Registry

All the Items You Need for a Minimal Baby Registry

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When I was pregnant with my first child, my husband and I lived in 900 square feet on the northside of Chicago. I knew I didn’t want our new baby’s gear to overtake our little house, but I didn’t know what baby products were must-haves and which ones would be nice-to-haves. When creating my baby registry, I selected products that could easily be collapsed and stored, but I still overdid it a bit.

Our baby swing was used once, some clothes never had their tags cut off, and don’t even get me started on the excess of blankets that overflowed the storage bins in our daughter’s nursery (it’s been years and they’re still all over the place!). But I learned a lot about what we really needed, especially when we had our second child, and I knew what I could get rid of and what I should get back out in preparation for baby #2.

If you’re also looking for a minimal baby registry, the Everymom editors have rounded up this list of essentials, including some clever gear that will grow with your baby.

Baby Clothes and Sleepwear

Halo
Convertible Muslin Sleepsack

This sleepsack grows with baby, so when they're ready to have their arms unswaddled, this sleepsack converts.

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Burt's Bees Baby
Zip Jammies

Pajamas with zippers are key for feedings in the middle of the night.

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Gerber
Organic Cotton Onsies

These organic onesies are supersoft against baby's skin.

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Gerber
Organic Pants

Easily slip on these pants with a onesie for a cute and comfy baby outfit.

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Getting Out and About

Britax
Travel System

The hospital will not let you leave without a carseat, so it's essential. I love the Britax travel system because the carseat clicks right into the stroller, no extra parts needed, and the stroller itself easily collapses with one hand.

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Skip Hop
Portable Changing Station

Make any surface a changing table or any tote a diaper bag.

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Ergobaby
Carrier Plus Newborn Insert

Grows with your baby and with your comfort, allowing front, side, or rear carrying.

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Baby Entertainment

Evenflo
Bouncer

You'll need a place to safely put baby down, and this bouncer can mesh with most any home decor.

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Skip Hop
Stroller Toy

I love toys that can grow with your baby. This starts as a stroller toy but can be part of a kitchen play set when they become toddlers.

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Evenflo
2-in-1 Exersaucer and Table

This playstation converts to a play table when baby outgrows the exersaucer.

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Graco
Bouncer

Alternatively, you can entertain baby in any doorway with a bouncer like this, which was a favorite of my daughter's.

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Black & White
Board Book

Stand one of these books up beside baby while they're laying on a blanket and boom, and you have a play mat!

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Bright Starts
Lots of Links

Turn any toy into a stroller or high-chair toy.

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Hudson Baby
Muslin Blanket

Muslin blankets are great to spread out on the floor as a play space for baby.

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Feeding and Bathtime

Fisher-Price
4-in-1 Bath

This bath system grows with baby.

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Graco
2-in-1 Convertible High Chair

Use as a separate high chair, or attach to a chair in your home. Plus, it becomes a booster seat when baby no longer needs the tray.

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Medela
Extra Bottles

No need to buy separate brand bottles, just add to the supply that comes with your breast pump.

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Trend Lab
Burp Cloths and Bibs

Necessary for feeding, drool, and general cleanups.

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Safety 1st
Baby Nail Clippers

A healthcare must, and these come with an LED light if it's easier to clip while your baby is sleeping.

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This post was in partnership with Walmart, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.