Non-Toxic Baby Registry Must-Haves

Have you started your baby registry? I know it can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re bombarded with information on what is “clean” and what is “toxic.”

I’d love to share some tips about when to begin your baby registry, what baby items are “must-haves,” and which ones I personally feel you can skip! Everyone is going to be different here. Three babies in and I have narrowed down what works for us and why – but not everyone will feel the same way. Let’s dive in!

As you think about registering for all of the physical items you’ll need to take care of your baby, don’t forget about the less tangible things you might need. Sometimes mommas focus so much on their baby they completely forget items for themselves! I wrote a whole blog on what’s in my postpartum cart, read it here.

Where to register for your baby shower:

Registry apps like Zola and Baby List are great options because they allow you to pull from different websites and stores to have one registry. This is easiest for you & your friends & family to navigate, in my opinion. You can also create registries at stores and sites like Target, Walmart, or Amazon. Specialty stores like Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel have registry options as well.

When to start making a baby registry:

You can start your registry as soon as you feel ready, but you’ll want to keep in mind that creating a baby registry can take time. Starting in the second trimester will give you time to research so that you feel confident in the products you need.

Baby registry must-haves and favorites:

Baby diapering

Baby diapers & wipes are one category I really prioritize non toxic products, because baby skin is so sensitive and they absorb everything you put on it, it’s crucial to stay away from ingredients like: fragrance, chlorine, parabens or lotions. I prefer Pura or Kudos brands for clean diapers. There are tons of other great options out there. You can browse my Baby Diapering Favorites here.

I like to have two diaper changing stations in your home in the beginning months; one in your baby’s nursery and a diaper caddy in the main living area, or in your bedroom, where ever you spend most of your day while recovering.

Browse my Baby Diapering Favorites here

Newborn diapers (1-2 boxes)
Size 1 diapers (2-3 boxes)
Wipes
Diaper rash cream (2)
Diaper cream applicator (2)
Diaper pail
Diaper caddy
Changing pad
Organic Cotton Changing pad covers

If choosing to cloth diaper, here are some things I have found to be very helpful. Browse cloth diaper favorites here:

Cotton cloth diaper inserts
Diaper covers
Cotton reusable wipes
Wipe warmer, to store your homemade wipes
Diaper pail, with washable bags
Reusable wet bags for on the go

Always remember to check for your big ticket items second hand, especially in the cloth diapering world. My entire stash if from another local mom who was done cloth diapering. That’s the beauty in high quality products! They last long enough to pass down to others.

Baby feeding

These baby feeding products are things you’ll use now and as your baby transitions to solid food. In general we try to avoid plastic feeding products. A lot of my options are glass or stainless steel. We also avoid sippy cups for optimal oral development. We start baby on straws and then move them to open cups very early on.

Browse my baby feeding must haves here.

Baby bowls and spoons
Organic Cotton burp rags (5-10)
Bibs (5-10)
Highchair
Cups
Snack containers

Bottle feeding

Browse my breastfeeding and bottle feeding must haves here.

2-3 different types of bottles, I always aim to get bottles with nipples that are most similar to a breast, and made of glass. Even if you don’t plan to breastfeed, a proper latch is crucial for your babies oral development. Brands like Joovy Boob, Lansinoh, or Dr Brown’s are all great options.
Bottle brush and soap, I use plain castile soap as a non toxic option. I find it cheapest to order from Azure Standard, in bulk.
Bottle drying rack
Bottle warmer
Automatic formula dispenser
Clean formula options, like Holle or Kendamil

Breastfeeding

If you plan to breastfeed and/or pump, these are items that you will find especially helpful.

You can browse all my breastfeeding must haves here

Breast pump: My preferred brands are Spectra, or the Lansinoh hand pump for easy on the go use!
Haaka milk collector
Nipple cream
Silver nursing cups
Cotton nursing bras and tanks
Nursing pads
Breast massager
Cotton burp rags
Breast milk storage bags
Bottles
Feeding support pillow
Breastfeeding friendly pacifiers, like Ninno Co
Consider registering or asking for an IBCLC consult. This is worth its weight in gold! Even my best breastfeeding journeys have started rocky. Skilled consults and body work helped us to work out the kinks early on.

Baby bath

Since newborns have sensitive skin, it’s important to have non toxic supplies and products. I do not personally use soap on my babies. They aren’t dirty and their little microbiome is perfect. It’s not until they’re much older that I start (still very rarely) incorporating soap, at that time I use a plain baby diluted castile soap for a gentle non toxic option, again ordered from Azure Standard in bulk. Our bath supplies are minimal but here’s a few:

Browse baby bath favorites here

Infant bathtub
Lotions: I like Tubby Todd, or we will use plain beef tallow or coconut oil.
Cotton towels (2)
Cotton washcloths (6-8)
Baby unscented castile soap
Cradle cap removing kit
Mold free bath toys
Shower or bath filter, if your water is not filtered.

Baby health

While you won’t use these items on a regular basis, you’ll want to have them on hand for when your little one is sick.

