There simply is nothing like the arrival of a newborn. So little, such a miracle…and in desperate need of so much stuff! As far as necessities, anything is great to ask for if you want it. This is your time as a mom and dad to really enjoy the experience.
diane gottsman National etiquette expert and owner of The Protocol School of Texas
Expecting parents need a bit of help from friends and family to
- furnish the nursery,
- outfit the baby, and
- equip the new mom and dad
with everything they need (and a few things they might want) for a successful foray into parenthood. That’s where a baby registry comes in. “A registry is multiple opportunities for the mom- and dad-to-be to get exactly what they need,” says
Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert and owner of The Protocol School of Texas.
“It gives people attending a shower all kinds of price points and options.”
To get a better understanding of what a baby registry is, why it is helpful, and what items are usually found on it, we asked Gottsman some questions about these wish lists for new parents.
Why a baby registry?
The couple is doing us all a favor by letting us know what they’re lacking or what they would appreciate more of when expecting a new baby.
What items are typically found on a baby registry?
Anything from diapers to crib sheets to baby monitors. As for the necessities, anything is great to ask for if you want it. This is your time as a mom and dad to really enjoy the experience.
When should a couple create a baby registry?
About two to three months in advance of the baby shower, so the registry information is included on the invitation.
It’s proper etiquette to include registry information on a shower invitation because you’re doing just that: “showering” the couple — not just the mom-to-be — with love and
gifts.
Should a couple have multiple baby registries?
One or two should suffice. Three may get confusing.
What is a good price point for items on a baby registry?
There is no set price point. Twenty-five dollars to one person could feel like $250 to another. Every person has a different budget; that’s why the registry should have everything from a
$20 item
to
more expensive ones.
Guests may want to go in on a gift too, so more expensive items, such as strollers and cribs, are OK to add to a baby registry.
Can you ask for cash? What about gift cards?
Cash is welcome, as you can use it on anything you want. While some may say it’s impersonal, the person accepting it is seldom going to say that: They are going to be grateful because they can spend it any which way they would like. However, cash does have to arrive in a gift box or an envelope with a heartfelt card. Handing it over from one person to the other is called a tip. A gift card is also a good present. Bring it to the shower in a gift bag with some
baby socks
or something cute to make it feel special.
Can you do a baby registry for second and third babies?
Yes — you just have to be careful. No one is going to hold it against you — every new baby is cause for celebration — but if you register for, say, a fancy, high-end stroller when you have two perfectly good ones, you could be setting yourself up to be judged.
If I’m having more than one baby shower, should I invite the same people to both?
If you’re having multiple showers, switch up the guest list. People want to celebrate you, but they don’t want to have to break the bank. It’s unrealistic to expect someone to come to one event bearing presents and not bring a gift to another party.
Common baby registry items
Of course, all parents have certain things they absolutely
need
to have for the arrival of a new baby. These include:
- Cribs, bassinets, and playards
- Sheets
- Baby bottles and pacifiers
- Diapers, diaper pail, and diapering essentials, such as diaper creams and wipes
- Wipes warmers
- Baby monitors
- Nursing items, such as a nursing pillow and nursing covers
- Other feeding essentials, such as formula
- Breast pumps and breastmilk bags
- Onesies, pajamas, and other baby clothing, such as baby hats and socks
- Baby blankets and swaddles
- Strollers
- Baby carriers
- Car seats
- Swings or bouncers
- Diaper bags
- Baby books and toys, such as rattles and teething rings
- Changing tables and changing table mats
- Changing pads
- Mobiles
- Loveys
- Tummy time mats
- Baby albums
- Toy storage
- Bathtub and bath items (baby shampoo, body wash, lotion, soft washcloths, hooded towels)
- First aid kit and nail kit
Aside from the essentials, there are items that mom and dad will want that add warmth — literally and figuratively — and enrichment to a newborn’s life.
11 baby registry gift ideas
-
Modern Name Embroidered Baby Sweater
-
Embroidered Satin Trim Blue Baby Blanket with Clothes Set
-
Heart Personalized Piggy Bank
-
Embroidered My First Mini Sports Bag
-
Silver Engraved Baby Cup
-
Personalized Baby Book
-
Floral Embroidered Diaper Cover
-
All About Me! Embroidered Baby Blanket
-
Personalized Organics Gift Basket
-
ABC Blocks Snow Globe
Children are enchanted by snow globes, and this simple, bright piece of décor for the nursery will work with almost any room design. While baby won’t play with this item right away, when she is a bit older, she can shake the globe and start her mind wondering about…
“笑起来”
Why a baby registry?What items are typically found on a baby registry?What is a good price point for items on a baby registry?Can you ask for cash? What about gift cards?Can you do a baby registry for second and third babies?If I’m having more than one baby shower, should I invite the same people to both?Common baby registry items11 baby registry gift ideas