Must-Have Baby Gear: The Ultimate Registry Guide for 2025

Must-Have Baby Gear: The Ultimate Registry Guide for 2025

July 20, 2025

Overview

Preparing for a new arrival? Our ultimate baby registry guide for 2025 is your one-stop shop for all the must-have gear. We've compiled a comprehensive list of essential items, from car seats and strollers to nursery furniture and feeding supplies, ensuring you're fully equipped to welcome your little one. Discover top-rated products, expert recommendations, and helpful tips to create a functional and stylish nursery while keeping your baby safe and comfortable.

Molly Breckenhood

In this guide

Travel Systems: Strollers and Car SeatsNursery Furniture: Creating a Cozy SpaceFeeding Essentials: Bottles, Bibs, and MoreDiapering Must-Haves: The Changing StationBaby Gear for Soothing and SleepingBaby Monitors: Staying Connected

Our picks

The Best Travel System for Safety and Convenience: 4Ever DLX Car Seat, $239.99

The Best Crib for a Stylish Nursery: Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib, $499.00

The Most Reliable Bottle-Feeding Starter Kit: Philips Avent Baby Bottle Sterilizer & Dryer, $94.99

The Best Diapering Must-Haves for Easy Changes: Munchkin STEP Diaper Pail, $59.99

The Best Baby Gear for On-the-Go Parents: Stokke YOYO³ Stroller, $59.99

Travel Systems: Strollers and Car Seats

Essential travel gear to keep your baby safe and comfortable on the go.

5

Listful
Score

Stokke YOYO³ Stroller

$59.99

While the Stokke YOYO³ Stroller shines in style and compactness, rated at 5/10, it’s best suited for urban environments due to its handling concerns on uneven surfaces. The stylish design and narrow frame make navigating crowded spaces easy, but assembly can be tricky and safety on rough terrain is compromised. It's a sleek option for city parents who prioritize portability over rugged stability.

Babylist logo

$59.99

at Babylist

The Good

The stroller's slim frame allows for effortless navigation through tight spaces and crowded areas.

The Stokke® YOYO³ features an attractive design with a variety of color options to suit personal style.

The Bad

The seat offers only two reclining positions and does not fully recline, which may not be ideal for all children.

The handlebar height is fixed, which may be uncomfortable for particularly tall or shorter parents.

The stroller lacks a footrest, which may be inconvenient for toddlers who prefer additional comfort during rides.


7

Listful
Score

4Ever DLX Car Seat

$239.99

The Graco 4Ever DLX Car Seat is a versatile and safety-focused choice that grows with your child from infancy to booster stage. Its easy installation and removable cushions are convenient, but its weight and minor harness issues for larger infants can be drawbacks. While not our top-rated, it offers excellent safety features appreciated by many parents preparing for long-term use.

The Good

The car seat has excellent safety features and multiple parents stated that it protected their children in real-life accidents.

It is easy to install and transitions between cars well.

The fabric/cushions are comfortable and removable for cleaning.

The Bad

The harness is too short and doesn't properly secure larger infants/toddlers.

It positions infants' heads incorrectly leading to discomfort.

The fabric wears out and frays quickly.


7.5

Listful
Score

Bugaboo Fox 5 Stroller

$1,499.00

The Bugaboo Fox 5 Stroller offers smooth, luxurious handling with a one-handed fold, making city navigation effortless. Its high price and limited storage are notable negatives, but its eco-conscious design and quality ride are appreciated by many parents. It scores well for comfort and style but may not suit families needing larger storage or budget-friendly options.

The Good

The stroller features a one-handed fold mechanism for easy handling.

The Bad

The undercarriage basket is too small to hold a diaper bag.

The stroller is compatible only with Bugaboo car seats, limiting options.

Nursery Furniture: Creating a Cozy Space

From cribs to changing tables, find the perfect furniture for your baby's nursery.

6.5

Listful
Score

Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

$499.00

The Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib is eco-friendly, made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine, and provides adjustable mattress positions for growing children. Its toddler conversion adds on, but some users report wear and tear over time, and assembly may be frustrating. Priced at $499, it’s a good investment for sustainable, expandable nursery furniture despite the potential for assembly challenges.

The Good

Made with sustainably sourced solid New Zealand pine wood, ensuring durability and eco-friendliness.

Features four adjustable mattress positions to accommodate a growing child.

Includes a toddler bed conversion kit, providing extended usability as the child grows.

The Bad

Some users report that the crib shows wear and tear over time, affecting its appearance.

