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Baby Registry Tips from Real Parents
Quick Answer
Real parents know what actually works - and what ends up collecting dust. We surveyed experienced moms and dads to gather their top baby registry tips. Here’s what they want new parents to know when building a registry.
In This Guide
- Honest lifestyle assessment for registry building
- Avoiding overspending and duplication
- Planning ahead for different baby stages
- Including parent essentials and self-care items
- Prioritizing health and safety items
- Skipping gimmicks and trusting experience
All Products in This Guide
Essential registry items recommended by experienced parents
Our Recommendations
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Be Honest About Your Lifestyle
“If you’re not outdoorsy, you might not need a rugged hiking stroller or camping-style carrier. And if you live in a small apartment, don’t register for a giant swing that eats up your living room,” advises one mom. In short, tailor your registry to your life. City dwellers might prioritize a compact Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller, while suburban parents might want that all-terrain BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller. Don’t feel pressured to add items that don’t fit how you actually live day-to-day.
Don’t Overspend or Duplicate
An experienced dad told us, “You don’t need five types of pacifiers or three different baby bath tubs.” It’s tempting to register for multiples “just in case” or because different friends suggested different brands. Start with one of each major item (one stroller, one high chair, one infant tub, etc.). You can always get another later if needed. Also, keep your registry reasonable - focus on must-haves first and a few nice-to-haves. Remember, your baby won’t care if they have the trendiest bouncer seat; they’ll care that you’re relaxed and not drowning in unused stuff.
Think Ahead (Not Just Newborn)
“My baby outgrew newborn stuff so fast - I’m glad I had some 6-month+ items on my registry,” says one mom. Don’t focus your list only on the first 8 weeks. Add items you’ll use a bit later: a Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair (for around 6 months), a convertible car seat for when they outgrow the infant seat, larger-size clothes, and toys for older babies. It’s smart to get these at your baby shower so you’re not scrambling or buying all new gear in a few months. Pro tip: you can even register for some toddler items like a convertible car seat or feeding booster - you might not get them as gifts, but if your registry offers a completion discount, you’ll save money when purchasing them yourself later.
Include “Parent” Essentials
Seasoned parents insist: don’t ignore items that help you (the parent). “One thing I wish I’d added was more postpartum care stuff - I ended up needing to Amazon Prime myself nipple cream and larger comfy pants,” one mom laughed. Add things like a My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow, extra Medela Symphony Breast Pump Kit, Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream, a cozy robe for those late nights, and even meal delivery gift cards or housekeeping services (some registries let you add those!). These “parent survival” items might not be as adorable as baby booties, but they are lifesavers. Experienced parents know a happy, healed mom or dad makes for a happier baby.
Health & Safety are Priority
“I never thought to put a thermometer or medicine kit on my registry, but at 2 AM with a feverish newborn, I wished I had,” admits a dad of two. Learn from them: register for a Safety 1st Baby Healthcare Kit (thermometer, nasal aspirator, infant acetaminophen, etc.), a baby CPR class or book, and safety items like a Safety 1st Car Seat Mirror or Safety 1st Baby Proofing Kit. These aren’t always top-of-mind during the fun of picking cute nursery decor, but they are really important. Experienced parents also recommend a Crane Drop Humidifier for baby’s room (great for colds) and a NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator that actually works - not things you realize you need until you need them. By adding them now, you’ll be prepared and someone might gift them to you.
Skip the Gimmicks & Trust Experience
Over and over, parents told us that some hyped products just weren’t worth it. “Wipe warmer, I’m looking at you,” jokes one mom. Fancy gadgets like wipe warmers, bottle sterilizers (the dishwasher or a pot of boiling water works fine), or shopping cart covers often go unused. Instead, ask a friend or relative who’s recently had a baby what they used most. You’ll likely hear a short list: a safe car seat like the Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat, a sturdy stroller, a comfy baby carrier like the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Carrier, a place to sleep like the Newton Galileo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib, diapers, and season-appropriate clothes. Every family is different, but the general consensus is less is more when it comes to baby gear. Don’t feel like you need every contraption. As one parenting expert points out, a lot of baby products weren’t even around a generation ago and babies did just fine. Focus on essentials that have stood the test of time like the Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets, and be wary of “as seen on TV” style gadgets that promise to solve problems you might not even have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:How do I build a registry that fits my lifestyle?
A: Be honest about your actual lifestyle. City dwellers might prioritize compact items, while suburban parents might want all-terrain options. Don't register for items that don't fit how you actually live day-to-day.
Q:Should I register for multiple versions of the same item?
A: Start with one of each major item (one stroller, one high chair, one infant tub, etc.). You can always get another later if needed. Focus on must-haves first and a few nice-to-haves.
Q:What items should I include for different baby stages?
A: Don't focus only on newborn items. Add items you'll use later: high chairs (for around 6 months), convertible car seats, larger-size clothes, and toys for older babies.
Q:What parent essentials should I include?
A: Don't ignore items that help you. Add postpartum care items, nursing pillows, breast pump parts, nipple cream, and even meal delivery gift cards or housekeeping services.
Q:What safety and health items are essential?
A: Register for healthcare kits (thermometer, nasal aspirator, infant acetaminophen), baby CPR resources, car seat mirrors, baby proofing kits, humidifiers, and nasal aspirators.
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*Subject to availability and Retailer's terms.
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