A beyond-the-basics checklist for all the best baby registry items you need, from newborn swaddles to toddler toys.
From handcrafted mobiles to personalized night lights, the unmatched creativity of sellers on Etsy really shines when it comes to baby products. Whether you’re a soon-to-be parent crafting your dream Etsy Baby Registry (congrats!) or a baby shower guest looking for the perfect present, we’ve made shopping easier than ever with this roundup of baby registry must-haves.
Got questions? We’ve answered the most common ones below followed by our must-have registry suggestions. Already have your Etsy Baby Registry ready to go? We’re impressed! Check out a few of our favorite trending baby finds for inspo below, then skip ahead to see our must-have suggestions to add to your registry!
What is a baby registry?
A baby registry is a great tool for sharing with your friends and family exactly what items you’d like for your new baby, from those must-have essentials to the more fun products that speak to your personal taste, that they can easily shop. Some expectant parents set up multiple registries to cover all their bases. An Etsy Baby Registry is the best place for those incredibly unique, handcrafted items that you’ll use (and cherish) for years to come.
When should you create a baby registry?
Many people start a baby registry in their second trimester of pregnancy with the goal of sharing the link in their baby shower invitations. It can be helpful to start your registry early so that you avoid feeling overwhelmed near your due date and also to give yourself plenty of time to refine it as you go.
How to build a baby registry on Etsy
Giving your friends and family great baby gift ideas is easier than ever with an Etsy Baby Registry. Just create your own personalized registry page and begin adding gift ideas! When you find an item you’d like to add to your registry, click the icon that looks like a gift or click the ‘Add to registry’ button. You’ll find this button just below the ‘Add to cart’ button on the item listing page, but only if you've already created a registry.
Once you’re done adding to your registry, simply share the link with loved ones so they can shop for some of the most thoughtful and unique baby gifts around.
What to put on a baby registry
Before we dive into the only-on-Etsy finds that will make your registry feel really personal to you, here’s a handy list of newborn necessities. Once you’ve accounted for these basic and big ticket items, you can move on to the fun stuff that will make your registry shine.
- Crib or bassinet and mattress
- Crib sheets
- Sound machine
- Baby monitor
- One-piece outfits with feet and hand covers
- Changing table or pad
- Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream
- Car seat
- Stroller
- Infant carrier
- Nursing or formula-feeding supplies
- Pacifiers
- Teether
- Infant bathtub
- Baby shampoo, body wash, and lotion
- Nail trimmer
- Baby thermometer
What should you put on a second baby registry?
Are you creating a registry for your second (or later) baby? Since you likely still have most of the basic necessities, use your registry to add second baby gift ideas that are just for fun, like handmade toys and little extras you never received the first time around. Consider whether you’ll need duplicates of anything your first is still using, and include items for celebrating your growing family (like little and big brother/sister tees).
Etsy baby essentials
We've rounded up all the essential finds you'll need to ensure your Etsy Baby Registry caters to your style.
A sweet swaddle
SHOP: Stretchy swaddle blanket from love + wild, $18
What’s cuter than a wriggly little newborn? One wrapped up like a cuddly burrito! This irresistibly soft swaddling blanket is made for snuggles and slumber. As a bonus, a swaddle also works as a nursing cover or light stroller blanket.
A cozy cap
SHOP: Personalized baby hat from Milk Teeth Clothing, $17
No coming-home-from-the-hospital outfit is complete without a tiny hat to keep that precious little head warm. Make the special moment extra personal with one featuring a custom name embroidery. And check out our full personalized baby gift ideas roundup for more custom registry ideas.
The best burp cloths
SHOP: Set of three burp cloths from Nightingale, $25
Spit up is a given, and a set (or two) of soft burp cloths is a little luxury any parent won’t regret stocking up on in their registry. Luckily, they’re available on Etsy in sensitive skin-friendly fabrics* like muslin and so many pleasing patterns, making it easy to keep these little helpers handy in several spots of the home, diaper bag, and stroller.
Washable wonders
SHOP: Set of five cloth diapers and inserts from KindLavender, from $49
Reusable and really cute, washable diapers are an appealing alternative to disposable diapers that help cut back on waste and save a little money. If you’re feeling a bit intimidated, consider adding a starter kit to your baby registry with everything you need to confidently embark on your cloth diaper journey. With patterns this precious, it’s worth a try!
