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How To Create the Perfect Baby Registry? The Ultimate Guide

How To Create the Perfect Baby Registry? The Ultimate Guide

Thu Apr 04 2024

Congratulations on deciding to create a baby registry! It's a smart move. But now, you might wonder how to make it perfect. Should you go all out to ensure it's perfect, or are you worried you might not include everything you need? 

We're here to guide you on how much is 'right' and what essentials matter. 

This article will walk you through creating a baby registry that meets your needs without overwhelming you. Let's get started on curating a list that's both practical and perfect for welcoming your little one.

Preparing to Create a Baby Registry

As you journey through your pregnancy, it's natural for your needs and preferences to evolve. You'll likely find yourself revising your baby registry a few times, and that's perfectly okay. 

So, don't stress about getting everything right on the first try. Allow yourself the flexibility to update your list as you move closer to your due date.

Best Time to Create a Baby Registry

If you're considering selecting items based on your baby's sex, it's wise to wait until you know for sure, which can be between 12 and 20 weeks into the pregnancy. 

However, if you're leaning towards gender-neutral items, feel free to start as soon as you hear the good news. 

Many parents choose the start of the third trimester to curate the baby registry. This gives you plenty of time to organize and set up your baby's space at a time when you're past morning sickness and still have the energy to enjoy the process. 

Don't worry if you're eager to get started right away. Most baby registries can be set to "private," letting you add items without anyone else seeing until you're ready to share. 

How Many Items to Put on a Baby Registry

Aim for about 70-80 items on your registry. Early in your pregnancy, start gathering advice from parent friends on what they found indispensable. 

Plan for Now and Later

Don't forget about the items you'll want a few months down the line. Babies grow quickly, and their needs change just as fast. 

Some first-time parents also keep expensive items gender-neutral so they can be reused for future babies.

Questions to Consider Before Registering

Before you start adding items to your registry, take a moment to think about your space and lifestyle. Here are some questions to help guide you:

  • How much space do you have in your home for baby gear?
  • Can you rearrange to make room for larger items like a crib or playpen?
  • What is your daily routine, and how will baby items fit into that?
  • Are there specific products or brands you prefer due to their quality, safety, or sustainability?
  • How easy is it to clean or maintain the items you're considering?

How to Select Baby Registry Items

Focus on your newborn's primary needs: eating, sleeping, and hygiene. This approach ensures you prioritize essentials for your baby's well-being and comfort. Here's a baby registry checklist for you:

Baby Gear

Some baby gear essentials include:

Baby Clothes

Opt for practical, comfortable, and easy-to-wash items. Babies grow quickly, so limit the number of newborn sizes. 

Consider more unisex or neutral colors if you plan to have more children, allowing for easy hand-me-downs. 

It's also good to avoid overly dressy or complicated outfits, as simple onesies with busy prints are best for everyday use.

Bathing and Hygiene

Gentle, safe, and easy-to-use products will make bath time enjoyable for you and your baby.

  • Baby bathtub 
  • Hooded baby towels
  • Non-toxic, tear-free baby wash and shampoo
  • Soft washcloths
  • Waterproof bath kneeler
  • Diaper cream

Feeding Items

Since babies can be particular about bottles and nipples, don't stock up on one type before testing what works. 

Furniture

  • Convertible crib - transitions from baby to toddler bed.
  • Changing table with storage - keeps essentials organized and at hand.
  • Rocking chair or glider - for comfortable feedings and cuddles.
  • Baby monitor - choose a model with good video quality and a secure connection.
  • Humidifier - for maintaining optimal nursery air quality.

Playtime

Playtime is crucial for your baby's development, offering learning, exploration, and bonding opportunities. Select toys and a list of items that promote sensory development, motor skills, and safe exploration. 

Here's a list of essentials that can stimulate your baby's senses, encourage movement, and provide comfort.

