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“You are expecting a baby. If you haven’t already announced the big news to friends and family, you’ll get a lot of questions about where you’ll register and how you’ll stock your nursery.”

There are a lot of features to consider when choosing a baby registry, so it can seem overwhelming.

We compiled the specifications on 11 different baby registries so you can find the right one for you. Read on to learn why you should register and what to consider when searching for aregistry.

Psst! While you’re here, sign up for our I’m Expecting newsletter to get weekly guidance through your pregnancy.

A baby registry is a list of items that a set of parents want to have for their baby. Links to purchase items can be included in an online baby registry.

“A baby registry can be used to organize. It is a way to help their friends and family meet their needs and to make sure new parents don’t get duplicate babies.”

The phrase “it takes a village” applies to a lot of things.

Regardless of how excited you are, preparing for the arrival of your bundle of joy is a big task. Between large purchases (like a bassinet or car seat) and the nitty-gritty items (all those pacis!), the cost of baby gear adds up at a staggering rate.

“Don’t worry, with a registry you’ll get by with a little help from your friends and family.”

It’s important to remember that people in your life want to help you prepare! And, while asking for gifts can be uncomfortable at first, creating a registry is the easiest way to guide folks toward the products you actually want and need for your baby.

There are different types of baby registries.

  • store-specific baby registries: These registries will only allow you to list items sold in a particular store (e.g., Buy Buy Baby, Target, Walmart). Occasionally, this type of registry even requires guests to visit a store in person to make a purchase.
  • universal baby registries: These registries allow you to list items from any store in the world.
  • service baby registries: Instead of just physical items, parents-to-be are able to list donations for meal services, childcare, and other services they’ll want after their baby arrives with these registries.

We looked at the amount and types of products available when we decided which baby registry to include. We looked at what parents were saying about using different baby registries. We considered any extras that were offered like extended return policies, product discounts, and reminder emails.

Easiest baby registry to use

Amazon Baby Registry

The pros are:

  • There are a lot of different brands and products on your registry.
  • 10 percent off any items left on your registry.
  • Group gift giving and gift returns can be done for up to a year.

The cons are:

  • Before you register, you have to see products in a store.
  • Prime members need to get many of the benefits.

You’re probably already aware that you can find basically anything on Amazon — well, the same goes for Amazon Baby Registry.

You will be able to shop for your child and yourself, as well as a huge selection of products. It is fair to add things to an Amazon baby registry.

It is easy for your friends and family to shop your registry from their own Amazon accounts since they will be able to do so.

Features and callouts

Return policy: Gifts purchased through your registry are eligible for free returns up to 365 days from purchase (the gift-giver will never know you returned!). Baby items purchased by you (the registry owner) are eligible for 90-day returns.
Brand variety: Amazon carries a huge amount of big baby brand names like Gerber, Britax, Chicco, and more.
Group gifting: Yes.
Freebies: Yes. When you start your registry, you’ll receive a welcome box of items for baby and parents (valued up to $35).
Completion discounts: Yes. Up to 60 days after your baby’s expected arrival date, you’re eligible for a 10 percent completion discount on items left on your registry (up to two orders). Prime members receive 15 percent off.
Personal touches: Amazon will help you track your thank-yous and, if the gift-giver chooses, provide you with their address.
Universal registry: Yes. You can add any item from any retailer to your Amazon registry by enabling Universal Registry.

Best baby registry for nursery decor

Pottery Barn Kids Baby Registry

The pros are:

  • Williams Sonoma and West Elm are included in the One Registry Collective.
  • Receive a registry completion discount of 20 percent off products for 2 months prior and 6 months past the event date.
  • There is a free virtual baby registry and the option to personalize items.

The cons are:

  • It can be difficult to determine who sent a gift.
  • Group gifts or freebies are not offered.

Pottery Barn Kids is a great place to register if you want to make sure you have your priorities straight. Their collection of furniture, toys, and decor will help you create a timeless look in your nursery.

Pottery Barn Kids has a wide variety of Greenguard Gold Certified furniture and organic linens, dedicated sales associates, and an online gift tracker, which make it easy to register.

