A baby registry is a list of baby products from a retail store that you’d like to stock up on in preparation for baby’s arrival. Anything you’d like can be included on your baby registry checklist, from smaller items like onesies and thermometers to big-ticket items like cribs and strollers. Just like a wedding registry, you can then share your baby registry with family, friends and baby shower guests eager to present gifts to the parents-to-be. It’s up to you how many stores you create registries with—or you can opt for a universal baby registry that pulls products from various stories into one master list.
While you can create a baby registry at any time, most moms-to-be start going through their baby registry checklist when they’re about 12 weeks along. That may seem early, but building a baby registry can take some work—infant care tends to call for a fair amount of stuff.
If you’re waiting to find out baby’s sex, you might want to hold off on creating your baby registry until you hear the news (which usually happens by 20 weeks), since it could influence which designs and color choices you go with. But don’t wait too much longer—you want to give yourself plenty of time to research the gear you’ll need and decide which items you’re going to count as baby registry essentials. (Plus, your guests will need some time to browse through your registry and pick out the perfect gift!)
When it comes time to build your baby registry, you’ll have plenty of options available to you: Tons of stores offer registry set-up. But depending on your style, price range and the type of registry perks you’re after, some choices are better than others. Here are some of the best places to register for baby:
Babies R Us
A one-stop-shop for all your baby registry essentials: clothing, furniture, health items, games—you name it. Plus, registrants earn up to 10 percent back on purchases made from their registries.
Amazon
The beauty of an Amazon baby registry is that it’s universal, meaning you can pick and choose items from any retailer, giving you endless product options. And if you have Amazon Prime, you can have it all in two days—with additional discounts to boot.
Pottery Barn Kids
PB Kids has mastered the art of creating sweet nursery decor with sophisticated touches, like boho-inspired quilts, gilded mobiles and organic collections. There’s also personalization available for many of the items to add that extra-special touch. Plus, those buying for multiples get a special 10 percent discount.
Target
While Target offers a huge selection of baby products, it’s especially good for finding colorful clothing and fun nursery accents. You can also add items from other retailers via their universal feature. Plus, enjoy a 15 percent discount on any of your remaining registry essentials.
Buy Buy Baby
Buy Buy Baby boasts everything from cleaning materials to baby clothes and car seats. When you register, you’ll get a goody bag filled with samples and coupons. And you don’t have to build your registry alone—friends can pitch in with suggestions from their own registry!
The Land of Nod
The Land of Nod has design-forward specialty items galore. They even offer free nursery design services (because every baby deserves a Pinterest-worthy bedroom). And with a multiples discount and 10 percent registry completion discount, it takes the hassle out of deciding where to registry for baby.
The Bump
Love all these retailers but want to condense your registries into one comprehensive list? Check out The Bump baby registry. We sync your registries from your favorite stores within 24 hours, making it easy to share just one registry with your shower guests. (Fun fact: 80 percent of all moms in the US host their baby registry on The Bump!)