You’ve probably found your way here because you’re expecting a little one—congratulations! Now it’s time to kick baby prep into gear and start thinking about everything you might need to support your baby once they arrive.
Whether this is your first little one or you’re already a seasoned parent, putting together a baby registry can feel like a big (and sometimes daunting) task. From choosing a diaper brand to understanding your car seat and stroller options, the registry will have you sorting through countless decisions. At The Starter Set, we’re working on simplifying every step of your registry journey – to start, we’re answering your biggest baby registry questions.
Who is a baby registry for?
A baby registry is for anyone expecting a baby or multiple babies. This includes:
- First-time parents
- Experienced parents
- Adoptive parents
- Parents using surrogacy
Simply put, if you’re preparing for the arrival of a baby, with all of the things that will entail, a baby registry is for you. But, it’s not just for you. It’s also a helpful tool for anyone who will support you during this time—friends, family members, coworkers, even your next-door neighbors. For you, the registry is a convenient way to keep organized. For your support network, it’s a peek at your wish list, ensuring they can help you get ready for baby in the ways you want and need.
Why make a baby registry?
You might be wondering, “Do I really need a baby registry?” The short answer is yes. Here’s why:
- People want to help: Your loved ones are excited about your growing family and want to celebrate with you. A registry gives them guidance.
- It keeps you organized: Instead of jotting down what you need on random sticky notes, your registry becomes your one-stop checklist.
- Perks, perks, perks: Many baby registry sites offer welcome boxes full of free goodies, completion discounts, group gifting options and even nursery design services.
- It’s a lot of stuff to keep organized: Did you know a baby registry can include more than 80 items! That’s a lot to keep straight. Registry services often come with checklists of what you’ll need helping you stay on top of all the essentials.
Is a baby registry free?
Yes! Creating a baby registry is completely free. In fact, many retailers reward you for registering with them by offering:
- Free welcome boxes filled with full-sized baby goods and samples
- Discounts on remaining registry items
- Exclusive coupons for baby gear
Just be sure to read the fine print—some perks only apply if you meet certain conditions (like being a Prime member in the case of Amazon or making a minimum purchase).
What goes on a baby registry?
What goes on a baby registry is the subject of much debate amongst expectant and experienced parents. The short answer is it can cover the products (cribs, strollers), services (meal delivery) and favors (laundry) you’ll need from the first three months all the way through the first year. Specifics of what you’ll want though from products to brands will depend on your own personal values, the recommendations you’re getting and what will ultimately appeal to you and then your baby. Some parents-to-be prefer to add as much as possible at this stage to have everything on-hand once baby is born, others prefer to learn baby’s preferences post birth.
Every family is different, so don’t worry if you don’t end up with the same registry as your friends, coworkers or an acquaintance you just met at the doctor’s office. You’ll likely have your own unique set of guiding principles whether you’re going for minimalism, are into the latest gadgets or pride yourself on keeping up with trends.
To get you started, we’ve included a sample registry checklist of what your baby will need in the first three months.
What kinds of baby registries are there?
You have a few options when it comes to the type of registry to set up. Each comes with its own pros and cons:
- Store-Based Registries These are hosted by a single retailer (like Target, Amazon, or Walmart).
- Pros: Easy returns, store discounts, and often, welcome gifts
- Cons: You’re limited to that store’s inventory
- Universal Registries Services like Babylist let you add items from any store to one master list.
- Pros: Flexibility to add from any online store, services and favors (like house cleaning or meal kits) as well as products.
- Cons: Since these are usually not tied to a retailer, you could miss out on perks like storewide discounts or nursery design consults
- Cash-Based Registries Platforms like MyRegistry allow you to not only select physical goods but to also set up cash funds for things like diapers, postpartum care, or parental leave.
- Pros: Maximum flexibility
- Cons: Since these are also usually universal registries, you’ll likely miss out on the perks of a retail-specific registry.
Given that each type of registry comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, many moms actually opt to have more than one.
Which baby registry is best?
As with most parenting decisions, there is no one-size-fits-all. Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself to help guide your decision:
- Does this registry cover most or all of what I’ll need?
- Will it be easy for my loved-ones to use?
- Will I be able to return items without a hassle?
- Are there any perks I can get by registering?
Once you’ve given these questions some thought, check out our guide to the best registries to see which one will work for you.
When should you send out your baby registry?
There’s no set rule. You can start creating your registry whenever you’re ready. Some parents start setting up their list as early as the end of their first trimester, but most parents start during the second trimester (around 20 weeks). Some moms-to-be may simply be too sick-to-their-stomachs to start thinking about what they’ll need until that point; others may want to get some key ultrasounds and milestones out of the way first. Regardless of when you start creating the registry, you also get to choose when to share it.
Most parents share their registry to coincide with baby shower invites, usually in the third trimester. If you’re not having a baby shower, you might choose a different moment. For example, some parents package a link to their baby registries with the announcement that they’re expecting. Others share the link when asked what they need by friends and family. Like much of the baby journey, you get to pick what’s comfortable for you.
How does a baby registry work?
Here’s the general process:
- Create your registry: Pick the site or sites for your registry and add your details.
- Add items/Services/Cash Funds: Decide what you need and want for your baby.
- Share the registry: Send your registry link to your friends and family. Most registry providers let you share via email and social media.
- Unleash the Gift Givers: Friends, family, coworkers and even neighbors use the list to help support your growing family. In most cases, you’ll see when an item is purchased or reserved, helping you avoid duplicating items and making it easier to keep track of what you still need.
- Receive the gifts: Your gifts arrive either shipped to your house or brought to a baby shower. In the case of cash or services, you’ll get instructions on how to redeem.
- Enjoy completion discounts: After your baby shower or due date—many sites offer savings on unpurchased registry items
- Send out your thank yous: Most registries will keep a tally of who gifted what so you can easily send out thank you notes when it’s convenient for you.
Final thoughts
Putting together your baby registry should be fun and empowering—not stressful. Use it as a way to imagine your life with baby, discover what you truly need, and feel more prepared.
And remember: It’s your list. You get to decide what goes on it, when to share it, and how it reflects your family’s values and style.
Happy registering!
.png)