Assembly can be tricky, with some dowels not aligning well, leading to potential frustration during setup.

The crib is relatively expensive compared to other options, which may be a concern for budget-conscious buyers.


6

Listful
Score

Emily Crib Mattress from My Green Mattress

$254.00

The My Green Mattress Emily Crib Mattress emphasizes organic, non-toxic materials with a firm innerspring core, ideal for health-conscious parents. Durability concerns and lack of waterproofing are drawbacks, and some report a lingering smell. Despite these issues, its eco-friendly features make it a good long-term investment for a safe sleep environment.

The Good

Made with GOTS and GOLS certified organic materials, ensuring a non-toxic sleeping environment.

Features a firm innerspring core providing excellent support and durability.

Naturally flame retardant without the use of chemical flame retardants.

The Bad

Heavier than some competitors, making sheet changes more challenging.

Not waterproof, requiring an additional mattress protector to guard against spills.

Some users report a woolly barn-like smell that can last for months.

Feeding Essentials: Bottles, Bibs, and More

Everything you need for feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby.

6

Listful
Score

Mockingbird High Chair

$230.00

The Mockingbird High Chair offers a sleek look and is very easy to clean, thanks to its smooth, crevice-free surface and dishwasher-safe tray liner. Its compact footprint is ideal for small spaces but the tray’s two-handed removal process and small seat size for larger toddlers limit its practicality. It scores 6/10, best for style-conscious families who want aesthetics with basic functionality.

The Good

The high chair is exceptionally easy to clean due to its smooth, crevice-free design and dishwasher-safe tray liner.

The chair's compact footprint makes it suitable for small spaces and easy to maneuver.

The Bad

The tray requires two hands to remove and put on, which can be inconvenient during meal times.

The bucket seat runs small for bigger toddlers, potentially limiting its use as the child grows.

The high chair does not fold or have wheels, making it less portable and harder to store.


7.5

Listful
Score

Nursing Pillow - Grey Melange

$105.00

The Grey Melange Nursing Pillow offers excellent support with adjustable firmness and a secure tie-around design to promote better latching during feeds. Its washable cover helps maintain hygiene, but some users find the firmness adjustment challenging, and its higher price may be a barrier. It’s well-loved for comfort despite these minor drawbacks.

The Good

Adjustable firmness allows customization for comfort during feeding.

Tie-around design ensures the pillow stays in place, promoting better latching.

Removable and washable cover helps maintain hygiene.

The Bad

Some users find the pillow's firmness adjustment challenging.

The pillow's size may be bulky for smaller individuals.

Higher price point compared to other nursing pillows.


6.5

Listful
Score

Nomi High Chair

$369.00

The Nomi High Chair stands out with its modern, lightweight design and adjustability, perfect for growing children. However, its lack of foldability and some durability issues make it less practical long-term. Its stylish look and ergonomic features make it ideal for trendy nurseries, though at a steep price.

The Good

The chair is lightweight and easy to move around.

The Bad

The footrest is difficult to keep in place and kept falling to the bottom of the chair.

The price is also rather prohibitive and I'm not sure it warrants such a high price.


6

Listful
Score

Philips Avent Fast Bottle Warmer

$39.99

The Philips Avent Fast Bottle Warmer heats milk quickly and evenly but lacks a safety auto shut-off, requiring careful monitoring. Its simple operation and compatibility with various bottles are pluses, though inconsistent heating and challenging cleaning can be annoying. During our testing, its quick warming times often outweigh these minor flaws.

The Good

Warms milk quickly and evenly, preventing hot spots.

Easy to operate with a simple knob and helpful warming guide.

Compatible with Philips Avent bottles and most common brands.

The Bad

Some users report inconsistent heating, leading to overheating of milk.

Lacks a timer or automatic shut-off feature, requiring manual monitoring.

Cleaning can be challenging due to design, especially if milk spills inside.


8.5

Listful
Score

Philips Avent Baby Bottle Sterilizer & Dryer

$94.99

The Philips Avent Baby Bottle Sterilizer & Dryer simplifies cleaning with quick sterilization and drying cycles, killing 99.9% of germs. Its capacity of six bottles and longer heating time are minor limitations, and bottles may not be completely dry afterward. Still, its overall convenience and effective sterilization earn it high marks, especially for busy families.

The Good

Kills 99.9% of germs without the use of chemicals.

Sterilizes in just 6 minutes with the press of a button.

Dries with hot, filtered air; contents are dry and ready for the next feed within 40 minutes.

