Minimalist Baby Registry Checklist 2026 | Mom-Tested Must-Have Baby Gear
- Admin
- Jan 1
- 8 min read
Updated: Jan 13
Crowdsourced and Mom-Tested by Friend of a Mom Community
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We asked our Friend of a Mom community what really mattered. This is the most streamlined, mom-approved registry list - no clutter, no overwhelm, just the essentials. Whether you’re a first-time parent feeling a little (or a lot) stressed or building a minimalist registry for baby number two, we’ve got you covered.
From nursery must-haves to feeding favorites, we’ve pulled together real mom tips, honest advice and the baby gear that actually gets used. Let’s keep it simple: here’s what you need, what’s nice to have and what you can definitely skip.
📝 Minimalist Baby Registry Must-Haves
Pro Tip: Add your big-ticket items (crib, stroller, car seat) first. Save smaller items (toys, feeding gear) for later or to snag discounts when completing your registry.
Your Essentials Checklist:
Convertible crib + breathable mattress
Infant car seat + stroller travel system
Swaddles and sleep sacks
Bottle sterilizer and warmer
Diaper subscription service + changing pad
Diaper Pail
Burp cloths and pacifiers
Multi-use nursing pillow
Nursery humidifier
Easy baby clothes + footed pants
Baby monitor
Sound machine
Travel crib
High chair
Everything else can wait until you know your baby’s preferences!
🛏 Nursery Essentials
While your baby might not sleep in their room for a few weeks (or even months), it’s so nice to have a functional, cozy space ready. It gives you a sense of calm and control in the early, chaotic days. Plus a convertible crib is a smart investment that can grow with your child until they transition to a real bed.
Pro Tip: Keep your child happily contained in the crib as long as possible. Once they realize they can escape, you may find yourself with a tiny roommate at 3 a.m.
Our favorites:
Convertible crib (Nestig, Pottery Barn, Sprout)
Breathable mattress (Naturepedic or Newton)
Drawer organizers for tiny clothes
Comfortable rocking chair or glider thats deep enough to nap in and ideally with a built-in footrest or additional foot stool — you’re going to spend a lot of time here. (Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Wayfair, Oilo)
Easy-to-clean humidifier (the Carepod is highly recommended by our moms but its an investment) or we like the Frida baby for a more cost effective option but harder to clean
Changing pad - we like this one since you can easily wipe it clean
Diaper pail (Munchkin, Ubbi, Diaper Genie)
Baby monitor (Nanit, Owlet, HelloBaby - this one works without wifi)
Sound machine (Hatch)
Reversible playmat thats easy to wipe and clean (Totter and Tumble)
🍼 Feeding Essentials
Whether breastfeeding, pumping, or formula-feeding, flexibility is key. We recommend holding off on stocking up too heavily — every baby has preferences, and feeding routines change quickly.
Community favorites:
Dapple Baby Dish Soap (no harsh chemicals, fragrance-free, EWG rated — recommend ordering the refills to save on plastic bottles)
BB Hug Me Multi-Use Nursing Pillow (truly multi-use even after you’re done breastfeeding)
Boon Pacifiers (orthodontic baby pacifiers sized for baby’s age. Also, since they are silicone, you don’t need to worry about them potentially breaking apart and becoming a choking hazard)
Boon Pacifiers
BB Hug Me
🪑 High Chair Picks: Mom-Tested Favorites
Stokke Tripp Trapp: A stylish, ergonomic chair that grows with your child- from newborn to adult. Its adjustable seat and footrest promote proper posture and it fits seamlessly at the family table.
Stokke Nomi: Designed for active sitting, this lightweight chair offers tool- free adjustments and a sleek. modern design. It's easy to move and clean, making mealtime a breeze.
IKEA Antilop: A budget- friendly, no-frills option thats incredibly easy to clean and assemble. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for small spaces or as a secondary chair. Add a footrest to make it even more comfortable.
Nuna ZAAZ: This high chair boasts a sleek design with a hidden lift mechanism for easy height adjustments. It's built to last, easy to clean, evolving from baby high chair to big-kid seat.
👕 Clothing Must-Haves
Pro Tip: You’ll go through 2-3 outfits a day. Keep it simple and easy-access (snaps and buttons at 3 a.m. are a no-go).
Mom-approved picks:
Magnetic Me Simply Footies (not a snap in sight, thank us later)
H&M Bodysuits (great since they wrap versus pulling over their tiny little heads. Easy for skin-to-skin contact as well)
Pants with footies (skip the socks — they won’t stay on anyway)
Kyte Sleep Sacks (soft and cozy, we loved these once baby could roll over and needed to keep their arms out)
Car seat-approved winter coat (we LOVE this coat, especially in the brutal Chicago winters. It’s the only coat you can have your baby wear in their car seat. They also run long so ideally you can get two seasons out of it. Made by a mom — we love this coat.)
