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Building your baby registry is an intimidating task — new parents don’t often know what they’ll need and there’s an endless amount of products out there for every possible thing. We’ve taken the guesswork out of it, bringing you only the cream of the crop across multiple categories.
Our job as The Quality Edit editors is to dive down the research rabbit hole, test products, and give honest reviews, so you can focus on setting up your nursery without the hassle. We’ve broken down this guide by category to make it easy to browse and pick what you’d like to add to your registry. This is such an exciting time—and hopefully we make things just a bit easier for you.
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Feeding
When it comes to feeding your little one, Happy Family Organics makes life a whole lot easier for new moms navigating the chaos of parenthood. The brand just released their second line of organic infant formulas, with a new recipe and look, that will replace the ones parents previously saw on shelves. Backed by over 50 years of breast milk research and their own clinical growth & safety trial with US babies, the new Happy Baby infant formulas are specially designed for baby’s belly and it’s their closest formulation to breastmilk. Plus, their formula is now being made in their very own FDA-registered European facility in Germany (where they share it is rigorously tested from start to finish)!
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In the early months, figuring out feeding is one of the biggest hurdles for new parents. For the breastfeeding set, a comfortable breastfeeding pillow like My Brest Friend ($52.95) and Hatch Nursing Bras ($78) are must-have registry items. But breastfeeding isn’t without challenges, so a few accessories like Bamboobies Soothing Pads ($19.99), Lansinoh Nursing Pads ($19.89) and Elvie Catch Milk Collection Shells ($21.99) are useful to have on hand. For those going with formula, I had great luck with Happy Baby Organics. Happy Baby has key certifications like the Clean Label Purity Award, and non-GMO seal. The formula is also both EU and USDA certified organic and Made in Europe* — something that no other brand on the market can currently say. And as you return to work or travel, the Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller ($68.98) comes vetted by TQE moms.
Whether it’s on Day 1 or when your child is with another caretaker, bottles will be a must. Every baby has different preferences, so the Babylist Bottle Box ($32.99) is a low-stakes starting point that goes hand in hand with the Grownsy Bottle Warmer ($49.99). Keeping the bottles clean is another thing entirely, for which you need an Oxo Tot Bottle Brush ($15.99) and Boon Countertop Drying Rack ($25.98). And no matter what your feeding journey is, Green Sprouts Burp Cloths ($26.99) and Bibs ($24.99) are necessary.
For high chairs, there’s no other option I’d recommend than the Stokke Tripp Trapp ($299) and Tray ($69). For small spaces or car travel, the Ingelsina Collapsible High Chair ($79) is another great option. Silicone bibs ($8.45), many many Beaba First Stage Feeding Spoons ($22.95), and morepeas plates and cups ($16-38) should be on any baby registry too.
Diapering
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These are the first and only EWG Verified diapers, subjected to 900+ lab tests and made without over 2800+ materials that could be potentially harmful to your baby. Enhanced with organic cotton for sensory-friendly softness and made from 35% plant-based materials, they’re also incredibly soft (like, the softest we’ve tried), yet they work like the big brands. With patented performance technologies like moisture-wicking top sheets and breathable back sheets, they also guarantee all-day comfort and airflow.
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Diapers and wipes are a costly reality for all new parents, and a diaper fund can offset costs in the early months. While expensive, I’m a Coterie devotée through and through ($115 per diaper/wipe combo pack)—their diapers last through the night and protect against blowouts better than any other option I tried. HealthyBaby diapers and wipes ($150/bundle) are another favorite of TQE moms. The Keekaroo Peanut Changer ($149.95) sits atop any dresser, and lasted me from day 1 until we potty trained. Alongside the changer sat my go-to Oxo Tot Wipes Dispenser ($22.99)—which remains even into my daughter’s toddler years. Lastly, to keep the diaper smell at bay, look no further than the Ubbi Diaper Pail ($79.89).
Sleep
SNOO automatically sleep trains your baby (it’s like a night nurse and bassinet all in one), helps them sleep 1-2 hours more thanks to its constant calming womb-like motion and sound, AND it automatically responds to your baby when they’re fussy (letting you sleep more). It comes with an app, secure swaddling to prevent your baby from rolling to an unsafe position, and works as your extra set of hands — which all parents need.
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The Nanit Pro Camera is an insanely high-quality camera that “lets parents track the health, wellness and development of their baby – from sleep and breathing to growth – delivering personalized advice.” Of course, it doesn’t replace parenting (duh), but it does provide critical tools and insights that help you parent better.
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With a new baby in the house, any moment of sleep is precious. In the early months, many babies sleep in a bassinet. While many families go for the allure of a smart bassinet like the SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet ($1,695) or 4moms momaRoo bassinet ($449.99), a lower-fi bassinet like the Halo Bassinest ($299.99) is perfectly suitable too. To make the most comfortable sleep environment, snag a white noise machine like the Hatch Rest ($59.99). And to keep baby’s startle reflex and cries at bay, a great swaddle like the Ollie swaddle ($59) or the Happiest Baby SleePea 5-second Swaddle ($29.95) is a must. I also absolutely love the Weighted Swaddle ($98) from Dreamland Baby. The weighted material helps your baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer–an absolute dream for any new parent!
