Last Updated: Jun 5, 2023 @ 11:23 am.

What are the best baby registry must haves? We asked our new parent readers for their favorites. Then we combined these picks with our own research, comparing quality and ease of use. From super cute swaddles to a handy diaper caddy, here are the baby registry must haves we'd recommend!

FYI: We've been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. To keep things independent, we don't take money or freebies from brands we review! Our work is 100% reader-supported!


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Best Diaper Caddy Organizer

Easy to carry around the house
We loved this super cute, gender neutral diaper caddy—easy to use and generous capacity. Also nice: contrasting colored lining. Exterior pockets are helpful.

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The Secrets To a Great Baby Gift: Tips & Advice

Need to buy a gift for a friend or co-worker who just had a baby? 

After writing a best-selling guide to baby gear for 25 years (yes, that long!), we know there are classic gifts that are fantastic baby registry must haves. 

And no, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a practical gift that will be used day in and day out by new moms and dads. 

When shopping for a baby gift, consider these quick tips:

• Keep it gender neutral. Good news: many baby gifts today come in gender neutral shades like grey or green. Yes, some parents still wait until the baby is born to find out whether it is a boy or girl.

• The classics never go out of style. Burp clothes, wash clothes, swaddle blankets—we’ll recommend one of each below.

• Consider the season. Yes, the baby shower may be in August—but if the baby is born in fall, then consider warm, winter-style gifts for baby’s first few months!

Ok, enough tips! Here are our very best picks for baby registry must haves! 

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!

Best On-The-Go Gift

Life saver for traveling families!
Easy to use and lightweight, this travel dome can be used inside or out—we love it for travel, the beach or just the backyard. Easy to assemble.

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Best Super Cute Gift

Simply adorable
These swaddle blankets are a reader favorite—soft, warm and plush. And did we mention the cute little bear ears on the hood? So cuddly!
$17.69

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Best Practical Gift

Very soft and thick!
Parent truth: you can never have enough washcloths with a new baby! Loved these bamboo clothes, which are larger than regular washcloths.
$12.99

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Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!

Check out BabyList for an online baby registry.