As you prepare for baby's arrival, there is a lot to do for sure. Creating a baby registry is one of the biggest tasks that's in front of you. But registering for baby gifts can also be quite overwhelming. Ahead, find the best baby registry ideas and tips.
BABY REGISTRY DO'S AND DON'TS
DO CREATE A BABY REGISTRY
A baby registry tells your friends and family exactly which gifts will help you out the most. And, you get to pick exactly what baby gear and essentials you'll need to prepare for baby's arrival.
DON'T WAIT TILL THE LAST MOMENT
When is the best time to start a baby registry? Here's the thing-it's completely up to you, when you want to create your baby registry. Just know that you can start your baby registry at any time and work on the registry in private mode until it's time to share. Most parents-to-be start working on the baby registry when they are around 12 weeks pregnant. Be sure to have the baby registry created and ready to share, before your baby shower invitations go out though.
DO INCLUDE BABY ITEMS AT DIFFERENT PRICE POINTS
When creating your registry, add baby items in all price ranges, so your friends and family can purchase gifts at price points they are comfortable with and within their budget.
DON'T SHY AWAY FROM BIG TICKET ITEMS
Whether it's a stroller or a swing- add these big ticket items to your baby registry. Amazon offers a group gifting option meaning multiple people can contribute towards bigger gifts when you enable the group gifting option on the registry.
DON'T FORGET TO SHARE YOUR BABY REGISTRY
Once you've created the baby registered, how exactly do you share it? Let your baby shower hostess know your baby registry information. They could add the details in the baby shower invitation itself or include an insert with the registry information along with the baby shower invitation.
DO CONSIDER THE RETURN POLICY FOR BABY REGISTRY ITEMS
Create your baby registry with a retailer that has a great return policy! Amazon baby registry has an amazing return policy- you can return baby gifts up to 365 days after the date of your shipment. You'll receive a credit and the gift giver never finds out!
DON'T FORGET TO LOOK FOR A UNIVERSAL REGISTRY
First, you want to register with a store that has a large inventory of items. In addition, create the baby registry with a retailer that offers a universal registry. Amazon offers a Universal Registry feature that allows you to add items from any other sites as well. For example, if you want to add something from Etsy to your Amazon Baby Registry, you could do so with a simple click and the item is added onto your registry.
DO PICK AN ONLINE REGISTRY
Going with an online retailer to create a baby registry is a no-brainer! You want to make it convenient for your friends and family to choose the gifts.
DO CONSIDER STORE PERKS
Each of the big retailers- Target, Amazon, Walmart and BuyBuyBaby- all offer incentives to get you to create a baby registry with them. For example, when you register with Amazon, you’ll get something called a completion discount. This gives you 10 percent off — 15 percent off for Prime members — a one-time purchase of items remaining on your registry. Amazon also sends out a welcome box with free products for mom and baby.
DO CHOSE ITEMS TOGETHER
When creating your registry, you and your partner should both get involved with creating the registry so it reflects things and styles you'll both love.
DO REGISTER FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD BABY TOO
Some parents opt not to create a baby registry for the second or third baby. However, registering for baby gifts is actually rather helpful for friends and family members. So take an inventory of baby gear and items you already have. Then create a baby registry for things you could use. Knowing exactly what you’re looking for gives family and friends a clear idea of what to buy and saves them time.
MOST POPULAR BABY REGISTRY ITEMS
Ready to create your baby registry list? Use this handy newborn checklist to take stock of what you have and what you need, then take the time to build a complete baby registry.
We'll kick off this list of baby registry ideas with the most popular baby registry items. The following baby items have been the most requested baby registry items in the past.
ULTRASONIC COOL MIST HUMIDIFIER
This cool mist humidifier does a superb job of moisturizing the dry air in the baby's room, so baby can breathe easy and get a more restful sleep.
INGLESINA FAST TABLE CHAIR
Whether you are at home or traveling, this table chair is easy to secure and gives baby a seat at the table.
SKIP HOP BABY BATH TUB
This whale-shaped tub grows with baby through three stages and offers two ergonomic positions-higher for full body support and lower, for seated support.
BABY SHUSHER THE SLEEP MIRACLE
An award winning sleep aid device for baby that uses a real human voice to lull your baby to sleep with a calming shush. Great for the nursery and for traveling as well.
BOPPY NURSING PILLOW
A must have for breastfeeding moms- this Boppy Pillow helps lift your baby to a more ergonomic position when breastfeeding.
SPLASHIN'KIDS INFLATABLE WATER MAT
The splashin'kids water fill playmat features bright colors, sharp contrasts and cute floating toys . It's awesome for developing baby's head, neck and shoulder muscles
HATCH BABY REST SOUND MACHINE
The rest is a nightlight, sound machine, and time-to-rise alert in one easy-to-use device that you can control from your phone!
UBBI STEEL DIAPER PAIL
An award winning diaper pail that does the best job of trapping the smell of dirty diapers. We also love the fact that you don't need special bags, refills or inserts.
