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
Planning a baby registry can feel overwhelming but also exciting, especially with so many options and offers available. One of the best ways to make the most out of your registry is to diversify where you register to maximize freebies and discounts. For example, registering on platforms like Amazon, Target, and Babylist not only gives you access to exclusive welcome boxes packed with baby essentials but also allows your friends and family to shop where it’s most convenient for them. These welcome boxes often contain items such as baby bottles, diapers, balm, pacifiers, and clothing, providing a nice variety to get started without spending extra. Another smart tip is timing your purchases around completion discounts, which most major retailers offer about 8 weeks before the baby’s due date. These discounts can be stacked with other deals, like Target Circle offers, letting you save significantly on remaining registry items or bulk essentials such as diapers and wipes. Patience truly pays off when it comes to these savings, so adding items gradually over time can stretch your budget further. Breastfeeding moms can also benefit greatly by researching insurance coverage for breast pumps and accessories. Many insurance plans cover the full cost including pumps, replacement parts, and storage bags when ordered through approved vendors like Aeroflow or Babylist. This approach often requires a prescription from your healthcare provider but can save you hundreds of dollars. Additionally, stay updated on eligibility for ongoing replacement parts to ensure you have what you need while actively pumping. If you're considering formula feeding or supplementing, signing up with formula manufacturers’ websites such as Enfamil is a good idea. These companies often send out free welcome kits containing formula samples, bottles, and valuable coupons without requiring any purchase. This not only helps you try different formula types but also cuts down initial expenses. Incorporating these tips into your baby registry planning process will reduce stress, save money, and help you build a well-stocked nursery without unnecessary duplicates. Remember, the key is to stay organized, leverage multiple registries, and be strategic about when and where you shop. This way, you can focus on enjoying the unique journey of pregnancy and preparing for your new arrival with confidence.
