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the ultimate guide to building a baby registry

baby gifts on a white background wrapped

For many expecting parents, one of the most stressful things about waiting for your baby’s arrival is making sure you and your home are prepared! Financially that can be a big undertaking for parents to do alone, but thankfully–you don’t have to!

Today, a baby registry is an easy and effective way for your loved ones to help you and your partner prepare for parenthood.

Keep reading to learn what a baby registry is, how to build one, and what the best baby register will have on it.

For many expecting parents, one of the most stressful things about waiting for your baby’s arrival is making sure you and your home are prepared! Financially that can be a big undertaking for parents to do alone, but thankfully–you don’t have to!

Today, a baby registry is an easy and effective way for your loved ones to help you and your partner prepare for parenthood.

Keep reading to learn what a baby registry is, how to build one, and what the best baby register will have on it.

how does a baby registry work

This is similar to wedding registries in that it is a pre-made list by the expecting parents for family and friends to view and purchase. Your baby registry list includes items you need that people can select as a gift. Once it is purchased, the registry updates so other viewers know not to buy it!

This used to have to be done in a store, but in today’s world everything is online. Meaning you can build your list and loved ones can shop from the comfort of home. Plus, many online baby registries nowadays offer additional perks for expecting parents like price matching, freebies, discounts, etc.

when to create a baby registry

Even if you already knew what a baby registry was, you might still be wondering, “When should you start a baby registry?” The honest answer is–whenever you want!

When to start a baby registry is completely up to you, however, there are some general timelines to keep in mind that might help. For example, if you plan on finding out the gender, you should consider waiting until after that is confirmed so you can add any gender specific items you might want. On the other end of things, you want to make sure to not start it too late. If you plan on having a baby shower, you’ll want it completed ahead of time for guests to be able to shop the list.

where to do a baby registry

If you’re wondering where to register, the good news is that you can do it almost anywhere! There are more places than ever that offer you the tools to build a registry. The best baby registry will depend on your unique needs and preferences such as budget, brands you prefer, registering in-store, online, or both. There’s truly something for everyone!

• Amazon

• Buy Buy Baby / Bed Bath & Beyond

• Costco

• Target

• Wal-Mart

All of these places carry a variety of brands at different price points, which makes it easy for all your guests to find something within their budget!

There are also platforms, like Babylist, that allow you to merge lists from multiple retailers in one place! It’s an easy option to navigate if you’re wanting to strictly build your list online.

 

how to make a baby registry

When it comes to making a baby registry, the exact steps will vary depending on where you decide to do it. However, you’ll find many stores and platforms follow similar first steps:

1. create an account. This is a quick but necessary part of the process. Setting up your account allows you to log in and out to build your list at your own pace, start earning any rewards or benefits, and provide all the necessary information for loved ones to start shopping (shipping address, due date, etc.).

 2. create a registry. Many places, such as Amazon or Target, offer registries for different occasions. You’ll want to find the option for a baby register (or just a registry list if it’s a baby-specific retailer). This allows you to select the preferences of how you want your registry to work before you start adding to it. For example, some places allow you to “hide” who purchases a gift in order to maintain the surprise!

3. start adding items. Now the fun part begins as you build your registry with everything you need and want for your little one!

 

what to put on a baby registry: baby registry check list

Once it’s time to start building your list, it can start to feel overwhelming as you ask yourself “what should I put on my baby registry?” and “what not to put on a baby registry?” Below is a list of baby registry essentials to use as you build your own.

what not to put on a baby registry

 1. wipe warmer This is more of a “nice to have” versus a “need to have.” It won’t hurt the baby by any means, but many parents never end up using it.

 2. crib bumpers Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics stating that crib bumpers increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS, there are still some available on the market. Any crib or bassinet your baby sleeps in should only be used with a fitted sheet. No crib bumpers are needed.

 3. baby shoes It will be quite a while before your little one is actually in need of shoes. While it’s fine to want a pair for a cute outfit or special occasion, infant shoes are not a baby registry essential.