IHEALTH NO-TOUCH FOREHEAD THERMOMETER
This thermometer features an ultra-sensitive infrared sensor that reads body temperature within 1.18 inches of the center of the forehead without physical contact!
CHICCO KEYFIT 35 INFANT CAR SEAT
A top rated car seat that is simply the easiest to install, with a force-multiplying tightener and bubble level indicators. The car seat also has a sharp look, but we most love how well-cushioned and sturdy is it.
In addition to the sleek look, this stroller features a dual action rear suspension to soften the ride, no matter the child's weight.
BOB GEAR REVOLUTION JOGGING STROLLER
Looking to add a jogging stroller to your baby registry list? This impressive jogging stroller is designed to provide the smoothest ride over any terrain with the suspension system and air filled tires.
ERGOBABY OMNI 360 ALL-POSITION BABY CARRIER
A baby carrier that allows for inward, outward, hip and back carry. We love items that can grow with baby and this carrier can be used from the newborn stage to toddler!
INFANT OPTICS DXR-8 PRO BABY MONITOR
Year after year, we've seen parents trust this amazing baby monitor to give them peace of mind and to keep an eye on their little one. Packed with features, you'll be able to see and hear baby clearly.
BABYBJORN CRADLE
We love this cradle which has a very gentle movement and it's so easy to move around the house so you can keep baby close to you.
BABYBJORN BOUNCER BLISS
Every now and then, you'll need a safe place to keep baby- freeing up your hands and this award winning bouncer is one of our favorites. It's lightweight, portable and features four ergonomic positions
CRIB
Your baby will probably sleep in a cradle/ bassinet for the first few months. However, you'll need a crib for the nursery, eventually. The crib you choose obviously depends on your nursery design style.
NURSERY CHAIR
The nursery chair is another very important nursery furniture item that you'll put to good use. From feeding the baby to cuddling with your baby, you'll spend hours sitting on this chair. Here are our favorite nursery chairs.
OTTOMAN/ FOOT STOOL
Another must have for the baby's room? A foot stool or an ottoman so that you have somewhere to prop your feet up when nursing.
NURSERY DRESSER
We love adding a nursery dresser to the nursery because it is the best way to maximize the space in the nursery. You can use it as a changing table and for storing baby's clothes as well as diapering essentials.
BASSINET
A bassinet is really a must have and so useful. It helps you keep your baby safe and close to you during those first few months.
FITTED CRIB SHEETS
We like to stick with just the basics when it comes to crib bedding because of what's best for sleep safety.
CHANGING TRAY/ BASKET
Whether you are using a nursery dresser or a changing table, you'll need a changing tray or basket to keep baby while changing the diaper. These are our favorite options.
BABY LOUNGER
A safe and comfortable place for baby to lay or sit is important because you can't hold them every single minute of the day. And, these are the top picks for a modern baby registry.
WILLOW WEARABLE PUMP
This pump which is quiet, compact and fits in a bra is a top celebrity favorite.
LOTUS TRAVEL CRIB
Celebrity parents seem to love this compact, lightweight and super easy travel crib which only takes just 15 seconds to set up.
NANIT PRO SMART BABY MONITOR
You'll get a stunning 1080p bird's eye view of your baby, day or night from anywhere on your iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, or Echo Show device.
NESTED BEAN ZEN SACK
A top baby celebrity registry favorite-this gently weighted sack mimics the pressure your baby feels when held by you.
SNOO SMART SLEEPER
Definitely a splurge but celebrity parents love this bassinet which soothes babies with the constant rumbly sound and gentle rocking motion they loved in the womb.
BABY BREZZA
Use this baby formula dispenser machine to automatically make a warm, formula bottle instantly with no measuring or mixing!
BABY BOTTLES
Parents love these baby bottles with soft silicon nipples, squeezable body and a wide neck design for easy cleaning. The best part however is that it mimics breastfeeding!
DISHWASHER BASKET
This basket can securely hold baby's bottles and accessories in one place, making loading and unloading the dishwasher a breeze.
MATTRESS PROTECTOR+ CRIB SHEETS
You'll need a couple of these mattress covers to protect the crib mattress from spills, sweat and any liquids.
GROOMING KIT
This grooming kit includes everything you'll need from a cradle cap brush to a thermometer.
DIAPERS AND WIPES
As a new parent you are going to have a LOT of diaper changes in your future. Sign up here for Amazon Prime, set up regular scheduled deliveries and save up to 15% with Subscribe & Save.
DIAPER BAG
Venturing out with a new baby gets easier when you have a well stocked diaper bag. We love this stylish diaper bag with countless compartments for organization.
SWADDLE BLANKETS
These swaddles blankets are great as a receiving blanket, swaddle sack, stroller cover-you name it.
CLOTHES
What will babies wear? How many sizes of each should I get? These are questions parents often ask. This is how many baby clothes you'll need.