As your newborn grows, they’ll move from bassinet to a crib, graduate to a sleep sack, and even move to their own room. The Babyletto Hudson Convertible Crib ($499) is what my daughter has slept in for the better part of 3 years, but the Nestig Wave Crib ($749) is a luxe option for a well-curated nursery. And for a crib mattress, look no further than the Newton Baby breathable mattress ($299.99). As babies grow out of swaddles, the Woolino 4-season Sleep Sack ($109) lasts many months of growth and is worth every penny. To keep an eye on them while they sleep, a good baby monitor is necessary for any registry. The HiPP Baby Monitor ($179.99) is a best-in-class non-WiFi model and my personal favorite, and the Nanit Pro Baby Monitor ($299.99) is the best Wifi-enabled model out there.
Bath
I’m a proponent of having a baby bathtub for the early months, and the Fisher Price 4-in-1 bath ($44.99) grew with my daughter from her first weeks until she was ready to move to the regular bathtub. To go along with the bathtub, every registry should have a few bath accessories like a Natemia hooded towel ($37.99) and hairbrush set ($24.99). Babies don’t need much else for bathtime, aside from a good shampoo/soap like my fave California Baby Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash ($17.99) and FridaBaby Nail Trimmers ($7.99).
Travel
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Doona passes the safety tests in both the United States and Europe and has a five-star rating from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). It’s also very easy to install, both with the Doona base or seatbelt. Other safety features we love include the infant head support, the five point harness and the anti-rebound bar: the carseat handle is placed closest to the seat of the car to provide better impact absorption.
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Getting comfortable taking the baby on the go is a huge step for any new parent, whether it’s around the neighborhood or farther afield. For traveling by foot, I relied heavily on the Baby Bjorn Carrier Mini ($109.99), and the more luxe Artipoppe carrier ($420) is another crowd fave. For those who want more of a baby-wearing vibe, the Solly Baby Classic Wrap ($74) is the go-to option. And don’t forget the Skip Hop portable changer ($29.99) for the inevitable diaper change.
A stroller and a carseat are musts for any family, and there’s an overwhelming amount of options on the market. If going down the stroller research rabbit hole isn’t for you, the Uppababy stroller line is the best place to look: Vista for families with multiple kids ($1,179), Cruz ($699.99) for a sturdy option, and the Minu ($399.99) for city-living or travel. On the car seat front, the Nuna Pipa ($550) is my go-to recommendation, but the Uppababy Mesa ($329) is another popular option. And if having both a stroller AND a car seat is too overwhelming or space is limited, the Doona Car Seat + Stroller combo ($550) is for you.
Lastly, for travel farther afield, a pack ‘n play like the Guava Lotus Bassinet & Crib Bundle ($400.80) is money well-spent. It folds easily into a backpack, making it easy to toss into the car or check for air travel. (Pro tip: get a luggage tag to go with it to avoid any inadvertent baggage claim issues like I once had.) And don’t forget to pair it with a true MVP product, the Slumberpod ($179.99)
Activities, Toys & Books
With five developmental play zones, four detachable activity toys, and four sets of cards, this award-winning, best-selling play gym is bound to keep a little one entertained for hours on end. And there is nothing better than a gift that keeps those babies occupied!
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Babies don’t need much in the beginning, but it’s helpful for parents to have a few things in the nursery to help the baby’s development and for some cute photos. These are my most-used, most-helpful recommendations for the early days of play. From Day 1, our Lovevery Play Gym ($140) got used every single day. Throw a few teethers like the Manhattan Toy Winkel ($14), Angel Dear loveys ($14), and Lalo High Contrast Cards ($20/pack) into the mix, and you’ll be set.
As my daughter grew, there were a few other things I loved having on hand. First, the Baby Bjorn bouncer ($259.99) was a must-have to squeeze a shower in or get some chores done around the house. Later down the line, I loved having a House of Noa Play Mat ($129) and Skip Hop Activity Center ($142).
Clothes & Accessories
Clothing is such a personal choice, particularly as kids grow (and they begin to express their opinions)—but in the early days, their clothing needs are pretty much universal. For daytime, kimono-style onesies like this Carter’s 5-pack ($16) paired with footed leggings ($19.73) is the easiest option for getting an infant dressed. And for night time, footed pajamas are a must-have for any baby registry. I can assure you that any new mom (and baby) would feel spoiled by Mori pajamas ($42.50), Hanna Andersson Zip Sleepers ($40-44) or Angel Dear Zipper Footies ($34), but there are many great options out there at different price points.
Beyond the basics, baby will benefit from a few accessories like the Flap Happy sun hat ($16.95), Kyte Baby bamboo knotted caps ($10), and Zutano booties ($21).
Odds and ends
Adding a kid to the family increases the logistics you need to think about. Look no further than the Skylight Calendar ($299) to keep everything in one place and everyone on the same page. For a confidence boost—or at least a reference to point to—Emily Oster’s Cribsheet ($12.89) is a great gift; my copy still has lots of dog-eared pages. And for the transition from pre- to post-partum, the Ritual Postnatal Multivitamin ($39) is the gold standard for any new mom.
