Hey there, I’m guessing you found yourself on this post because you have decided to create a Target baby registry. In this post, I will be reviewing what to add to your Target baby registry must haves list. Additionally, I will also review the perks included when you decide to register for your baby at Target.
Before we get to the Target baby registry must haves checklist, these recommendations are based on, what I believe, are great quality baby gear, at great prices. I hope this list helps make building your Target baby registry a little bit easier.
Please note, there are affiliate links in this post. Read my privacy & disclosure policy at the bottom of this page to learn more.
Target Baby Registry Samples
Before reviewing the Target baby registry must haves, let’s review some of the Target baby registry perks when creating a baby registry at Target.
What exactly do you get when you start a Target baby registry? Here is a list of the perks.
- FREE welcome kit ($100 value) containing samples for you and your baby
- 15% off registry completion coupon
- One year of exclusive offers for baby items when you join Target Circle
- Free baby registry returns
- Universal baby registry – add baby items from other websites
Now that you know the advantages of creating your baby registry with Target, let’s review the Target baby registry must haves list.
Best Target Car Seats
(1) Infant Car Seat with Base – I love these infant car seats. I would recommend this car seat because it is the lightest weight, and the best price for the quality of the product you get.
(1) Car Seat Base per each additional car – When you buy an infant car seat it comes with a base. But, if there are other cars that will be driving your baby around regularly, you will want to get just the base, for those cars too. The car seat base must be from the same company as the car seat.
(1) Convertible Car Seat per car (optional) – When picking a convertible seat, consider if you are planning to have more children. It could be important to pick slim convertible seats, that will allow you to fit up to three car seats across in your car.
Best Strollers At Target
(1) Stroller Travel System – I recommend getting the frame stroller. It is much lighter than the convertible strollers. Once your baby can sit up it will be easier to get a lightweight umbrella stroller, rather than using the bulkier, heavier convertible stroller.
(1) Umbrella Stroller (optional) – We have this stroller, and for the price it’s been absolutely great.
Must Have Target Nursery Items
(1) Crib – I recommend getting a crib that converts to a toddler bed.
(1) Crib Mattress – This is a great mattress. Great quality, at a price that can’t be beat!
(1) Short Dresser with 6 drawers – I have included the number of drawers to give you an idea on how much storage you will need. A dresser and a small closet will provide plenty of space for clothes, diapers, etc.
(1) 4-Shelf Bookcase – The bookcase provides space for books, plus any additional storage that might be required. I found 4 shelves to provide plenty of storage.
(1) Changing Pad – I recommend putting a changing pad on top of a short dresser instead of buying a changing table.
(2) Changing Pad Covers – Don’t forget to get a couple covers for the changing pad.
(2) Waterproof Mattress Pads – Get two mattress pads so you have a backup if your baby’s diaper leaks.
(2) Fitted Crib Sheets – I personally like percale sheets to help keep your baby from getting too hot.
(1) Night-light – You will want a night-light for middle of the night visits to the nursery. Then, you can continue to use it during the toddler years.
(1) Hamper – Get one in neutral colors so it can be used elsewhere in the future.
(1) Video Baby Monitor (optional) – It’s hard to find a monitor that is perfect. To be honest we were never totally thrilled with our video monitors from Levana or Samsung. Because of this I would recommend purchasing this monitor. It has great reviews and is not overly pricey.
(1) Set of Blackout Shades (optional) – I had read getting blackout shades will help your baby sleep later in the morning and nap for longer during the day. We have used blackout shades in the nursery with all our kids. As far as I can tell they were a good investment for helping my kids sleep.
(1) Sound Machine (optional) – My twins are still using their sound machine to this day. I highly recommend a sound machine to help drown out noises around the house. Plus, when you have a newborn it replicates the sounds of the womb.
(1) Crib Mobile (optional) – Get a mobile that matches your nursery theme.
(1) Glider Chair (optional) – A glider is nice and comfortable. It was convenient to have a spot in the nursery to feed or hold the baby at night. As your baby becomes a toddler you can use it for reading books.
Target Baby Registry Diaper Changing Necessities
The quantities listed below are your diaper changing essentials to get you started. Keep in mind, there is a good possibility you will also receive diapers as gifts. I personally like Pampers Swaddlers for newborn, size 1, and size 2 diapers.