🛁 Bath & Grooming
Baby bath time is sweet but the right gear makes it so much easier. Plus, diaper rashes and baby skin sensitivity are almost guaranteed, so be prepared.
Must-haves:
Triple Paste (the holy grail of diaper cream. Slap it on like Picasso and you’ll never have to deal with a butt rash)
Oogiebear Cleaner (perfect for their little noses or ears)
Plenty of burp cloths (trust us — buy 2 packs these will soak up the ocean)
Triple Paste
oogiebear
🧷 Diaper Subscription Services
Many moms in our community swear by diaper subscription services to save time and avoid last-minute diaper runs. The two most popular are Honest and Coterie. Make sure to add on the wipe subscription so you never had to worry about running out.
Honest Diapers Subscription + Wipes
Pros:
Plant-based, hypoallergenic materials, super cute prints
Easy return or exchange of unopened packs of diapers
Available at a lower price point than premium brands
Cons:
Some moms report occasional leaks overnight for heavy wetters
Slightly bulkier fit
Coterie Diapers Subscription + Wipes
Pros:
Superior absorbency and softness (often compared to luxury diaper brands)
Minimal leaks, even overnight
Subscription flexibility and excellent customer service
Cons:
Higher price point
Limited print/design options (if that’s important to you!)
Pro Tip: Many moms start with Honest for daytime and switch to Coterie for nighttime or when baby starts sleeping longer stretches.
🚗 Travel Gear & On-the-Go
If you’ll be out and about or plan to travel, your future self will thank you for registering for travel-friendly options.
Strollers & Car Seats:
UPPAbaby Vista V3 (if you’re looking for a stroller that grows with your family and offers extensive storage, the UPPAbaby Vista V3 is the better choice. However, if you prioritize compactness, aesthetics, and a smooth ride, especially in urban environments, the Nuna MIXX Next may be the perfect fit)
Most moms in our group prefer the UPPAbaby Vista V2/V3 for its ability to grow with your family, durable design for all Chicago weather, and spacious storage. Even though it’s heavier, the versatility is worth it for city living.
Pros:
• Grows with your family and it can accommodate a second child and a ride-along board
• Large storage basket (great for city errands)
• Durable and stable for all weather (snow, rain, uneven sidewalks)
• UPPAbaby has the best customer support
Cons:
• Heavier than other models, tricky for stairs or public transit
• Bulky when folded
That said, some moms prefer the Nuna MIXX Next for its lighter frame and easy fold — perfect if you prioritize compactness or live in a walk-up or smaller space.
Pros:
• Sleek, compact design, folds easily for small spaces or travel
• Smooth ride and premium materials
• Lighter than the Vista, making it easier to lift and store
Cons:
• Limited expansion — not ideal for growing families
• Smaller storage basket compared to Vista
Top rated Car Seats:
Clek Liing
We love the Clek Liing because it’s Canadian-made, built like a tank and packed with safety—like a load leg that reduces crash forces. It’s also compatible with UPPAbaby Vista strollers, making it an easy travel system win.
Travel Musts:
Guava Lotus Travel Crib (hands down the best investment — also now comes as a bassinet option so you can really consolidate your baby gear, dont forget the extra sheet)
SlumberPod (easy to travel with and it makes room sharing with a baby a breeze. You can still use it into the toddler years with no issues)
Wet/Dry Bag (washable and you can just toss your blowout clothes in with no issues)
Keep Going First Aid Kit (always a must to have in your diaper bag)
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t plan on traveling, having portable gear makes visiting family, taking day trips, and even simple errands a lot easier.
✈ Travel Feeding
Essentials to keep baby fed and happy while traveling
Swell Bottle for warm/cool water
Formula dispenser easy to have pre-measured formula on the go
Travel bottle warmer great for heating up milk on the go
Portable drying rack + brush great for bottles and pump parts
OXO
This compact drying rack and brush set is perfect for washing pump parts, bottles, sippy cups, and more—you’ll get so much use out of it whether you’re at home or on the go. Total travel MVP.
🧸 Toys & Play
Less is more — truly. A small collection of purposeful toys that support each stage of development is all you need.
Mom-approved favorites:
Lovevery Play Gym (truly this is all you need while your baby is in their potato stage)
Lovevery Play Kits (recommend these until kiddos are 2 years old then you can buy toys based on their interests)
Activity Table (approved by physical therapists — adjustable legs can help with sitting up, pulling to stand, etc.)
Pikler Triangle (soft play climbing set for babies)
💡 Final Mom-to-Mom Registry Tips
✔ Start minimal — your baby’s personality (and your preferences!) will shape what’s truly needed.
✔ Add large items first, smaller ones later for registry completion discounts.
✔ Stay flexible — your baby will have their own opinions (already!).
✔ Trust the community — these recommendations are tested and loved by real moms.
Building your registry with tried and true must haves from real moms can make all the difference in those early days.
Happy registering! You’ve got this, mama.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with a fellow mom to be starting her registry 💕