15 Most Overlooked Baby Registry Items
These won’t be the most exciting things on your registry—but they may end up being the ones you love most.
By Jen LaBracio
Diapers? ✅ Stroller? ✅ Car seat? ✅
There are a lot of no-brainers when you’re thinking about what items to add to your baby registry. But then there are those other items: the not-so-exciting (diaper rash cream, snore), completely unfun (nasal aspirator, ew) but oh-so-useful ones that you’ll rely on again and again when you’re in the thick of it with your new baby.
Keep this list handy when you’re registry-building so you’re sure to add them to your list (you can also use the Babylist baby registry checklist to help keep track of what you need). These often-overlooked items may not get the most ohs and ahs at your baby shower, but we promise you they deserve a spot on every baby registry.
A Mattress Protector
Why We Love It
In addition to making sure you have a few spare crib sheets on your registry, you’ll want to add a waterproof sheet, too. A waterproof sheet fits over your crib mattress and under your regular fitted crib sheet. It creates a waterproof barrier between the two, ensuring that your mattress stays dry and clean when your little one (inevitably) has a blowout, spits up or has any other yuck that you don’t want messing with your crib mattress. We especially like this option because of its organic, non-toxic design.
Keep in Mind
Waterproof sheets, this one included, also block things like dust mites and allergens—an extra reason to add one to your registry.
Baby-Sized Hangers
Why We Love It
Lots of first-time parents get super excited thinking about baby clothes. What’s not as exciting? Figuring out where you’re going to store them all. These hangers are sized just right for tiny clothes and give you the option of utilizing hanging space in your closet in case your dresser is full. They come in three different colors—including the popular oat and sage—and are covered in non-slip velvet and have notched shoulders to keep those tiny threads in place.
Keep in Mind
Looking to step up your organization game? Add on these drawer dividers to keep your little one’s clothes—think tiny socks and pjs—organized in a dresser.
Gross But Glorious
Why We Love It
Wait, a tool for sucking your baby’s boogies isn’t at the top of your baby registry list? Well, it should be. (No, really.) Simply put—the NoseFrida is genius. Tiny nostrils get stuffed up pretty quickly, and a congested baby often equals an unhappy one. The NoseFrida is a safe and effective way to help clear your little one’s nasal passages so they can breathe easier and go back to being their happy baby selves.
Keep in Mind
We know it sounds gross, but we promise the NoseFrida won’t result in you getting your little one’s mucus in your nose; we even have a video to prove it.
To-Do: Create Your Babylist
With Babylist, you can add any item from any store onto ONE registry. You’ll even get a Hello Baby Box full of free (amazing!) goodies.
Relief for Baby’s First Cold
Why We Love It
Another health and safety-related item that parents often overlook on their baby registry is a humidifier. If you’re questioning how useful one will be, don’t; most parents use a humidifier many times over the first year (and beyond) whether it’s to prevent dry air in their baby’s nursery or to provide breathing relief during a cold or other sickness. The Crane is a great choice. It’s quiet, features an auto shut-off when the tank runs out of water and has an adjustable mist output for just the right moisture level.
Keep in Mind
Humidifiers need to be cleaned on a regular basis. It’s a bit of a pain, but it’s an extremely important step to prevent mold growth.
Peace of Mind
Why We Love It
No one likes to think about their baby getting sick. Unfortunately, though, it’s a reality of life with a little one—so it’s best to be prepared. Make sure to add a thermometer to your registry so you’ll have one on-hand if you think your baby is feeling under the weather. This is one of our favorites thanks to its ease of use, quick and accurate readings and smartphone compatibility.
Keep in Mind
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with babies and fevers before your new addition arrives, especially around what’s normal (and what’s not) and how to take your little one’s temperature.
For Some Relief
Why We Love It
It’s easy to focus on your little one when you’re building your baby registry, but it’s important to add some self-care products, too. Nipple cream is a must-have even if you’re not planning on breastfeeding your baby. (And an extra must-have if you are.) Unlike other nipple creams we’ve tried, this one goes on smooth and isn’t sticky at all—a big plus. It does a great job soothing sore or cracked nipples and can even be used before you pump.
Keep in Mind
This nipple cream is 100% organic, so you don’t have to worry about wiping it off if you apply it before you nurse or pump.
A Bum Soother
Why We Love It
All diaper rash creams are not created equally, and not all creams work for all babies. This sampler bundle lets you try four top brands to see what works for you. Add this box to your registry now so you have it on hand as soon as you bring your little one home.
Keep in Mind
We recommend getting a larger size of diaper rash cream to keep at home and then a travel size to toss in your diaper bag for when you’re out and about.
Wipes, Wipes...ALL the Wipes
Why We Love It
Think you’ve added enough wipes to your registry? Think again. If there’s one universal truth we know about parenting, it’s that you can never have enough baby wipes on hand. We like how soft and gentle these plant-based Huggies Sensitive wipes are on the skin, as well as how affordable they are.