(1) Case of Newborn Diapers – Pampers Swaddlers – Size 0 (Newborn size)
(2) Cases of Size 1 Diapers – Pampers Swaddlers – Size 1
(1) Case of Wipes – I like the Huggies Natural Care wipes.
(1) Changing Table (optional- if have 2 floors): I recommend getting a changing table if you have 2 floors in your house. We purchased this one and it has been great. It’s a good price, still in good condition, and has plenty of storage.
If you get a changing table you will need another changing pad and another changing pad cover.
(8) Waterproof Changing Pads – These are great for diaper changes on your bed in the middle of the night during the newborn phase. They also come in handy to protect the changing pad cover. When your baby gets bigger, use them for diaper changes on the floor. Stick some in your diaper bag too.
(1) Diaper Bag – This diaper bag is a good size, will fit everything you need, and it is good quality.
(1) Container of Diaper Rash Cream per changing area – Aquaphor is my favorite. It is also good to get a small tube of diaper rash cream to keep in your diaper bag.
Hand Sanitizer – Keep some at each diaper changing area and get travel hand sanitizer for the diaper bag.
(1) Diaper Pail per changing area (optional) – I have liked the diaper genie. There are positives and negatives to each brand out there. I recommend reading online reviews and deciding what will work best for you in each changing area of your home.
The Best Baby Sleep Gear At Target
(1) Bassinet (optional) – I recommend either this bassinet or, if you prefer a co-sleeper, go with this one. Having your newborn sleep next to you can make feeding and diaper changes, in the middle of the night, a lot simpler.
(8) Swaddling Blankets – Take as many receiving blankets as you can from the hospital, they are great quality (and free). The hospital blankets are big, so they are great for swaddling or they can be used as burp cloths. These are my absolute favorite swaddling blankets. These muslin blankets are big and have some give, perfect for swaddling. Between the hospital and a 4 pack of muslin blankets, it should be enough to start. You can always buy more later.
For more information on swaddles check out our post on how many swaddles, receiving blankets and sleep sacks you need.
Pacifiers – I recommend getting 1 pack each of a couple different brands of pacifiers. You can see what your baby prefers. Two of my kids liked these, while my third child would only take this pacifier.
(1) Playard – It is really dependent on your needs whether to get the basic playard or a playard with the bassinet / changing area combo. We opted for a separate changing table on the first level of the house, which worked for our family. A separate changing table was my preference for the following reasons. After 3 months, your baby will outgrow the top bassinet of the playard. Where will you change the baby after that? You also need to consider finding space to set up the playard. Lastly, buying the basic playard will save you money. With that said, I love playards for traveling. You can use it as a portable crib up until 3 years old. I also loved using it as a playpen from 6-10 months old. It provides a safe play area, and is especially useful when you need to leave the room for a few minutes.
(1) Bouncer (optional) – Bouncers are great for your baby’s naps or for your baby to just lounge. You can have your baby close by, while you get some stuff around the house. My kids always slept well in them. It’s not a necessity, but very convenient to have an extra hang out spot.
(1) Swing (optional) – I personally like the glider swings because they are smaller. We had a 3 to 4 week period when this is all two of our babies would sleep in. So it’s listed as optional, but for my family, it was definitely worth the price in order to get some sleep at night.
(2) Velcro Swaddles (optional) – Velcro swaddles are especially nice for first time parents that are nervous about how to swaddle their baby. You could opt for these instead of traditional swaddle blankets.
(1) Baby Merlin Magic Sleepsuit (optional) – We love the Baby Merlin! In my house it was used to help with transferring from sleeping in a bassinet to a crib, as well as for swaddle transitioning. I recommend getting a second suit, if you end up using it because of diaper leaks.
(2) Wearable Blankets (optional) – We started using wearable blankets (aka sleep sacks) after our babies were out of the Merlin sleepsuit. They loved them. Medium should be the right size when transitioning from the Merlin suit.
Before we move on, you might find these FREE printable Baby Registry & Pregnancy Checklists helpful. Just fill in the form below to get them. Learn which must haves to put on your baby registry and when to complete items in each trimester of your pregnancy.
Baby Feeding Must Haves From Target
Here is my list of must have baby feeding products at Target. You will also find separate lists below for breastfeeding and formula feeding mamas.
(12) Burp Cloths – I like flannel burp cloths over terry burp cloths because they seem to be more absorbent.
