Baby Registry Etiquette: Avoid These 8 Faux Pas

1. Not Registering

Some people are afraid to ask for specific gifts, not wanting to inconvenience friends. However, registering for baby gifts is actually extremely helpful for friends and family members. They’re excited about your baby too, and they want to help. Knowing exactly what you’re looking for gives them a clear idea of what to buy and saves them time. They’ll be happy knowing they’re purchasing a gift that you’ll appreciate and get a lot of use out of!

2. Including Expensive Items Only

Not everyone can afford to purchase a baby stroller or a car seat. If you only register for big-ticket items, you might accidentally give the impression that smaller gifts are unwelcome when that’s likely not the case at all. Instead, you can list a wide range of gift ideas so your friends can pick something that fits their budget.

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3. Shying Away from Large Purchases

That said, it’s totally acceptable to put some expensive items on your registry. You can list the things you need, including items like car seats and cribs. Pooling together for group presents is popular, and several friends might pitch in to get a stroller or crib. However, it’s important to communicate to loved ones that gifts are optional.

Specifically asking people to contribute to a fund to buy a certain bed isn’t necessarily preferable for your loved ones. If there’s a piece of furniture you absolutely want for the nursery, it might be best to go ahead and simply purchase it yourself.

4. Overdoing Things

A huge list can be a little overwhelming for friends, so it’s important to know if you’re picking out too many items. It’s a good idea to look through your final registry before sending it out.

If there are large amounts of similar items, like 20 different baby blankets and just as many diaper bags, it helps to trim things down to end up with five or six variations (at the very maximum) of items within a particular category. This makes it easier for your friends and family to make their selections. One exception is baby clothes, where there’s plenty of room for personal preference.

5. Not Getting an Outside Opinion

First-time parents aren’t always sure what their baby will or won’t need. As a result, they might overcompensate and request things that they won’t really need. That’s where a trusted friend who’s also a parent is a big help. Therefore, keep them nearby when selecting items for your registry! They’ll respect your personal style, but will help you weed out what may or may not be as important.

6. Registering at the Last Minute

Making your registry ahead of time – before you send out the invitations for a baby shower – is important for two reasons. First, people appreciate having time to look through the options and pick something they’re happy to give the baby.

Second, if you don’t create a registry ahead of time, guests may start to select presents on their own which could put them in an awkward position later on if they feel they need to return something that they’ve already purchased.

7. Choosing One Local Store

If you love certain items from different stores – like baby clothes from one and swaddling blankets from another – feel free to make separate registries!

If possible, you might also want to give preference to online stores. That way, no matter where your loved ones live, they can easily access your registry and shop without even leaving the house. They may even be able to receive free shipping for their items!

8. Not Thinking About Toy Testing

It’s also helpful to avoid registering for lots of toys, jumpers, and stuffed animals – each baby is different. Some love plush animals and others don’t.

Additionally, they may prefer a basic rattle to an expensive electronic toy. Pick out a few toys to welcome your newborn yourself, and when registering, focus on practical things that every baby needs, instead.