Our Honest and Straightforward Baby Registry Tips

      There's nothing more humbling than welcoming a newborn into your life. Regardless of how many books you read, forums you explore, or research you conduct on products, there's always a considerable amount you'll only truly understand once you experience it firsthand. This realization can be somewhat discouraging, but with a change of viewpoint and faith in the journey, you can reach a calm state of acceptance, recognizing that you're not alone in this challenge, and that’s perfectly fine. This may seem a bit far-fetched given that we’re discussing baby products, but bringing a baby into the world is a transformative event, and these items can greatly ease your daily life.

      When parents-to-be create their baby registries, there's often a heavy emphasis on adorable outfits, trendy toys, and other non-essential items. (Trust me—I’ve experienced filling drawers with stylish baby clothes, only to find myself relying on more practical choices daily.) This motivated me to sift through the fluff and compile a straightforward list of essential items endorsed by experienced parents, particularly my fellow editors who have children of their own.

      Below, you'll discover a carefully selected list of baby registry recommendations for 2025 that promise to enhance your journey into parenthood. You'll find everything from efficient booger suckers to a stylish glider with significant advantages and a lifesaving baby monitor, among many other products. Be sure to add these to your essential item list right away and express your gratitude later.

      **The Spit-Up Saver**

      Little Unicorn

      3 Pack Muslin Swaddle Blanket

      "The first lesson I learned after giving birth is that you can never have too many swaddle blankets. Whether it’s to cover someone who’s holding your newborn or to protect the couch during feeding sessions from unexpected spit-ups, I found myself relying on them constantly for many months." — Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour, editor at large

      **Gross But Effective**

      Frida Baby

      Nosefrida Snotsucker

      "When your baby catches their first cold—and it definitely will happen—nothing compares to this 'snot sucker.' You’ll be astonished by how small baby nostrils are, and relieving your baby’s congestion any other way is practically impossible." — Akhtarzad Eshaghpour

      **The Unsung Hero**

      Doona

      Convertible Infant Car Seat/Compact Stroller System With Base

      "I couldn't imagine the first year without the Doona. A friend recommended it, and I added it to our registry. My mom kindly bought it for us, and I’m grateful she did. It simplified everything—traveling, visits to the doctor’s office (no more carrying items), and dining out since we could tuck the Doona right next to us at the table or easily fold it to fit in a booth. It’s certainly a worthy investment that we used daily. I also want to highlight Rachel's comment on the Nanit—it’s excellent and one of my top picks too." — Bobby Schuessler, shopping director

      **Most Likely to Save Your Sanity**

      Magnetic Me

      Eloise Magnetic Organic Cotton Footie

      "People advised me to steer clear of any buttons or clasps on onesies, and I didn’t fully grasp their advice until I experienced it myself. Onesies with zippers or easy magnetic closures are lifesavers when you’re changing a fussy baby multiple times a day. I loved the Magnetic Me brand." — Schuessler

      **The Snuggle Starter Kit**

      aden + anais

      Issie Security Blankets 2 Pack

      "Your baby will adore snuggling these soft blankets against their cheeks to soothe themselves. If you’re fortunate, it may become their most cherished lovey—just like my kids' did." — Alexa Wiley, vice president, creative

      **The Hush Hero**

      Baby Shusher

      Portable Sound Machine

      "You’ve got plenty on your plate—let this little machine handle the shushing for you. It works wonders, lulling your baby straight to sleep. Plus, it’s portable and perfect for strollers!" — Wiley

      **The Bedtime (or Wake-Up) Boss**

      Hatch Baby

      Sound Machine and Night Light

      "This nightlight does everything! It provides a soft glow for baby, serves as a sound machine, and adapts as your child grows. When they transition to toddlerhood, it changes colors to indicate bedtime or an appropriate wake-up time." — Wiley

      **Most Likely to Change Your Life (and Vacation)**

      SlumberPod

      Blackout Sleep Tent

      "We’ve utilized the Slumber Pod in hotels, an RV, Airbnbs, and at grandparents' houses… It’s made of breathable material, includes a pouch for a baby monitor, and folds nicely into a compact bag for easy transport. If your kids are used to sleeping in absolute darkness at home, I couldn’t recommend it enough for travel." — Alyson Boragno, copy