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When Should I Start My Baby Registry?
When should you start your baby registry? Start early at 12-14 weeks to maximize your completion discount and give friends and family time to shop. Most parents create their registry during the second trimester, which gives you time to research products and take advantage of completion discounts before baby arrives. For more registry tips, see our baby registry tips guide and budget baby registry guide.
Quick Answer
When should you start your baby registry? Start at 12-14 weeks during your second trimester. This timing lets you research products, use your completion discount twice, and gives family time to shop before your baby shower.
In This Guide
- Best time to start your baby registry
- Absolute essentials you need NOW (before baby arrives)
- Important items you can add later (when baby outgrows bassinet)
- Nice-to-have items perfect for discounts and group purchases
- How to use completion discounts strategically
- When to share your registry with friends and family
When Should I Start My Baby Registry: The Ideal Timeline
Start your registry at 12-14 weeks. This timing works best because you’re past the first trimester concerns, have more energy, and can plan ahead. Starting early gives you time to research products, add items gradually, and use your completion discount strategically.
Most parents start their registry in the second trimester, around 12-16 weeks. This timing balances research time with practical needs. You’ll have months to refine your list before your baby shower and baby’s arrival.
Why 12-14 weeks works well:
- You’re past first trimester symptoms
- You have energy to research products
- You can use your completion discount twice
- Friends and family have time to shop before showers
- You avoid last-minute stress and rushed decisions
All Products in This Guide
Essential registry items organized by priority
Our Recommendations
(4 products)
Absolute Essentials: Buy These NOW (Before Baby Arrives)
These four items are absolute essentials you need before bringing your baby home. Buy these yourself or use your first completion discount around 30 weeks. These items are non-negotiable for safe baby care from day one.
HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0
The HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0 provides safe sleep for newborns right next to your bed. This bassinet swivels 360 degrees and has a lowering wall for easy access during nighttime feedings. The breathable mesh walls and height adjustment make it perfect for bedside sleeping.
Buy this NOW because: Your baby needs a safe sleep space from day one. The hospital will ask how your baby will sleep at home. You’ll use this immediately when you bring your baby home.
Why it’s perfect for your registry:
- 360-degree swivel for easy access
- Lowering wall for convenient nighttime feeding
- Breathable mesh walls for safety
- Height adjustable up to 30 inches
- Works for newborns up to 5 months or 20 pounds
When to buy: 12-30 weeks (buy yourself or use first completion discount)
Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
The Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System includes both a car seat and stroller in one package. This travel system includes the Chicco KeyFit Sport Infant Car Seat and the Bravo Quick-Fold Stroller. The car seat installs easily with the LATCH system, and the stroller accepts the car seat so you can move your baby from car to stroller without waking them.
Buy this NOW because: Hospitals require a car seat to discharge your baby. You cannot leave the hospital without one installed in your car. You’ll also need a stroller for walks, errands, and doctor visits from day one.
Why it’s perfect for your registry:
- Includes both car seat and stroller (saves money)
- Car seat fits babies from 4 to 32 pounds
- Easy installation with LATCH system
- One-hand smart fold design
- UPF 50+ canopy for sun protection
- Large storage basket for diaper bag and supplies
When to buy: 12-30 weeks (buy yourself or use first completion discount)
Newborn and 0-3 Month Baby Clothes
Newborn and 0-3 month baby clothes in multiple sizes are essential for your baby’s first weeks. Babies grow quickly, and newborn sizes vary, so having clothes in both newborn and 0-3 month sizes ensures your baby has properly fitting clothing from day one.
Buy this NOW because: Your baby will need multiple outfit changes throughout the day, especially during those first weeks. You’ll need clothes immediately when you bring your baby home.
What to add:
- Gerber Baby 5-Pack Onesies - Bodysuits and onesies in newborn and 0-3 month sizes. Soft cotton with snap closures for easy diaper changes.
- Carter’s Sleep and Play - Sleepers and pajamas for nighttime. Footed design keeps feet warm, snap closure for easy diaper access.
- Carter’s Baby Pants 3-Pack - Soft pants for mixing and matching with onesies
- Socks and booties to keep feet warm
- Hats for temperature regulation
- Swaddles or receiving blankets for wrapping (see our best baby swaddles guide)
Why it’s perfect for your registry:
- Friends and family love buying clothes as gifts
- Easy to find in multiple sizes
- Great value when purchased in multi-packs
- Essential for daily outfit changes
When to buy: 12-30 weeks (easy for friends/family to gift, but have basics ready before baby arrives)
HALO SleepSack Micro-Fleece Wearable Blanket
The HALO SleepSack Micro-Fleece Wearable Blanket keeps your baby safe during sleep without loose blankets. This wearable blanket uses micro-fleece material to regulate temperature, and the bottom zipper makes diaper changes easy.
