What I’ve learned about baby registries!
I am 33+5 weeks pregnant, had two baby showers, and have my nursery ready to go… and here’s some important things I’ve learned about baby registries, completion discounts and FREEBIES!
The big things- register multiple places to get free sample boxes, wait to buy things yourself until your completion discount is sent, and order your breast pump/parts/storage bags free through insurance!
**Registries: I registered at Amazon, Target and Babylist. I’ll explain why- the more places I registered the more free products I got. But basically I put things on Amazon and Target lists and then easily imported them into Babylist… and Babylist is the one I sent out to family/friends and with shower invitations. Babylist was nice because for each item it will link to all the external sites (Walmart, Target, Amazon, etc) and display prices for each… so people can buy from where works best for them. And it keeps everything in one central spot so you don’t end up with duplicates.
The one downside is that when they go to those external sites to purchase it, it will not mark as purchased on that website’s registry (you would need to go do it if you are sending out links to multiple registries) and the person needs to mark it purchased off of your Babylist. But overall I still found this easiest and worked well.
**FREEBIES: Now the reason I registered at multiple- all three websites send a Welcome/Baby Box if you have created a list and a minimum amount is purchased off the registry (for Amazon this was $10). And this can be by you! So honestly I added a pregnancy book to my Amazon list, bought it myself, and got the free box. At Target I added prenatal vitamins and stretch mark cream, and bought them and got the free box! And theses boxes contained multiple baby bottles, diapers, sample packs of diaper creams/nipple balm/etc, pacifiers, and even onesies! They are definitely worth it.
**DISCOUNTS: All three of these sites also send completion discounts around 8 weeks/2 months before your due date! So wait to buy stuff yourself. For Amazon, it is unlimited uses and lasts until 3 months after baby is born!! The only stipulation is that you have to add it to your cart from your registry. But you can still add things to your registry during this time! So if there’s things you still need or just want to stock up on diapers/wipes/etc, add them and get them with the discount! AND as far as I can tell, that discount is applied on top of sales prices and… if you have Target circle it is stackable with other discounts. If you’re nesting and get anxious like me it might be hard to wait that late to buy things but I have saved so much money with these discounts!
**BREAST PUMP: Most health insurances will cover one breast pump each pregnancy. So before you buy one… check Babylist, Aeroflow and the manufacturer’s website to see if you are eligible! I had to get a rx sent from my OB doctor and give them my insurance number and that was it… then I picked the pump I wanted and they sent for free, shipping included. Check both sites though! I got the Spectra S1… through Aeroflow that particular pump with my insurance was going to be a $30 upgrade fee, through Babylist it was covered 100%. And finally- they may also cover replacement parts and milk storage bags!! Babylist included this for my pump with my insurance. As long as I am actively pumping I am eligible every couple months for 2 of each part and milk storage bags! So definitely look into all of that before buying any of it or putting it on your registry!
**FORMULA: If you think you may use formula at all, go to Enfamil’s website and sign up! It is completely free. You will get emails/texts unless you opt out. But they sent me a welcome box, no purchase necessary whatsoever, about 2 months before! It included multiple canisters of different types of formula, bottle nipples and a bunch of manufacturer coupons for $5-15 off! Again, this was completely free, I purchased absolutely nothing.
#babyregistry #registrymusthaves #pregnancy #pregnancyjourney #momtobe
Okay mamas and mamas-to-be, building that baby registry can feel like navigating a maze, right? Beyond all the amazing freebies and discounts I shared earlier, the biggest question always is: *what do you actually need*?! As I've been nesting and getting ready for my little one, I've learned a lot about what makes a registry truly practical. Here's a deeper dive into actual baby registry list ideas, focusing on categories and items that often get overlooked or that I found super helpful, especially with all the choices out there! First up, Sleeping Essentials. Everyone knows you need a crib (hello, white crib from my dream nursery inspo!), but don't forget safe sleep accessories. My registry includes several soft, patterned swaddles – newborns love feeling snug! As they grow, blue sleep sacks or other colors are a safer alternative to loose blankets. Think about a good mattress and waterproof covers too. For Feeding Time, beyond that awesome free breast pump, bottles are a must, even if you plan to breastfeed. Sometimes you need to pump and store, or introduce formula. I've added a variety of bottle types to see what baby prefers. A comfy nursing pillow is also a game-changer for those long feeding sessions, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, saving your back and arms! Don't forget burp cloths – you can never have enough! When it comes to Diaper Duty, while those free sample packs are great, you'll need a lot more. Consider adding different diaper brands in newborn and size 1. Wipes in bulk are a lifesaver, and a few tubes of quality diaper rash cream are essential. And seriously, a well-organized diaper backpack is a lifesaver for outings. Forget the cute tote; you need hands-free access! Out and About items are crucial. A safe car seat is non-negotiable from day one – make sure it's installed correctly before baby arrives! While not in my OCR, a stroller that clicks with your car seat is another big-ticket item worth adding. For soothing at home, a baby swing can be a godsend for fussy periods or just needing a safe place to put baby down for a few minutes. And of course, Clothing! Those tiny outfits are adorable, but practicality wins. I focused on soft, easy-to-change baby bodysuits and zippered black sleepers (or any color!) for nighttime changes. Don't forget different sizes – babies grow fast! A few special items like a floral sleep gown are lovely for photos or just feeling extra sweet. Finally, for Memories & Milestones, a beautiful baby memory book is something you'll cherish forever. It’s easy to forget to document things in the chaos of new parenthood, so having one ready to go is perfect. My biggest tip? Don't be afraid to add practical items like gift cards for groceries or meal delivery services. New parents are often too tired to cook! Remember, your registry is a guide for loved ones, but it’s also a fantastic checklist for you. Prioritize safety and practicality, and enjoy building your perfect nesting hub!