“The Editorial Director used a program called PB Kids for her first child and they couldn’t tell who the gift-giving person was when they received a package, so they had to go online to check.”

Features and callouts

Return policy: You can return or exchange a gift within 90 days from your baby’s expected arrival date or 90 days from purchase (whichever is later).
Brand variety: Extensive — In addition to the Pottery Barn brand, PB Kids offers items from big names like Skip Hop, Medela, UPPAbaby, and more.
Group gifting: No.
Freebies: No.
Completion discounts: Yes. For 2 months prior and up to 6 months past your date, you can purchase any remaining items from your registry (and add more!) for a generous 20 percent off.
Personal touches: Pottery Barn Kids offers a free virtual consultation with a registry expert to help you decide what you want and need. They also offer the option to personalize gifts (like towels or blankets) by adding your baby’s name.
Universal registry: No, but you can add items from Pottery Barn’s sister brands, Williams Sonoma and West Elm.

Best baby registry for the essentials

Target Baby Registry

The pros are:

  • For a year, the free registry returns.
  • The welcome box has a lot of freebies.
  • There is an option to add items from other websites.

The cons are:

  • Some parents had issues with returning items bought online.
  • Target prices can be more expensive than other retailers like Walmart.

Target is a great one-stop-shop for most folks, and expecting parents are no exception. In addition to the adorable decor and brand-name gear, you’ll find all the essentials (like baby shampoo and wipes) you’ll need for your baby’s first year.

They offer an extensive list of things to do if you need some help. Target has no shortage of brick-and-mortar locations across the country, which is a plus for those who like to shop in-store.

Features and callouts

Return policy: Target offers free returns and exchanges for a year (!!!) on unopened products you receive from your registry.
Brand variety: Very good — beyond Target’s baby brand, Cloud Island, you’ll find items from big-name baby brands like Graco, The Honest Company, and more.
Group gifting: Yes.
Freebies: Yes. When you start your registry, you’ll receive a welcome box of items for baby and parents ($100 value).
Completion discounts: Yes. Eight weeks before your expected arrival date, you’ll receive a coupon for 15 percent off, which you can use twice in-store and once online to buy those remaining gifts and add anything additional for the baby. The discount expires 6 months after your due date.
Personal touches: Target helps you track your gifts and thank-yous online. They also let you customize your registry page with photos, a custom URL, and more.
Universal registry: Yes. You can add items from other retailers to your Target registry.

Best baby registry for low prices

Walmart Baby Registry

The pros are:

  • Most retailers have a price-match guarantee for items on the registry.
  • The welcome box is free for creating the registry.
  • There is a wide range of brands available.

The cons are:

  • No group gift option.
  • There is no discount for completing the registry.
  • There is no way to include items from other stores.

Walmart is known for its low prices, so if you want to stock up without sending your friends and family into sticker shock, consider a Walmart Baby Registry.

“If you don’t receive all the baby gear you need, Walmart will give you an e- gift card for the difference, and you can show a competitor’s lower price.”

“Walmart’s Babyregistry lacks a few perks that other companies offer, like group gifting, a completion discount, and a universal registry option.”

Features and callouts

Return policy: Free returns for up to 1 year on eligible items.
Brand variety: Very good — Walmart carries big name brands like nanobébé, Joovy, Graco, and more.
Group gifting: No.
Freebies: Yes. When you start your registry, you’ll receive a welcome box of items for baby and parents (up to $40 value).
Completion discounts: No.
Personal touches: You’ll be notified digitally when a gift is purchased for you (you won’t receive gift messages in packages, though). Walmart also offers a checklist to help you build your registry and a virtual registry assistant.
Universal registry: No.

Best baby registry for cash gifts

MyRegistry.com Universal Baby Registry

The pros are:

  • “Even if they don’t have a website, items from any store can be included on the registry.”
  • There are fees involved in the option to register for cash gifts.
  • You can still get the store registries discount benefits if you synch them.