Buy this NOW because: Safe sleep guidelines recommend wearable blankets over loose blankets. Your baby will sleep in this from their first night home.
Why it’s perfect for your registry:
- Safe sleep design without loose blankets
- Temperature regulation with micro-fleece
- Easy diaper changes with bottom zipper
- Multiple sizes grow with your baby
- Machine washable for easy care
When to buy: 12-30 weeks (buy yourself or easy gift for friends/family)
Important Items: Buy These LATER (When Baby Outgrows Bassinet)
These items are important but you don’t need them immediately. Wait until your baby outgrows their bassinet around 4-6 months, or when you discover you actually need them. This saves money and storage space during those early weeks.
Newton Galileo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib and Newton Original Crib Mattress
The Newton Galileo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib and Newton Original Crib Mattress are essential for when your baby outgrows their bassinet. The crib converts from a standard crib to a toddler bed, then to a daybed. The mattress is ultra-breathable and completely washable.
Buy this LATER because: Your baby sleeps in the bassinet for the first 4-6 months. You don’t need a crib until they outgrow the bassinet or you’re ready to transition them to their own room.
Why wait makes sense:
- Saves space in your bedroom during early months
- Gives you time to research and choose the right crib
- Use your second completion discount after baby arrives
- Perfect for group purchases - friends can chip in together
- You’ll know your baby’s size and sleep preferences by then
When to buy: After baby arrives, around 3-5 months (use second completion discount or group purchase)
Why it’s perfect for your registry:
- 3-in-1 conversion from crib to toddler bed to daybed
- Solid beech wood construction
- GREENGUARD Gold certified for low emissions
- 100% breathable mattress - baby can breathe through it
- Completely washable mattress core and cover
Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor
The Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor gives you peace of mind during naps and nighttime. This monitor provides HD video, night vision, and two-way audio without Wi-Fi. You get reliable monitoring without privacy concerns. See our best baby monitors guide for more options and comparisons.
Buy this LATER because: Many parents find they don’t need a monitor immediately if the bassinet is right next to their bed. You may want one when baby moves to their own room or when they nap in a different room.
Why wait makes sense:
- Baby is right next to you in bassinet - easy to check on them
- Gives you time to see if you actually need a monitor
- Perfect item for baby shower gift (friends/family often want to gift tech items)
- Use completion discount if you discover you need it
When to buy: 3-6 months or when baby moves to crib (good baby shower gift or use second discount)
Why it’s perfect for your registry:
- No Wi-Fi required for privacy
- HD video with night vision
- Two-way audio for soothing
- Long-range signal works throughout your home
- Expandable with additional cameras
Skip Hop Forma Backpack Diaper Bag
The Skip Hop Forma Backpack Diaper Bag keeps you organized for outings and errands. This backpack diaper bag includes multiple compartments, a changing pad, and stroller attachments.
Buy this LATER because: While helpful, you can manage with a regular backpack or tote bag for the first few weeks. This is a convenience item, not an absolute essential.
Why wait makes sense:
- You may find a regular bag works fine initially
- Great baby shower gift option
- Use completion discount if you discover you need more organization
- Friends and family often enjoy gifting practical items like this
When to buy: 1-3 months or when you start going out more (perfect baby shower gift)
Why it’s perfect for your registry:
- Backpack design keeps hands free
- Multiple compartments for organization
- Includes changing pad
- Professional appearance works for work
- Stroller attachments included
Nice-to-Have Items: Use Discounts or Group Purchases
These items are helpful but not essential immediately. Perfect for using your completion discount or encouraging group purchases from friends and family. These items add convenience but won’t impact your baby’s safety or basic care.
Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair (When Baby Starts Solids - Around 6 Months)
The Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair grows with your child from 6 months to adulthood. This adjustable chair converts from a newborn seat to a high chair, then becomes a regular chair. The ergonomic design promotes proper posture, and the solid wood construction ensures durability.
A high chair is essential when your baby starts solids around 6 months, but you don’t need it before then. This is a perfect item to use your second completion discount on, or for friends and family to purchase together as a group gift.
