4. A baby monitor.
5. A soft night light.

Feeding

6. A nursing pillow.
7. Bibs and muslin cloths.
8. Bottles and a bottle brush, or a breast pump if needed.
9. A convertible high chair (for later).
10. A first cutlery set and a suction plate.

Changing and bath

11. A changing table or changing unit.
12. A changing mat with covers.
13. A baby bath or bath seat.
14. Hooded towels.
15. A bath thermometer.

Outings

16. A stroller.
17. An approved car seat suited to baby’s weight.
18. A baby carrier or wrap.
19. A diaper bag.
20. A footmuff for winter.

Play

21. A play mat.
22. A bouncer.
23. Board books.
24. A comforter (plus an identical spare).
25. A crib mobile.

Decor and keepsakes

26. Personalized posters with baby’s name for the nursery.
27. A baby album.
28. A memory box (hospital bracelet, first lock of hair…).
29. A newborn photo session.
30. A contribution to a bigger item (furniture, premium stroller).

What people often forget on the registry

• Bigger sizes: you get lots of newborn and 1-month clothes, few in 6 or 12 months.
• Nursery decor: people think of furniture, less of the walls. A name poster is useful and a keepsake. For inspiration: the “A Ticket for His First Adventure” set (little train, station and suitcase), the “His First Adventures” set (rocket, teddy bear and blue train) or the “Welcome to the World” set (moon, cradle and mobile).
• Small gifts: include ideas under €20 for colleagues and friends.
• Parents’ comfort: prepared meals, cleaning help, books on breastfeeding or sleep.
• The spare comforter: the day the first one gets lost, you’ll be glad.

Our tips for a successful baby registry

1. Mix budgets: from €10 to €300, with group funds for big purchases.
2. Keep it reasonable: 30 to 50 items is often enough.
3. Share your tastes: nursery colors, theme, sizes.
4. Think of loved ones far away: digital gifts or direct shipping are handy. See our article on sending a birth gift from afar.
5. Update the list after the baby shower to avoid duplicates.

Invited and the registry is already complete? See our 15 original newborn gift ideas and our baby shower gift ideas.

Frequently asked questions

What should I put on a baby registry?

The essentials for sleep, feeding, changing, bathing and outings, a few play items, and one or two keepsakes such as a name poster or a baby album.

How many items should a baby registry have?

Usually 30 to 50 items, at varied prices so every guest finds something in their budget.

When should I create a baby registry?

Most often around the 5th or 6th month of pregnancy, to share at the baby shower or when telling the family.

What do people often forget on a baby registry?

Clothes in 6- and 12-month sizes, nursery decor, small gifts under €20, comfort for the parents and a spare comforter.

Can I add a personalized gift to my baby registry?

Yes, as long as the name and date are provided at the right time. A printable file can be ordered just after the birth and received within 24 hours.

Read also: announcing a pregnancy to grandparents · what to put on a birth poster