The time has come to finally build your baby registry! You have your list. And whether you plan to head out to the store or start your registry online from the comfort of your couch, you are ready to make some decisions.
But only a few minutes in, you realize there are ENDLESS options. Just picking out the stores is a tough decision, let alone trying to decide which brand and style to choose.
We’re here to help! These tips will help guide you as you begin the exciting process of creating your baby registry.
The Price Is Right
First and foremost, think about the budget.
And we’re not just talking about your own personal budget – we’re talking about the budget of anyone who may buy you gifts. Take some time to think through who may want to get you a gift – family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. As you’re building your registry, be sure to keep this in mind. You don’t want to make it uncomfortable for someone looking to purchase you a gift by only including the top-end items. Include items at a variety of price points so that if someone wants to spoil you with a large gift, they can. But if they need to stick to something smaller, they have that option too.
Additionally, determine what you can afford to spend. The reality is, it is very unlikely that you will get everything on your registry, and for the essentials, you will wind up purchasing them yourself well in advance of the big day if they aren’t gifted to you. Take a realistic look at your budget and consider what you can spend to purchase all you will need for your little bundle of joy.
Shop ‘Till You Drop
Once you have an idea of the price range to shoot for, then you can consider where you will register. There are so many factors to weigh – from brands, to discounts, to freebies, to convenience. A few common ones include Amazon, Target, and buybuyBABY. There are also websites like Babylist that allow you to create a registry using items from all different stores.
If you’re having trouble deciding, What to Expect has a great resource to walk you through the pros and cons of each store. You can find it here: https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/registry/best-baby-registries.
Pink or Blue
Do you want the nursery to be all pink or blue? Or do you want to go all-out on Disney or Pooh?
It might seem silly and insignificant, but think about whether you want a theme and plan your registry accordingly. These are items you will carry, look at, and decorate with for at least a year. Pick something you’ll love! It’ll also help you narrow down the options.
Another point to consider with a theme is whether you plan to have more children. If so, you may want to select a gender-neutral theme so you can reuse some of your gear in the future. Keep in mind, some of your baby gear will only be used for a few weeks or a few months. Why not reuse them in the future!
Ask the Experts
With so much to choose from, you may forget a few items that you need. But don’t stress – there are a bunch of resources available to you to ensure you include everything.
We put together a quick reference guide of things you need and some you don’t here: [RAW LINK TO THE BLOG “Baby Registries: What You Need, What You Don’t, and What You Shouldn’t Forget]. Many stores and parenting websites will also have sample registry lists and breakdowns of your options. What to Expect, Babylist, and Bump Boxes are just a few places that could help.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask the experts: moms who have recently had a baby and have been through this. Not every mom has the same experience or circumstances, but they are sure to be full of recommendations on what worked and what didn’t work.
Once you think through these issues and do some research, you’ll be prepared to put together a great registry.
While you definitely want to be sure you pick the right stuff, don’t forget to have fun with this. After all – these will be the first gifts for your precious baby!
What tips do you have for new moms who are working on their baby registries? Share your experience with the Health for Her community by commenting below!
