The Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist for Adoptive Parents

Today’s adoptive parents tell me their favorite way to prepare for their future child involves visiting stores or websites to learn about products they’ll need. After browsing, you can create online registries or shopping lists to keep track of those items for later.
 
“I can learn about things I’ll need for our baby, and the organizer in me can sort them out and have them ready for when we need them, but still not have these things sitting around the house collecting dust or reminding me we’re still waiting,” an adoptive mom-to-be explains. 
 
Whether you’re adopting a child or an infant, many websites and shops will allow you to create a registry that can easily be accessed and updated when you know more about the child you will adopt. For example, if you are open to adopting a child ranging in age from newborn up to three years old, you may hesitate to assemble a crib and changing table in a room that could ultimately house a toddler.
 
With registries today, many online and local stores allow adoptive parents-to-be to build a list of items they may need. Then, once they know the age and needs of the child they’ll adopt, they can easily update this list.
  
Whatever you decide to do in your adoption path, it’s wise to plan ahead by reviewing our baby registry checklist, so you know what you’ll need when it’s time for your adoption.
 

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Baby Registry Checklist for Parents-in-Waiting

Amazon’s wish lists and online baby registry have been among the most popular for future adoptive parents, as well as registries through retail chains like Target. Even Wal-Mart’s app and website offer a “list” function, where you can create category-specific lists and add items as you browse online. We’ve created a shopping checklist so you can be sure you have all the needed essentials on your baby’s registry.
  
Remember, you may need to customize your own list based on your adoption search goals. For example, if you’re open to a child between the ages of newborn and two, you may not want to stock up on newborn clothing or buy an infant car seat until you know for sure the age and needs of the specific child you adopt.
  

For Your Adoption Travel

• Luggage
• Diaper bag 
• Bags for dirty/soiled clothes
• Laundry detergent (travel size)
• Travel-size first aid kit
• Gifts for your baby’s birth parents (check with your adoption attorney first to make sure it’s allowable per state laws)

Baby Gear and Travel

• Stroller and/or umbrella stroller
• Stroller accessories, such as a rain cover, sun shade, foot muff, and hooks for bags or purses
• Car seat
• Additional car seat bases, for all of your cars
• Car seat accessories, like a mirror, sun shade for the windows, and car seat cover
• Baby carrier (like these ones from Baby Bjorn, Ergobaby, and Infantino) 
• Swing, bouncer, and rocker
• Pack ‘n Play Playard and two to three play yard sheets
• Diaper bag 

Nursery and Décor

• Changing table
• Changing pad
• Changing pad covers (2-3)
• Crib and crib mattress
• Waterproof mattress pads (2-3)
• Fitted crib sheets
• Crib sheet protectors (2-3)
• Valance, dust ruffle, and quilt (grandmas-to-be love to shop for these, so make sure they’re on your adoption registry!)
• Dresser
• Co-sleeper or bassinet
• Rocking chair or glider
• Storage bins or baskets
• White noise sound machine
• Laundry hamper
• Baby-sized hangers (12-15)

Feeding

• Formula
• Bottle and nipples (8-12)
• Bottle warmer
• Bottle sterilizer
• Bottle brush
• Drying rack for bottle parts (like this one from OXO)
• High chair
• Booster seat for dining out
• Bibs (8-10)
• Burp cloths (8-10)
• Pacifiers (5-6)

Bath and Potty

• Bathtub
• Baby wash or shampoo
• Rinse cup for shampoo
• Bath toys
• Hooded baby towels (4-6)
• Baby washcloths (7-8)
• Diapers (in various sizes: preemie, newborn, and size 1)
• Diaper pail
• Wipes
• Diaper rash ointment

Safety and Health

• Baby monitor
• Forehead or ear thermometer
• Nasal bulb
• First Aid kit
• Baby medicines: Tylenol, gripe water, gas drops
• Nail clippers and baby-sized nail files
• Brush and comb
• Night light
• Shopping cart cover

Toys

• Books
• Activity mat
• Rattles and toys 
• Baby “lovie” (it’s a stuffed animal with a soft blanket attached)
• Extra batteries

Clothing and linens

• Undershirts (4-6)
• Long and short-sleeved onesies (4-8) 
• Caps (1-2)
• Mittens so they don’t scratch their face (1-3 pairs)
• Socks (9-12 pairs)
• Receiving/swaddling blankets (6-8)
• Wearable blankets (1-2) 
• Sleeper gowns (4)
• Footie pajamas (4-8)
• Pants (4-8 pairs)
• Outfit to wear coming home!

Print this list or save it to your phone. That way, you can stay organized before you build your adoption registry for your newborn. If you’ve already registered, you can use this list to see if you’ve forgotten anything.
 

Baby Registry Checklist Items You May Forget

The list above is very extensive. But some things can get overlooked by hopeful adoptive parents in the final stage of their adoption journey; traveling to the hospital to meet their baby. So here are just a few additional suggestions for your adoption registry:
 

Nose aspirator

This important piece of baby gear is easier to use than a nasal bulb. Plus, it’s really efficient at doing the job. If your baby gets congested, using this will make a vast difference in whether or not they can sleep all night.
 

Cool mist humidifier

When you’re purchasing a humidifier, be sure to choose a cool-mist humidifier for babies or children. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Mayo Clinic recommend using a cool-mist humidifier around babies and children because it’s safer. If a child gets too close to it, it can cause a steam burn. If the humidifier gets spilled, it will cause a burn.
 

