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)
- Burp cloths (you’ll need a bunch)
- Nursing pillow
- Bibs + bottle brush
Diapering
- Diapers
- Unscented wipes
- Changing pad + covers
- Diaper cream
Sleep
- Bassinet or crib (safe secondhand is fine!)
- 2–3 fitted sheets
- Swaddles or sleep sacks
- White noise machine
Clothing
- 6–8 onesies per size
- Zip-up footed PJs (lifesaver)
- Socks, hats, mittens
- A few seasonal items
Travel
- Car seat (check expiration if secondhand)
- Stroller or baby wrap/carrier
- Diaper bag
Bath Time
- Baby tub
- Soft towels + washcloths
- Gentle baby wash
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.