Best baby registry practices

When you start choosing items for your baby shower registry, try to include a wide variety of baby gear and baby-care items in a range of prices so that invitees to your baby shower can choose a gift that suits their budget. That way, friends and family members can go in together to purchase some of the bigger-ticket items like strollers, travel systems, breast pumps or nursery furniture; or they can buy a few of the more affordably priced items, like diaper shirt sets, packs of receiving blankets, or bath toys. Share your baby registry wish list with family and friends so they (and you) can keep track online of what has and has not been purchased. First-time parents will need to include a wider variety and larger quantity of baby items for their brand-new little one. One the other hand, second-time or third-time moms or dads may wish to upgrade gear like car seats or high chairs or to restock baby clothing or other baby-care items that have been well-used. They may also need to acquire new items like double strollers, booster seats, or wagons that will help them care for older siblings in addition to the new baby.

Choose gifts for yourself, too

It’s easy to focus on items for the new baby but remember to include maternity registry gifts and postpartum items on your baby registry, Canada! Top self-care gifts include universal gear like body pillows and parenting books, as well as gifts to pamper pregnant and postpartum bodies, like skincare products, belly bands, and nursing bras and apparel. Other terrific baby registry items that benefit both parents include quality diaper bags, baby carriers, bouncers, and activity centers that offer some hands-free time; nursery furniture like rockers and change tables; and peace-of-mind accessories like white-noise machines and baby monitors. Some of the smartest and best-loved gift registry items help reduce parents’ workload: think breast pumps and milk storage products; food preparation gear like formula mixers, and food steamers and blenders; and cleaning gear like steam sterilizers for bottles, nipples and breast pump parts, and UV sanitizers for disinfecting pacifiers and small toys.

Baby registry checklist

As you compile your baby registry list, consider both the items you really need and the fun items that are nice to have. Registry must-have items include safety essentials like a car seat that will work for newborns, as well as a jogging stroller for daily exercise – this might mean registering for a travel system that combines the car seat and stroller. If you’re creating a twins registry or already have a child at home, consider a double stroller so that everyone can ride along. Remember to select specialty healthcare items, too: a grooming kit for nail trimming, baby support for the bathtub, nasal aspirator, an easy-use infrared thermometer – even infant hearing protection for concerts and sporting events!