When to Start Your Baby Registry

Whether you’re a first-time mom, or this is your second or third child, one of the big decisions you'll have to make is when to start your baby registry. 

From knitted baby outfits to strollers and nursery furniture, there's a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the perfect items for your little one. You also need to think about what you'll need in the first few weeks and months, as well as what will be useful further down the line.

In this article, we are going to look at when to start a baby registry. We will cover what first-time and second-time parents need to know about registries and how to go about creating one. Read on!

What This Article Covers:

First Baby: When to Make Your Baby Registry

when to make a baby registry

Having a first baby is an amazing and life-changing event. It's also a time when you'll be flooded with advice from well-meaning friends and family members. 

When's the best time to start your baby registry? For first-time parents, it's usually recommended that you start your registry around the 20-week mark. This gives you plenty of time to do your research and add items as you think of them. It also means that your registry will be complete by the time your baby shower rolls around.

When it comes to your baby registry, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. They include:

Start Early

The most important thing is to start early. You want to give yourself enough time to research the items you need and add them to your registry. Starting early enough helps you decide how many items to add to your baby registry and also allows you to take advantage of any sales or discounts that may be available.

Starting early is especially important if you are planning a baby shower.

Get Organized

Making a registry can be overwhelming, so it's important to be organized. First, you need to make a list of all the essentials you'll need for your baby. This can include items like cribs, car seats, strollers, and clothes. Once you have your list, you can start researching the different brands and products available.

You can also create a registry with the help of a friend or family member. This can be a great way to get started and ensure you don't forget anything important.

Getting help ensures you know exactly what not to put in your baby registry. It also helps you identify baby registry items you wouldn't think of because you'll have another set of eyes to help you out.

when to start a baby registry

Think Long-Term

When you're making your registry, it's important to think about the future. Choose items that will grow with your child and that will be useful for years to come. For example, instead of opting for a bassinet that your baby will only use for a few months, choose a crib that they can use until they're a toddler.

Ask yourself questions such as: what size baby clothes should I put on my registry? How long will my baby need a particular item? By thinking long-term, you can save yourself money in the future and ensure your registry is full of items that you'll actually use for months or even years.

Don't Forget the Extras

Once you've added all the big items to your registry, it's time to think about the smaller details. These are the things that can make your life as a parent a little easier and more comfortable. For example, do you need a breast pump? What about a diaper bag or baby carrier?

You might also want to consider adding items like a sound machine or white noise app to help your baby sleep. And if you're planning on breastfeeding, a nursing pillow can be a lifesaver.

One question worth answering is whether it’s rude to put expensive items on your baby registry. The answer is no; If there are items you really want or need, don't be afraid to put them on your registry. Your friends and family will be happy to help you out by purchasing something that will make your life easier.

When Should You Send out a Baby Registry?

If you're planning a baby shower, you'll want to send out your registry information to your guests about six weeks before the event. This will give them plenty of time to choose a gift and have it shipped in time for the big day.

when should you start a baby registry

Make sure to include your registry information on your baby shower invitations. You can also include it on a separate sheet of paper or include it as a link on your baby shower website (If you have created one) or on your social media group.

What About Starting Your Second Baby Registry?

If you're a second-time parent, you might be wondering if you need to create another registry. The answer is that it depends. If you still have some of the items from your first baby, then you might not need to register for everything again.

If you do decide to create a second registry, you can start it as early or as late as you want. But, we still recommend that you start it sooner rather than later so that your guests have plenty of time to shop for your shower.

Baby registry benefits outweigh any cons, hence creating one for your second baby is a great idea. Send it out to your friends and family early so they can have time to shop. The best time to create your registry is around the 20-week mark. Then, send it out to your guests about six weeks before the baby shower.

What Other Factors Might Affect When to Create a Baby Registry?

There are several other factors that might affect when you start your registry. They include:

Season

The season can affect when you start your registry because some items might go on sale at certain times of the year. For example, winter clothes might go on sale in the spring, so if you're due in the winter, you might want to wait to register for some of those items.

Your Due Date

If you have a summer due date, you might want to start your registry early so that your guests can take advantage of summer sales. Also, if you're due around the holidays, you might want to wait to start your registry so that your guests can use holiday sales to purchase gifts.

when to create a baby registry

The Size of Your Guest List

If you have a large number of guests, you might want to start your registry earlier so that everyone has plenty of time to shop. This is especially true if you're having a baby shower during a busy time of year, such as the holidays.

Conclusion

No matter when you start your baby registry, the important thing is that you enjoy the process and put together a list of items that you love. Have fun with it and don't be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family. They'll be more than happy to assist you in putting together the perfect registry for your new bundle of joy!

Don't forget there are many baby registry do's and don'ts to keep in mind. For instance ensure you add a good mix of items, from practical to sentimental. Your registry should also be flexible and allow for friends and family to purchase items in different price ranges. Don't forget to thank your guests for their gifts, regardless of how much they spent. 

Did You Find Our Blog Helpful? Then Consider Checking: