Jul 05, 2022

Baby Registry Do’s and Don’ts

Many first-time parents might be a little overwhelmed by the thought of a baby registry. You might be wondering, what is a baby registry, exactly? Is a baby registry necessary? And what are the baby registry do’s and don’ts?

How do parents know when to ask for the gorgeous handmade stuffed animal and when to go for the basics? Should you ask for the things you want or a truck full of diapers? The mental gymnastics will have many parents throwing in the towel.

We’re here to help help you through the fog with some baby registry guidance. Here is your complete guide on what not to do and how to take advantage of your baby registry and all it has to offer.

What This Article Covers:

Baby Registry Do’s

Baby registries offer a ton of benefits to parents. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking advantage of it. It’s a great way to prepare for parenthood by getting the necessities while convincing a close friend to buy you that feminist baby clothing you’ve been eyeing.

All in all, here are all the things you should definitely be doing with your registry.

Do Start a Wish List as Soon as Possible

Like many other parents, you might be wondering when to start your baby registry. Ideally, you would want to start compiling a wish list as soon as possible.

Compiling a registry and doing research on products can take a good chunk of time. When the time comes to send your baby registry out into the world, you don’t want to rush through the process with less than desirable items and forgotten necessities.

Rather start early, take your time, and create a registry that covers all bases.

Do Offer a Wide Price Range

Many new parents don’t know how much to put on their baby registry or how much the items are allowed to cost. Some might hesitate to add more expensive items out of fear of coming off as greedy.

With baby registries, the best approach is to have a wide price range available. With a wide price range, friends and family will be able to shop at their own leisure and within their own private budget. They won’t feel pressured to spend what they can’t while still helping you get things you really need.

This way you can add something more affordable, like an organic baby rattle, to something a bit more luxurious, like a complete knitted newborn outfit. Give those close to you the chance to spoil you if they choose but also the chance to help you with the more affordable but just as important necessities.

Do Register in-Store

Registering in-store will let you get a good feel for all the products. You’ll be able to see the size of the car seat or stroller, inspect the quality, and maybe consider a new one if it doesn’t meet your standards.

Don’t finish your registry in-store. Instead, head home, do your last bit of research, and then finish it off with the in-store products you liked and the products that might only be available online.

It’s also important to offer both brick-and-mortar store options as some people prefer to only do in-store purchases.

Do Select Multiple Registries

Many big retailers offer special registry options for expecting parents. It’s always a good idea to register at one universal retailer where friends and family can choose items from their catalog. Just go into your chosen store and ask them what options they might have for baby registry sign-ups.

But you don’t have to limit yourself to just one specific retailer. You can open your own personal registry, add products from different stores to this registry, and share it among your contacts.

You can add organic baby bodysuits alongside a different product from another store you might like.

We’d suggest doing both. Big retailers will often offer special discounts for their items and welcome kits but might lack some unique items you can purchase at a more exclusive store.

Do Read the Fine Print

Read the fine print of the retailer you chose to register with. Many might offer certain discounts that only apply after a certain number of the registry items have been purchased.

They might also have a different return policy regarding registry-purchased items and normally purchased items. For your peace of mind, do thorough research before committing to any one retailer.

Do Thorough Car Seat and Stoller Research

Often times the most expensive and difficult to get right baby products are strollers and car seats. Adding vague product choices to your registry can cause chaos, especially when someone brings a stroller that was flagged by reviewers for being a child health hazard.

Do the research online. Comb through review sites, take a break, and do it again. And when you have narrowed down the ones you like and trust, go check out the physical product in person.

When you have found the right one, you can confidently put it on your registry.

Baby Registry Dont’s

Now that we’ve covered everything you should be doing with your registry, let’s cover the don’ts when setting up your baby registry.

Don’t Only Register for the Basics

The basics are important. No parent can have too many diapers, not when your newborn finally arrives. But a baby registry offers you the chance to get items you might have had to forgo for the basics.

Now is the time to ask for organic baby gifts and lovey blankets. You are bound to receive a lot of basic child-rearing products that will cover all the practical niches.

A baby registry gives you the opportunity to ask for the things you would want instead of need.

Don’t Register Alone

Registering can be a tad overwhelming for expecting parents. Bring your partner or someone you know who has been through the baby registry process and let them help you choose what looks good and feels good.

Don’t hesitate to ask for advice. There might be a lot of baby registry items you don’t think of that a companion might catch for you.

Don’t Forget to Specify the Quantity

Don’t forget to specify the quantity of a product you need. If you have two cars and want two cars seat that can stay in either car for quick rides, specify it on your registry.

This is especially true if you are having more than one child. Only receiving one of everything would be a real bummer and could cost you quite a bit of money if you’re expecting twins. Being clear on how much you need might feel awkward but trust us, it will save a lot of time down the line.

Don’t Forget About Baby Accessories

If you are going for cactus print baby clothes, don’t hesitate to add other cactus-themed things to your baby registry. Add wall art, curtains, lamps, clothes, and toy organizers that will fit the specific style you are going for.

Children's books also make a great addition to any registry. By the time your little one comes around, they will have their own little library available. Adding these types of accessories will certainly make shopping a lot more fun for your registry recipients.

Don’t Forget to Consider the Future

It’s easy to forget future needs when browsing through catalogs of the cutest newborn baby boys' hats but unfortunately, babies grow up. Fast.

Consider adding products to your registry that can be used over a longer period of time. Things your baby won’t outgrow in the first few weeks after birth. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t enjoy all the baby outfits you can - your baby will only be that size once.

Don’t Forget Some Personal Accessories

Carrying a child and giving birth is a lot for a person to handle. It puts your body through a lot of changes. With your registry, don’t hesitate to add personal items like nipple cream, nursing tops and bras, and other mothering-must haves.

And when you have added those, add a treat or two for you and your partner.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide and our baby registry tips have eased some of the pressure of starting a baby registry. With these do’s and don’ts you can look forward to making informed decisions regarding what gifts you ask for and receive.

Our last don’t is this: don’t forget to have fun with the process. Bringing a child into your life is an amazing experience and being able to fill their world with beautiful and practical items will leave a lasting impression and save you a lot of hassle.

Did You Find Our Blog Helpful? Then Consider Checking: