Your first baby — only the essentials, nothing wasteful
Every baby registry list runs 200 items. You need maybe 40. Here's the curated list: day-one must-haves, week-one additions, and the gear that's marketed but actually unnecessary.
Day-one must-haves
Bassinet (or crib if room-sharing isn't possible), 8-10 onesies, swaddles (Velcro style — not blankets), diapers + wipes (size N for newborn, then 1), changing pad, infant car seat with base, burp cloths, pacifiers (try multiple types — they're picky), and a thermometer.
Week-one additions
Bottles (even if breastfeeding — backup is essential), bottle brush, drying rack, baby monitor, white noise machine, sound machine for the car, larger swaddles for growing, and a portable changing kit (Skip Hop or similar) for outside the house.
What we'd skip
Wipe warmers (heated wipes cool fast, then you're back to room-temp anyway). Designer crib bedding (SIDS guidelines say bare crib for the first year). Bottle warmers (warm water from the tap works). Diaper Genies that lock you into proprietary refills (a regular pail with bags works fine). Most newborn shoes. The newborn-size shoes specifically.
Examples we've prescribed
Click a prescription to see the full breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a video monitor?+
If your baby sleeps in a separate room, yes. If you're room-sharing for the first 6 months, no.
How many onesies?+
8-10 in the newborn size, 8-10 in 0-3 months. They blow through laundry.
Cradlewise smart crib — worth it?+
If sleep is your priority and budget allows, yes. The auto-soothing actually works. Otherwise a basic crib is fine.
Want a prescription for YOUR baby setup?
Tell us your apartment or house size, sleep approach, and any specific concerns.