How to Create Your Dream Baby Registry

You’re pregnant! This is both an exciting and overwhelming time in your life. Aside from having to deal with your ever-changing body and hormones, creating a whole new diet for two, and preparing a nursery, you’ve got to create a baby registry. Preparing for a baby can be stressful. Picking the gifts you want to receive at your baby shower should be fun!

Here are a few tips for moms-to-be to ensure that registering for their baby shower gifts is as easy as possible.

• Don’t wait to register. Your friends and family will want to start buying gifts for you and your baby as soon as you announce you are pregnant. Take some time to soak it all in and start your registry around twelve weeks pregnant. Add to it as you find out the gender, talk to other moms, etc.

• Babies need everything and anything. When you start your registry, you’ll first think about everyday items like onesies, diapers, wipes, and bottles. But, there are so many items that moms-to-be (especially first-time mommies!) don’t think about. Consider registering with a store that is a one-stop shop for all things baby. You’ll be able to see a full inventory of what you and your baby may need.

• Remember the necessities. Register for the items you absolutely must-have first, and put them at the top of your list. A lot of registries allow you to make a note on your favorite items which helps your guests and ensures you’re getting exactly what you want. For example, you should favorite the crib, mattress, car seat, and stroller you desire.

• Offer a range of prices. Whenever you’re requesting gifts from people, you should offer options that fall into a range of price points. This way, no matter how well a guest knows you or how much they have to spend, there will be a gift on the list that is appropriate. Maybe some of your family members will chip in and get you a big-ticket item, while a coworker can pick an assortment of items and create a basket for an amount they’re comfortable spending.

• Make a couple of registries. You should register at one or two different stores. Don’t overwhelm your guests with too many choices but do provide them with options. Not only does this give guests the option to choose what store best fits their budget, but it gives you access to different products. Consider making one of those options an e-registry for those who live out of town or prefer to do their shopping online. For brick and mortar stores, think about their location in case you need to make returns or want to spend gift cards in person.

• Ask for it all. Don’t worry- you won’t seem greedy. It will only help you out in the long run. Over-registering guarantees your friends and family won’t run out of options and prevents repeat gifts, especially for the last-minute gift buyer. Think of it as a list of things you actually need in order to provide your baby with a good life and not just things you want other people to buy for you.

• Know the policies. Get to know the policies of each store you register with. Ask an associate about their return policy, as well as the various methods of viewing and ordering from your registry. Make sure there are a number of convenient ways for your friends and family to order your gifts, including online, in-store, and over the phone. Some places allow people to send gifts directly to you. This is great for those who can’t make the shower or for someone who orders a heavier item they don’t necessarily want to carry to the shower.

• Don’t forget about what you’ll need. Although this registry is primarily for your baby, don’t forget about yourself. After the baby comes there will not be much time for you, so include items you may need. For example, you’ll need basic breastfeeding merchandise, skin care items for yourself post-birth, a diaper bag, etc.

• Update frequently. Your registry is a work in progress, not the end all be all for you. It doesn’t have to be perfect as soon as you alert your friends and family. You can modify and take away items or add items as you think of them.

• Reap the rewards. A number of stores have rewards systems in place for couples who create a baby registry with them. Some stores will give you a discount on all the items left on your registry once the shower is over. Consider your friends and family, too. Look for stores with a variety of shopping options, coupon codes or those that frequently dish out special offers.

• Spread the word.  Don’t wait until the shower invitation goes out to let people know where you’re registered. It’s actually customary to let your guests know by word of mouth. Be sure to give your friends and family the heads up and tell them to help you and pass the message along as well.

Being pregnant is one of the most exciting times of a woman’s life. It’s a joyous occasion that should be celebrated. Use these tips when creating your registry and check out all of the baby shower gift options Pink Daisy has to offer here!