A baby registry checklist is one of the smartest things you can do before your little one arrives. It keeps you organised, helps friends and family buy gifts you actually need, and means fewer doubles after the baby shower. This guide covers the big ticket items worth investing in, the smaller everyday essentials that make a genuine difference, and everything in between.
Browse the full range in our baby product bundles.
What Is a Baby Registry and How Does It Work?
A registry is a curated wish list shared with friends and family. When someone purchases an item, it is marked as bought so nothing gets duplicated. Most parents start building theirs around the 20-week mark, once the anatomy scan is done and the nursery plans feel real.
You can register through a retailer's website, a dedicated registry platform, or a universal registry app that pulls items from multiple stores. Share the link in your baby shower invitations or save it somewhere easy to forward when people ask what you need.
If you are after ready-made gift ideas to share with loved ones, our newborn and baby shower gift hampers are a popular option for guests who prefer to give something curated and beautifully presented.
Big Ticket Items for Baby Worth Prioritising
These are the higher-cost purchases that make the most sense to include on a registry. Friends and family can pool together to cover them, or you can use registry completion discounts to buy them yourself at a reduced price.
- Safe sleep space. A cot, bassinet, or co-sleeper that meets Australian Standards. Red Nose Australia provides clear safe sleep guidelines on mattress firmness, bedding, and sleep position.
- Pram or stroller. Think about your lifestyle. A jogger suits active families. A compact fold suits public transport users. Test before you commit.
- Car seat. A rear-facing infant capsule or convertible seat is required from day one. Check compatibility with your pram if you want a travel system.
- Baby carrier or wrap. Useful for hands-free carrying, especially in the early weeks.
- Baby monitor. Audio-only is enough for many families. Video adds peace of mind if the nursery is far from your bedroom.
- Breast pump. If you plan to breastfeed and return to work, a double electric pump saves significant time. The Australian Breastfeeding Association has guidance on choosing and using a pump correctly.
- Feeding chair or glider. You will spend a lot of time in this. Comfort matters more than aesthetics.
Baby Registry Essentials: The Everyday Items That Add Up
These are the things you will reach for constantly. Stock up, because you will go through them faster than expected.
- Onesies and sleepsuits in newborn and 000 sizing. Babies grow quickly, so do not over-buy newborn.
- Swaddle wraps. Muslin is breathable and softens with every wash.
- Nappy change supplies. Nappies, nappy rash cream, wipes, and a change mat cover or two.
- Burp cloths. Add more than you think you need.
- Baby bath. A small tub with a sling insert makes bathing easier in the early weeks.
- Nursing pads and nipple cream if breastfeeding.
- Baby nail file or soft scissors. Newborn nails grow surprisingly fast.
- White noise machine or app. Helpful for sleep in noisy households.
- Dummies. Not every baby takes one, but worth having on hand.
Nursery and Sleep Setup
Beyond the cot itself, a few additions make the nursery more functional.
- Fitted cot sheets in at least three sets.
- A sleeping bag or swaddle bag suited to the season. Avoid loose blankets in the cot.
- Blackout curtains or blinds. Useful for day naps and early morning wake-ups.
- A chest of drawers with a removable change topper. Doubles as storage once nappy changes move to the bathroom.
- A small nightlight for night feeds without fully waking yourself or the baby.
For more on what makes a thoughtful gift for a new mum, our guide to the best baby shower gifts for new mums in Australia covers both practical and personal options worth bookmarking.
Items You Can Wait On
Not everything needs to be ready on day one. Save these for after the baby arrives, once you know more about your baby's preferences and your own routine.
- High chair. Not needed until around six months when solids begin.
- Baby food maker or blender. Wait until you are closer to starting solids.
- Jumper or activity centre. Useful from around four to six months.
- Sippy cups and toddler cutlery. A year away from being relevant.
- First birthday presents. When that milestone arrives, our guide to gift ideas for one year olds is a great starting point.
How to Share Your Registry
Include the link in your baby shower invitations. Save it in your phone to share when family asks. If you are registered across multiple stores, a universal registry platform lets you combine everything into one shareable link.
For guests who prefer to skip the registry entirely, a beautifully curated gift box is always appreciated. Browse our baby and newborn gift box collection for options that are ready to give with no assembly required.
For more seasonal gift inspiration, our round-up of meaningful Christmas gifts for mums and bubs has ideas worth saving for later in the year.