The cons are:

  • You have to go through individual stores to find their return policies.
  • “You can’t get free samples when you register.”

“Can’t decide where to register You can add items from any store to your registry with MyRegistry.com.”

One of the biggest perks of MyRegistry.com is the option to register for cash gifts. It’s an easy way to start putting money aside for a playroom renovation, piano lessons, college, or whatever your heart (and wallet) desires. (Note that cash gifts require a service fee and are subtracted from the total gift amount.)

Features and callouts

Return policy: As you cannot return or exchange a gift through MyRegistry.com (you have to go through the store the item was purchased through), the terms and conditions vary.
Brand variety: Limitless!
Group gifting: Only on cash gifts.
Freebies: No.
Completion discounts: No.
Personal touches: MyRegistry.com lets gift-givers leave a virtual message or “sign” a virtual guest book when visiting your registry page.
Universal registry: Yes — you can add gifts from any store to your registry page, even if they don’t have a website. (How cool is that?!)

Best baby registry for discount bonuses

Buy Buy Baby Registry

The pros are:

  • For up to one year, you can return items.
  • Remaining registry items will be discounted by 15 percent.
  • “If the total of gifts purchased is more than $2,500, you will get free shipping on your baby’s first year.”

The cons are:

  • items from other stores are not included on the registry.
  • If you want the bag, you have to pick it up.

If you’re a fan of discounts (uh, who isn’t?) Buy Buy Baby’s registry is going to be right up your alley. Since they’re part of the Bed Bath & Beyond family, coupons for 20 percent off are a monthly occurrence, so big-ticket items like strollers and cribs will be a little easier to manage.

“One of the biggest perks of starting a registry? If the value of the gifts purchased from your registry exceeds $1,500, you can get free shipping on your baby’s first year.”

You will earn $25 off your next in-store purchase of $100 or more if you refer a friend to register at Buy Buy Baby. It was sweet!

Features and callouts

Return policy: You’re able to return gifts within 1 year of the purchase date!
Brand variety: Extensive — baby gear is literally what they do, so you’ll find no shortage of big brand names here.
Group gifting: Yes.
Freebies: Free welcome bag of samples and the store’s Baby Registry Guide, available for in-store pickup only.
Completion discounts: BBB will send you a 15 percent off coupon for use in stores (and another for use online) several weeks before your date. You can’t combine this with their monthly 20-percent-off coupon.
Personal touches: Expecting parents are offered a free in-store consultation with a specialist, and friends and family can suggest products to you through the site’s “recommendation tool.” They’ll also help you track thank-yous.
Universal registry: No.

Best baby registry for parents

Babylist Baby Registry

The pros are:

  • can include services on this registry
  • allows for group gifts
  • Adoption, surrogate parenting, and other paths to parenting are acknowledged.

The cons are:

  • The checkout process was frustrating some users.
  • If you make a $10 purchase, the sample gift box will come to you.

Babylist goes the extra mile to take care of parents by letting friends and family register for things like housecleaning, home-cooked meals, dog walking, and more.

A Babylist registry has unique qualities such as access to unique gifts from independent artists and a catered experience for parents who are using a surrogate. Cash funds are also offered by Babylist.

Features and callouts

Return policy: You can return unopened items within 90 days of the purchase date.
Brand variety: Extensive.
Group gifting: Yes.
Freebies: Yes — sort of. With a $10 purchase, you’ll receive a box upon registering with goodies and coupons for parents and baby.
Completion discounts: A one-time, 15-percent-off discount will become available 60 days before your baby’s expected arrival date. You can use this discount for up to 6 months afterward.
Personal touches: There are a ton of resources on Babylist’s website to help you get started, whether you’re a first-time parent or a professional toddler-wrangler.
Universal registry: Yes — link any products or other registries to your Babylist registry for one seamless experience. Cash funds are also an option.

Best baby registry for splurges

Crate & Kids Baby Registry

The pros are:

  • Experts can help with nursery design.
  • Group gifts are offered.
  • Up to 3 months is when the discount is available.

