Picking a baby registry is an important pregnancy milestone of all expecting moms. But, there are so many registries out there. So, how do you pick the best one for your newborn?
I am a mom of 3 and have been through this dilemma several times. I talk about this a little bit in my free baby samples post and baby budgeting post… because your baby registry could be a great way not only to get free samples but to save money on your baby by registering for things you need most.
The best baby registries have good perks for new moms, have a good selection of baby items, and make it easy for family and friends (even out of town ones) to purchase for you and baby. There are several perks to each baby registry. Some baby registries have the same perks and others have bonuses for your newborn exclusive to that registry.
Read on to learn more about each different baby registry and how to decide which is right for you.
What month should you start your baby registry?
You should start registering for your baby as soon as you find out your pregnant!
But really, there isn’t a right or wrong answer for this. You can start registering for the basic things like bottles, diapers, and furniture right away.
Some new moms might want to wait until they know the gender of their baby before they pick a nursery theme and start registering for decor, blankets, baby clothes, etc.
The beauty of online registries is you can start adding the neutral items right away and add more as you progress through your pregnancy.
Can you do baby registry online?
Most, if not all baby registries can be done online. It makes registering so much more convenient because you can easily see reviews from other moms and do it from the convenience of your own home.
Online registries also make it easier for family to see what’s on your list and purchase for you without going to the store.
One plus about going to the store is that you can see the baby items in person. Some registries also require you to go in-store to get their free baby sample bags.
What is the best website to make a baby registry?
There are so many baby registries to choose from, through experience my favorite has to be a close tie between Amazon and Babylist. But, lets examine each one a little closer so you can make the best decision for you and your newborn.
Also, if you love free samples like me…. it might be worth it to sign up for more than one registry to take advantage of the free baby boxes, bags, and perks that come with each one.
BabyList Registry (The Best Perks… Free Baby Box)
BabyList describes themselves as the best baby registry… and they’ve got a point with their awesome support for new moms and free baby box full of samples.
Pros:
- Free Baby Sample Box
- Universal Registry–Register for Anything from ANY Store
- Bonus Gifts
- 15% Completion Discount
- Useful Registry App (With pregnancy guide)
Cons:
- It can be overwhelming to register for items from so many stores
Amazon Baby Registry (Convenient for Prime Users… Free Baby Box)
Although BabyList may be the best Amazon’s baby registry is a close second. We took a closer look at Amazon’s baby registry HERE.
I’ve personally used Amazon’s baby registry for all 3 of my babies. They have an amazing welcome box that comes with full size baby samples and since most of my family are Prime users it’s just convenient for everyone.
Pros:
- So easy for Prime users (think out of town family, fast and free shipping, and bonuses if you’re a Prime user yourself)
- Amazing Welcome Box (FULL size baby samples that may include swaddlers, diapers, bottles, and other baby essentials.)
- 15% Completion Discount
- Prime Baby Discounts/Offers
- Family can contribute to a diaper fund… YAY!
- Amazon now has Universal Registry! That’s right you can add items from any store and use Amazon Assistant to help!
- Easily register through the app
- Baby Registry Checklist
- Baby Registry Sweepstakes
Cons:
- Some friends/family may not be Amazon Prime users
Target Baby Registry (Goody Bag and Target Exclusives)
I’ve got a soft spot for Target’s Baby Registry. They really do carry some baby items that other stores just don’t carry.
I love the experience of registering for newborn at Target and their free baby sample goody bag isn’t bad either.
Pros:
- Target gives a year worth of exclusive baby deals to new mamas through their Circle app!
- 15% off registry coupon
- Free registry returns and exchanges
- Free Welcome Bag (Worth $100)
- Baby Registry through App
- Universal Registry (Add things from ANY store)
- Gift Tracking (See who gave you what)
- Baby Registry Checklist
- Group Gifting (Guests can contribute to a large item)
- Personalized page with photo and custom URL
- Home delivery and shipping available
- Price Matching
Cons:
- Free goody bag must be redeemed in store.
Walmart Baby Registry (Free Goody Bag and Low Prices)
Walmart offers an affordable and easy baby registry option. They have convenient and FAST low cost shipping and low prices on baby essentials that would normally cost you a lot more.
Pros:
- Free Welcome Box
- Next Day Delivery (I’ve tried this and it really does come next day, even faster than Amazon at times)
- In-Store Pickup
- Affordable Prices
Cons:
- No Universal Registry option
- Not as many perks as some of the other baby registries
Etsy Baby Registry {Unique Handmade Baby Clothing, Furniture, and Accessories}
Etsy is the perfect registry if you are looking for handmade, custom, and unique items for your baby. Their registry is newer, but I’m really excited that new moms have this unique registry as an option.
Pros:
- Unique and customizable baby items including clothing, bows, furniture, and more.
- Handmade baby items made from the heart. It’s fun shopping for unique items on Etsy, but even better knowing you are supporting small shops and businesses too.
- Etsy offers tips, trends, and roundups to help you find baby items you need to add to your registry.
Cons:
- Items on Etsy may be a bit more expensive than a big box store.
- You won’t find big brand names here.
- Etsy doesn’t offer a free registry gift for new moms at this time.
Ikea Baby Registry (Affordable Baby Furniture and Decor)
One of the most unique baby registries is from Ikea. They have so many unique and affordable baby furniture and decor that registering here is worth it.
Pros:
- Exclusive items you can’t find in other stores
- Affordable baby/toddler furniture and decor items
- Add anything from Ikea to your registry
- Send a unique link to friends and family
Cons:
- No Universal Registry Option
- No Free Welcome Gift
- Not useful for basic baby needs like diapers, wipes, clothes.
Related content:
Raising baby can get expensive very quickly. You have a new little human on the way who will need their own clothes, bottles, wipes, diapers, ointment, wash, laundry detergent, etc. Don’t miss these money saving reads ===> How to Raise Baby on a Budget ===> Free Baby Samples
Struggling with medical related costs during your pregnancy? You aren’t alone. I was in the middle of my pregnancy when I learned that it was going to cost over $10,000 to deliver my baby at the hospital… and this was on a low income. Here’s how I Cut Medical Costs During Pregnancy… also get this Free Stuff for Pregnant Moms.
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