 4. tons of toys Some playtime items are fine (and necessary!), but you shouldn’t go overboard. Chances are, there will be no shortage of toys in your baby’s future between birthdays and holidays. Especially early on, you will be the main source of entertainment for your newborn.

 5. electric breast pump We only put this as an “not to include” item because MANY insurance companies will cover the cost of one electric breast pump during pregnancy. Check there first before wasting space on your baby registry.

 

baby registry checklist

Use this list to keep you focused so that you’re able to get the must have baby registry items you need and want!

how does a baby registry work

This is similar to wedding registries in that it is a pre-made list by the expecting parents for family and friends to view and purchase. Your baby registry list includes items you need that people can select as a gift. Once it is purchased, the registry updates so other viewers know not to buy it!

This used to have to be done in a store, but in today’s world everything is online. Meaning you can build your list and loved ones can shop from the comfort of home. Plus, many online baby registries nowadays offer additional perks for expecting parents like price matching, freebies, discounts, etc.

when to create a baby registry

Even if you already knew what a baby registry was, you might still be wondering, “When should you start a baby registry?” The honest answer is–whenever you want!

When to start a baby registry is completely up to you, however, there are some general timelines to keep in mind that might help. For example, if you plan on finding out the gender, you should consider waiting until after that is confirmed so you can add any gender specific items you might want. On the other end of things, you want to make sure to not start it too late. If you plan on having a baby shower, you’ll want it completed ahead of time for guests to be able to shop the list.

where to do a baby registry

If you’re wondering where to register, the good news is that you can do it almost anywhere! There are more places than ever that offer you the tools to build a registry. The best baby registry will depend on your unique needs and preferences such as budget, brands you prefer, registering in-store, online, or both. There’s truly something for everyone!

• Amazon

• Buy Buy Baby / Bed Bath & Beyond

• Costco

• Target

• Wal-Mart

All of these places carry a variety of brands at different price points, which makes it easy for all your guests to find something within their budget!

There are also platforms, like Babylist, that allow you to merge lists from multiple retailers in one place! It’s an easy option to navigate if you’re wanting to strictly build your list online.

 

how to make a baby registry

When it comes to making a baby registry, the exact steps will vary depending on where you decide to do it. However, you’ll find many stores and platforms follow similar first steps:

1. create an account. This is a quick but necessary part of the process. Setting up your account allows you to log in and out to build your list at your own pace, start earning any rewards or benefits, and provide all the necessary information for loved ones to start shopping (shipping address, due date, etc.).

 2. create a registry. Many places, such as Amazon or Target, offer registries for different occasions. You’ll want to find the option for a baby register (or just a registry list if it’s a baby-specific retailer). This allows you to select the preferences of how you want your registry to work before you start adding to it. For example, some places allow you to “hide” who purchases a gift in order to maintain the surprise!

3. start adding items. Now the fun part begins as you build your registry with everything you need and want for your little one!

 

what to put on a baby registry: baby registry check list

Once it’s time to start building your list, it can start to feel overwhelming as you ask yourself “what should I put on my baby registry?” and “what not to put on a baby registry?” Below is a list of baby registry essentials to use as you build your own.

what not to put on a baby registry

 1. wipe warmer This is more of a “nice to have” versus a “need to have.” It won’t hurt the baby by any means, but many parents never end up using it.

 2. crib bumpers Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics stating that crib bumpers increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS, there are still some available on the market. Any crib or bassinet your baby sleeps in should only be used with a fitted sheet. No crib bumpers are needed.

 3. baby shoes It will be quite a while before your little one is actually in need of shoes. While it’s fine to want a pair for a cute outfit or special occasion, infant shoes are not a baby registry essential.

 4. tons of toys Some playtime items are fine (and necessary!), but you shouldn’t go overboard. Chances are, there will be no shortage of toys in your baby’s future between birthdays and holidays. Especially early on, you will be the main source of entertainment for your newborn.

 5. electric breast pump We only put this as an “not to include” item because MANY insurance companies will cover the cost of one electric breast pump during pregnancy. Check there first before wasting space on your baby registry.