The Bad

It can only sterilize 6 bottles at a time.

The heating time of 4 minutes is comparatively longer than some other brands.

Bottles may not be completely dry after the sterilization cycle.


6.5

Listful
Score

Tripp Trapp Chair

$249.00

The Tripp Trapp Chair stands out for its durable build and adjustable design that grows with your child, earning a decent 6.5/10 for versatility. While its sleek look and easy-to-wipe surface are attractive, parents might find the harness straps tricky to adjust and the assembly a bit frustrating. Despite the high cost, it offers long-term value, especially for families seeking a stylish, customizable eating seat.

The Good

The chair's adjustable design allows it to grow with the child, accommodating various ages and sizes.

The chair's sleek design and quality materials make it a stylish addition to any home decor.

The chair is easy to clean, with surfaces that wipe down quickly after meals.

The Bad

The harness straps are difficult to adjust and clean, which can be frustrating for parents.

The high price point may be a deterrent for some families considering this chair.

Assembly can be challenging, with some users finding the instructions unclear or the process time-consuming.


6

Listful
Score

bryn™

$500.00

The bryn™ highchair features a sleek, modern look and quick, tool-free setup, making it a stylish addition to contemporary nurseries. At 6/10, it scores well on design and ease of assembly but falls short in practicality due to its lack of foldability and non-adjustable seat height. It’s best suited for parents who prioritize aesthetics and easy setup over portability and versatility.

The Good

Innovative no-tool assembly allows for quick and easy setup.

High-quality materials and design make it a stylish addition to any home.

Adjustable footrest and removable tray provide versatility as the child grows.

The Bad

Lack of foldability makes storage challenging in smaller spaces.

Higher price point compared to other highchairs on the market.

Seat height is not adjustable, which may not fit all table heights.

Video Quality: N/A / Audio Quality: N/A / Night Vision: false / Smart Integration: None


6.5

Listful
Score

ANTILOP High chair

$14.99

The ANTILOP High chair is a highly affordable option that simplifies cleanup with its straightforward design and lightweight build, earning a 6.5/10. It lacks a footrest, which can impact your child's comfort, and its outward-angled legs may pose a tripping hazard, but it remains a practical choice for families on a budget. Overall, it’s an uncomplicated, no-fuss option for learning to eat at the family table.

The Good

The high chair is very affordable, making it accessible for families on a budget.

Its simple design allows for easy cleaning, with no hard-to-reach crevices.

The chair is lightweight and easy to assemble, making it convenient for travel or storage.

The Bad

The chair lacks a footrest, which may affect the comfort and posture of the child.

The legs are angled outward, increasing the chair's footprint and posing a tripping hazard.

The tray can be difficult to remove, making it less convenient for cleaning or adjusting.

Diapering Must-Haves: The Changing Station

Essential products for diaper changes, including diapers, wipes, and diaper pails.

7.5

Listful
Score

Munchkin STEP Diaper Pail

$59.99

The Munchkin STEP Diaper Pail excels at odor control with its self-sealing system and is very budget-friendly at $59.99. Hands-free operation and its sleek style make it an easy addition to any nursery, though proprietary refill bags and a small diaper opening can be inconvenient. With a 7.5/10 score, it’s a reliable odor solution for families seeking effective, affordable diaper disposal.

The Good

Effective odor control with self-sealing system and baking soda puck.

Hands-free operation with convenient foot pedal.

Sleek, neutral design that blends well with nursery decor.

The Bad

Small diaper opening requires extra effort to push diapers through.

Proprietary bags increase long-term costs.

Lavender scent may be overwhelming for some users.


6

Listful
Score

45L Step Can with Liner Pocket

$140.00

Our review considers the 45L Step Can with Liner Pocket as durable and functionally smart, with a built-in liner pocket for quick bag changes and a long-lasting steel pedal. However, the narrow base and occasional lid wear issues temper its appeal, especially at a higher price point. It's a solid, long-term solution for families who prioritize build quality over straightforward design simplicity.

The Good

The built-in liner pocket allows for quick and easy liner changes without the need to touch the can.

The strong steel pedal is engineered to last over 150,000 steps, ensuring durability and longevity.

The fingerprint-proof finish keeps the stainless steel exterior clean and smudge-free.

The Bad

Some users report that the narrow base causes the can to lean forward when the pedal is pressed.

The lid mechanism may break after a couple of years of use, leading to functionality issues.

The can is relatively expensive compared to other models, which may not fit all budgets.

