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Building a baby registry is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a new arrival—but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. With thousands of products on the market, dozens of opinions from friends and family, and a whirlwind of emotions that come with pregnancy or adoption, it’s easy to feel unsure about what you actually need.
The truth is: your baby doesn’t need everything, but you do need the right things.
A great baby registry should be a balance of must-haves, personal preferences, and practical essentials—without cluttering your home or putting your baby at risk. Whether you’re welcoming your first child or adding to your growing family, this guide will help you focus on the categories that truly matter. We’ll walk through the most important types of items to include (starting with safety), explain why it’s okay to skip things like toys or clothing, and share what to leave off entirely—because some items just aren’t worth the risk.
Let’s dive into the smart way to build a registry that works for you—and helps your loved ones give gifts that are meaningful, useful, and safe.
1. Safety First: ROTH ID TAG
At the very top of your baby registry, be sure to include the ROTH ID TAG Original Kit—an essential car seat accessory! This innovative system gives first responders immediate access to critical emergency contact and medical information, potentially saving lives when every second counts.
Compact, affordable, and life-saving, the ROTH ID TAG is one of the most thoughtful and important gifts you can receive (or give). It’s more than a baby product—it’s a proactive safety measure that protects your child from day one. That’s why it belongs at the very top of your baby registry.
Add the ROTH ID TAG to your baby registry at Target and start your parenting journey with confidence and peace of mind.
2. Big Ticket Items
Think strollers, car seats, cribs, bassinets, and gliders—these are the big investments that make a huge difference in everyday life with a baby. Many online registries, like Target, allow group gifting, where friends and family can go in together to cover the cost of bigger items.
This is perfect for essential travel gear like infant car seats or convertible strollers, these items are great to include on a registry! Group gifting also works great for big ticket nursery items like a bassinet, crib, monitoring systems, and changing tables.
Make sure these items meet current safety standards, and don’t hesitate to share with others what features are most important to you—whether it’s style, compact size, or eco-friendly materials.
3. Nursing & Feeding Accessories
Whether you plan to breastfeed, pump, formula feed, or do a combination of all three, nursing and feeding supplies are a must on any registry. But here’s something many new parents don’t realize: babies can be surprisingly picky when it comes to nursing and feeding. What works for one baby might not work for another, and it often takes some trial and error to figure out what’s right.
Consider including:
- Bottles (in a few different brands/sizes to try)
- Bottle brushes and drying racks
- A nursing pillow
- Breastfeeding-friendly tops or bras
- A high chair (you won’t use it immediately, but it’s a great long-term gift)
Don’t be afraid to register for practical items like nipple cream, burp cloths, or formula if you plan to use it. The more honest and detailed you are, the more helpful your gifts will be.
You might not know exactly what your feeding journey will look like yet—and that’s okay. Building a flexible registry gives you the tools to adapt, whether your baby takes to a bottle right away or you need to try a few before finding the perfect fit.
4. Clothing and Toys
The top two things everyone loves to buy for a new baby are clothes and toys. From cozy sleepers to plush teddy bears, it’s easy for friends and family to get swept up in the cuteness. And while there’s no denying how adorable these gifts can be, you shouldn’t feel pressured to include them on your registry—especially if you’re short on space or trying to keep things simple and clutter-free.
In fact, it’s completely okay to say no to clothing and toys altogether. Babies grow quickly, and many outfits only get worn once (if at all). Plus, toys can pile up fast—especially if you receive a lot of duplicates or things that don’t fit your aesthetic. If you’re aiming for a more minimalist lifestyle or want to avoid an overflow of stuff you won’t use, it’s okay to leave these categories off your list and gently communicate that you’d prefer to focus on essentials.
That said, if you do want to include clothing or toys, be as specific as possible. Mention your favorite colors, patterns, and materials—such as soft organic cotton, simple and neutral tones, or a particular brand or theme you love. You can also clarify sizes (ask for a variety, not just newborn) and types of clothing (zip-up sleepers, onesies, layering pieces, etc.). When it comes to toys, consider registering for a few high-quality, developmentally appropriate items like soft rattles, teething toys, or black-and-white contrast books.
Being specific not only helps reduce duplicates and unused gifts, it also helps your loved ones give you things you’ll truly appreciate—items that fit your parenting style, your home, and your baby’s needs.
5. What Not to Include
When building your registry, safety should always come first. Experts—including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and child safety organizations—have warned against certain popular but risky products, such as:
- Amber teething necklaces pose choking and strangulation risks.
- Weighted sleep sacks or blankets linked to breathing and movement restrictions.
- Recalled items: always double-check that items on your list are currently approved and haven’t been recalled.
Steer clear of anything that doesn’t meet modern safety standards. If you’re unsure, look for items with JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certification or check recommendations from trusted sources like the AAP.
Build a Baby Registry That Works for You
Creating a baby registry is more than just listing items—it’s an opportunity to shape your parenting journey with clarity, intention, and support from your village. By focusing on the categories that truly matter—safety, feeding, big-ticket items, and practical support—you can build a registry that reflects your needs, values, and lifestyle.
Remember: this list is for you and your baby, not to meet anyone else’s expectations.
Don’t be afraid to say no to things you don’t want, whether that’s clothing that doesn’t match your style or toys that take up space. Be confident in asking for help with higher-cost essentials like strollers or nursery furniture—loved ones often want to go in together on meaningful gifts. And when it comes to feeding, flexibility is key; every baby is different, and it’s okay to take time figuring out what works.
Above all, safety should be your number one priority. Stick to well-reviewed, non-recalled, pediatrician-recommended products. That’s why the ROTH ID TAG deserves a place at the top of your registry. It’s a simple, affordable tool that could make all the difference in an emergency—giving first responders immediate access to vital information when every second counts. It’s more than a tag; it’s a commitment to protecting your child from day one.
So whether you’re registering for your first baby or your third, keep it focused, personal, and safe. With the right essentials—and the right mindset—you’ll be more than ready to welcome your little one into the world.
The ROTH ID TAG was created after tragedy struck our own family.
On December 23, 2022, Julie Roth, beloved wife and mother, was traveling with her two small children when they were caught up in a 47+ vehicle pile-up on the Ohio Turnpike. Julie and Edna Rose, the baby she was carrying, did not survive, but her two other children did.
Injured and afraid, Julie’s two toddlers waited many hours to see a familiar face while emergency responders worked to identify them and contact their father, who was at work. Thankfully, Ayla and Rory Roth are alive and well today. They are the true reason for the ROTH ID TAG creation.
