What Is a Baby Registry and How Do You Create One?

Are you about to welcome your first baby? First of all, congratulations! Now’s the perfect time to start your registry and get prepped for the beautiful new era that awaits. Baby registries are easy to put together and make a huge difference for new parents as the family begins to grow! 

However, if you’re a first-time parent, you’re likely a little overwhelmed. What essentials do you need for your precious new arrival, and how do you actually set up your registry? We’ve done the legwork and crafted some convenient tips and guidelines to follow as you get started on creating the perfect baby registry. Read on to find out more.

How Does a Baby Registry Work?

Baby registries give parents-to-be the chance to create a list of their most wanted and needed baby items. By creating an online account at one or more stores, expecting families can hand-pick baby essentials they’ll need once their child arrives. Family and friends can then view this list and purchase items as a gift for their favourite newfound family. 

Baby registries take the stress out of baby showers, ensuring expecting parents receive genuinely helpful gifts. It’s essential to offer a range of items on your list, from strollers to diaper bags, so loved ones have the option to spend within their means and help their gifts go further.

When Is the Best Time to Start a Baby Registry?

One of the great things about a baby registry is that you can start as soon as you’d like. There’s nothing wrong with taking extra time to be prepared, and it will significantly reduce stress if you allocate plenty of time to curate the perfect registry.

Starting early allows you the chance to conduct thorough research on items that interest you, and gives you more time to compare different brands and models before making a commitment.

Some couples choose to wait a bit longer into the pregnancy to start their registries, allowing them to curate items after they’ve found out the gender of their baby. The choice is ultimately up to you, just make sure to give yourself as much time as possible so that you don’t have to scramble at the last second - gift-buyers will appreciate this too!

The good news? It’s easier than ever to create a well-thought-out registry with the click of a few buttons. No matter how much time you’ve given yourself to get your registry in order, here’s what you need to do to create the perfect registry for your growing family.

How To Create a Baby Registry

Creating a baby registry should be a fun and exciting experience, not a stressful one. It’s easy to personalize your registry, and we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help make it even simpler. Whether you’re dreaming of cute-as-a-button sleepwear like Loulou Lollipop’s Sleeper collection or starting to think of practical bits, like diaper bags and bottles, we’ve got you covered.

Choose the Stores You Would Like to Register With

The first step of this process is to do some research (hop on your laptop or ask fellow parents for their recommendations) and see which stores you like and are interested in registering with. Almost all baby stores offer online registry options nowadays, and it’s typically pretty easy to get started once you’ve made your selection. 

When choosing where to register, think about which stores carry the baby brands you already love. If you’ve been eyeing Loulou Lollipop’s sustainably-made, non-toxic baby essentials like the Loulou Lollipop’s TENCEL™ Sleep Bag 1.0 TOG or adorable Snack Plates, be sure to select retailers that offer the full range of your favourite items. The goal is to reflect your family's style and values, all in one place.

Loulou Lollipop conveniently has its own gift registry, where you can add your favourite products and share your list with friends and family. It’s the perfect way to ensure you receive the items you truly want and need.

Create an Account

Now that you’ve narrowed down your selection to one or two stores, it’s time to create an account. This personalized account is used to track which items you want to add to your registry, and will help you to keep a log of who purchases what for when it comes time to write thank-you notes. 

There are a few important things to consider as you create your account. You’ll typically need to add your due date so that your friends and family have a better understanding of the timeframe they have to make their selections. You should also include your shipping address so that the gifts can be sent directly to you.

If you would like to loop this in to your baby shower and open the gifts in person, you can absolutely do so. Just be sure to update the dates accordingly and make sure the shipping address aligns with where the gifts need to be delivered. 

Select Your Items

Now’s the time to add all of your chosen items to your cart! This is supposed to be a wholesome and exciting process, so do your best to avoid getting caught up in the small details. If you have done your research and know what you need and want most, it shouldn’t take you long to get everything loaded into your registry.

That said, take your time and know that you can always come back to it if you need to! Not everyone will purchase their gifts for you on the same day, so it’s a safe assumption that you have time to make any adjustments or additions to your list if you think of something after the fact.

Most online registries allow you to designate certain items as your top picks, so be sure to do so to ensure you receive the items you want the most.

Share Your Registry

Once you have the majority of your registry finalized, it’s time to share it with those whom you love most. Online registries typically offer easy-to-use sharing features, allowing you to email your loved ones or provide them with a link to quickly access your items. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Point of a Baby Registry?

A baby registry provides parents with the opportunity to request specific items they need or want for their newborn. These registries are incredibly useful tools that help ensure everyone can contribute in a meaningful and helpful way. They also help keep gift-giving organized and ensure that there are no duplicates of specific items. 

Are Baby Registries Necessary?

No, you don't have to create a baby registry if you don’t want to, but we strongly encourage you to consider using one. Making a well-thought-out list of items that you need and want once your baby arrives gives the important people in your life a chance to contribute and help in a way that will make a lasting difference once your child is born.

What Do People Forget to Put on a Baby Registry?

Some of the most common items people forget to put on their baby registry are the practical, everyday essentials. It is easy to get caught up in all the cute outfits and decor, but it’s important to include specific necessities that you will need for your baby. Consider adding diaper bags, postpartum care items for yourself, or any other essentials.

Creating a Baby Registry Simplifies Prep and Reduces Stress

As you can see, baby registries are fun to build and share with loved ones, and can really help you to get in the swing of things once your baby is born. Make sure to include essentials like clothing, feeding equipment, and a few special items just for you to make your new parenthood a little easier, such as massage oil or an indulgent candle.

If you’re looking for safe and sustainable baby goods to add to your registry, be sure to check out the Loulou Lollipop online store today.