I don’t know about you, but I genuinely loved putting together my baby registry. Honestly, I felt the same way about my wedding registry too. I was that person who happily volunteered to help my sisters and friends make theirs. There’s something exciting about researching, comparing, and curating everything you might need—it feels like planning for the sweetest kind of new beginning.
When it came time to create a baby registry before my own baby shower, I was all in. It’s not just fun, either. Building your registry gives you a chance to really think through what you want for your baby, helps friends and family know how to support you, and can seriously ease some of the financial stress that comes with preparing for a new little one.
There are so many baby registry sites to choose from, each with its own set of perks. Whether you’re looking for ease of use, special discounts, or specific product types, there’s something out there for everyone. Below, I’ve broken down some of the most popular baby registry platforms—plus answered a few of the questions I get asked the most.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Registries
Why should I create a baby registry?
A baby registry makes it easy for loved ones to know exactly what you need and want. It helps avoid duplicate gifts and saves you the trouble of returns, especially during those final weeks of pregnancy. Most registries also track what’s already been purchased, so everyone can shop know they will pick out something you will love!
When should I start my baby registry?
Most people start somewhere between 12 and 20 weeks, but there’s no hard rule. You’ll want it ready in time for your baby shower, so sooner is usually better. Not sure where to begin? Start with this second trimester checklist to keep everything on track.
I’m not having a baby shower—should I still make a registry?
Yes, definitely. Even without a shower, people may still want to gift you something or ask what you need. Having a registry gives you a ready-to-share list when the time comes. And honestly, even if you never share it at all, it can still be incredibly useful for organizing your own purchases.
Can I create a registry just for the discount?
Yes, and you wouldn’t be the only one. Many moms (myself included) create a baby registry primarily to access the completion discount, which is often available starting around 60 days before your due date. This discount usually applies to any remaining items on your registry, so even if no one else uses it, you can.
It’s a smart way to save on big-ticket items or stock up on essentials like diapers, wipes, or nursery furniture. Just make sure you’ve added those items to your registry before using the discount.
How do I know which baby registry site to choose?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some things to think about:
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Product selection: Does the site carry the brands or types of items you’re looking for? This is especially important if you have specific preferences like all-organic or minimalist styles.
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Convenience: Consider what’s easiest for your gift-givers and for you later when making returns.
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Return policy: Look for generous return windows that hopefully extend way beyond your due date.
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Completion discount: A good registry will offer a percentage off any remaining items close to your baby’s arrival.
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Price matching: Always a nice perk to help friends and family get the best deal.
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Freebies: It’s not the most important thing, but any free items or coupons definitely can help!
How many baby registries should I create?
Usually one or two is plenty. Having too many can make it harder to keep track of what’s where. I recommend choosing one main registry and, if needed, creating a second one that covers more specific needs—like nursery furniture or specialty items. Universal registries like Babylist or MyRegistry.com make it easier to pull everything together in one place.
Can I register at multiple places just for the freebies and discounts?
Yes, and a lot of moms do! Just know that managing multiple registries can take a little extra time and organization. Even if you’re not planning to share all of them, it might be worth creating a few just to take advantage of the welcome kits and completion discounts.
The Best Baby Registry Sites to Consider
Now that we’ve covered some of the most common questions about creating a baby registry, let’s take a closer look at the most popular sites out there. Each one has its own pros and cons, so whether you’re looking for convenience, variety, or budget-friendly options, this list will help you figure out which registry (or combination of registries) is the right fit for you!
It’s hard to talk about baby registries without mentioning Amazon. With an enormous selection of baby products, competitive prices, and fast shipping, it’s no surprise this is a go-to for so many expecting parents. Chances are, most of your friends and family already shop here, which makes gift-buying simple.
Amazon also provides a registry checklist, which helps you stay organized and ensures you don’t forget anything essential. And if you’re a Prime member, you get access to even more perks, including a higher completion discount, free 2-day shipping, and subscription savings on items like diapers and wipes.
Pros:
- Wide selection of brands and products, from basics to boutique
- 15% completion discount for Prime members (10% for non-members)
- Free welcome box with samples and coupons
- Optional diaper fund so people can contribute toward essentials
- Group gifting available for any price point
- Easy online returns
Cons:
- Fewer perks for non-Prime members
- Doesn’t allow syncing with other registries
Babylist is a universal registry, which means you’re not locked into one store. You can add items from Target, Amazon, Walmart, Etsy, and even small boutiques. You can also register for non-traditional gifts like home-cooked meals, help with household chores, or even cash contributions. This flexibility is one of the biggest reasons parents love it.
Babylist also offers a Chrome extension that lets you add products from any online retailer with a single click. If you already have registries at other sites, you can sync them all into one Babylist registry so your gift-givers only need one link. They’ll also see price comparisons from multiple stores so they can shop where it’s cheapest.
It does take a little getting used to, especially when you’re first building your list. But once it’s set up, it’s a really thoughtful and streamlined experience.
Pros:
- Universal registry lets you add items from any store
- Chrome extension for quick adds while browsing
- 15% completion discount on items from the Babylist store
- Free “Hello Baby” box (just pay shipping)
- Price comparison tool shows where gifts are cheapest
- Add meaningful gifts like meal deliveries or time-based help
Cons:
- Slight learning curve when setting up
- Return policies depend on the original store, not Babylist
- No group gifting option (unless a specific store offers it)
Target is a classic choice that combines the ease of online shopping with the ability to see and touch items in-store. They carry a mix of well-known baby brands as well as their own line, Cloud Island, which is affordable and surprisingly high quality. My son basically lived in their zip-up sleepers for the first few months.
