A baby shower is a wonderful way to celebrate the impending arrival of your little one, but it’s also a great opportunity to register for all the most-needed baby items and gear. Depending on your baby shower, you may find you need to purchase very little if any additional items. It can be a huge relief for parents-to-be who are rushing around trying to get the nursery ready.

One question that people find themselves asking though is what to put on the baby shower gift registry? If you’re a first-time parent all you have to go on is general knowledge, and maybe what you’ve seen at baby showers you’ve attended in the past. You want to be sure you don’t overlook any important items and cover all the basics, which is why this list of what to add to your baby shower gift registry is so important.

Clothing in Various Sizes

Clothing is one of the most popular items that are added to a baby shower gift registry and for good reason. Newborns tend to go through multiple outfits per day, so having many pieces on hand will be necessary. But rather than ask for all newborn items, make sure you register for a variety of sizes.

Babies grow extremely fast, and sometimes you only get a month or so out of a particular size. There’s also the fact that many are never small enough to fit into newborn sizing, so you’re better to ask for clothes that will last a little longer.

Because you never know exactly what size your little one will be in each season, an expert tip is to ask for the basics. These are items that can be used regardless of the season and will save you from having to purchase them yourself.

Some of the basics worth registering for include:

• Bodysuits (short and long sleeved)
• Leggings and trousers
• Sleepsuits
• T-shirts and tops
• Sleeping bags

Also worth mentioning is the fabric of the clothing. You want to pick soft, breathable, and lightweight materials that are gentle on your little one’s skin and also wash well. The most popular fabrics tend to be cotton and bamboo, both of which offer all the benefits needed.

Stock Up on Bedding

Another popular item to add the registry is bedding. Just like clothing, bedding can get soiled quickly so you always want at least one or two backup. Bedding should include a fitted sheet for the crib mattress and a waterproof crib mattress cover. If you plan on using a bassinet the first few months, you'll need bedding that fits it properly.

Feeding Time Essentials Add Up Fast

When you think about what newborns and babies do, their day consists of sleeping, playtime, and all the all-important feeding time. As a new parent it can seem a bit overwhelming just how many feeding essentials you’ll need, especially if you plan on bottle-feeding.

Here’s a list of must-have when bottle-feeding.

• 4 oz. bottles
• 8 oz. bottles
• Bottle brush
• Steriliser
• Teats (various sizes)
• Bottle warmer
• Formula
• Bottle soap
• Burp cloths
• Bibs

For those who plan on exclusively breastfeeding or combining it with bottle-feeding, it's wise to register for a breast pump and nursing pads.

There are also feeding-related items that aren’t exactly essentials but can make the process smoother and more comfortable. This can include a nursing cover, a nursing pillow, milk storage bags, and nipple cream.

If you want to look at ahead to the items needed as your baby transitions to solid food then you can also add things such as plastic bowls and plates, baby cutlery, and a sippy cup that encourages independent feeding.

Safety Gear Gives Peace of Mind

As a parent you're always looking out for the well-being of your child, but babies are especially vulnerable. For that reason you need to think about baby-proofing the home. This could include baby gates, a baby monitor, and covers for electrical outlets, baby-safe latches for cupboards and doors, and corner protectors for furniture.

When baby proofing you need to think about everything at their level that they could possibly get into once they become mobile.

Plenty of Items to Get Started With

While this isn’t an exhaustive list of items to add to your baby registry, this is certainly a great place to start. Remember, when creating a registry it isn’t just what you’ll need in the first weeks and months, but over the course of several months, the first year, and further. You’ll be shocked at how fast your baby grows and moves through phases, so it’s best to be prepared with all the gear and necessities.