When Should You Start Your Baby Registry
Getting your list rolling can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming. You’re fielding advice from friends and family, comparing strollers at three different price points, and still figuring out what a “completion discount” even is. Take a breath, you don’t have to publish anything today. The smart play is to start early, work in private mode, and give yourself plenty of time to research before you share your baby registry.
What is a Baby Registry, and Why Do We Make Them?
A baby registry is a curated list of baby items, from the car seat and crib to bottle nipples and board books, that helps loved ones pick a perfect gift you’ll actually use. We make baby registries to:
Keep everything in one place as you build out registries over time.
Offer options across various price points so everyone can gift comfortably.
Track what’s purchased and what’s still needed in real time.
Tip: When thinking about “when should you start your baby registry,” know that you create your baby registry, in a tiny “must-have now vs. later” note early on in the process. Some things are essential on day one (safely installing the car seat); others can wait until you know your routine.
How Early Should I Start a Baby Registry?
To start early, you should start a baby registry around 12 weeks. That’s a great time to begin starting a baby list, not to publish it. Most platforms let you build in private mode, which means you can:
Add, delete, and compare at your own pace.
Crowdsource feedback from a trusted friend.
Take the time to research long-lead items (a stroller, a crib, a monitor).
Starting early protects your energy later, when baby shower invites are going out, and your inbox is full of “What do you still need?”
What are the benefits of starting a baby registry early?
The benefits of starting a baby registry early are:
Feeling less rushed. You’ll make more informed decisions about safety features and warranty coverage.
Securing inventory wins. Popular items can go in and out of stock; put them on the list before sale seasons.
Real-life testing. Try a few carriers in-store, then adjust your online registry picks.
Private editing. Keep your baby registry hidden until it feels “finished enough.”
When Should You Start Your Baby Registry?
You should start your baby registry around 12 weeks, and aim to have it “share-ready” by the time baby shower invitations go out. Many families finish during the late second trimester, so there’s plenty of time for shipping, backorders, and assembly.
Big-ticket choices (stroller, car seat, crib, etc.) can take weeks of reading and comparing. That’s normal. Keep your list private, chip away nightly, and publish when it feels helpful, not stressful. For timeline planning and event details, see how to plan a baby shower in Kansas City.
When should you start your baby registry for twins?
You should start your baby registry for twins toward the end of the first trimester or the start of the second. You’ll want two car seats and two safe sleep spaces, but one pump, one bottle sterilizer, and one sound machine is usually fine. A thoughtful baby registry checklist helps you decide what to double and what to share.
When to Start Buying For Baby During Pregnancy?
You should start buying for baby during pregnancy when it feels right to you. Snag deals early, or wait until after your anatomy scan to slowly buy things. A common breakdown of baby shopping is:
Weeks 12-20: Research, make a shortlist, and keep the registry private.
Weeks 20-28: Publish and share your registry with your baby shower invites.
Weeks 28-36: Use completion discounts to fill gaps; reference when to pack your hospital bag to finish line items.
If seeing boxes pile up spikes your stress, ship to a partner’s office or a parent’s house and open everything later.
What Items Are Commonly Included in a Baby Registry?
Common items in a baby registry are a mix of essentials and nice-to-haves, organized so friends and family can choose quickly. When sorting out ‘when should you start your baby registry,’ be sure you add a few items from each category below to cover your bases.
Nursery Items
Crib or bassinet
Mattress
Dimmable light
Feeding Time Items
Nipples in a couple of sizes
Nursing pillow
Drying rack
Bottle brush
Pump + extra parts.
Items for On the Go
Car seat (infant or convertible)
Stroller (lightweight or travel system)
Carrier/wrap
Health & Safety Items
Rectal thermometer
Baby-safe medicine dropper
Diapers & Nappies
Newborn and size 1 packs
Wipes
Diaper cream
Diaper Genie and pail liners
Clothing Items
Footed pajamas
Socks
Hats
Sleep sacks (NB/0-6 months to get started)
Independent Play Time Items
Books
Sign the inside cover for instant keepsakes.
Need help choosing a pregnancy journal suits your needs? See the best pregnancy journal for first-time moms.
Is 32 Weeks Too Early for a Baby Shower?
32 weeks is not too early for a baby shower. Most showers occur between 28 and 36 weeks. Earlier dates can be easier on energy levels; later dates give guests more time to shop. Choose what fits your travel, family schedules, and comfort.
When Should You Share Your Baby Registry With Guests?
You should share your baby registry with guests around 28 weeks, since most showers are in the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. Invites should go out 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Drop the link on the invitation; keep tweaking behind the scenes if something is out of stock or you change your mind.
For planning extras (venue timing, RSVP windows), you might also like ideas for things to do while pregnant in Kansas City, as well as Christian prayers for family strength and encouragement as the big day approaches. On the prayer front, prayers for pregnant women can be a sweet addition to your weekly routine.
Start Early, Finish With Confidence
Your list doesn’t have to be perfect on day one. Add a few items each week, and publish when it helps your community love you well. If you’re still wondering 'when should you start your baby registry,' the most straightforward answer is: start now and let people bless you at the pace that feels right.
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