Baby Registry Checklist for New Moms: How to Start, Where to Register & What to Include

Inside: Are you pregnant and looking for tips for starting a baby registry? See our ideas to make the process less stressful and find the best places to register. Grab your free baby registry checklist at the end! {UPDATED: September 2019; Original publish date February 2012}

---

When I was planning my wedding two and a half years ago, I never thought anything could be more daunting than creating a wedding registry…until I was tasked with creating a BABY registry! Wow! To sort through hundreds of baby products to find the most affordable, recommended and brand-worthy items for your new creature. Talk about overwhelming!

And if you’re feeling the same way, you’re not alone. Searching for baby registry tips online can only lead to more frustration, as the general “advice” offered often includes a useless list of the obvious: start early, think about your needs, do research, use a checklist! Well DUH!  What us first-time mothers really want to know, is what baby items are a must and which brands are the most recommended!

Tips for Starting a Baby Registry

Most places allow you to create a baby registry in-person or online via a simple registration form.

To make my search a little less baffling, I started using the checklist that sites like BabiesRUs and BuyBuyBaby offer when you first create a registry.  They are helpful in that they highlight the categories you should pay attention to, from feeding and bathing, to furniture and toys.  Although this doesn’t solve every issue, it at least helps you start breaking things up into manageable areas.

Next, I think it’s key to then browse through the various products in a category, taking into account customer reviews and ratings.  Reviews provide specific details and insights into why one brand is superior to another (if you are still on the fence between two items just “Google” the name and see what results come up).

Finally, another helpful tip to get your registry going, is to simply go with word of mouth. Ask friends and family members what products they found extremely helpful in caring for baby and what items you could do without. Personal experience is one of the best testimonials. This not only includes talking to those you know but also includes asking questions on social networks and mommy blog communities who have tons of stories and experiences to share.  More than likely, people will be happy to provide some advice.

Remember, after browsing for items online to get feedback, it’s also important to see what the items actually look like, feel like and how they function in the store (for those who are more about online shopping.)

Best Places to Start a Baby Registry

When I first created my baby registries online, I felt limited. I knew of two of the most popular sites out there (BabiesRUs.com – which has since closed and BuyBuyBaby.com). While they worked well, I chose them because I felt like they were a middle ground in terms of pricing and quality…AND they were the only places that had local stores near some of my family, so I knew creating a registry elsewhere wasn’t going to work. However, I only discovered the shopping convenience and array of brands on other online registries after my first baby was born. I’ve listed the best and most popular baby registry sites below:

Amazon Baby Registry

I WISH I had known that Amazon.com offered a baby registry when I was first pregnant, over 7 years ago. The range of brands, prices and simple convenience for family and friends really can’t be beaten. Not only that, but Amazon offers amazing perks for joining their registry including:

• Discounted diapers
• Subscription Service
• Free Delivery (with Amazon Prime)

Start an Amazon Baby Registry here >>

BuyBuyBaby

BuyBuyBaby.com is another popular registry site where you can find an array of baby products. I’ve always liked it because it was located nationwide and offered 20% off coupons — which you can find all over the place. Creating a registry is pretty straightforward online. Registry benefits include:

• Free Goody Bag (with samples and coupons)
• 15% Completion Discount (15% savings to complete the purchase of your registry items)
• Free Shipping Rewards
• Referral Rewards (Sending you $25 off a $100 purchase for friends you refer)

Create a BuyBuyBaby Registry Right Here >>

Target Baby

If you’re a Target shopper, you’ll be happy to know that Target also offers a baby registry — with many cute items for both baby and mom-to-be! They offer similar perks to BuyBuyBaby with a free goody bag, 15% completion discount and registry checklists. Sign up here! >>

BabyList

Finally, a newer and pretty cool baby registry, BabyList, lets you add products from almost anywhere directly onto their registry. Meaning it can be a one-stop-shop for all your favorite baby items. It’s also pretty clever, because if you see an online course (say a new mom birth course or breastfeeding course) you can also include that. It really makes it easier to get exactly what you want in this age of electronic books and courses!

Click here to learn more about a BabyList.com Registry >>

What to Include in Your Baby Registry

Like most expectant moms, your biggest question with a baby registry might be, “What things do I need to add to my baby registry”

0-3 month newborn baby registry

In my opinion, newborn baby must-haves are one of the top things you’ll want to focus on when selecting baby products…because it’s what baby will need immediately. So for babies 0-3 months (who are considered newborn) you’ll focus on three main areas: feeding, grooming and safety.

3-6 month baby essentials

Moving on to baby registry items for a 3-6 month old baby,

6-9 month baby registry 

Baby must-haves for ages 6-9 months will focus more on feeding,

9-12 month baby registry