Home / Baby We researched the top 10 items you need for your registry and here are the winners Consider these essentials. By Motherly + Target August 20, 2020 Rectangle This article was sponsored by Target. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Motherly and mamas. An expectant mama’s to-do list can feel endless… but here’s the good news: A lot of those tasks are actually really exciting. Planning your baby registry is especially thrilling: You get a say in what gifts friends and family members will buy for your new addition! But it can also feel a bit overwhelming to make sense of all the gear on the market. That’s why we suggest mentally dividing your registry into two categories: items you need to prepare for your baby’s arrival and items that sure would be nice to have. Here at Motherly, our editors have dozens of kids and years of parenting experience among us, so we know our way around the essentials. We also know how mama-friendly the registry-building experience is with Target, especially thanks to their recently upgraded registry and introduction of Year of Benefits. Just by creating your baby registry with Target, you’ll snag a kit with $120 in discounts and samples. The savings keep coming: You’ll also get two 15% off coupons to buy unpurchased items from your registry for up to a year after your baby’s expected arrival. Change your mind about anything? The Year of Benefits allows for returns or exchanges for a full year. And as of August 2020, those who also sign up for Target Circle whencreating a baby registry will also get the retailer’s Year of Exclusive Deals, which includes ongoing discounts on baby essentials for a full year. Here are 10 items we agree deserve a spot in the “need” category on your registry, mama. A crib to grow with your baby First-time mamas are likely creating nursery spaces for the first time, and that can get expensive.Adding a quality crib to Target registry gives friends and family members the option to join forcesto make a large purchase through group gifting. $269.99 Buy Now A safe + convenient car seat The list of non-negotiable baby essentials is pretty short, but it definitely includes a car seat.In fact, most hospitals will not allow you to leave after delivery until a car seat check isperformed. We recommend an infant seat, which can easily snap into a base in your car. $99.99 Buy Now A traveling nursery station It’s hard to beat a good playard when it comes to longevity. This item can be baby’s sleeping placewhen they’re sharing a room with you for the first months. Down the line, it can function as aroving diaper change station. And when you travel, it makes a great safe space for your little oneto sleep and play. $99.99 Buy Now A swing for some backup help A dependable swing can be a real lifesaver for new parents when they need their hands free (or justa minute to themselves). Because many babies are opinionated about these things, we appreciate thatthe mamaRoo has multiple modes of motion and soothing sounds. $219.99 Buy Now An easy-to-clean high chair Our best registry advice? Think ahead. It really won’t be long before your child is ready for thosefirst bites of solid food, at which point you’ll need a high chair. We like one that transitions toa booster seat atop an existing dining room chair. $99.99 Buy Now A diaper bag to share When you’re a mom, you’re usually toting diapers, wipes, clothing changes, bottles, snacks, toysand more. You need a great bag to stash it all, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll choose abackpack style for comfort and functionality. Bonus: This gender neutral option can easily bepassed off to your partner. $64.99 Buy Now A hygienic spot for all those diaper changes We can confidently predict there will be a lot of diaper changes in your future. Do yourself afavor by registering for two comfortable, wipeable changing pads: one to keep in the nursery andanother to stash elsewhere in your house. $29.99 Buy Now A way to keep an eye on your baby at night Feeling peace of mind while your baby sleeps in another room truly is priceless.That’s why weadvocate for a quality video monitor that will allow you to keep tabs on your snoozing sweetheart. $165.99 Buy Now A comfortable carrier to free up your hands A wrap carrier may be about as low-tech as baby items come, but trust us, this product stands thetest of time. Great for use around the house or while running errands, this is one item you’llappreciate so much. $39.99 Buy Now A full set of bottles + cleaning supplies Whether you plan to work in an office or stay at home, breastfeed or formula feed, bottles are avaluable tool. To make your life as simple as possible, it’s nice to have an easy-to-clean set thatis designed to work through the first year. $39.99 Buy Now Target’s baby registry is easy to create from the comfort of your own home.Start your Target baby registry now and enjoy shopping with the Year of Benefits featuring exclusive deals available via Target Circle, two 15% off coupons, a year of hassle-free returns, a free welcome kit and more! Related Stories Baby Target’s baby registry is the easiest one our editors ever used. 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