Browse baby health here

Rectal thermometer
Cool mist humidifier. My favorite mold free brand is Canopy
Nasal aspirator
Portable nebulizer
Infant brush or comb for removing cradle cap
Fingernail clippers or file
Earthley Wellness tinctures like: teeth tamer, infant tummy relief, and ear oil. These are a must have for my medicine cabinet as baby grows!

Baby Nursery & Sleep

Having a great sleep environment will help both you and baby. Even if your baby doesn’t spend the first few months sleeping in the nursery, you’ll still want supplies for your nursery on your registry. When you’re ready to buy furniture, I encourage you to buy second hand whenever possible! Most of my big ticket items like dressers, and recliners, have all been second hand purchases.

But if you can’t find what you need second hand, here are some of my nursery favorites

Sound machine
Sleep sacks (2-3) my all time favorite is the Woolino. It is natural fiber, temperature regulating and grows with your baby! But cotton sleep sacks works well too.
Breastfeeding friendly pacifiers, we use Ninni Co
Bassinet
Organic cotton sheets
Organic mattress
Monitor, we like the Vava monitor for a non wifi option
Mattress protector
Air Purifier, we have these in all of our kids rooms
Circadian friendly lighting. I opt for blue light blocking bulbs in our bedrooms for the most circadian friendly lighting. I order mine from Bon Charge. I find it cheapest to thrift some lamps and sprinkle these light bulbs in all of our kids rooms!
Changing pad
Cotton changing pad covers
Blackout curtains
Cotton receiving blankets (3-5)
Baby-sized hangers
Diaper pail and bags
Dresser drawer organizers
Storage bins for clothes and toy organization
Glider and ottoman
Dresser
Crib

If there were only two areas where I was going to splurge and opt for all organic and natural, it would be baby sleep and baby diapering. It’s the two areas where your baby spends the most amount of time with these items on their skin.

I don’t have swaddles on this list, because we choose not to swaddle and allow the natural reflexes to take place. If you opt to swaddle, aim for a natural fiber option, like cotton.

Baby play

Before you know it, your sweet little one will be able to stay awake longer and will need age-appropriate play items.

These are some essentials for young babies.

We prefer organic cotton quilts over play mats! They have more uses and last for longer.
Board books
Developmental toys (rattles, sensory toys, etc.)
Contrast cards

Baby gear

These are the “bigger” items that your baby might need throughout their day. Some of these items I have had great success finding second hand like strollers, high chairs or baby furniture.

Browse my favorite baby gear here.

Car seat. I like brand Clek best. Their infant seat is very safe and made of natural fibers. Their toddler seats have held my kids from 18 months until 5+ years old. I also have some good rotating seats on my list as well.
Stroller, we love our Bob for all terrain, our Veer wagon for big outings like the zoo or museum, and a small lightweight travel stroller for on the go. I also have some double stroller options on my list as well!
High chair
Bouncer
Carriers for babywearing. I love to use soft, natural fiber wraps for newborn days. And I love a more structured carrier for long term carrying. Here are some of my all time favorites:
- For infant wearing, soft wraps are best, like the organic cotton baby wrap from Hope and Plum, or the solly baby!
- For babywearing beyond the newborn days my prefered carriers are the Hope and Plum Lark, and the Mabe Monarch Carrier.
- For toddler carrying, Ring slings work really well, both Mabe and Hope and Plum have natural fiber ring slings. A Tushbaby hip carrier is great for toddlers as well.

I don’t have many baby containers on here because we try not to use them. A baby bouncer is the only container I use on occasion for moments I need to shower, or set baby down quickly. The most ideal position for your baby to be in when not being held is on their tummy! This is ideal for development. So items like Infant loungers, bumbo’s, swings, and things of that nature, we opt out of.

Baby travel

Whether you travel often or only plan to get out of the house for short periods of time, there are some items that can make being on the go less stressful.

Browse my travel essentials here.

Diaper bag
Portable crib or play yard
Portable crib or play yard sheets
Portable sound machine
Changing pad for diaper bag
SlumberPod
Portable/clip-on high chair
Lightweight stroller
Stroller fan

Baby Clothing

Register for baby clothes in a variety of sizes! You’ll be surprised how quickly your little one will outgrow their newborn clothes. Also, consider the season in which your baby is due, this will help make sure you have appropriate clothing to keep your baby comfortable. I thrift the vast majority of my kids clothes too!

Some natural fiber options here

Newborn onesies (at least 5)
0-3 month onesies (at least 5)
Newborn pants (at least 5)
0-3 month pants (at least 5)
Newborn footie pajamas (at least 5)
0-3 month footie pajamas (at least 5)
Socks (5-10)
Coming home outfit
Hair bows and headbands
Seasonal clothing (swimsuits, jackets, winter hat, coat)

For Mom

Don’t forget to include items that you will need as well! Keeping yourself comfortable postpartum is also a priority. This may look different depending on the type of delivery you have. I wrote a whole blog on my postpartum favorites, read about it here.

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