What to put on a baby registry: the complete checklist
A good baby registry isn't the longest one — it's the most useful. Here, category by category, is what genuinely helps in the first months, with quantity guides so you don't over-buy.
Sleep
- A cot (or a bedside/co-sleeper crib) + a firm, correctly sized mattress
- 2 to 3 baby sleeping bags for the season — skip duvets and pillows
- 3 to 4 fitted sheets + 2 waterproof mattress protectors
- A baby monitor (audio is plenty at first)
Feeding
Whether you breastfeed or not, be ready for anything:
- Bottles (2 to 6 depending on feeding) + newborn teats
- A steriliser or a simple tub + a bottle brush
- Breastfeeding: a nursing pillow, breast pads, 2 nursing bras, a breast pump (often rentable)
- Bottle-feeding: a tin of first-stage formula as backup
- 10 to 15 bibs / muslin cloths
Changing & bathing
- A changing table or a changing mat + a padded changing pad
- Size 1 nappies (don't stockpile: baby grows fast)
- Cleansing water or lotion + cotton or a cloth, a nappy cream
- A baby bath or bath support, 2 to 3 hooded towels
The tip that changes everything: go easy on newborn sizes. Many babies move into 0–3 months almost straight away. Better 4–5 newborn bodysuits topped up in the next size than a pile never worn.
Clothes (0–3 months)
- 6 to 8 bodysuits + 6 to 8 sleepsuits (babygros)
- 2 to 3 cardigans or jackets, a hat, socks
- A "going-home" outfit for the season
- A cosy nest or a pramsuit in winter
Play & comfort
- A comforter (or two identical ones — you'll thank us the day one goes missing)
- A cot mobile or a play mat
- A few fabric / board books, a rattle
Out and about
- A car seat (group 0+ infant carrier) — the must-have for the ride home
- A pushchair or a travel system (carrycot + seat)
- An ergonomic baby carrier or a wrap
- A changing bag
Safety: the rules worth knowing
Two items on your registry bear directly on your baby's safety — so it's worth choosing them well.
Safe sleep
- Baby sleeps on their back, flat, for every nap and at night.
- A firm mattress that exactly fits the cot and a well-fitted sheet — and nothing else: no duvet, pillow, cot bumper, sleep positioner or bulky comforter. A sleeping bag is what keeps baby warm.
- Room at 18–20 °C, aired daily, and smoke-free.
- French health authorities recommend baby sleeps in their own bed, in the parents' room, for the first 6 months (without bed-sharing). A bedside/co-sleeper crib is ideal for this.
The car seat
- New seats now meet the R129 (i-Size) standard, sized by height rather than weight.
- Baby travels rear-facing until at least 15 months and 83 cm — and experts advise keeping it rear-facing as long as possible (often up to 105 cm).
- An Isofix base greatly cuts installation mistakes.
When in doubt, your midwife, GP or health visitor are the people to ask. The pointers above follow French public-health guidance on safe sleep and child car seats.
Tips for a registry that works
- Mix price points: pair smaller gifts with bigger pieces several people can club together for.
- Avoid duplicates: an online registry automatically greys out what's already reserved — no more three bouncers.
- Think second-hand for the bulky things (cot, pushchair) and new for anything hygiene-related (mattress, teats).
Expecting two? See our guide on a baby registry for twins. And for the big day, the hospital bag checklist.
Frequently asked questions
- How many gifts should a baby registry have?
- Aim for around thirty items at varied prices — enough that everyone can find something for their budget, without an endless list. Mix small gifts (€10-20) with bigger pieces people can chip in on together.
- What are the essentials on a baby registry?
- Sleep (cot + firm mattress, sleeping bags), feeding (bottles or breastfeeding kit), changing and bath, a few 0-3 month clothes, a car seat and a stroller, and a little something for play.
- Should I buy a lot of newborn size?
- No — many babies move up to the 1-month size within weeks. Get 4-5 newborn bodysuits and top up later rather than stockpiling.