A tummy time mat
SHOP: Neutral floor mat by Finch & Folk, $114
Make tummy time the best time with a comfy floor mat for babe to relax on while they develop their muscles and love of play. Sure to get lots of use, it’s the perfect registry item.
Custom name blocks
SHOP: Personalized floral wood blocks from Maker Mind Toys, from $7
When it comes to personalized baby gifts, it’s always a win-win when the item can double as decor. So while it might be a while until the little one can spell their own name, a set of personalized wood blocks makes lovely nursery decor from day one. You can even think ahead and consider blocks that form a puzzle or nest that baby can eventually use to work on their motor skills!
A hooded towel
SHOP: Hooded caterpillar towel from RubaDub Buddies, $46
Practical and precious, a hooded towel is a bathtime essential. For an extra cute registry add, opt for a towel featuring personalized name embroidery and animal ears.
An enchanting night light
SHOP: Custom name nightlight from USqiang, from $32
Encourage sweet sleep with art that illuminates! The perfect nursery touch, a night light provides a comforting glow to help soothe baby which, in turn, helps you too. Find options on Etsy in a range of nursery themes and personalization styles.
Nursery-worthy wall art
SHOP: Set of whimsical animal prints from NorseKids, from $79
No nursery is complete without some playful wall art. On Etsy you’ll find paintings, prints, and even downloadable digital artwork to match countless nursery themes, whether the little one’s space is decorated with botanicals, animals, outer space, or more.
A marvelous mobile
SHOP: Ocean crib mobile from BeeHomey, from $136
Give baby something beautiful to gaze at with a true showstopper of a crib mobile. Etsy is full of imaginative mobiles to fit all styles of nursery decor, from hand-felted aquatic creations to outer space-themed masterpieces.
A lovely lovey
SHOP: Cotton muslin cat lovey from Little Joy Co., $13
A lovey received as a baby can remain a comforting possession for years. When looking for a cuddly buddy for your little one, you’ll want to add at least one of these small blanket-like companions to your registry.
Stacking Toys
SHOP: Wooden wave stacking toy from by tiny moon, $35
Available in pleasing color combos to go with any aesthetic, stacking toys such as rings help babies learn about shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, which make them the perfect registry pick.
A statement sign
SHOP: Retro name sign from BlackHouse Handmade, from $44
The baby’s name was carefully chosen with lots of love, so why not celebrate it? Help carve out a space just for them with a beautiful name sign for their door or wall. It could even help the youngster learn to spell their own name one day.
Tasteful toy storage
SHOP: Wildflower toy chest from Jade and the Saw, from $239
Etsy is full of creative storage items for containing toy collections before they get too big and out of control. A beautiful wood chest they’ll treasure for years or clever wall shelves that fit a nursery’s color scheme will do wonders in keeping things tidy.
Milestone markers
SHOP: Milestone birthday cake topper from Arrow Town Designs, from $10
Parents will inevitably take a million pictures, but milestone cards and photo props are handy reminders to pause and capture the baby’s growth at regular intervals (they’re also great keepsakes). Some milestone cards even offer space on the back to jot down special memories.
Classic wood toys
SHOP: Personalized wood toddler cars from Busy Puzzle, from $26
Timeless toys that never go out of style are a guaranteed hit. Loved by parents for their slightly retro good looks and sturdiness, you can’t beat the charm of handcrafted wood toys.
Clothing organizers
SHOP: Closet dividers from White Loft, from $25
Baby closet organizers come in so many great styles and will help parents separate their baby’s clothes according to size. Drawer organizers will help keep the dresser tidy too.
Matching fashions
SHOP: Mommy and me headbands from Bramilyn and Rose, from $18
Twinning moments with your little one are hard to resist, and with so many stylish matching options to choose from on Etsy, you’ll soon have all the coordinated looks you’ll need. From accessories to pajamas to more formal outfits, you can be a dynamic duo or scoop up a set for the whole family—pets included.
An awesome album
SHOP: Baby memory book from DUNCAN & STONE PAPER CO., $40
Document that special first year with a baby album to gather memories and mementos. Opt for a classic style or a custom order adorned with the child’s name that they’ll treasure forever.
Once you’ve added all the essentials for the baby, be sure to add a few items for yourself! Check out our favorite gifts for new parents for ideas.
*Descriptions of any items, including fabric, on Etsy are based solely on the seller’s listing information.