Sleep sack

A sleep sack is a blanket for a baby to wear while they sleep. It prevents baby kicking off their blanket or getting the blanket over their face, which could interfere with breathing. They come in different sizes and are washable. They give a baby a feeling of security. When you put on the sleep sack, they will know it’s time to get ready for bed.
 

Dishwasher Baskets for Baby Bottles

If you haven’t heard about these dishwasher baskets, you’re missing out. They’re perfect for cleaning and sterilizing bottles and nipples. It’s easy to throw the dirty bottle inside the basket, snap the lid shut and wash. As a result, you’ll never be concerned about unclean bottles due to hand washing.
 

Soft Silicone Bath Brush

Cradle cap happens. If your sweet baby gets some crusty-looking cradle cap on the little head, you’ll be prepared with a soft-touch silicone brush. With this brush, you’ll be able to remove the dry skin. The bristles are soft so that they won’t hurt the baby. You can use this brush instead of a washcloth.
 

Bath Kneeler

Once your baby grows a bit, you’ll transition to bathing them in the tub on a non-slip mat. But kneeling next to the bathtub gets hard on your knees. So companies have designed these thick bath kneelers for moms or dads. They’re non-skid and can be hung to dry on a towel bar.
 

Clothes in Larger Sizes

It’s easy to get so caught up in what you will need right away. But the truth is babies grow fast! In only a few weeks, your little peanut will burst out of the seams of their clothing so be sure to purchase bigger sizes. If you’re buying three to six-month-size clothing, buy some nine-month sizes too.
 

Parenting books

When you’re not feeding or changing your sweet baby, catch up on some reading of the best-selling parenting books. These are some of the best classic parenting advice written by experienced pediatricians, doctors, nurses, and parents. You’ll learn all kinds of tricks of the trade.
 

Chocolate

All the practical stuff is important, but there’s something to be said for some good, comforting chocolate for those late nights of sitting up with a cranky baby. Whether you like milk chocolate or dark chocolate doesn’t matter. Just find a glass jar with a lid and keep it stocked with your favorite sweet treats. Everyone needs a little treat once in a while!
 

Do’s and Don’ts of Creating a Baby Registry

Registries are so convenient for adoptive parents to list what they want and need for their new arrival. But, with all the convenience, there are some dos and don’t you should know.

DOs:

• Get help from the registry consultants that many stores offer their customers. These individuals are knowledgeable and can guide you to items you may not have thought about or were unsure of.
• Check out the “welcome boxes” offered by many retailers just for signing up. These boxes include samples and coupons, which will come in handy once your baby arrives. You may need to pick up some items in the bags, but others will arrive by mail.
• Pay attention to baby registry checklists. These are excellent reminders of the essential things you’ll need. Most online registries provide checklists as part of the registry feature.

DON’Ts

• Don’t count on getting car seats or cribs as hand-me-downs. These aren’t safe to reuse, anyway. Register for new gear that’s up to date on safety standards.
• Don’t avoid using a registry just because you’re adopting your second child. You’ll find that you’ll need to replace many of the things you used for your first child. Children grow differently and grow in different shapes. Sometimes the clothes that worked for one won’t fit the next child. Plus, the seasons may be different. Shorts won’t work in the winter, and heavy sleep sacks won’t work for a summer baby.
• Don’t assume everyone knows what you need or want for your adopted baby. A registry will help them get exactly what you hoped for and will allow them a way to welcome your new little addition.

What not to put on your baby registry:

• Stuffed animals: People usually buy these for your baby and include them in baby shower or sip and see gifts.
• Baby shoes: If you’re adopting a newborn, they won’t be walking for a while. These usually aren’t practical.
• Baby toys: People will include these with their baby gifts.
• Bottle warmers: These take up room in your kitchen and aren’t necessary. You can heat the water in a cup in the microwave, then set the bottle in it for a few minutes to warm it up.
• Gender-specific gear: Register for both genders or for unisex items (unless, of course, you’re only open to adopting one gender!)
• Nursery decorations: If you register for specific nursery décor, you’ll feel you can never redecorate. Plus, you may get inundated with décor but need more practical items like diapers and wipes.
• High chair: This is controversial since many people use their high chairs, but many people tell us they regretted putting this on their registry since they never used it. Many parents used a booster seat that was attached to the table. They take up little space and are easy to keep clean.

Baby Registries

New adoptive mom Sarah shares, “I found out what a blessing that online registry was for us while we were traveling to meet our baby. I could order a few items I knew I’d need immediately and have them shipped to the hotel where we’d be staying. Plus, I didn’t want gender-neutral colors on everything, so we had our boy items and girl items all in our registry so that we could get what we wanted when the time came.”
 
She continues, “These lists online also helped my family and friends plan a shower for us when we returned home. It was a relief not to have to juggle a registry on top of welcoming home our new baby.”
 
It’s normal for anyone hoping to adopt to dream about and plan for the child they will welcome into their family soon enough. Online lists and registries have changed the way adoptive parents handle the uncertainties surrounding their future child’s needs and the timing of their adoption.
 
Welcoming your baby home through adoption is an exciting time. I hope this baby registry checklist can help you decide what you need and want for your growing family!
 

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on September 6, 2016, and has since been updated.