How to Build a Baby Registry
So many things for somebody so small.
While in my wedding planning years, I was super intimidated to build a wedding registry but at least I knew home and kitchen items…as I entered my motherhood era, I learned quickly that building a baby registry is next level. There’s just so much more to learn! However, just like a wedding registry, there are several different platforms to consider as you prep for your little one(s) on the way. I like the sites that aggregate all the brands into one easy online shopping destination vs registering at multiple stores. My take on it was that I wanted the nice crib sheets from Pottery Barn but burp cloths from Amazon or Target.
With that mindset, I chose to utilize Babylist - it’s super user friendly and even has discounted items specifically from their site if you create an account and list your items through there. The overwhelming feeling of not knowing what to register for is totally normal, so the grouping of items that Babylist provides you is KEY to building a successful one. They also have ‘must-have’ registry items that you can simply add but understanding how to group the items in ‘diapering’, ‘feeding’, ‘sleeping’, ‘transportation’, etc. really helped me gauge what I needed and put my mind at ease with my ongoing baby to-do list.
There’s also going to be frantic texts and calls to friends and family to help build your registry and I strongly recommend you do that! My best friend helped me build mine and it was super helpful, but I also filtered her recommendations with another few mom friends and then ultimately did my own research to truly come up with my list for baby girl. And don’t forget about you, the mom. Postpartum essentials and bras needed for nursing/pumping are just as important - a baby needs a happy & healthy mama!
The timing of building the registry is also key. Ideally you have it done around the 20-week mark, once you know the gender (or you might want to wait, good for you) because people will start asking you. Everyone loves sending a gift for a baby. This is your chance not to get the same clothes and actually let people know what you really need. And you’ll want to include it on your baby shower invite which should go out within those next few weeks.
Even though you’re a first time mom and don’t know everything, trust your instincts and educate yourself on what’s going to be most important for you and your baby. For me - sleep was a priority, so I made sure the ‘sleeping’ section of my registry was stacked with sound machines, swaddles, crib sheets, top notch monitor, etc. I also wanted functionality. For example - I used a pack & play next to our bed the first 8 weeks vs a fancy bassinet because they don’t last very long in those, and also because I wanted her to move to the crib in her room by 2-3 months old. And then she was more used to sleeping in that when we traveled - win win!
Here’s how to build a successful baby registry as a first time mom:
Research and select an online shopping platform that fits your needs
Educate yourself on categories of baby and postpartum items, reach out to family & friends
Launch your registry by the 20-week mark, everyone loves shopping for a baby so take advantage and circulate that link out early
Prioritize items that are going to help you in the first 3 months but also determine what is most important to you (travel, feeding, education, etc.)
Give yourself grace - it’s okay not to know everything, your baby ultimately just needs you to be a happy and healthy mama