No surprise here: Any gear that makes parenting life easier and better is a wonderful thing. It could be a car seat that keeps your child safe on the move or a high chair that grows with them…there’s a lot to choose from. But with so many products out there, how do you decide what to put on your baby registry? What do you really need? And which products do the job especially well?
Luckily, we have a few friends—the excellent Nanit Community—here to lend a hand. In our recent Registry Survey, we polled parents to find out what makes it to the top of their registry lists. From bottles to bouncers, pacifiers to diapers, here’s the breakdown of what we learned—the clear winners, the surprising underdogs, and all the rest of the gear that tops new parents’ must lists. Get ready to meet your new must-haves.
Nuna and UPPAbaby are parents’ go-to car seats.
Safety is always a top priority, and the Nuna PIPA Infant Car Seat was parents’ favorite with 23% of the vote. It’s sleek, easy to install and manage, and features top-of-the-line safety features, making it the perfect combination of security and convenience. Parents also liked the UPPAbaby MESA V2 Infant Car Seat (20%). This car seat also combines safety with comfort, featuring side-impact protection and a breathable knit fabric that helps regulate your baby’s temperature.
Halo and Newton = parents’ most-preferred sleep set ups
The most parents (28%) registered for the Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper. It sits next to your bed and swivels in multiple directions for easiest-possible positioning to keep baby close. The height is also adjustable and breathable mesh sides allow for comfortable air flow.
In the crib, parents opted for the Newton mattress above all others (33%). It’s breathable, washable, and GreenGuard Certified, meaning it gets the highest possible rating for emissions safety standards.
The item appearing on almost every parent’s registry? A baby monitor
The target audience of the survey was Nanit users so it made sense that most responders had registered for a baby monitor (90%). What we did not expect? Baby monitors were parents’ top registry product, even over a car seat (65%) and a crib mattress (59%)!
With 6000 five-star reviews and 33 awards in 2024, Nanit’s Pro Baby Monitor was parents’ top choice. This monitor supports your family for years to come with HD video viewing that keeps you connected to your baby from anywhere, as well as in-depth sleep analytics and personalized advice. In fact, 70% of parents use their Nanit monitor for more than four years. And Nanit parents get 36 extra nights of sleep per year!
Say goodbye to sleepless nights with our advanced monitoring. Track baby's breathing motion, sleep patterns, and milestones, receive personalized insights, and view a crystal-clear video—all on your Nanit app. Built to last, Nanit is a must-have for parents seeking a smarter, safer way to care for their little ones. Welcome to the most awarded, connected baby monitor on the market. Choose Floor Stand for: Choose Wall Mount for:
In high chairs, the Tripp Trapp still reigns supreme.
Stokke’s beloved Tripp Trapp high chair wins accolades from parents for its thoughtful, comfortable, and flexible design that can adjust as your child gets bigger. It’s also super easy to clean. It was the winner in this category (18%).
Baby Bjorn rises to the top as most-preferred bouncer.
The BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft is a top pick, loved by 29% of parents. This lightweight bouncer is minimal and elegant. As your baby moves, it gently rocks and features soft fabric and an ergonomic design. As your child gets older, the seat fabric can be flipped on the frame and turned into a toddler-sized seat.
A play mat that supports development is parents’ top choice.
32% of parents registered for The Play Gym by Lovevery. Designed to engage your baby’s senses, this understated but plenty fun play gym offers a variety of activities in five developmental “zones” to meet your baby’s interests and needs as they grow. Plus, it’s made from sustainably sourced materials.
Versatility wins big in the stroller category.
It’s wise to consider your environment when choosing a stroller. For example, will you need something that can navigate city streets, a combo car seat and stroller, and/or something that can easily fold up for frequent car rides in the suburbs?
In our survey, the UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller was parents’ top pick. Whether you’re navigating city sidewalks or strolling through the park, this stroller’s smooth ride makes it an easy-maneuvering dream. And with accessories, it can adjust to accommodate up to three kids.
