There are many reasons to register for baby gifts and gear. There's no question that having a baby (especially your first one) can be expensive. Creating a registry for items that you will need in that first year can allow friends and family to show their love and support while also helping to lighten the financial load during that busy first year.
But creating a registry can be time-consuming and confusing: What's the best stroller? What kind of car seat is the safest? Where should I register? Here are six tips to help you create the perfect baby registry.
1. Start Early
It's never too early to start your registry! Most experts recommend starting at least three months before your due date, so you have plenty of time to research products and add them to your list. By starting early, you can get a feeling for what's out there and ask for honest opinions from other parents.
Some parents love to get the newest baby tech, but maybe that's not as important to you. If staying active and being outdoors is a big part of your life, you'll want a sturdier stroller. Or, if you know you'll be traveling a lot, you'll need travel-specific gear. Spend some time thinking about your priorities and what you'll need to integrate your baby into that life.
2. Use a Website that Has 80% of What You Need
Amazon, Target, Buy Buy Baby, and Babylist, allow you to put any product from any store onto your registry. They link to other pages but your guests can order all your baby registry gifts on the registry. Target and Amazon will even send you a gift box when you set up a registry with them!
3. Vary Your Prices
Your guests will all have different price ranges, so make sure you have items on all levels. Add a few high-end items for your close friends and family, but also include less expensive options like baby books or clothes.
4. Use the 75/25 Ratio for Practical Items vs Fun
We all love adorable baby shoes and outfits, or the newest toys. But let's face it—your newborn baby has no reason to wear shoes and they'll get spit up on that expensive outfit! That doesn't mean you can't get fun stuff, but make sure to include practical things like postpartum care, plenty of diapers, and multiple sets of crib sheets.
Ask trusted friends and family about the essentials that often get overlooked or read through our list of baby supplies you actually need. A good rule of thumb is to use the 75/25 ratio for baby registry gifts: 75% practical items and 25% fun.
5. Enough Gifts for Every Guest to Participate
Asking people for stuff is never very comfortable, but when it comes to baby registry gifts, people are usually more than happy to help. That said, plan for enough items on your list so that everyone who wants to participate can buy something. And don't forget about covering various price ranges!
6. Find Simple Products That Make Life Easier
We all know the baby basics: stroller, car seat, crib, and so on. But with a little bit of research, you can find some pretty amazing products that make your life easier. A diaper bag that transforms into a changing station, white noise machines that also work as a night light, and products like swaddles and sleepsuits that help with better sleep.
Creating the perfect baby registry doesn't have to be stressful. As long as you follow these tips, you'll be sure to have the essential supplies for your new addition!
A Baby Registry Gift Essential: Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit
To help with the first year of your baby's life, don't forget to add Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit to your registry. Our Sleepsuit is designed to comfort your baby and help them transition from swaddling. It helps keep them calm, warm, and secure, which makes for better sleep for everyone involved.
Our Sleepsuits are designed with 3 layers of fabric: jersey cotton on the inner layer, polyfill in the center layer, and either a cotton or microfleece outer layer. Every product is made with breathable fabric and double zippers for easy diaper changes. Keep your baby comfortable and safe with Baby Merlin's sleepsuit—they'll love it and so will you.