When you’re preparing for baby, the list of “must-haves” can feel endless. From bottle warmers to formula dispensers that look like they belong at a fancy coffee shop, it’s easy to get caught in the overwhelm. But what if less is more?

Contrary to what all the ads and blogs say, babies don’t actually require that much stuff. Which is why we’re sharing our take on a minimal baby registry—because we believe in supporting parents through better gear, not more gear. And we know that simplicity creates space for what matters most—intentionality and connection.

Whether you're creating your first baby registry or refining your list down to the essentials, this is for you.

What Do Newborns Actually Need?

Great news: Babies don’t need a lot beyond milk (from you or formula—fed is best!), a safe place to sleep, diapers, and you. As for the rest: It's all about choosing what will work best for your space, budget, and needs. Here's our take on what truly deserves a spot on your registry. 

Minimalist Baby Registry Essentials

If we were starting from scratch and needed a baby registry with just the bare essentials, here’s what we’d choose:

1. Baby Carrier

Let’s start with our obvious favorite: a good baby carrier. Carriers are great for so many reasons (seriously, we pretty much wrote a novel about all of the benefits here), but especially because they're the ultimate convenience play as a parent. Keep baby close and content while freeing up your hands to tend to life's other demands? Yes, please. Plus, they're a lot easier to transport than a stroller. 

We’re partial to The Solly System: Our babywearing bundle that comes with two carriers designed for different stages, so you’re not trying to make one carrier work for every season of babyhood. The Wrap is ideal for those sleepy newborn days, while the Soft Buckle Carrier steps in as baby grows and you need a bit more structure and support. It’s a simple, long-lasting setup that takes you from birth through toddlerhood without overcomplicating things.

2. Car Seat

All car seats must adhere to the same safety guidelines, so you should choose one based on your budget, vehicle, and travel considerations. Many have growth options that allow you to use the same car seat from newborns to toddlers if you’re looking to keep things super simple and streamlined.

3. Diaper Bag

There are so many different options on the market, and the reality is, many moms end up using bags that aren't necessarily diaper bags. What you really want is a bag that's cute and functional for holding everything you need—diapers, wipes, snacks (for both of you!), keys, phone, wallet, and water. Plus your wrap and a spare change of clothes for those early days when blowouts and spit up are a really hazard of the job.

4. Diapering Basics

• Newborn diapers (don't get too many in one size—you may need to size up fast!)

• Wipes 

• Diaper cream (Doesn't need to be fancy—Vaseline works great!)

• Diaper pail

5. Sleep Essentials

Your baby needs a safe place to sleep—whether that’s a bassinet, crib, or both, it’s up to you. Then add:

• A few fitted crib sheets

• Swaddles or sleep sacks (breathable is best!)

• A white noise machine (this technically isn’t essential…but it really makes all the difference when it comes sleep—for baby and for you) 

6. Feeding

Whether you’re nursing, pumping, or formula feeding, these basics are enough:

• Bottles (2–4 to start)

• A nursing pillow if breastfeeding

• Burp cloths

• Formula or a breast pump, depending on your feeding plans (Tip: Be sure to check if your insurance covers your breast pump—they often do!)

7. Clothing

You don’t need 20 newborn onesies. Stick with:

• 6-8 onesies (long or short-sleeve depending on the season!)

• A few pairs of socks

• A cozy baby blanket

Skip These For Now

Every baby is different, but these items often end up collecting dust:

• Fancy outfits (cute, but not practical)

• Baby shoes (unnecessary until walking)

• Bottle warmers and sterilizers

• Special soap for washing baby’s clothes and bottles (regular stuff works just fine, though you may want to consider choosing a fragrance-free option for their sensitive skin!)

• Wipe warmers

Start with less. You can always add as you go—and many of these things are easy to grab later if you decide you need them!

Final Tip: Think about you, too

The first few months postpartum are just as much about you as they are about your baby. Consider adding a few items just for you—like a comfortable set of pajamas, postpartum care essentials, or even a subscription to a meal delivery service. It’s okay to ask for support in your registry. You’re doing a big, beautiful thing and you deserve to feel supported and cared for!