(12) Cloth Bibs (optional) – There is a good chance you will receive a lot of bibs for presents. It’s best to wait and see what you get first. If you do want to register for some I recommend these.
(2) Silicone Bibs (optional) – These are good when baby starts eating solid food. I love these silicone bibs. They grow with your baby and are great quality. My 3 year old still fits into these bibs and I have not had to replace them.
(1) Bottle Brush – This bottle brush is great and it has a built-in stand.
(1) High Chair (optional) – I have only good things to say about this high chair. It’s easy to clean and the storage spot for the tray is perfect. The only downside is it takes up a lot of space. If you have a small living space, you might opt for a booster seat that attaches to a kitchen chair. You can also use a booster when traveling.
(2) Sippy Cups (optional) – Make sure to start with the trainer cups. I would get two different brands and see which one your baby likes. We started putting small amounts of water in a sippy cup around 6 months. This made transitioning away from the bottle at 1-year-old much easier. We had the best luck with this Munchkin cup and this NUK cup.
(12) Plastic Spoons (optional) – We received a large variety of baby spoon brands for gifts. I always find myself reaching for these, they are by far my favorite.
(6) Plastic Bowls (optional) – You just need a basic, cheap bowl set, like these.
(1) Bottle Drying Rack (optional) – I’m still using this really cool drying rack for my kids that are now 6 and 3.
If Breastfeeding…
These recommendations are based on waiting to see how breastfeeding is going before investing too much money into it. The items listed will get you started. If breastfeeding is going well, you can buy more gear as you need it.
Before I get to the list, I want to mention that you can wait until your hospital stay or just after your baby is born to get your breast pump and nursing bras. During the stay in the hospital, after my baby was born, the lactation department helped me pick out the best available breast pump, covered by my health insurance.
They also measured me for a nursing bra and had bras to purchase. At the very least get measured, so you can purchase nursing bras in the correct size. Target has a great selection.
(1) Breastfeeding Pillow – You will need at least one breastfeeding pillow. If you have two floors it might be a good idea to get a second pillow. I personally preferred the My Brest Friend, when downstairs on the couch breastfeeding. Then, in bed I liked to use the Boppy nursing pillow.
(1) Box of Breast Pads – I recommend these disposable breast pads, and starting with a box of 60.
(1) Tube of Lanolin – I like this lanolin the best, mostly because it flows much easier out of the tube. I only used lanolin during the first few weeks of nursing, but you will need it.
If breastfeeding is going well, then there is a chance you will end up buying bottles, breast milk storage bags, a hands free pumping bra, and a breastfeeding cover. However, I recommend waiting to purchase these items until after you know you will be breastfeeding long term.
If Formula Feeding…
(3) 4 – 5 oz Bottles – I personally like these bottles because the flow out of them is consistent and they are easy to clean. But, I have also used Dr Brown’s bottles and they are great too. The issue with Dr. Brown’s bottles is they have more parts, so cleaning and assembling those bottles is more work. But, it’s also important to keep in mind that you might have to test different brands to see if your baby has a preference. If you only want to clean bottles once a day, you can get more bottles after you know which bottle brand your baby does well with.
You will eventually need 8-9 oz bottles and faster flowing nipples, but again you need to wait on those until you know the bottle brand you will be using.
As far as formula goes, don’t stock up on it before your baby is born. You don’t know which brand, or if there will be a certain type of formula your baby requires.
However, do go ahead and register on the Similac and Enfamil websites for their rewards programs. You will get free formula samples before your baby arrives. Then, you will continue to receive coupons throughout the year if you end up using one of these brands for formula.
And, lastly, you will also be given formula at the hospital. If your baby takes to that formula brand and type, you might end up sticking with it long term.
Baby Clean Up Time
This section is the Target baby registry must haves for baby’s bath and baby’s laundry, including discussing if Dreft is necessary.
(1) Baby Bath Tub (optional) – You don’t need anything fancy, but it’s very helpful to get a tub that has an infant insert.
(3) Baby Bath Towels (optional) – You can use any towels you already have, but I do love hooded baby towels. They are so soft!
(6) Baby Washcloths (optional) – You can register for baby sized washcloths, if you want. You can also just use wash cloths you already own.
(1) Set of Baby Soap / Shampoo / Lotion – This set cleans well and is very gentle on skin. It will also last a very long time.
(1) Pair of Nail Clippers or Scissors – You will either need baby nail scissors or baby nail clippers. Personally, I find the scissors easier to use.
