The Baby Registry Guide
Where to register, what each service is actually good at, and the ten things that belong on any registry — minus the 37-page lists.
Where to register
You can register on more than one — but a universal registry like Babylist lets you pull items from every store into one list. Here's what each is best at.
Add anything from any store, plus cash funds and group gifting.
- ✓Add items from ANY retailer — not locked to one store
- ✓Cash funds for big-ticket items (stroller, daycare, diaper fund)
- ✓Group gifting so friends can chip in together
- ✓Free or discounted Hello Baby welcome box
- ✓Clean modern app with reservations
Best for SelectionThe biggest catalog and fast Prime shipping for you and gift-givers.
- ✓Up to 15% completion discount for Prime members
- ✓Enormous selection with real reviews
- ✓Fast Prime shipping
- ✓Free welcome box with qualifying purchases
- ✓365-day returns on most items
Great starter perks and painless in-store returns.
- ✓Free welcome kit with samples & coupons
- ✓Year-round completion discount
- ✓Easy in-store & online returns
- ✓Target Circle deals + price match
- ✓Nice mix of budget and nicer brands
A huge budget-friendly selection with free returns.
- ✓Free welcome box (while supplies last)
- ✓Massive budget selection
- ✓Free & easy returns
- ✓Completion discount on what's left
Furniture, decor, and free design help for the nursery.
- ✓Nursery furniture, bedding & decor
- ✓Free design services
- ✓Completion discount on remaining items
- ✓Coordinated, aesthetic collections
A gear-deep catalog, now online, for the research-heavy parent.
- ✓Deep baby-gear catalog
- ✓Completion discounts
- ✓Gear-focused browsing
- ✓Frequent coupons
Perks and discounts are set by each retailer and can change — confirm current terms on their site. Some links may be affiliate links.
What to actually put on it
Ignore the endless lists. These ten categories cover what a newborn really needs.
A bassinet for the first months, then a crib. The one category not to cut corners on — meet current safe-sleep standards.
See the best bassinets →You legally can't leave the hospital without one. An infant seat clicks in and out; a convertible lasts longer. Never buy used.
Browse the guides →A soft carrier or wrap buys you two free hands and often a nap. Huge for the fussy weeks.
See the best baby carriers →A few good bottles whether or not you nurse; a pump if you'll be away from baby; burp cloths by the dozen.
See the best baby bottles →Snug, hip-safe sleepwear that helps newborns sleep longer. Buy a couple of styles — babies have opinions.
See the best swaddles & sleep sacks →Diapers (don't overstock newborn size), wipes, a changing pad, and a pail. That's it.
Browse the guides →A simple infant tub, hooded towels, fragrance-free wash, and baby nail clippers. Skip the elaborate kits.
See the best baby bathtubs →A bouncer or swing gives you ten minutes to eat. One is plenty — you don't need three.
See the best baby swings & bouncers →Zip sleepers over snaps, a few sizes up from newborn. Babies grow out of newborn size fast.
Browse the guides →A stroller that fits your life and a diaper bag you'll actually carry. That's the whole travel kit.
See the best strollers →What to skip (save your money)
Every registry pads itself with things you'll use twice. Our honest skip list: