How to Create a Baby Registry with Babylist

Expecting a baby? A baby registry is your secret weapon! As you plan for your bundle of joy, registering for all those sweet little baby items can be one of the most exciting experiences of pregnancy. However, building a baby registry can also feel overwhelming!

That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to make your baby registry process a breeze. From must-have essentials to unique finds, we'll help you build the perfect registry for your growing family.

Why Do I Need A Baby Registry?

You absolutely do!  A baby registry is not about being demanding; it's about being practical and guiding your loved ones to gifts you'll genuinely use. 

People LOVE babies. They want to buy you stuff, and creating a registry is a great way to point your friends and family in the right direction. It helps out the people who truly want to get you something you'll love (or who simply don’t have a clue what to buy you!).

A registry also prevents you getting 10 of the same thing, as your friends can reserve an item that they are planning to buy for you.

Now that we’ve got that out the way, let’s dive in!

Which Baby Registry is Best?

These days, an online baby registry is the way to go. Not only can you register for free, but there’s also no pressure to purchase anything yourself. Friends and family can easily contribute to your registry from anywhere, eliminating the need for physical store visits.

So, which online baby registry stands out as the best? Our top pick is Babylist. It’s flexible, easy to use, and lets you add items from any store, making gift-giving simple for your loved ones.

What is Babylist and how does it work?

Babylist is a versatile online baby registry that allows you to create a personalised wish list for your baby shower. Much like Pinterest, it enables you to add products from virtually any website, giving you the freedom to curate a collection that reflects your unique style and needs.

Why we love Babylist:

• Universal Registry: Babylist lets you add items from any retailer, not just big baby stores. This means you can include adorable gifts from online boutiques, Etsy shops, and even local artisans that your friends and family might love to give you.
  
• Personal Touch: When adding items to your registry, you can leave notes explaining why each item is important, what you love about it, or your preferred colour or size. This helps gift-givers understand your preferences better.
  
• Non-Material Gift Options: Beyond physical items, Babylist allows you to request non-material gifts such as vouchers for babysitting or house cleaning after your little one arrives. Imagine coming home to a warm meal or a tidy house - what a wonderful gift! You can also request second-hand items such as books and clothes using the Help and Favours registry feature. Get creative and ask for whatever you need.
• Prevent Duplicate Gifts: Similar to other registries, gift-givers can reserve an item they plan to purchase or mark it as already bought, ensuring you won’t end up with multiple of the same item.
  
• Easy to Add Items: Adding items to your registry is a breeze! With just a click of a button, you can pull items from any website. We’ll get to that in a bit.

While Babylist also provide a free Hello Baby Box filled with samples and discounts, this offer is only available to US addresses and is not shipped to Australia.

Ready to create your baby registry? Click here to get started and set up your personalised registry today. Then, keep reading to discover how to easily add items to your registry!

How do I add items to Babylist?

Adding items to your Babylist registry is straightforward! Here are three easy methods:

1. Chrome Extension: Install the Babylist Chrome Extension. This allows you to add items to your registry from any online store with a single click.
2. Download the Babylist App: The app enables you to search for products from anywhere on the web and add them directly to your registry.
3. Use the “Add to Babylist” Button: If you're on a laptop or desktop, visit babylist.com/add-items to install the “Add to Babylist” button in your bookmarks bar for quick access. (You'll need to make sure your bookmark bar remains visible when you want to add items.) Below is an example of how to add an item using the "Add to Babylist" button. You can easily customise the item by specifying the colour or size you'd like, and even adding a note for friends and family. Babylist also lets you mark if you are happy to receive the item second hand, by toggling the 'Open to Secondhand' button"

Your registry will have a unique link (URL) that you can share with friends and family or include in your shower invitations. You can customise this link in your settings under Registry Info.

Here's a sample Babylist registry to give you an idea of how it looks once it's all set up.

Don’t forget to add your full mailing address so friends who are far away can easily send their gifts!

Baby Registry Tips For Soon-To-Be Mums

Once you’ve created your Babylist registry, here are some valuable tips to help you maximise its potential and ensure you receive gifts that truly meet your needs.

1. Register for a Variety of Items: Aim to include a wide range of items—more than you think you'll need.  If you don't and there’s nothing left on your list people will start buying you random things that you may not want or need. It’s also more fun for your friends and family if there are lots of adorable items to choose from.
2. Start Early: Begin your baby registry as early as possible in your pregnancy. This gives you ample time to browse and gradually build your wish list. Think of your Babylist as a wishlist that you can update with new items as you discover them. When you're ready, switch your registry from “private” to “public” mode to share it with friends and family, allowing them plenty of time to select their gifts.
   
3. Choose a Range of Clothing Sizes: While it may be tempting to stock up on those cute newborn sizes, remember that babies grow quickly! Include bodysuits and onesies in various sizes to accommodate your little one’s growth. Some babies fit into newborn sizes perfectly, while others may be ready for three-month sizes right from birth. Having a diverse selection will save you from last-minute shopping once your baby arrives.
4. Register for Both Big and Small Items. Don’t hesitate to include that $1000 pram you've been eyeing! Some friends or family members might want to chip in together for a larger gift, while smaller items are perfect for acquaintances or those looking to add a thoughtful touch to a larger gift. Balancing big-ticket items with smaller gifts ensures there’s something for everyone’s budget. 
5. Incorporate Non-Gift Options: Consider adding requests for non-material gifts such as meal deliveries, babysitting vouchers, or even help with household chores after the baby arrives. These thoughtful gestures can be incredibly helpful during the busy early days of parenthood and allow friends and family to contribute in meaningful ways.
6. Mix Practical with Fun Items: While it’s essential to register for practical necessities like nappies and breast pumps, don’t forget to include fun and unique items too! Beautiful swaddles, stylish nappy bags, or personalised stuffed toys may not be "essentials," but they add a special touch that gift-givers will love and appreciate at your shower. Beautiful swaddles, nappy bags or personalised stuffed toys may not be “essentials” but they add a special touch and have more of a wow factor at a shower that gift-givers will love!
7. Stay Organised: Regularly review and update your registry as needed. As your due date approaches, you might realise there are additional items you hadn’t considered initially. Keeping your registry current ensures it reflects what you truly want.

By following these tips, you can create a well-rounded baby registry that not only meets your needs but also makes the gift-giving experience enjoyable for your friends and family!

Conclusion

Creating a baby registry is an exciting step in preparing for your little one’s arrival, and with Babylist, it can be a fun and stress-free experience. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can curate a thoughtful and comprehensive registry that reflects your unique style and needs.

Remember to start early, include a variety of items, and don’t shy away from asking for both big and small gifts, as well as non-material options that can provide invaluable support during those busy early days of parenthood.

As you embark on this journey, know that you are not alone - your friends and family are eager to celebrate this special time with you. So, take the plunge, create your Babylist registry today, and enjoy the process of building your wish list!

If you have any questions or tips of your own to share about creating a baby registry, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy registering!

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