The cons are:

  • Unable to add products from other stores.
  • Products that are more expensive are on the other side.

Dreaming of a stylish baby nursery? The Crate & Kids Baby Registry has everything you’ll need to make that happen… including free design assistance! You’ll get alerts through the app every time something is purchased off your registry, and a 15 percent discount for up to 3 months after the event date you choose, so you can get whatever items are necessary to complete your vision.

Items tend to be on the more expensive side, but this registry Group gifts are offered.. Users also liked the easy check-out process.

Features and callouts

Return policy: 30 days for furniture; 90 days for non-furniture items.
Brand variety: Limited.
Group gifting: Yes.
Freebies: No.
Completion discounts: Fifteen percent discount that’s good for up to 3 months after the event date.
Personal touches: Users can get style and layout help from design professionals. The app alerts every time a registry item is purchased.
Universal registry: No.

Best baby registry for eco-friendly items

The Tot Baby Registry

The pros are:

  • registry specialists can help with questions
  • There is a 15 percent discount on anything left in the registry.
  • Those who need inspiration can register for starter registries.

The cons are:

  • No group giving.
  • There is a limited amount of brands available.

Do you want to make sure that your baby is safe and friendly? Every product has been researched and tested by this company.

“The site has eco-friendly products, but they are limited and the registry doesn’t offer group gifts. The company makes the setting-up process easy, with specialists to answer questions and provide starter registries for inspiration.”

Features and callouts

Return policy: Up to 90 days.
Brand variety: Less brand variety than most options on our list.
Group gifting: No.
Freebies: No.
Completion discounts: Fifteen percent on any items remaining in the registry.
Personal touches: Registry specialists are available by phone. Starter registry guides include a few celebrity ones.
Universal registry: No.

Best baby registry for cash gifts

Plumfund Babyfund

The pros are:

  • can use fund for any services
  • People can come together to pay for larger items.
  • There are no set-up fees or percentages taken.

The cons are:

  • You will need to purchase items yourself.
  • There is no way to get money back or control its use.

“Plumfund Babyfund is a crowdfunder that allows parents to raise money for a growing family. Users won’t get items like a traditional baby registry. They will get money instead.”

Cash funds for diaper, child care, and large-ticket items like strollers can help new parents with the costs of living, so they can focus on their children. This site has no set-up fees or percentages.

Features and callouts

Return policy: Givers can only get their money back if their pledge has not been paid yet. Once the transaction is processed, any monetary disputes must be settled directly with the person who received the gift.
Brand variety: Vast — you can fund for anything.
Group gifting: Yes.
Freebies: No.
Completion discounts: No.
Personal touches: Low third-party transaction fees are available.
Universal registry: Yes, but it’s just the money to pay for items or services. The actual item or service will have to be bought with the money separately, not through Plumfund.

Best baby registry for services

SoKind Baby Registry

The pros are:

  • Requests for donations of time, money, talents, and even used items can be included.
  • It allows for long descriptions of what you are looking for.
  • The site has a sample of registries for ideas.

The cons are:

  • People can buy items through the SoKind website.
  • will need to use another organization like PayPal, which can carry transaction fees

If you want to focus on the non-material things in life, the SoKind registry can help you request time, talents, used items, and even donations to favorite charities. Favors you can think of for the labor and the post-partum period are fair game.

If you want some physical items, you will have to include links to outside websites and givers will have to figure out how to deliver it to you. Money transfer is not easy through this website, the way it is with some registries.

Features and callouts

Return policy: Since any items requested “new” will need to be purchased through another store, the return policy of that store will determine the return possibilities of that item.
Brand variety: Anything is fair game!
Group gifting: By choosing “unlimited” for the quantity, multiple people can donate items or toward a monetary fund.
Freebies: No.
Completion discounts: No.
Personal touches: Allows for detailed descriptions of what exactly the parents-to-be are seeking (e.g., three vegan homemade meals delivered to the hospital after the birth); The site has a sample of registries for ideas..
Universal registry Yes, can even include services and donations.