(1) Bottle of Baby Friendly Laundry Detergent – I love the smell of Dreft, but you can get any brand of free and gentle detergent.
(1) Spray Bottle of Laundry Stain Remover per changing area – This is an absolute must! Any of the typical spray stain remover brands work well. You do not need to purchase the baby friendly stain remover.
What About Baby Clothes?
Are baby clothes part of the Target baby registry must haves list? The answer is NO! You do not need to register for much clothing because you will receive a lot of clothes as gifts. You should also hit up friends and family who are looking to get rid of their baby clothes.
Putting clothes on your Target baby registry is optional. If you really want to add some, I recommend the following:
(1) 4-piece set newborn onesies
(1) 3-piece set newborn zipper sleepers
(1) going home from the hospital outfit – This is something you will pick out. I always opted for a sleeper. Zipper sleepers are much easier to use than the ones with buttons.
(1) 4-piece set 3-month onesies
(1 3-piece set) 3-month zipper sleepers
(12) pairs of baby socks – My kids always kicked their socks off, but you will want these when you go out places, especially in the winter.
(1) set of no-scratch baby mittens
Once you have received gifts and hand me downs, go ahead and buy any additional clothing you think you need.
The Rest Of The Target Baby Registry Must Haves
Here are the other items you will want to consider adding to your Target baby registry, that do not fit into any of the categories above.
(1) Jumper (optional) – The twins played in this a lot, they loved it! It also lets you get some stuff done while your baby is entertained and safe. I recommend this jumper. Of the two jumpers we had it was my kids favorite.
(1) Play Mat (optional) – This is great for tummy time. You will get a lot of use out of a play mat during the first 6 months.
A few teethers – The best teethers were always the ones that you could put in the refrigerator or freezer.
(1) Thermometer – The least invasive would be a no-contact thermometer.
Pacifier Clips (optional) – We love to have a pacifier permanently clipped to the car seat, that way you never forget it when you go out.
(1) Nasal Aspirator (optional) – You will probably get one for free at the hospital, so you can just use that one. However, I really like the Nosefrida nasal aspirator. Does it sound gross? YES! But it works so well and there is a filter to prevent any exposure to snot. I will also say that the tube is so long, I’ve never had anything come anywhere close to the filter.
(1) Floor Seat (optional) – This is not a necessity, but all my kids really loved having a spot to sit up before they could do it on their own. I never found the tray to be useful, so don’t worry about getting that accessory.
(1) Car Seat Mirror (optional) – I recommend getting a mirror only for the car you will drive in most often with your baby.
(2) Stroller and Car Seat Toys (optional) – These are good to have, but there is a very good chance you will receive some toys as baby gifts. You can register for a couple stroller toys, or just wait and see what you get.
Books (optional) – I do not recommend registering for any books. You will receive many books for gifts.
(1) Baby Carrier (optional) – I do not have any specific recommendation because I never used mine. Even though I did not find baby carrying useful, I know some moms that couldn’t live without it. If you think you will use it, then register for one. If you’re not sure, try to borrow a baby carrier from a friend.
More Target Baby Registry Checklist Tips
I know this list of Target baby registry must haves can seem overwhelming and expensive. Reading through the above list is a lot to take in. As you create your registry, keep the following in mind.
This was touched on above. But, a reminder that if you have two floors, have a changing area upstairs and a changing area downstairs. Also, have a hamper for upstairs and one for downstairs.
When it makes sense, buy gender neutral items. If you have more children, you will be able to reuse this gear.
Borrow baby gear from your family and friends. Or, if you have Once Upon a Child near you, they sell used baby items. It might be a good place to find something on the expensive side that you will not use for that long (like a swing).
Another place to look for used baby gear are Facebook swap sites. I bought my bumbo chair for $5 and our swing for $35 this way. I even bought maternity clothes on a Facebook swap site.
More Pregnancy Help
So there you have it, that is the complete Target baby registry must haves list. Good luck as you put together your list of Target baby registry must haves and prepare for the arrival of your newborn baby!
Finally before I sign off, if you are expecting you might also be interested in these printable pregnancy resources listed below.
- Pregnancy Checklists – (6) simple, printable checklists so you know what to get done before your baby arrives
- First Time Mom Pregnancy Planner & Journal (Printable) – stay organized and track your pregnancy
