A baby registry is the most practical tool expectant parents can prepare before their baby arrives: it coordinates family and friends, avoids duplicate gifts, and ensures the baby comes home with everything they need.
According to baby industry data, a family receives an average of 20 to 40 gifts before and after a baby’s birth. Without an organized list, it’s common to end up with three high chairs, two baby monitors, and no humidifier — exactly the opposite of what’s actually needed.
In this guide you’ll find what to include in your baby registry, how to organize it by category, and how to share it easily with the whole family.
What is a baby registry?
A baby registry is a curated selection of baby gear, clothing, accessories, and household items that expectant parents share with their loved ones to guide gift choices before and after the birth.
Unlike a wedding registry, a baby registry typically combines immediate essentials (newborn diapers, size 0-3 month onesies, nappy cream) with larger investments (pram, cot, car seat) that grandparents or groups of friends usually cover together.
When should you create your baby registry?
The ideal time is between week 20 and week 28 of pregnancy, for these reasons:
- After the anatomy scan you’ll know the baby’s sex if you want to guide clothing choices
- You have enough time to research which brands and models best suit your situation
- Family members can plan ahead for higher-value gifts
- Some items (high-end prams, cots) have delivery lead times of several weeks
If you’re hosting a baby shower, share the registry at least 3 weeks before the event.
What to include in your baby registry
A well-structured baby registry covers all the needs of the first few months. Here is the category breakdown:
| Category | Essential items | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep | Cot, Moses basket, sleeping bag, baby monitor | €30 – €600 |
| Feeding | Breast pump, bottles, steriliser, high chair | €20 – €200 |
| Bath & hygiene | Baby bath, thermometer, nappy cream, humidifier | €15 – €80 |
| Transport | Pram, car seat, baby carrier | €80 – €900 |
| Clothing | Onesies, sleepsuits, hats, socks (sizes 0-3 and 3-6 months) | €10 – €50 |
| Play & development | Activity gym, rattles, star projector | €15 – €100 |
| Physical stores | Items from a local baby specialist shop | Variable |
Tips on what to prioritise
- Urgency first: include items you’ll need from day one — newborn nappies, size 50-56 onesies, nappy cream
- Don’t overload on newborn clothing: babies grow fast; include sizes 3-6 and 6-9 months too
- Leave big-ticket items for those who want to give a special gift: the pram or cot are perfect for grandparents or groups of friends
- Include consumables: nappies, wipes, and creams are always welcome and suit any budget
How to organise your baby registry by priority
Not all items are equally urgent. We recommend dividing the list into three tiers:
Priority 1 — Before the baby arrives
Everything you need ready before birth: cot or Moses basket, car seat (required to leave the hospital), baby monitor, newborn clothing, nappies, and basic hygiene items.
Priority 2 — First weeks
Items that will make daily life easier but aren’t urgent from minute one: high chair, breast pump, bottle steriliser, humidifier, sleeping bag, and baby carrier.
Priority 3 — From month three onwards
Stimulation and play items: activity gym, walker, cloth books, teething toys. These can wait and make perfect first birthday gifts.
Including physical store items on your baby registry
Some of the best baby shops are local or specialist retailers without an online store. You can still include their products on your list.
With platforms like Yublify you can describe the product, add the store name, and attach its Google Maps location. The family member who wants to gift it will know exactly which shop to visit and what to ask for — no phone coordination needed.
How to share your baby registry
How you distribute the list makes the difference between well-coordinated gifts and unnecessary duplicates:
- Family WhatsApp group: share the link with a message explaining it updates in real time
- Baby shower: mention the registry on the invitation or share it on the day of the event
- Email to distant relatives: especially useful for those in other cities who need time to organise delivery
- Private social media: some parents share the link in their Instagram stories for close followers only
Important: choose a platform where family can view the registry without creating an account. Registration friction causes many people to drop off before choosing a gift.
Common mistakes when creating a baby registry
- Only including items from one brand or store: limits price options and forces people to shop somewhere they may not want to
- Forgetting small consumables: nappies, creams, and wipes are always useful and suit every budget
- Not specifying variants: if you include clothing, specify the size; if you include a car seat, give the exact model
- Not updating the list: when an item is gifted and not marked, another family member may buy it too
- List too short: with too few items, the last people to look find nothing left and end up improvising
How to create your baby registry with Yublify
Yublify is a free platform that lets you create gift lists with products from any online store — simply by pasting the URL — and from physical baby specialist shops via Google Maps integration.
Family members can view the list and mark what they plan to gift without needing to register, which eliminates coordination by WhatsApp and duplicate gifts.
Steps to create your baby registry on Yublify:
- Create a free account at yublify.com
- Create a new list with the baby’s name or occasion
- Add products by pasting URLs from Amazon, Mothercare, or any other store
- For physical stores, describe the item and add the shop’s Google Maps location
- Share the link with family and friends — they don’t need to register to view it
Frequently asked questions about baby registries
How many items should a baby registry have? Ideally between 40 and 80 items, with a price range from €10 to €500. This way every family member finds something within their budget without feeling uncomfortable.
When should you share your baby registry with family? Ideally between week 20 and 28 of pregnancy, or at least 3 weeks before the baby shower if you’re hosting one.
Can I include second-hand items on the registry? Yes, although most registries include new items. If you have recommendations for second-hand baby shops, you can add them as physical store items on Yublify.
What if someone gifts me something I already have? With a well-managed list this shouldn’t happen. On Yublify, when someone marks an item as being gifted it’s flagged so no one else picks it.
Is it better to have a single-store or multi-store baby registry? Multi-store is always better for family members: everyone can shop where they prefer or find the best price. Limiting the list to one store excludes options and budgets.
Is Yublify free to use for a baby registry? Yes, completely free. You can create unlimited lists, add products from any store, and share the link at no cost.