When To Start a Baby Registry: The Best Tips
There are many exciting things to look forward to after you find out you’re pregnant. For example, there’s seeing your baby on an ultrasound for the first time, picking out names, and watching your belly grow, just to name a few. Another fun thing many parents look forward to is making a baby registry, but how do you know when to start a baby registry?
While there’s no perfect answer for when you should start a baby registry, there is definitely a ‘right’ time. You won’t want to start a registry too early, and you certainly don’t want to create one too late.
So in this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about when to start a baby registry. From when to start a baby registry to the best places to start a baby registry, we’ve got you covered!
Let’s get started!
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When is the best time to start a baby registry?
You might be anxious to start your baby registry as soon as you’re pregnant, especially if you’re a first-time mom. But you might want to hold off for a little bit longer!
The general rule is to wait until you’re at least 12 weeks pregnant to start your baby registry. Waiting until week 12 of your pregnancy is recommended because most miscarriages happen in the first trimester.
As a mom who has experienced two miscarriages, I agree with waiting to start a baby registry until you’re further along. Once you’re in the second trimester, you’ll be even more excited to get your registry filled.
I waited with both of my children until I was around week 20 to start my registries. I chose to wait until week 20 because we wanted to determine the gender of our babies, and then I could add gender-specific items to our registries.
But just because I waited until 20 weeks to start my registries doesn’t mean I wasn’t looking at all the cute baby items! If you’re in your first trimester and can’t wait to start your registry, I recommend researching the baby items you know you’ll need.
Start researching products like car seats, cribs, strollers, and even baby monitors, and add your favorite choices to a list. Then, when you create your registry, you’ll already have done a lot of leg work!
PRO MAMA TIP: If you decide to wait until your second trimester to start your baby registry, ensure you give yourself plenty of time to finish it before your baby shower. Guests will want many gift ideas to choose from, and you won’t want to feel frazzled trying to get it together at the last minute.
How long does it take to create a baby registry?
As you’re preparing to start your registry, you might wonder how long does it actually take to make a baby registry? The initial setup of creating a baby registry takes little time; most registries will only take you 15 minutes to set them up.
Once you set up your baby registry and enter all the details, you can start adding the baby items. You can expect to spend a few hours researching products and adding all the baby items you’ll need to your registry.
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- The Best Gifts for Labor and Delivery Nurses
Should you start a baby registry for your second baby?
Once I was in the second trimester with my second child, I wondered if creating a baby registry for a second baby was normal. It turns out the answer is yes; it’s completely normal (and encouraged!) to start a second baby registry!
Even if you saved everything from your first child to use with your second, there would still be new or duplicate items you’ll want for your second baby.
For example, if you’re firstborn is still using their baby monitor, you’ll likely need a second one. Or maybe the burp cloths from your first baby are pretty stained, and you’d like some new ones.
Also, whenever you make a baby registry, most stores will give you a completion coupon to use when you buy what you need from your registry. These completion coupons are usually 15% off, which is a huge help, especially if you’re having a baby on a budget!
Not sure what to put on your second baby registry? Check out this article!
Places To Start Your Baby Registry:
Quite a few years ago, only a few stores offered baby registry services- the most popular choice being Target. Now, so many stores have baby registries that it can be hard to keep track of them all! Here are the top five stores that offer baby registries and what you can expect from them:
- Amazon: 15% completion coupon, free 1-year returns, free welcome box, and Prime shipping.
- Target: 15% completion coupon, Target Circle discounts for one year, free 1-year returns, and a free welcome kit.
- Buy Buy Baby: 15% completion coupon, free 1-year returns, and a free welcome box.
- Babylist: 15% completion coupon, free welcome box, and the ability to add any item from any store.
- Walmart: Free welcome box and free 1-year returns. (No completion coupon as of now.)
When should you share your registry?
Ultimately, when you want to share your baby registry is up to you. You can wait until it’s finished, or you can share it while you’re in the process of filling it up.
One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll want your baby registry completed and ready to share before you send out your baby shower invitations. Your shower guests will enjoy having plenty of options to choose from when picking out gifts for your new baby.
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What should you NOT put on a baby registry?
Once you figure out when to start a baby registry, you’ll start figuring out what to put on it. But one crucial thing you need to know is what NOT to put on your baby registry.
For example, you’ll want to steer clear of popular baby items that many people will buy regardless of if they’re on your registry. Some popular items include blankets, clothing items, and books or toys.
Check out this post if you want to know more about what to leave off your registry!
Do you put expensive items on your baby registry?
Many expecting moms wonder if it’s appropriate to add costly items, like furniture, to their registry. The short answer is yes! It’s completely acceptable and encouraged to put expensive items on your baby registry.
The first reason to add some pricey gifts to your registry is that some people enjoy gifting larger ticket items, especially if it’s for your first baby. For instance, parents or grandparents often love to get big items like cribs, so don’t hesitate to add them.
Also, don’t forget about the completion discounts! If you add more expensive items to your registry and nobody gifts them to you, you’ll be able to use your 15% off coupon to purchase it before your due date.
Now, keep in mind that while it’s ok to add more expensive items to your registry, you’ll also want to have plenty of lower and middle-range things, too. Having an excellent price-range balance on your registry will ensure that everyone will be able to find you a gift that you want and that they can afford.
How many baby registries are too many?
While you can have however many baby registries you desire, you want to stay moderate. Creating too many registries will put you at risk of adding too many duplicate items and getting confused about what is on each registry.
I recommend sticking with up to two registries. Personally, I have used Amazon and Target for my registries, and I think having both is beneficial.
Amazon has excellent perks for using their registry services, and there are so many options for what you can add to it. And Target allows you to shop in-store and add things you like as you window shop.
If you want to start an Amazon baby registry, follow this link to get started. It’s quick and easy, and you won’t be disappointed by their discounts or welcome box!
And there you have it; when to start a baby registry! I hope this guide has answered all your questions and you feel confident that you’re starting your baby registry at the perfect time.
Before you go, check out these related articles:
- The Ultimate Second Trimester Checklist
- Pregnancy Essentials You’ll Regret Not Having
- How Many Diapers Will I Need For The First Year?
- Newborn Essentials Every New Mom Needs!
- Birth Affirmations To Help With Your Labor
When did you think was the best time for you to start a baby registry? I would love to know in the comments below!