You can create your registry online or use the Target app to scan products in-store as you browse. Their registry checklist is simple and easy to follow, and their 15% completion coupon can be used twice, once in-store and once online.
Pros:
- Easy to create online or with the in-store scanner
- 15% completion coupon usable online and in-store
- One-year return window for registry items
- Welcome kit worth $50 with samples, coupons, and product guides
- Group gifting available on items over $100
- Can be converted into a universal registry
Cons:
- Group gifting is limited to higher-priced items
- Gifts must be returned in-store
Walmart is a solid, practical choice for your baby registry. It offers a wide range of essentials, from diapers and wipes to car seats and nursery furniture—all at budget-friendly prices. If you or your gift-givers prefer to shop in person, Walmart has stores just about everywhere, which adds to its convenience.
While it doesn’t have a few perks like a completion discount or the universal registry feature, it does offer a free welcome box and a price match guarantee on items available through other retailers. If you are wanting to keep everything within a budget but still get quality items, Walmart can be a really smart option.
Pros:
- Large selection of affordable baby items
- Easy access to both in-store and online shopping
- Free welcome box with samples and coupons
- Price match guarantee for qualifying items
Cons
- No registry completion discount
- Returns and exchanges must be done in-store
- Fewer registry-specific perks compared to other sites
Pottery Barn Kids is the go-to registry if you’re dreaming of a beautifully designed nursery with durable, timeless furniture. Their products tend to be on the higher end, both in terms of price and quality, and they’re known for sustainable materials and attention to detail.
A fun perk is their wide range of personalized items—from monogrammed blankets to custom nursery décor. They also offer free nursery design services, which can be helpful if you have a specific vision in mind. This registry is best used as a secondary option, especially for furniture or special pieces you may not find elsewhere.
Pros:
- High-quality, stylish nursery furniture and decor
- Personalized and monogrammed product options
- 20% registry completion discount
- Free nursery design consultations
- Easy-to-use registry app
Cons
- Higher price point may not fit all budgets
- Limited selection of everyday baby gear
- No welcome box or sample bag
IKEA might not be the first place that comes to mind for a baby registry, but it’s surprisingly useful, especially for minimalist or budget-conscious parents. They offer affordable furniture, like cribs and high chairs, along with some basic baby gear and toys. Their designs are simple, space-saving, and well-suited to smaller homes.
IKEA’s registry is straightforward, and gift-givers who are IKEA Family members also get a discount when purchasing items off your registry. Another perk is the “chip in” group gifting feature, which allows people to contribute to a single item.
Pros:
- Affordable, minimalist-friendly baby furniture
- Group gifting through “chip in” option
- Registry-linked purchases qualify for IKEA Family discount
- Useful for second registries or furnishing your nursery
Cons:
- Limited selection of baby products (mostly furniture and basics)
- No completion discount or welcome kit
- Not a one-stop shop for everything you’ll need
MyRegistry.com is a great option if you want a fully customizable, all-in-one baby registry. It’s a universal platform, which means you can pull items from virtually any store and keep them all in one place. You can also sync existing registries from sites like Amazon, Target, or Pottery Barn so that gift-givers only need to visit one link.
The app includes a barcode scanner for adding items in-store, and you can also set up a cash fund for things like doula support, baby classes, or future expenses.
Pro:
- Combines all your registries into one universal list
- Syncs with other major baby registry sites
- Cash gift option available
- Barcode scanner via mobile app
- Includes a baby registry checklist to help guide your planning
Cons
- No completion discount
- 5% processing fee on cash gifts
- Group gifting not available through MyRegistry directly
If traditional baby registries full of products aren’t really your thing, SoKind might be the perfect fit. This platform lets you create a non-traditional baby registry focused on meaningful, experience-based gifts. Instead of adding onesies and bottles, you can ask for things like home-cooked meals, babysitting help, house cleaning, or contributions toward postpartum support or childcare.
You can still include a few physical gifts if you’d like, but the heart of SoKind is about keeping things simple and centered around connection, time, and support. It’s also a great option if you’re trying to minimize clutter, live sustainably, or already have most of the gear you need from previous children.
Pros:
- Encourages thoughtful, practical gifts (meals, time, support)
- Completely customizable and easy to use
- Great for minimalist or eco-conscious families
- Ideal if you already have baby gear or want to skip “stuff”
Cons:
- Not ideal if you need help stocking up on baby products
- May require a little explanation for guests unfamiliar with the concept
Now that we’ve covered your registry options, don’t forget to plan for the rest of your third trimester! You might also want to check out:
– The Ultimate Third Trimester Checklist
– Postpartum Must-Haves for Vaginal Delivery
– Best Locations to Host a Baby Shower
Final Thoughts
Preparing to bring a new baby home can feel overwhelming, but creating a baby registry is one of those tasks that can actually be fun. Whether you’re leaning toward a traditional registry full of gear or something a little more personal like SoKind, there’s truly no right or wrong way to do it. For me, picking out items for my baby was when everything really started to feel real.
All of these registry options have their own perks, and many parents end up using a combination to cover their bases. Whether you’re drawn to Amazon for convenience, Babylist for flexibility, or SoKind for a simpler, more intentional approach, just remember—this is your registry. Build it in a way that makes sense for your family, your space, and your support system.
Did I miss one of your favorite baby registry sites? Or are you considering a more non-traditional approach? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what worked for you!
