Tips for Starting Your Baby Registry

If you’re an expectant mother or father, congratulations! At Britax we love celebrating the joy that comes with a new baby joining a family. Of course, this is an exciting time in your life, but then you have the sudden realization: “We’re going to need a lot of stuff!” That’s where a baby shower comes in.

We know that registering for baby gear can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Check out these helpful hints for getting started:

Why Register?

A baby shower is a celebration of a new life entering the world – not just for the parent(s)-to-be but for family and friends as well! Loved ones will be just as excited as you are, and they will want to share that love by “showering” you with gifts. Yes, like it or not, gifts will start flowing from every direction; so you’ll want to provide your gift-givers with some guidance by creating a baby registry.

It may feel strange to ask friends and family for gifts, but here’s a secret: they want to shower you and your baby with gifts! You won’t have to worry about twisting grandma’s arm to buy a cute onesie. However, a registry is important because it helps those who are less baby-savvy (e.g. clueless little brothers) and those who have their own ideas on parenting (e.g. over-zealous aunties) know what your parenting style will be and what you really need.

Also, a registry allows friends and family to pool their resources to purchase the big ticket items like cribs, car seats, and strollers.

Getting Started

The first rule of building a baby registry is to give yourself time! There will be so many choices and opinions pulling you in different directions, and you will want to consider each carefully.

The second rule is don’t go it alone -– bounce ideas off your spouse, your mother, your sister, your BFF. Registering with a loved one is not only more fun, it also helps you decide what you really need and what you really don’t.

Also, be sure to cast a wide net and consult with moms and dads you trust on what items were essential in their new parent experience and which can be left on the shelf. Most new moms and dads are more than happy to share their experiences and expertise with parents-to-be on the realities of life with your first baby(ies)!

Where to Register

Nationwide baby product stores are great places to start a registry. Not only do they have just about any baby item you can see and feel – their multiple locations allow relatives and friends from all over to participate in the fun.

Don’t have time to visit a store? Registering online is also a great way to streamline the registry process and some companies may have more items available online than in their in-store locations. Some sites, like Babylist, have streamlined the entire baby registry process for users.