The short version
- The most useful registry items are often the cheapest: swaddles, burp cloths, a nail file, a nasal aspirator and a good thermometer.
- Skip things most parents don't need, like wipe warmers and newborn shoes.
- Follow safe sleep basics: no bumpers, pillows or loose blankets in the crib, and no inclined sleepers.
- Register early so you can claim the free welcome boxes and 15% completion discounts.
Guests love small, affordable gifts, and the truth is that many of the things you'll use most cost less than $25. Here are the baby registry must-haves we'd put on every list, plus what to skip.
Baby registry must-haves under $25
Don't forget the consumables
Diapers, wipes and diaper cream are the gifts you'll be most grateful for in month three. Add a few bigger-size boxes (not just newborn), so you're not buying them all yourself. Our cheapest diapers guide explains which sizes to stock.
What you can probably skip
These are popular but often go unused. Every family is different, so treat this as a starting point:
- Wipe warmers. Most babies are fine with room-temperature wipes.
- Newborn shoes. Babies don't walk, and shoes fall right off.
- Lots of newborn-size clothes. Many babies outgrow them in weeks. Register for 0–3 and 3–6 months instead.
- Fancy bottle gadgets. Bottles, a brush and a drying rack cover most needs.
Safe sleep: what not to register for
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep alone, on their backs, on a firm flat surface with nothing else in the crib. That means:
- No crib bumpers, pillows, stuffed animals or loose blankets in the sleep space.
- No inclined sleepers. The Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2022 banned inclined infant sleepers and padded crib bumpers.
- Use a fitted sheet made for your crib mattress, and a wearable blanket or sleep sack instead of a loose blanket.
If money is tight, Cribs for Kids works with local partners to provide free or low-cost portable cribs.
Get the freebies that come with registering
Opening a registry unlocks free welcome boxes at Amazon, Target, Walmart, Babylist and Babies "R" Us at Kohl's, plus 15% completion discounts near your due date.
See exactly how to claim each box in our baby registry welcome box guide, or compare the two biggest registries in Target vs Amazon baby registry.
Frequently asked questions
What should be on a baby registry?
Everyday essentials parents use constantly: swaddles, burp cloths, a nail file, a nasal aspirator, a thermometer, a white noise machine, bottle brushes, board books, and plenty of diapers and wipes in bigger sizes.
What should I not put on my baby registry?
Many parents skip wipe warmers, newborn shoes and lots of newborn-size clothes. For safety, don't register for crib bumpers, pillows or inclined sleepers.
Do you get anything free for making a baby registry?
Yes. Amazon, Target, Walmart, Babylist and Babies "R" Us at Kohl's give free welcome boxes once you meet their requirements, and several offer a 15% completion discount near your due date.
How we research: we check every offer against the brand's or program's own website before publishing and when we update a guide. Programs change, so always confirm the details at the source before you sign up. Read our editorial standards, or tell us about a correction. Some links may be affiliate links; see our disclosure.