Video Quality: N/A / Audio Quality: N/A / Night Vision: false / Smart Integration: None

Baby Gear for Soothing and Sleeping

Create a calming and safe environment for your baby's naps and nighttime sleep.

8

Listful
Score

SNOO Smart Sleeper

$469.00

The SNOO Smart Sleeper scores highly at 8/10 for its effectiveness in improving infant sleep with built-in soothing features and a modern, stylish design. Its ability to keep babies in a safe sleeping position makes it a worthy investment, though its high cost and dependence on Wi-Fi can be a drawback for some families. Despite these considerations, it’s regarded as a game-changer for peaceful nights and safer sleep routines.

The Good

Keeps the baby in a safe sleeping position.

Built-in soothing features.

Modern and stylish design.

The Bad

Very expensive.

Difficult to deep clean.

Requires power and Wi-Fi connection.

Video Quality: None / Audio Quality: HD / Night Vision: false / Smart Integration: None


5.5

Listful
Score

Woombie Air Swaddle Blanket

$23.99

The Woombie Air Swaddle Blanket, at 5.5/10, offers excellent airflow with breathable fabric and a convenient two-way zipper, ideal for warm climates and quick diaper changes. However, safety concerns with its fabric and limited tog options mean it’s not suitable for colder weather or all babies. It’s a lightweight, breathable option, but safety and climate compatibility should be considered.

The Good

Lightweight and breathable fabric prevents overheating.

Easy to use with a one-step swaddling design.

Two-way zipper allows for easy diaper changes.

The Bad

Limited to two tog weights, not ideal for colder climates.

Some designs may be too bold or colorful for certain tastes.

Not suitable for babies who prefer arms-out swaddling.


5

Listful
Score

Stokke Yoga 2-in-1 Swing and Bouncer

$100.00

The Stokke Yoga 2-in-1 Swing and Bouncer provides a stylish, calming space that mimics the gentle motion of being held, supporting motor skills development. Its manual operation and higher price point limit its appeal compared to electronic options, though the machine-washable cover is a real plus. It’s well-suited for minimalist nurseries and parents who value design and simplicity.

The Good

Dual movement of bouncing and swinging mimics the comfort of being held in a parent’s arms.

The design allows the baby to initiate movement, contributing to their motor skill development.

The cover is machine washable, which is a lifesaver for parents dealing with inevitable diaper mishaps.

The Bad

The price tag—currently around $299—might be on the steep side.

It’s entirely manually operated, which means there’s no electronic rocking or vibrating feature.

The instructions are primarily visual and could benefit from a clearer written guide.


7

Listful
Score

Omni Breeze Carrier

$199.00

The Omni Breeze Carrier is praised for its excellent breathability thanks to its mesh fabric, keeping both parent and baby cool during long wears. However, with a score of 7/10, its higher price and usability issues—like safety buckles that need two hands—might be drawbacks for everyday comfort. In our testing, it's an ideal choice for active parents prioritizing support and airflow despite these minor inconveniences.

The Good

The carrier's breathable mesh fabric ensures both parent and baby stay cool during use.

The Bad

Some users find the safety buckles require two hands to release, making adjustments less convenient.

The carrier's price point is higher compared to other options on the market.

Baby Monitors: Staying Connected

Innovative baby monitors to keep an eye (and ear) on your little one.

6.5

Listful
Score

CuboAi Smart Baby Monitor 3

$299.00

The CuboAi Smart Baby Monitor 3 offers impressive 2.5K QHD video quality with true night vision and high-fidelity audio, making it a great choice for tech-savvy parents. While its versatile mounting options and smart home compatibility are strengths, the lack of PTZ control and occasional app lag mean you might find it less responsive at times, especially considering its premium price and subscription model. Overall, it's a solid yet somewhat limited option for detailed monitoring.

The Good

The monitor offers ultra-clear HD video monitoring, even in low-light conditions.

The monitor is compatible with smart home devices.

The monitor offers versatile mounting options.

The Bad

The app occasionally lags when switching between apps, which can be frustrating.

The monitor lacks pan/tilt/zoom control.

Some advanced features require a paid subscription.

Video Quality: 2.5K QHD / Audio Quality: High fidelity / Night Vision: true / Smart Integration: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant


7

Listful
Score

Owlet Dream Sock Smart Baby Monitor

$299.00

The Owlet Dream Sock scores a good 7/10 with its real-time health monitoring features, including heart rate and oxygen levels, plus sleep insights via a user-friendly app. However, setup can be challenging, and connectivity issues have been reported, which detract from its overall value considering the price. If you’re seeking detailed health monitoring, it’s a robust choice despite minor technical hurdles.