 

baby registry checklist

Use this list to keep you focused so that you’re able to get the must have baby registry items you need and want!

✔ bed

Make sure any bed or sleep products you put on your registry align with the safe sleep guidelines determined by the AAP. As we said above, this means no crib bumpers.

• infant crib mattress

• 2 or more fitted sheets, preferably something soft like cotton muslin

• Waterproof crib mattress protector

 
baby on changing table with grey changing pad coverbaby on changing table with grey changing pad cover

✔ bath

The bath is a great place to bond for your little one, and many find the water soothing! That makes most of these baby registry top items to include.

• soft-hooded towel

• soft washcloths

• baby safe shampoo/soap

• baby safe lotion

• baby tub (there are many great options on the market today that grow with your little one!)

 

✔ clothes

For many parents to be, this is the fun part! Your registry is a great place to start building your baby’s closet. Be sure to register for a variety of sizes because it isn’t uncommon for little ones to grow out of the newborn size quickly. Some even go straight to 0-3 months! You’ll also want to consider the season your baby is being born. With winter babies, the focus will be on clothing that keeps them warm, but for those summer babies, you’ll want to go light on the layers.

• 1 “coming home” from the hospital outfit

• 10 pairs of footed pajamas

• 10 short sleeve onesies

• 10 long sleeve onesies

• 10 elastic pants

• 10 pairs of socks

• 5 muslin swaddle blankets

• 3 sleep sacks or velcro swaddles

Depending on the season, you might also consider adding:

• 1-2 swimsuits

• 1-2 sunhats

•  snowsuit

• 2-3 light jacket or sweaters

✔ feeding/food

What you put on this portion of the list depends on whether or not you plan to breastfeed. Even if you plan to breastfeed, consider adding a couple of items from the bottle feeding list just in case.

if you plan to breastfeed:

• breastmilk freezer bags

• nursing pillow

• nursing bra/top

• nipple cream like lanolin

• nursing cover

if you plan to bottle feed:

• baby bottles and nipples

• bottle brushes

• bottle drying rack

mom nursing baby with floral nursing blanket covermom nursing baby with floral nursing blanket cover

 ✔ diapering

While it might not be “exciting” to add these items to the list, you will be extremely grateful you did! With the amount of diapers babies go through in their first year of life, getting a head start on this saves you money and time down the road.

• diapers in a variety of sizes (like clothes, many babies outgrow the newborn size fairly quickly)

• wipes

• diaper cream

• diaper caddy

 

✔ nursery gear

A lot of these are “big” items. They make great gifts for people to go in on together, and many registries even have a “group gift” option to make it easier!

• crib

• bassinet

• rocking chair/glider

• changing table with 2-3 changing pad covers

• whitenoise/sound machine

• night light

• baskets or bins for storage

cotton muslin bedding set

 

✔ playtime

Be strategic with what you put here! Remember, there will be plenty of time for your little one to collect toys later, and right away, there will not be much use for them. However, there are a few playtime items to consider adding now.

• swing, seat, or bouncer

• tummy time playmat

• activity gym

• teethy toys

• soft baby books

• soft baby blocks

• baby rattles or shakers

baby playing on activity gymbaby playing on activity gym

✔ travel

You’ll learn that traveling won’t be as simple as it used to be! Even a simple trip to the store requires more prep time and gear to be successful and less stressful.

• infant car seat

• stroller

• stroller cover or blanket

• baby wrap or carrier (these can be great for around the house, too!)

• diaper bag

 

✔ medical

Your unique “first aid” kit needs for a newborn are relatively few, but they are good to have.

• infant thermometer

• baby safe nail-trimmer

• saline nose drops

• suction bulbs

With this baby registry checklist in hand, you’re sure to make the best baby registry possible to help you and family prepare for the new bundle of joy!

here are a few of our registry favorites!

blanketsblankets
baby in blue and white minky swaddlebaby in blue and white minky swaddle
baby on tummy time playmatbaby on tummy time playmat
baby in pattern onsiesbaby in pattern onsies

 

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