Baby Registry Checklist for Canada: Your First 10 Picks, Then the Rest

Start your registry with the 10 things you'll use in the first few weeks: somewhere safe for your baby to sleep, sheets, a car seat, a way to get around, swaddles or sleep sacks, feeding basics, a change pad, a bath tub and a diaper bag. On a baby enRoute registry, 10 different products also makes your list complete and ready to share. Then add the rest by daily routine, and leave the high chair and toddler gear for later.

Your first 10 picks

1. A crib, cradle or bassinet. Health Canada recommends your baby sleeps in a crib, cradle or bassinet that meets current Canadian regulations, in your room for the first 6 months. Many families start with a bassinet beside the bed and move to a crib later.
2. A firm, flat mattress and fitted sheets. The sheet should fit tightly. Add at least two crib sheets, so one can be in the wash.
3. A car seat. You'll need it for the drive home. An infant car seat clicks into many strollers, while a convertible seat stays in the car for years. Our guide to infant car seat carry weight and vehicle fit helps you choose.
4. A stroller. Start with your daily route, whether that's sidewalks, transit, trails or a small trunk. Our full-size stroller guide walks through it. Browse strollers.
5. A baby carrier. It's handy for stairs, transit and fussy evenings, and it's a good second option if your stroller doesn't fit everywhere. See carriers.
6. Swaddles or sleep sacks. A wearable blanket keeps loose blankets out of the crib. See swaddles.
7. Feeding basics. Bottles if you plan to bottle-feed, or breastfeeding supplies such as a pump or nursing pads. Add bibs and burp cloths with a quantity of several.
8. A change pad. Put it on a dresser or a sturdy surface at a comfortable height.
9. A baby bath tub. A small tub makes the first baths easier on your back. See tubs and bath accessories.
10. A diaper bag. Pick one you'll actually carry, whether that's a backpack or a tote. See diaper bags.

Then add the rest by routine

Once your first 10 are in, go through one day at a time. Our new parent list follows the same groups.

Sleep

• Extra sheets and mattress protectors
• A second size of sleep sack as your baby grows
• A baby monitor if your baby will nap in another room
• A travel crib or playard if you visit family often

Feeding

• A bottle brush, drying rack and a way to sterilize
• Extra nipples in the next flow size
• A nursing pillow or a comfortable chair for night feeds

Diapering and bath

• Diaper cream, washcloths and hooded towels
• A gentle baby shampoo and body wash
• Nail clippers and a thermometer

Getting out

• A stroller rain cover and a footmuff or bunting bag for winter. Our guide to snowsuits, bunting bags and footmuffs explains what keeps a newborn warm in the car seat, stroller and carrier.
• Car seat and stroller accessories, such as a cup holder or a parent organizer

Clothing

• Bodysuits and sleepers in newborn and 0 to 3 month sizes
• Socks, hats and mitts for the season your baby arrives in
• A few things in 3 to 6 months, since babies outgrow newborn sizes quickly

What can wait

You don't need everything before the baby arrives. A few common registry items are easy to add later:

• A high chair. Babies usually start solid foods at about 6 months, so a high chair can wait. It also makes a good gift from someone who missed the shower.
• Toddler gear. Booster seats, toddler beds, potties and balance bikes are a year or more away.
• Lots of toys. Newborns need very few. A couple of soft books or a play mat is plenty for the first months.

Our guide to a smaller baby registry goes through what to buy once you know your routine, and the Nuna registry guide does the same for one brand's gear.

What to leave off

Health Canada says "bare is best" for your baby's sleep space. Skip these, even though some are sold in sets:

• Pillows, quilts, thick blankets and bumper pads
• Mattress toppers
• Sleep positioners, wedges and rolled towels
• Toys in the crib

Health Canada also says seated or reclined products, such as swings, bouncers, rockers, strollers and car seats, aren't safe places for sleep. They're fine while you're watching, but move your baby to the crib or bassinet for naps. If you're offered a used crib, check the date: cribs made before September 1986 aren't safe, and drop-side cribs aren't allowed in Canada.

Make your list easy to shop

• Mix prices. Include things under $25, $50 and $100, not just the big items. Guests on a budget will thank you.
• Pick the exact variant. Choose the colour and size before you tap Add to Registry, so nobody has to guess.
• Use quantities. Set a quantity for sheets, burp cloths and bottles instead of adding them twice.
• Try the big things first. Strollers, car seats and furniture are final sale, so test them in store before you add them. In our stores you can scan the barcode with your phone to add it on the spot.
• Add a gift card. It covers things you'll need more of later, like diapers and the next clothing size.

Want help building your list? Our Richmond, Burnaby and Ottawa stores can walk you through it. If you want to try a specific stroller or car seat, call ahead, as not every model is on the floor.