The Good

Provides real-time health monitoring, including heart rate and oxygen levels.

Offers sleep tracking and insights to help establish routines.

Features a user-friendly app with quick live updates.

The Bad

Initial setup and proper sock placement can be challenging.

Some users report connectivity issues with the app and base station.

The device is relatively expensive compared to other baby monitors.

Video Quality: 1080p / Audio Quality: Mono / Night Vision: true / Smart Integration: None


9

Listful
Score

Nanit Pro Baby Monitor

$399.00

The Nanit Pro Baby Monitor earns a top score of 9/10, thanks to its exceptional 1080p HD video quality and detailed sleep analytics provided through a reliable app. Its high price and the need for a strong Wi-Fi connection are the main considerations, but the clear daylight and nighttime viewing make it our best advanced monitoring choice. If you want comprehensive, high-quality monitoring, this model truly delivers.

The Good

The Nanit Pro offers 1080p HD video quality, providing exceptional clarity both during daytime and nighttime viewing.

The WiFi range of the Nanit baby monitor is great, ensuring reliable connectivity throughout the home.

The Nanit Pro's app provides detailed sleep tracking analytics, helping parents monitor their baby's sleep patterns effectively.

The Bad

The Nanit Pro is expensive, which might not be suitable for families on a tight budget.

The audio quality isn’t phenomenal, but it’s much better than other baby cameras we've tried out.

The Nanit Pro requires a reliable Wi-Fi network; if your internet connection isn’t strong, this isn’t the right smart camera for your child’s room.

Video Quality: 1080p / Audio Quality: Mono / Night Vision: true / Smart Integration: Amazon Alexa


5.5

Listful
Score

eufy Smart Sock S340

$279.99

The Eufy Smart Sock S340 combines innovative tech with real-time alerts and 2K video clarity, making it appealing for tech-savvy parents. However, reliability concerns like inaccurate vital readings and app issues pull down its score. Despite some limitations, its washable, dirt-resistant fabric and high-quality video stand out in the monitoring space.

The Good

The Eufy Smart Sock S340 offers excellent 2K video quality, providing clear and detailed visuals of the baby's room.

The device provides real-time notifications when the baby cries, experiences a change in vitals, or if the sock detaches.

The Smart Sock is made from dirt-resistant, flexible, and washable material, ensuring comfort and hygiene for the baby.

The Bad

Some users report inaccurate vital readings and alerts when the sock is not being used, raising concerns about reliability.

The device may require a stable Wi-Fi connection for optimal performance, which could be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.

The mobile app interface can be improved for better user experience, as some users find it less intuitive.

Video Quality: 4K / Audio Quality: HD / Night Vision: true / Smart Integration: None


6

Listful
Score

VTech DM1211 Digital Audio Baby Monitor

$41.99

The VTech DM1211 is an affordable, effective audio monitor with a long-range signal, making it reliable for many households. Its rechargeable parent unit and straightforward design are convenient, though the baby unit needs constant power, limiting portability. Battery life can diminish with time, but overall, it’s a solid budget-friendly option for basic monitoring.

The Good

The monitor offers a long range, allowing parents to stay connected from different parts of the house or yard.

The parent unit has a rechargeable battery, providing flexibility and convenience for monitoring.

The Bad

The baby unit must be plugged in, limiting placement options and portability.

Some users report that the parent unit's battery life diminishes over time, requiring more frequent charging.

Video Quality: None / Audio Quality: Mono / Night Vision: false / Smart Integration: None


8.5

Listful
Score

Babysense Max View Baby Monitor

$159.99

The Babysense Max View Baby Monitor impresses with its top-tier 1080p HD video quality and support for up to four cameras, making it our top-rated pick for comprehensive monitoring at 8.5/10. The long battery life and true night vision are real benefits, though the bright LED indicator and lack of Wi-Fi may bother some parents. Overall, it’s a reliable, feature-rich monitor for peace of mind.

The Good

Excellent 1080p HD video quality.

Supports up to four cameras for comprehensive monitoring.

Long battery life with approximately 12 hours of usage.

The Bad

Bright LED sound indicator cannot be dimmed.

Buttons feel somewhat cheap.

Limited to local video without Wi-Fi capability.

Video Quality: 1080p / Audio Quality: HD / Night Vision: true / Smart Integration: None

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Topics

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baby gear
newborn essentials
baby must-haves
baby products
nursery essentials
best baby gear
2025 baby registry
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