Why this timing works:
- Baby doesn’t need it until 6 months
- Perfect for second completion discount
- Great group purchase opportunity
- You’ll know your space and preferences by then
Why it’s perfect for your registry:
- Grows with your child from newborn to adult
- Adjustable design works for different sizes
- Ergonomic design promotes proper posture
- Solid wood construction ensures durability
- Multiple color options to match your decor
When to add to registry: 12-20 weeks (so friends can see it)
When to buy: 5-6 months (use second discount or group purchase)
Philips Avent 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer
If you’re bottle-feeding, the Philips Avent 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer can save time, but it’s not essential. This sterilizer cleans bottles, pacifiers, and feeding accessories in 6 minutes with steam. You can hand-wash bottles initially and add this later if you find you need it.
Why wait makes sense:
- Hand-washing works fine for the first few months
- You may discover you don’t actually need it
- Use completion discount if you decide you want it
- Good option for friends/family who want to gift feeding supplies
Why it’s perfect for your registry:
- 6-minute sterilization cycle
- Automatic shut-off for safety
- Fits multiple bottles at once
- Compact design saves counter space
- Works with all bottle types and sizes
When to add to registry: 16-20 weeks (if bottle-feeding)
When to buy: 1-3 months if you find hand-washing tedious (use completion discount)
Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump (If Breastfeeding)
If you’re breastfeeding, the Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump is helpful for working mothers or when you need to pump. This hospital-strength pump features rechargeable battery, closed system to prevent contamination, and quiet operation for discreet use. See our best baby feeding essentials guide for more feeding options.
Why wait makes sense:
- Many insurance plans cover breast pumps (check your coverage first)
- You may find you don’t need it if breastfeeding goes smoothly
- Perfect baby shower gift for breastfeeding mothers
- Use completion discount if you discover you need it
Why it’s perfect for your registry:
- Hospital-strength suction for efficient pumping
- Rechargeable battery for portability
- Closed system prevents milk contamination
- Quiet operation for discreet use
- Double pump saves time
When to add to registry: 16-20 weeks (if breastfeeding)
When to buy: Before baby arrives if insurance doesn’t cover it, or after baby arrives if you discover you need it (use completion discount)
Registry Strategy: Get Basics First, Then Invite Others
Here’s the smart way to structure your registry to maximize savings and gift opportunities:
Step 1: Buy Absolute Essentials Yourself (12-30 Weeks)
Purchase these four essentials yourself or use your first completion discount around 30 weeks:
- Bassinet
- Travel System (car seat and stroller)
- Newborn clothes (at least basics)
- Sleep sack
Why buy these yourself:
- You need them immediately when baby arrives
- Hospital requires car seat to discharge
- No risk of not having them
- Use first discount for maximum savings on expensive items
Step 2: Add Important Items to Registry (16-24 Weeks)
Add these items to your registry for friends and family to see, but you don’t need them immediately:
- Newton Galileo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib and Newton Original Crib Mattress (for when baby outgrows bassinet)
- Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor (when baby moves to own room)
- Skip Hop Forma Backpack Diaper Bag (convenience item - can wait)
Why add them now:
- Friends and family like buying big-ticket items
- Gives people time to plan purchases
- Group purchases work well for cribs
- You can use second discount if they’re not purchased
Step 3: Add Nice-to-Have Items (20-28 Weeks)
Add convenience items and things you’ll need later:
- Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair (for 6 months)
- Philips Avent 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer (if bottle-feeding)
- Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump (if breastfeeding)
Why add them:
- Perfect for baby shower gifts
- Use completion discount if not purchased
- Group purchases work well
- You won’t need them until later anyway
Step 4: Share Registry with Friends and Family (20-24 Weeks)
Share your registry with close family and friends around 20-24 weeks. Include it in baby shower invitations around 24-28 weeks.
Strategy for sharing:
- Emphasize that absolute essentials are already covered
- Encourage group purchases for big-ticket items like cribs
- Mention that nice-to-haves are perfect for shower gifts
- Let people know you’ll use completion discount for remaining items
How to Use Completion Discounts Strategically
Most registries offer a completion discount you can use twice. Use them strategically to maximize savings.