Name Return policy Group gifting Freebies Completion discounts Universal registry
Amazon Baby Registry Free returns up to 365 days from purchase (from gift-giver). 90-day returns for items purchased by registry owner. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Pottery Barn Kids Baby Registry Within 90 days from baby’s expected arrival date, or 90 days from purchase (whichever is later). No. No. Yes. No, but you can add products from Pottery Barn’s sister brands.
Target Baby Registry Free returns and exchanges for 1 year on unopened products. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Walmart Baby Registry Free returns for up to 1 year on eligible items. No. Yes. No. No.
MyRegistry.com Universal Baby Registry Terms and conditions vary (you have to go through the store the item was purchased from). Only on cash gifts. No. No. Yes.
Buy Buy Baby Registry Return gifts within 1 year of purchase date. Yes. Free welcome bag of samples — for in-store pickup only. Yes. No.
Babylist Baby Registry Can return unopened items within 90 days of purchase date. Yes. Sort of — with a $10 purchase, you’ll receive a box upon registering with goodies and coupons for baby and parents. One-time 15 percent discount available 60 days before baby’s expected arrival date. Yes.
Crate & Kids Baby Registry 30 days for furniture; 90 days for non-furniture items. Yes. No. Yes. No.
The Tot Baby Registry 90 days from chosen event date. No. No. Yes. No.
Plumfund Babyfund Registry Givers can only get their money back if they have not paid their pledge yet online. Yes. No. No. Users can request funds for anything, but will need to actually purchase those items or services from the vender themselves.
SoKind Baby Registry Any items purchased based on requests from the registry are subject to the return policy of the store they are purchased through. By choosing “unlimited” as the quantity for donations, multiple people can contribute. No. No. Yes, but website is focused on services and time-/skill-based donations.

It is important to factor in features and incentives when choosing a baby registry.

  • return policies. Sometimes a gift just isn’t the right fit. How easy will it be to make a return through the registry? Especially if you’re caring for a newborn, you’re going to want this process to be simple and the timeframe to be generous.
  • brand variety. Some registries offer a wide variety of brand names for each product, while others stick to their own brand and a few others. Consider how important brand names are to you and whether they’re available on a registry before committing.
  • group gifting. Big-ticket items like cribs and strollers can get pricey, so it’s helpful if your friends and family have the option of going in on a bigger gift together.
  • freebies. When you start a registry, some companies will send you a welcome gift with a few freebies so you can get to know the brands they carry.
  • completion discounts. As you near your baby’s expected arrival date, many registries will hook you up with a discount so you can purchase any remaining gifts on your wish list. The terms and conditions vary from company to company.
  • personal touches. When you receive a gift, does the registry tell you who it’s from? Are you prompted to send a thank-you note? Little details like that help you stay on top of things when it comes to gift etiquette.
  • universal registry. The term “universal registry” means you’re able to add items from other retailers to your registry page. It allows for more customization and brand variety across your registry.

When should you start a baby registry?

There is no hard and fast rule for when to start a baby registry. The person is about 3 months pregnant. This gives plenty of time to share the registry and weed through products. You may want to wait until you know the gender of your baby. You will want to give yourself plenty of time to complete it before any baby showers.

When should you share a baby registry?

You should share your registry with those invited to the baby shower. The invitation to these events usually includes information about how to locate your baby registry. You can also let your family and friends know about your baby registry.

What should you put on a baby registry?

A mix of larger and smaller items is a good idea. A baby registry often includes things like a car seat, stroller, baby monitors, bottles, pumps, and diapers.

Some baby registries allow parents-to-be to include services or list general funds that friends and family can donate to. In these cases, you might want to ask for money towards doula costs or meal delivery services.

What should you not put on a baby registry?

You’ll want to avoid including things that the American Academy of Pediatrics considers unsafe, like crib bumpers or sleep positioners on your baby registry. Depending on how much space you have, you may want to avoid including duplicate items, things that won’t be used frequently, or items that will need to be stored until your baby is older as well. Finally, there’s usually no need to include baby clothing on your registry. You’ll get plenty of outfits anyway!