Expecting a baby soon? First of all - congratulations! Whether you’re eagerly scanning cute onesies or researching the safest car seats, building a baby registry is a huge milestone… and let’s be honest, a little overwhelming.
At Babymint, we believe your baby registry doesn’t have to be about more stuff. Instead, it can reflect your values, lifestyle, and the kind of family you’re growing into.
This isn’t just another checklist. This is your guide to a holistic baby registry - thoughtful, practical, and more sustainable than you think.
What Is a Holistic Registry?
It’s not just about gear - it’s about intention. A holistic baby registry considers:
- Your lifestyle (apartment or house? minimal or maximal?)
- Your baby’s actual needs (spoiler: less than you think!)
- Sustainability (hello, secondhand gems!)
- Your well-being (emotional support counts too)
Registry Essentials: The Real MVPs
Here’s a simplified list of things you’ll actually use in those early months:
Feeding
- A few bottles (don’t go overboard on one brand yet): Babies can be surprisingly picky with bottles - what works for one might be rejected by another. Start with just a couple from different brands, then stock up once you know their favorite to avoid wasting money.
- Burp cloths (you’ll need a bunch): Spit-ups and drool happen constantly, so you’ll go through these fast. Keep a good stack in rotation to cut down on laundry. Larger muslin swaddles or flour-sack towels also work well.
- Nursing pillow: Helps position your baby at the right height and saves your arms and back during long feeds. Useful whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, and later doubles for tummy time or lounging.
- Bottle brush: You’ll wash bottles and pump parts endlessly, so a dedicated brush is a must. Choose one with a nipple cleaner and swap it out every few months.
- Bottle sterilizer: Not essential, but very convenient for peace of mind—especially early on. Sterilizers (electric, microwave, or travel bags) save time compared to boiling and keep everything germ-free.
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Diapering
- Diapers: You’ll go through a lot, so don’t stockpile one size - babies outgrow them fast. Try a few brands to see which fit and absorb best for your baby.
- Unscented wipes: Gentle on sensitive skin and useful beyond diaper changes. Buy in bulk - you’ll use them for messes, spills, and quick clean-ups.
- Changing pad + covers: A waterproof pad protects your space, while extra covers save you during inevitable accidents.
- Diaper cream: A must to prevent and soothe diaper rash. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free formula and keep one in your diaper bag too.
Sleep
- Bassinet or crib (safe secondhand is fine!): A safe sleep space is essential. Buying secondhand is fine - just be sure it meets current safety standards and has a firm mattress.
- 2–3 fitted sheets: Babies spit up and leak often, so extras are a must. Keep at least two clean backups for middle-of-the-night changes.
- Swaddles or sleep sacks: Newborns love the snug feeling of swaddles, while sleep sacks grow with them. Both help promote safe, comfortable sleep.
- White noise machine: Mimics the womb and helps block out household noise. A simple portable one is great for naps and travel.
Clothing
- 6–8 onesies per size: Daily basics that get messy fast. Having a small rotation in each size keeps laundry manageable without overbuying.
- Zip-up footed PJs (lifesaver): Zippers make late-night changes so much easier than snaps. Get a few - you’ll use them constantly.
- Socks, hats, mittens: Tiny essentials for warmth and scratch protection. They’re easy to lose, so keep a couple of each on hand.
- A few seasonal items: Add layers like sweaters or sunhats depending on climate. No need to overbuy since babies outgrow clothes quickly.
Travel
- Car seat (check expiration if secondhand): A must-have for bringing baby home safely. If used, confirm it hasn’t expired or been in an accident.
- Stroller or baby wrap/carrier: Choose what fits your lifestyle - strollers for longer outings, carriers or wraps for hands-free ease.
- Diaper bag: Pick one with lots of compartments and easy-to-clean fabric. It’ll carry everything from diapers to snacks on the go.
Bath Time
- Baby tub: Makes bath time safer and easier in the early months. Look for one with good support and easy drainage.
- Soft towels + washcloths: Gentle fabrics help protect baby’s delicate skin. Having a few extras keeps bath time stress-free.
- Gentle baby wash: Choose a mild, fragrance-free formula made for sensitive skin. A little goes a long way.
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Secondhand? YES, Please.
Babies outgrow things fast. So much of what you see on registries is only useful for a few weeks. That’s why secondhand just makes sense - for your wallet and the planet.
Safe and smart to get secondhand:
- Baby clothes
- Bouncers, rockers
- Bassinets
- High chairs
- Books and toys
- Baby carriers
- Strollers
Babymint was created for this exact purpose - to make it easy for parents to buy and sell high-quality secondhand baby and kid items, with peace of mind.
Don’t Forget the Non-Material Support
A holistic registry isn’t just stuff - it’s support. Things you can and should ask for:
- Meal train or gift cards for takeout
- Postpartum doula services or lactation consultant
- Cleaning help or dog walking
- Newborn photos or museum membership
- Contributions to a diaper fund or college fund
A Few More Tips Before You Build
- Leave room to grow - babies change fast. Don’t try to predict everything.
- Mix and match - use a universal registry to combine gifts, secondhand finds, and support services.
- Trust your instincts - skip what doesn’t feel useful or aligned with your family values.
A Registry That Grows With You
Whether you’re going full minimalist or blending new and secondhand, your baby registry is about more than “stuff.” It’s your first step into parenthood with intention - and that matters.
You don’t need everything. You need what works for you. And maybe a few gently used onesies that still have a whole lot of love left in them.
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