  • Activity mat or play gym
  • Soft, washable toys
  • Teething toys 
  • Board books
  • Mirror toys

Optional Items:

  • Decorative items: To personalize the nursery.
  • High-end clothing and shoes: Remember, shoes are more for show until your baby starts walking, usually around or after their first birthday.
  • Advanced toys: Focus on developmental toys suitable for infants. Fancy baby toys can wait.
  • Postpartum or nursing care: Items such as nursing pillow and nursing bra.

Babies have unique needs and sensitivities. It might take some trial and error to find the right diapers, pacifiers, and baby bottles.

8 Steps to Create Your Baby Registry

Step 1: Sign Up for a Baby Registry

Head over to Giftstart, a Canadian baby registry, and sign up. It's a breeze to start, completely free and takes only a moment.

Step 2: Describe Your Journey 

After signing up, you'll choose what stage you're at, from starting to explore to having your baby at home. This helps Giftstart customize your experience.

Step 3: Select Products or Services

You'll see categories like baby gear and feeding. Click on what you need, and Giftstart will show you great options.

Browse through categories for baby registry essentials and look for the "Services" section. Here, you can find offerings like babysitting or sleep consultation services.

Step 4: Add Your Due Date or 

Tell Giftstart when your baby is expected. This way, they can help you prioritize what to get first.

Step 5: Set Your Baby Shower Event Date

Add the event date if you're planning a baby shower or any other celebration. 

Step 6: Name Your Registry 

On the "My Registries" page, you can name your registry and add your name(s) to make it personal.

Step 7: Add Products, Services, or Cash Funds

Now, you can start adding products to your registry. Giftstart has a lot of recommended items to choose from.

Step 8: Share With Loved Ones 

Once your registry is ready, share it with friends and family so they know what you need. 

Managing and Updating the Registry

Here's how you can manage and keep your registry up to date:

Stay Informed

Giftstart simplifies tracking gifts. When someone buys something, you'll be notified, and the registry automatically updates. This means you'll always know what's been purchased and what you still need.

Set up Cash Funds

For those big items or services, you can set up cash funds on Giftstart. It's a tasteful way to gather funds for bigger expenses or future purposes. 

Giftstart handles the details, so you won't have to ask for money outright. Set your desired amount, and then you can use the funds as you see fit without worrying about storing large items or returning things you don't need.

Use Modern Options

With Giftstart, you can think beyond traditional gifts. Consider adding subscription services to your registry. 

Top 7 Tips for Creating a Perfect Baby Registry

Being well-prepared for your baby's arrival means less stress and more enjoyment. Here's how to build a perfect baby registry:

  • Make Separate Lists: Consider having one registry for close family and another for friends to help manage expectations and gift types.
  • Delay the Toys: Infants are often more fascinated by faces and voices than toys. Skip the fancy playthings in the early months and opt for items that support interaction, like baby-safe mirrors or soft books with high-contrast images.
  • Include Big-Ticket Items: Don't shy away from listing one or two higher-priced items. Friends and family may want to pool resources for a significant gift. Use the cash funds feature on Giftstart to collect those gifts.
  • Gather Insights: Gain wisdom from those who've been there by seeking advice from seasoned parents, using online forums and other baby showers, and exploring parenting blogs for registry must-haves.
  • It's Your Wish List: Treat your registry as a comprehensive wish list. There's no need to hold back on items you desire; if it's something you imagine could be beneficial, add it. 
  • Seek Professional Advice: Have a professional baby planner review your registry for added confidence. 
  • Consider Duplicates: Your baby's needs don't stop at home. If you spend considerable time at a relative's house, it might be worth including duplicates of certain items like a portable crib, an extra diaper bin, or a second booster seat.

Conclusion

Alright, you've got your list ready, and you're all set to make those big, exciting decisions for your little one's arrival! 

Now, let's talk about putting it all together in an online registry, a must-have for modern parents.

An online baby registry, like Giftstart, is your go-to place to keep track of everything you want and need for your baby. Plus, unlike traditional registries, we allow parents to set up services and cash funds as baby registry items. 

So, why wait? Sign up today at Giftstart and start building your dream baby registry.
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