The second and third stroller picks were Chicco’s Bravo Quick-Fold 3-in-1 Stroller–a more affordable option than some others that still offers one-handed folding and other great features–followed by Nuna’s Mixx Next Stroller, which folds up to be super-compact to fit into tighter spaces.
Baby gear expert and Nanit Registry Real Talk panelist Jamie Grayson also recommends the Doona car seat + stroller combination for families who want an easy transition into the car. He also likes Bugaboo’s offerings.
When it comes to carriers, parents prioritize comfort and 360-degree viewing.
The majority of parents registered for the Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier (24%). Your baby can ride in multiple positions—front, back, or on your hip—allowing you to choose the most comfortable option. And its ergonomic design is especially kind to your shoulders and back.
Dr. Brown’s is still champion in the baby bottle battle.
When it comes to bottles, parents have a clear favorite: Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Baby Bottle with nearly half (46%) of parents registering for it. Why? These bottles are designed to reduce colic and discomfort by slowing air intake, which can lead to gas and fussiness. Plus, nipples mimic the breast’s natural shape to help baby maintain a good latch.
For those who appreciate the time-saving convenience of a bottle warmer (hello, middle of the night feedings), Philips Avent Premium Fast Bottle Warmer is the one parents picked. It came in strong at 43%. The warmer’s smart temperature control takes the guesswork out of heating and bottles are ready to go in mere minutes.
Moms also lean into pump power.
If you're planning to breastfeed, a good pump is essential. These are the ones moms picked.
Spectra S2 Plus Double Electric Breast Pump is a top choice for 42% of moms. It’s lightweight (only 3 pounds!) and quiet and its hospital-strength suction makes it ultra efficient. Moms also like the Elvie Original Wearable Breast Pump, with 28% of moms putting it on their registry. The ultimate portable option, this pump tucks inside your bra for on-the-go pumping that’s quiet and discreet. Rechargeable batteries last for five to six pumping sessions.
For a manual option—simple, portable, no charging required—beloved brand Medela was still a favorite with the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump landing on 49% of parents’ registries. The close runner-up: Haakaa Manual Breast Pump with 45%.
For breastfeeding pillows, the beloved Boppy is most moms’ fave.
Our survey showed that the Boppy Anywhere Nursing Support Pillow is still a must-have for new moms, with an incredible 73% of parents adding it to their registry. The affordable, ergonomic pillow wraps around your middle to support your baby during breastfeeding and give your arms (and back and neck) a break.
Your preferred way to keep the peace: Philips Avent pacifiers.
Pacifiers are another registry staple and according to the numbers, Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier is the clear front runner, with 33% of parents choosing it for their babies. The award-winning, one-piece design is orthodontic approved, BPA free and easy to clean. And because it’s wise to have more than one pacifier option (hard to know ahead of time which one your baby will prefer), parents also liked the MAM Original Pacifier (24% put it on their list).
Two classics—Pampers and Huggies—are your diaper go-tos.
When it comes to diapers, a solid 41% of parents put Pampers Swaddlers on their registry, liking them for both day and overnight wear.
Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers aren’t far behind, the choice on 34% of parents’ lists.
Diaper cream shocker: It’s a three-way tie!
In this all-important category, three trusted products came in at over 30%, all tops at preventing rashes and soothing irritated skin: Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste and Desitin Maximum Strength Original Paste.
And one diaper pail was the choice for over half of parents.
The Ubbi Stainless Steel Odor Locking Diaper Pail landed on 53% of parents' registries. Holding up to 55 diapers, its steel construction doesn’t absorb odors like plastic can. Plus, it comes in a huge range of colors to go gracefully with your nursery decor.
A little confidence goes a long way, especially when it comes to parenting, so here’s hoping these items help boost yours as you prep for your new baby. Whether it’s a smooth-sailing stroller, a bottle warmer that works in a flash, or a diaper pail that traps stinky smells, you can rest assured that these products have earned their place on many a baby registry. Happy gearing up!
