What to Put on Your Baby Registry
From newborn essentials to big-ticket purchases, from home must-haves to things that seem indispensable but really aren't: here's how to choose items that are truly useful and avoid duplicates.
Complete guide
Baby Registry: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to create the perfect baby registry: what to actually put on it, when to set it up, how to handle group gifts, and how to share it with friends and family. Here you'll find our best guides — and with BabyWish you can create your baby registry online in two minutes, for free.
When to Set Up Your Baby Registry
Too early or too late? There's a sweet spot for opening and sharing your registry — balancing superstitions, delivery times, and the desire to get organized early.
Baby Registry or Open Gifting?
Is it better to have a specific wish list or leave gift choices open? The pros and cons of both approaches, so you don't end up with ten onesies in the same size.
Group Gifting
The stroller, the nursery furniture, the high chair — the most important gifts can be split among multiple people. Here's how group gifting works and how to organize it stress-free.
Second Baby and Twins
Already have most things, or expecting two at once? Your registry changes: shorter and more strategic for a second child, doubled but thoughtful for twins.
How to Share It with Family and Friends
Sharing a baby registry without feeling intrusive is totally doable: how to introduce it gracefully, plus ready-to-send messages to share with your loved ones.
Mistakes to Avoid and Sustainable Choices
The most common first-time registry mistakes — and how to build a sustainable baby registry that's kind to both the environment and your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Registries
What is a baby registry?
It's a list of gifts you'd love to receive before your baby arrives. With an online baby registry like BabyWish you can create one in minutes, share it with a link, and let friends and family reserve gifts without any duplicates.
When should I set up a baby registry?
There's no hard rule: many parents set it up in the third trimester and share it after the birth or at a baby shower. The key is giving people enough time to choose and purchase a gift.
Is BabyWish's baby registry free?
Yes. Creating and sharing your registry is completely free — no commissions and no obligation to shop at any specific store.
How does group gifting work?
For bigger-ticket items — like a stroller or nursery furniture — multiple people can contribute together toward the same item, each giving whatever amount they choose, until the gift is fully covered.
Can I create a registry for a second baby?
Absolutely. Even if you already have most things, a shorter, targeted registry helps friends and family give you what you actually need — from consumables to items worth replacing.