First Discount Window: Around 30 Weeks (Before Baby Arrives)
Use for absolute essentials you need NOW:
- Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System - Car seat and stroller (see our best baby travel essentials guide for more options)
- HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0 - Bassinet
- Gerber Baby 5-Pack Onesies and Carter’s Sleep and Play - Newborn clothes basics in newborn and 0-3 month sizes
- HALO SleepSack Micro-Fleece Wearable Blanket - Sleep sack (see our best baby swaddles guide for more safe sleep options)
Strategy: Use this discount on items you absolutely need before baby arrives. Don’t risk waiting - these are non-negotiable.
Second Discount Window: After Baby Arrives (90 Days After Birth)
Use for items you discover you need OR items you didn’t receive:
- Newton Galileo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib and Newton Original Crib Mattress - When baby outgrows bassinet
- Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor - If you decide you need it
- Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair - When baby starts solids (around 6 months)
- Philips Avent 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer - If bottle-feeding and you find you need it (see our best baby bottle warmers and sterilizers guide for more options)
- Additional clothes in larger sizes as baby grows
- Items you discovered you actually need
Strategy: Use this discount on items you can wait for or items you discover you need. Perfect for crib/mattress when baby is ready to transition, or high chair when baby starts solids.
When Should You Share Your Baby Registry?
Share with close family: 20-24 weeks
Share your registry with immediate family and close friends around 20-24 weeks. Emphasize that you’ve already covered the absolute essentials, and that bigger items like cribs are perfect for group purchases.
Share with extended network: 24-28 weeks
Share your registry more broadly when you send baby shower invitations. Include the registry link in invitations and on your social media. Let people know nice-to-have items are perfect shower gifts.
Keep registry updated: Throughout pregnancy
Update your registry regularly as you research products and discover needs. Add items gradually rather than all at once. Keep priority items at the top so people see what you need most.
Common Registry Timing Mistakes
Buying everything at once: Don’t try to buy or register for everything immediately. Focus on absolute essentials first, then add items as you learn what you actually need. This saves money and prevents clutter.
Not buying absolute essentials yourself: Relying solely on gifts for car seats, bassinets, and other absolute essentials is risky. Buy these yourself or use your first completion discount to ensure you have them when baby arrives.
Missing completion discount windows: Missing your completion discount windows wastes money. Plan to use both discounts strategically - one before baby for essentials you need NOW, one after for items you can wait for.
When Should I Start My Baby Registry: Final Recommendations
Start your baby registry at 12-14 weeks during your second trimester. This timing gives you time to research products, use both completion discount windows, and share with friends and family before your baby shower.
Smart registry strategy:
- 12-14 weeks: Create registry, research absolute essentials
- 12-30 weeks: Buy absolute essentials yourself (bassinet, travel system, clothes, sleep sack) or use first completion discount
- 16-24 weeks: Add important items to registry (crib, monitor, diaper bag) for friends/family
- 20-24 weeks: Share with close family (emphasize group purchases for big items)
- 24-28 weeks: Share broadly with baby shower invitations
- After baby arrives: Use second completion discount for crib/mattress and items you discover you need
Starting early means less stress, better decisions, and maximum savings. Get your absolute essentials covered first, then let friends and family help with nice-to-have items and big-ticket purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:When should I start my baby registry?
A: Start your baby registry at 12-14 weeks during your second trimester. This timing gives you time to research products, use both completion discount windows, and share with friends and family before your baby shower.
Q:What are the absolute essentials I need before baby arrives?
A: The four absolute essentials you need before bringing baby home are: a bassinet for safe sleep, a travel system with car seat and stroller (hospital requirement), newborn and 0-3 month baby clothes in multiple sizes, and a sleep sack for safe sleep. Buy these yourself or use your first completion discount around 30 weeks.
Q:What items can I wait to buy?
A: You can wait to buy a crib and mattress until baby outgrows the bassinet (around 4-6 months). Baby monitors, diaper bags, and other convenience items can wait until you discover you need them. High chairs aren't needed until baby starts solids around 6 months.
Q:How should I use my completion discount?
A: Use your first completion discount around 30 weeks for absolute essentials you need before baby arrives (car seat, stroller, bassinet). Use your second discount after baby arrives for items you can wait for, like a crib and mattress when baby outgrows the bassinet, or items you discover you need.
Q:Should I buy everything myself or wait for gifts?
A: Buy absolute essentials yourself or use your first completion discount to ensure you have them when baby arrives. Add important items (crib, monitor) to your registry for friends and family. Nice-to-have items are perfect for baby shower gifts or using your second completion discount.
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