When to Start a Baby Registry: The Best Time to Begin
If you just found out you’re pregnant, starting a baby registry might feel incredibly early. But once you start researching car seats, strollers, bottles, bassinets, monitors, and everything else babies apparently need, you realize pretty quickly that there are a lot of decisions to make.
So, when should you start a baby registry?
You can start a baby registry at any point during pregnancy, but I think it makes sense to start building one toward the end of the first trimester or beginning of the second trimester. You don’t have to share it with anyone yet. Starting early simply gives you time to research products, add things as you think of them, and change your mind without feeling rushed before your baby shower.
I’m a mom of two, and one of my biggest baby registry philosophies is that less is more. You really don’t need every baby product you see online. Giving yourself plenty of time to build your registry can actually help you be more thoughtful about what you add instead of registering for everything at once.
When Should You Start a Baby Registry?
A good time to start your baby registry is around 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy.
That doesn’t mean your registry needs to be finished by then. Think of it as a working list that you can continue editing throughout your pregnancy.
Starting around the second trimester gives you time to compare the bigger purchases, think about your lifestyle, and figure out what you actually want before anyone starts shopping.
You may also want to wait until after certain appointments or milestones before diving into baby gear, and that’s completely fine. There is no deadline for creating a registry.
Can You Start a Baby Registry Too Early?
Not really.
You can create a registry early in pregnancy and keep it private while you work on it. No one has to know it exists until you’re ready to share it.
Starting early can actually be helpful because you’ll probably change your mind about some products as you learn more. Something that seems essential at 12 weeks may feel completely unnecessary by 25 weeks.
I would much rather slowly build a registry than try to research 100 baby products in one weekend.
When Should Your Baby Registry Be Finished?
Try to have your registry mostly finished before baby shower invitations go out.
Guests often start shopping as soon as they receive an invitation, so you want enough items and price points available when people first look at your registry.
That said, your registry is never really “finished.” You can continue adding and removing things throughout pregnancy, and you may even use it as your own shopping list after your shower.
When Should You Share Your Baby Registry?
There’s a difference between when you create your registry and when you share it.
You can start creating it early in pregnancy and wait to share it until someone asks for it or your baby shower invitations are being sent.
This gives you plenty of time to research without feeling like anyone is watching what you add or remove.
What Should You Add First?
I would start with the bigger categories rather than worrying about every tiny baby item.
Think about:
Sleep
Feeding
Diapering
Clothing
Stroller and car seat
Baby gear
Bathing
Travel
Postpartum essentials
Start with the products that require the most research. Choosing a stroller or car seat usually takes more thought than deciding which burp cloths to add.
Once the major decisions are made, you can fill in the smaller essentials.
You Don’t Need Everything Before the Baby Arrives
This is something I wish more first-time parents heard.
Your registry does not need to predict every product your baby will ever need.
Babies have preferences. Parents have preferences. And you won’t know all of yours until your baby is actually here.
You can always order something later.
I would especially avoid stocking up on huge quantities of products your baby may not like, including bottles, pacifiers, swaddles, and certain baby gear. Start with enough to get you through the early days and add more once you know what works for your family.
My Baby Registry Advice as a Mom of Two
After having two babies, I’m even more convinced that a thoughtful registry is better than a huge registry.
Give yourself enough time to research the products that matter, but don’t let creating a baby registry turn into another overwhelming pregnancy project.
Start around the end of your first trimester or beginning of your second trimester. Build it slowly. Ask other parents what they actually used. Skip the things that don’t make sense for your lifestyle.
And remember that Amazon will still exist after your baby is born.
Related Mom 411 Guides
If you’re starting your registry, read my Baby Registry Checklist next for the full list of what I recommend.
You can also read What to Put on a Baby Registry, What NOT to Put on a Baby Registry, and Baby Registry Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves.
FAQ
What week should I start a baby registry?
Around 12 to 16 weeks is a great time to start building your baby registry. You can keep it private and continue adding to it throughout pregnancy.
Is 12 weeks too early to start a baby registry?
No. You can start your registry at 12 weeks or even earlier if you want. You do not have to share it until you’re ready.
Is 20 weeks too late to start a baby registry?
Not at all. Starting around 20 weeks still gives you plenty of time to research products and prepare your registry before most baby showers.
When should a baby registry be completed?
Try to have your registry mostly complete before baby shower invitations are sent because some guests will start shopping immediately.
Should I buy everything on my registry before the baby comes?
No. Focus on what you’ll need during the newborn period and the major baby gear you want ready. You can purchase additional products once your baby arrives and you have a better idea of what you actually use. If you have items left on your baby registry after your baby arrives, they will likely be discounted as an incentive for you to purchase them.
