What is a baby registry?

A babe registry is a wish list of all the things you'd like to receive every bit gifts for your new babe. Creating a registry helps you plan for all the gear and supplies you'll need and want for your fiddling 1. Information technology besides gives you a polite way to steer your friends and family toward the babe products you love (and abroad from the things you don't).

How does a baby registry work?

You tin offset a baby registry at many different online and offline retailers, and you're not limited to one. Some parents-to-be create registries at multiple retailers to accept advantage of different perks. The best baby registries offer incentives, such as a gratuitous welcome box, toll matching, extended return periods, registry completion discounts, and more. Some baby registries are universal registries, significant that y'all can add items from any retailer to your registry and keep track of everything in 1 place. Earlier yous start your registry, check out these babe registry dos and don'ts. And to find the all-time registry for you, caput to BabyCenter's Baby Registry Builder, which gives you personalized recommendations.

What to put on a baby registry

Don't be shy – go alee and add everything you lot'll need for your infant's first year (and across!). There's no downside to registering for a lot of things, and information technology's squeamish for gift-givers to accept lots of options at unlike price points. If you don't receive all the must-have items on your registries, you can accept advantage of registry completion discounts to purchase them yourself.

You'll desire to include basic necessities on your infant registry – such equally diapers, wipes, toys, and clothing – too equally big-ticket items such equally a car seat, a stroller, a highchair, a bassinet, a play yard, and a crib. Some registries allow for group gifts, which helps with the more expensive items. See below for our consummate list of what to put on your registry. In addition to suggesting the best registries for you, our Registry Builder comes with a personalized checklist of infant gear to add together to your registries – so you'll want to make sure to check it out.

What not to add to your baby registry

We told yous to register for everything – but there are some caveats. Use circumspection when registering for:

Unmarried-purpose gadgets: Babe-wipe warmers aren't necessary, according to many moms and dads. And instead of a defended babe-nutrient maker, a regular blender or food processor tin do the job.

Impractical baby apparel and shoes: As cute as those teeny-tiny cowboy boots and frilly gowns can be, you probably won't get much use out of them.

Crib bedding sets: Crib bumpers, pillows, and quilts aren't safe for babies.

Too many toys: Watch out for large infant toys that serve similar purposes, such every bit jumpers and action centers, or bouncers and swings. Y'all may not need them all – or want to store them.

When to start a baby registry

Many expecting parents create their babe registries at 12 weeks, equally the start trimester comes to an end. Others start a registry after finding out their infant's gender, or create the registry a month or two before their infant shower. There'southward no such affair as too early on when information technology comes to registries, only y'all tin can be besides late. Give your gift-givers plenty of time to consider their options and brand purchases.

Some good news: Starting a registry online is simple. Here are three pop registries we've partnered with:

  • Go a costless welcome gift valued at $100, and a fifteen percentage discount on everything left in your registry.

    Register

  • Add items from any site using Amazon's Universal Registry. Prime number members get a xv percent completion discount on eligible items.

    Register

  • Go access to online registry tools, a costless welcome souvenir, and a 15 per centum completion discount.

    Register

Must-have babe registry items

Click on items to run across the BabyCenter Beloved It Honour winners – the best babe products chosen by BabyCenter parents and editors.

Nursery

  • Irresolute table or pad
  • Crib
  • Crib mattress
  • Bassinet
  • Glider or rocker
  • Mobile
  • Plant nursery organizers and storage

Baby gear

  • Baby wrap or sling
  • Baby carrier
  • Baby backpack
  • Everyday stroller
  • Jogging stroller
  • Travel system
  • Infant or convertible car seat
  • Play yard

Diapering

  • Textile or disposable diapers
  • Babe wipes
  • Diaper rash foam
  • Diaper bag
  • Diaper pail and liners

Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding

  • Nursing pillow
  • Nursing pads
  • Nipple cream
  • Nursing bras and tops
  • Nursing cover
  • Transmission or electric breast pump
  • Breast milk storage bags
  • Burp cloths
  • Bottles
  • Bottle warmer
  • Formula
  • Bottle-drying rack
  • Bottle brushes
  • Dishwasher basket for canteen parts

Solid feeding

  • Highchair
  • Bowls and plates (3 to five)
  • Baby spoons (2 or 3)
  • Sippy cups (iii to v)
  • Bibs (iii to 5)
  • Baby nutrient maker

Bathing

  • Baby bathtub
  • Babe bath towels (ii)
  • Washcloths
  • Baby shampoo or body launder
  • Baby lotion
  • Bath toys

Clothing

  • Newborn clothing
  • Sleepers or pajamas (10 per size)
  • Bodysuits (7 per size)
  • Stretchy pants (7 per size)
  • Outer layers (2 per size)
  • Socks and infant shoes
  • Sunday hats (2)
  • Winter hats (ii)

Sleeping

  • Wearable blankets (2 or three)
  • Swaddling blankets (3)
  • Sound automobile
  • Nightlight
  • Crib sheets (3 to 5)
  • Waterproof mattress pad (2)
  • Pacifiers

Infant toys and entertainment

  • Infant bouncer or rocker
  • Babe swing
  • Babe jumper
  • Play mat
  • Activity center
  • Books
  • Toys

Wellness and condom

  • Safety gates
  • Childproofing products
  • Infant monitor
  • Baby first-assist kit
  • Baby grooming kit
  • Babe thermometer
  • Babe humidifier
  • Nasal aspirator
  • Colic relievers
  • Teething toys