Build your minimal registry

Crib, bassinet or play yard 1

Firm, flat, and meeting CPSC standards. The AAP advises room-sharing, not bed-sharing, for at least 6 months.

Fitted sheets 2 to 3

One on, one in the wash, one spare. A fitted sheet is the only bedding.

Swaddles or sleep sacks 2 to 3

Stop swaddling at the first signs of rolling.

Arms-free sleep sacks 2

For after swaddling, which can end as early as 2 months.

Infant car seat 1, rear-facing

Needed to drive home from the hospital. Have the installation checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Avoid a used seat unless you know its history.

Stroller 1

If you want to click the car seat into it, check that the two are compatible before you add both.

Newborn diapers About 120 to start

About half of what an average baby uses in newborn size. Some babies skip the size entirely.

Size 1 diapers A box at a time

Wait until you know which brand fits.

Wipes A few packs

Wipes have no sizes, so these are safe to stock up on once your baby’s skin is happy with them.

Changing pad 1

On a dresser top or the floor. A separate changing table is optional.

Diaper cream 1 tube

Small to start. Ask your pediatrician if a rash worries you.

Breast pump 1

Not a registry item for most families: most US health plans must cover one.

Bottles, if you plan to use them 2 to 4 to start

Babies can be picky about nipples. Try one kind before buying a full set.

Burp cloths 6 to 8

A few a day, assuming laundry every 2 to 3 days.

High chair 1

Ready ahead of solid foods, which the AAP recommends starting at about 6 months.

Bodysuits, 0–3 months 5 to 7

Assumes laundry every 2 to 3 days. Gifts often arrive in this size, so add only a few.

Sleepers, 0–3 months 5 to 7

Zips are quicker than snaps at 3 a.m.

Socks 4 to 6 pairs

They will go missing. That is normal.

Hats 1 to 2

A soft knit hat for cool weather; a sun hat if you are due in summer.

Clothes in 3–6 months 5 to 7 of each

Wait and see how fast your baby grows. Gift cards work well here.

Soft washcloths 4 to 6

Any soft cloth works; baby ones are just smaller.

Hooded towels 2

Optional. A regular soft towel does the same job.

Mild baby wash 1

One bottle lasts a long time.

Nail clippers or a file 1

Baby nails grow fast and scratch.

Digital thermometer 1

The AAP says a digital thermometer is best and not to use a mercury one.

Play mat 1

A clean blanket on the floor works too. Tummy time is always supervised and awake.

A few board books 3 to 5

Family love to give these. Add a couple and let the rest come.