Baby registry essentials: what to actually put on your list

A well-built baby registry focuses on what you'll need in the first three months and avoids the gear that looks appealing in the store but collects dust at home. The genuine essentials: a safe sleep surface, infant car seat, stroller or baby carrier, diaper supplies (changing pad, diapers, wipes), feeding gear (bottles, breast pump if breastfeeding), a few swaddles and onesies, a baby monitor, nail file, nasal aspirator, thermometer, and a white noise machine. Skip or wait on: a baby swing (try before you buy, not all babies like them), specialized bottle warmers, wipe warmers, and any sleep training gadgets.

Register at two stores if possible — one with wide physical availability (Target, Buy Buy Baby) and one online — for maximum coverage and easy completion discounts.