Keep in Mind
I spent weeks testing 13 different brands of baby wipes to find the best options. Read about my favorites—and the fails—in We Tried ALL the Baby Wipes (So You Don’t Have To).
A Travel Hack
Why We Love It
Whether you’re washing bottles, straw cups, pacifiers, pump parts or just about anything else, this brush + drying rack set is a must-have when you’re away from home and has occupied a permanent spot in our suitcase for years. The compact carrying case is easy to pack and there’s a full-size bottle brush tucked away inside—and the case itself unfolds and doubles as a clean, convenient spot to hang whatever you need to air dry. It may not be an item you think to add to your baby registry at first, but something you’ll use for years to come.
Keep in Mind
If you’re sharing a vacation rental house with friends or even visiting the grandparents, keeping baby’s stuff separate from everyone else’s at the sink can be hard. This drying rack set solves for that.
Clothes That Zip
Why We Love It
Know what’s not fun? One squirming baby and 10 tiny snaps at 2 am. (Or at any time, really.) Two-way zippers are the way to go when it comes to baby clothes, and we highly recommend adding plenty of zip-up footies to your baby registry. These are comfy, soft and adorable and can be worn around the clock.
Keep in Mind
We love how well-priced this footie set is, especially considering the quality. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, check out Magnetic Me’s line of footies, too. They use magnets instead of zippers and make changing your little one a breeze.
A Diaper Bag Must-Have
Why We Love It
If you’re scratching your head and thinking, “What’s a wet bag and why would I ever need one,” we don’t blame you. We had no idea about the wonders of a wet bag before we had kids—but we sure do now and think every parent-to-be should have one on their registry.
A wet bag is a waterproof pouch that keeps anything wet or dirty separated from the rest of your stuff. We keep one in our diaper bag and use it a ton, for anything from dirty diapers or soiled clothes to a soaked bib or our phone and keys. It’s one of those baby items that we didn’t realize how awesome it was until we started using it—and now couldn’t live without it.
Keep in Mind
One of the best things about this bag is that it’s machine washable, so even if it gets gross, simply toss it in the wash when you get home and it will soon be as good as new.
A Simple, Easy Swaddle
Why We Love It
Swaddling a baby in a traditional muslin swaddle blanket can be tricky. For a more foolproof option, add a two-in-one swaddle to your registry. This one has all the benefits of a traditional swaddle (helps your baby to feel snug and secure and prevents the startle reflex to encourage better, longer sleep) but is much easier to operate thanks to Velcro wings and an easy-zip pouch. This one’s made from mid-weight cotton so it can be used year-round.
Keep in Mind
You’ll know it’s time to stop swaddling and start using a sleep sack when your little one starts showing signs of rolling over, usually around four months of age.
Soothing On the Go
Why We Love It
Lots of parents choose to add a sound machine to their baby registry. (And we’re all for it, as we think sound machines have a ton of benefits for little ones + sleep.) But you may not be thinking about what you’ll use when you sleep away from home. This portable sound machine is a great solution whether you’re doing an overnight at grandma’s, trying to soothe a fussy baby in the car or just looking for something to clip to your stroller. It’s cordless and just over five inches yet still does an excellent job at creating white noise and helping to drown out distracting background sounds.
Keep in Mind
No need to worry about batteries here; this mini sound machine recharges with a USB cable.
Eyes in the Back of Your Head
Why We Love It
You’ll want to keep your little one rear-facing for as long as your car seat safely allows, but you’ll want to keep an eye on what’s going on back there, too. A back seat mirror is the solution that gives you eyes in the back of your head (figuratively). This one is a favorite, made from shatter-resistant material and easy install and adjust.
Keep in Mind
You’ll want to be sure this mirror is installed securely to your car’s seat so it stays in place in the event of a crash. If you aren’t getting a good fit in your particular vehicle, we recommend looking for a different mirror until you find one that works.
A Clean Spot for Outdoor Adventures
Why We Love It
We know it’s a bit overwhelming to think about leaving the house with your baby during those first few months. Once you get your confidence up, though, an outdoor adventure is often just the thing to calm you and your baby. This outdoor blanket is made from a sturdy material that’s soft on one side and water resistant on the other. Add it to your registry so you can keep it in your stroller or car and be ready to chill at the park whenever the mood strikes.
Keep in Mind
This picnic blanket comes in three sizes; we recommend the largest one (5’ x 10’) so you’ll always have plenty of space to spread out.
Soap That’s Safe (and Really Works)
Why We Love It
Thinking about cleaning isn’t all that fun, so it’s no wonder that lots of parents leave soap off of their baby registry. But you shouldn’t. Baby stuff tends to get pretty dirty, especially bottles; both formula and breast milk leave a filmy buildup behind. Dapple does an excellent job of preventing and removing that buildup and is plant-based, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
Keep in Mind
Don’t forget a bottle brush for scrubbing those hard-to-reach spots. The OXO Tot Bottle Brush with Stand is our all-time fave.
Jen LaBracio
Senior Gear Editor
Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.
