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A baby registry checklist, and how to pick a name.

Register for sleep, feeding, diapering, a car seat and clothes first. Then seven ways to choose a name you will still love.

Download the free printable checklist
PDF · no email sign-up

Short answer: register for sleep, feeding, diapering, a car seat and clothes first, in small quantities, and skip anything that goes in the crib besides a fitted sheet. For names: say it out loud with your last name, check the initials and nicknames, and look up its popularity.

Two safety checks we won't skip: babies sleep on their back, on a firm, flat surface with only a fitted sheet (AAP); and get your car seat checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, free at many inspection stations (NHTSA). Everything health-related: ask your doctor or midwife.

Sleep

  • Crib, bassinet or play yard that meets CPSC standards
  • Firm mattress made for that crib, tight fit
  • 2–3 fitted sheets
  • Wearable blankets / sleep sacks (no loose blankets in the crib)
  • White noise machine (optional)

Feeding

  • Bottles and nipples (start with a few; babies have opinions)
  • Bottle brush and drying rack
  • Burp cloths (lots)
  • Nursing pillow, for awake feeding only
  • Breast pump (check what your insurance covers)
  • High chair (for later)

Diapering

  • Diapers in newborn and size 1
  • Wipes
  • Diaper cream
  • Changing pad + 2 covers
  • Diaper bag

Getting around

  • Rear-facing infant or convertible car seat
  • Stroller (check it works with your car seat, if you want a travel system)
  • Baby carrier or wrap

Clothes

  • 6–8 bodysuits in newborn and 0–3 months
  • 6–8 sleepers with zippers (2 a.m. you will thank you)
  • Socks, hats, a few soft pants
  • Season-right outer layer

Bath and care

  • Baby bathtub
  • Soft washcloths and hooded towels
  • Gentle baby wash
  • Nail clippers or file
  • Thermometer (ask your pediatrician which type)
  • Nasal aspirator

For the parents

  • Meal delivery gift cards
  • Freezer meals sign-up
  • A good water bottle
  • Night light
  • Hours of help (yes, you can register for this)

Leave these off the list

Crib bumpers, pillows, loose blankets and positioners in the crib, and inclined sleepers. The AAP advises nothing in the sleep space but a fitted sheet. Check secondhand gear against CPSC recalls.

How to pick a name you'll still love

  1. Say the full name out loud with your last name, ten times, as if you're calling it across a playground
  2. Write the initials. Check they don't spell something you'll regret
  3. Think of every nickname, including the ones kids will invent
  4. Check how popular it is: the Social Security Administration publishes the top names every year
  5. Search the full name online, just to see what comes up
  6. Try it on for a week: use it when you talk about the baby at home
  7. Keep the shortlist private until you're sure, if outside opinions will sway you

Two of you, two lists? Baby Name Match shows only the names you both like. Swipes stay on this device.

← The trimester-by-trimester checklist

Free printable

The prep timeline, registry list, and name tips, on a few pages. No email needed.

Download the printable (PDF)

Sources

Checked Nov 11, 2026. Safety and leave links go to those organizations; this site is not medical, legal, or official advice.

Any AI-generated image, voice, or avatar we publish is labeled. This guide is original planning text, not medical advice and not a testimonial.