The Advice You Need to Hear Before Hitting ‘Add to Registry’
Building a baby registry can be a wild ride, ricocheting between “What IS this?”, “How cute is THAT?” and “Do I need this?” After all, it’s hard to anticipate what your life will look like in a few short months, when a very tiny and very demanding individual joins your family. Plus, the most useful items totally depend on your lifestyle, so what worked for your cousin in the ‘burbs might not cut it for your city life. That’s why we pulled together the top tips from parents who’ve been there, done that. Now, you can build your registry like a pro and keep your focus where it belongs: on welcoming baby.
Start early.
“I’m a planner, so I actually started building a list of items before I was even pregnant. Once I got pregnant, I began a registry, but kept it private until I was ready to share. For me, it was much easier to add items as I heard about them, rather than wander through a store and get everything done in one day. I could add and remove items from my registry as needed, and I felt confident when I shared it that these were the items I could stand behind.”
— Laura, Basking Ridge, NJ
Consider multiple shops.
“I thought I had to stick to one store, but then I realized that some items are better bought online while others are perfect for in-person pickup. I ended up using an online registry which let me pull items from all over—big box stores, specialty shops, and even Etsy for some cute handmade stuff. I loved the flexibility it gave my family.”
— Alexis, Brooklyn, NY
Keep your registry up after your shower.
“A lot of retailers offer a completion discount, so I was able to buy the things that were still on my list at a discount. Plus, people kept checking it after the baby was born, and it was so nice to be able to send a still-active registry if they asked. Keeping the registry active definitely paid off!”
— Rachel, Surfside, FL
Think about your lifestyle.
“My husband and I live in a small apartment, and I was super worried about how much space gear could take up. I added space-saving items like a collapsible high chair and a portable crib instead of the standard bulky versions. Knowing my lifestyle really helped me narrow down what I needed—and avoid those ‘why did I even register for this?’ moments.”
— Tori, Eugene, OR
Ask for help.
“I had no idea what I really needed at first, so I texted a few friends who were already moms for advice. One friend suggested adding a baby carrier I hadn’t even thought of, and it ended up being one of my most-used items. Getting tips from people who had been there made all the difference and helped me avoid a lot of unnecessary stuff. On that note, it’s also helpful to ask people with a similar lifestyle to you. Like, if you walk a lot, ask a parent who also walks everywhere about their gear, because it’s going to be different than a mom who mostly drives.”
— Natalie, Hoboken, NJ
Shameless plug: You can also scour The Bump’s content for editor-, real parent- and expert-backed product picks.
Add the items you know you’ll use.
“You can get carried away adding cute onesies, toys and accessories to your list, but the most useful items can be the stuff you know you’ll use: Bottles, diaper ointment, diapers, baby shampoo, nail clippers. It’s not glamorous, but these can be expensive to buy, and having them on hand, especially in the early days, is so incredibly helpful.”
— Amary, Northampton, MA
But add the big-ticket items too.
“Don’t be afraid to add the stroller or car seat you love, even if it gives you sticker shock. I felt bad about asking for an expensive stroller, so I chose a less expensive model for my registry. I got it, but I didn’t love it, and bought the one I wanted on my own when my son was 2 months old. I wish I had just asked for what I wanted.”
— Perri, Jersey City, NJ
Diapers are an absolute must.
“I didn’t realize how quickly newborns could grow out of diapers. Our daughter went from a newborn diaper to a size 2 diaper in the span of one month. I would say, register for a range of diaper sizes, and know that newborn sizes can be really, really small.”
— Tahera, Edison, NJ
Pampers’ Pick: Pediatrician-recommended* Pampers Swaddlers offer up to 100% leak-proof skin protection, even from blowouts. And small details add up to peace of mind: All sizes have a wetness indicator to show when baby might need a change, while newborn sizes have an umbilical cord notch to protect your newborn’s sensitive belly. Pampers Swaddlers lock wetness away to help keep skin dry and healthy, meaning baby will stay comfy and dry when they (finally!) start sleeping through the night…
*Based on a 2024 survey of US and Canadian pediatricians.
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Think about services you might need post-baby.
“I didn’t realize I could add things like doula services or lactation consultations to my registry, but I wish I had! I ended up needing both, and it would’ve been amazing to have those covered by friends and family. If I could do it over again, I’d definitely include support services that help you navigate those early parenting challenges. These are invaluable, but also really pricey, and TBH, after I had my baby, I realized most parents could have used these services!”
— Claire, Austin, TX
Gift cards to places you love can be amazing.
“One thing my wife and I didn’t think to add, but would have been super helpful, was food delivery gift cards. Some friends sent them as gifts after my baby was born, and they made those long, sleepless nights so much easier when we didn’t have the energy to cook. Adding gift cards is a great way to give yourself a break once the baby is here.”
— Mark, Boston, MA
Consider postpartum supplies.
"I wish I had thought beyond just baby gear—I was doing a lot of overnight orders. Now, I always tell expecting moms to add things like comfy nursing bras, nipple cream, and even stuff like books or a Kindle, because you’ll be doing a lot of sitting and reading. I think this can also be a great place to add anything that will benefit and support you. Having a baby is a big deal, and it’s about you too.”
— Beth, Wellfleet, MA
Start building your registry with Pampers Swaddlers, made with hypoallergenic and dermatologically approved materials to support baby’s development while keeping them cozy and dry. Learn more at Pampers.com.
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