The 9 Best Baby Registry Services for Expectant Parents
Create your dream wish list at Amazon, Target, Pottery Barn Kids, and more.
When your baby arrives, you don't necessarily need all the baby gear. However, some basic essentials come in handy right away. That's why baby registries are so useful: You get to create a wish list of items for loved ones to send to your growing family. These thoughtful baby shower gifts show their support and help your little one travel safely, play happily, sleep soundly, and feed comfortably.
Before you start curating products, you need to pick a retailer with a registry. For some, this might be a no-brainer—we're looking at you, Amazon devotees and Target fanatics! For others, it's a good idea to browse different sites to make sure you find the best baby registry for your needs. In addition to product selection, keep return policies, free gifts, discounts, brand variety, and group gifting in mind.
Each online baby registry on our list is worth looking into, whether you're searching for specific features, baby essentials, the perfect nursery, affordable prices, or brands. Oh, and keep an eye out for complimentary gifts!
The Best Baby Registry Services
Best Overall: Amazon
Best for Essentials: Target
Best Baby Registry With Free Gifts: Babylist
Best for Budget: Walmart
Best for Furniture: IKEA
Best for Customization: Pottery Barn Kids
Best Eco-Friendly: The Tot
Best Universal Baby Registry: MyRegistry.com
Best for First-Time Parents: BuyBuyBaby
Best Overall: Amazon
Key Specs
Return Policy: Within 365 days of the receipt of your shipment
Group Gifting: Yes
Discount: There is a 10% discount for non-Prime members and a 15% discount for Prime members. It expires 60 days after your baby's arrival date.
Why We Chose It
Amazon is our top pick because of its wide selection of baby brands, universal curation options, Prime member perks, and more.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Free Welcome Box
Thousands of items to choose from
Discounts and free shipping for prime members
Cons
Registry discounts expire 60 days from due date
Non-prime members only get a 10% discount opposed to 15% prime member discount
Shipping for non-Prime members not free for purchases under $25
Amazon is a hub for many top-rated baby brands, including Huggies, Chicco, Graco, Carter's, and more. Not only does the mega-retailer offer practically every baby registry must-have, but it also rewards gift-givers with low prices and free shipping. If friends and family are Prime members, they get free shipping. For non-Prime members, shipping is free on purchases of $25 or more.
The best part: Amazon lets you add items from any website, which means you can include products from Target, Pottery Barn, and other popular stores. Not sure what to add to your baby registry? Look no further than the Amazon baby registry checklist.
Key Specs
Return Policy: Within 365 days of the receipt of your shipment
Group Gifting: Yes
Discount: There is a 10% discount for non-Prime members and a 15% discount for Prime members. It expires 60 days after your baby's arrival date.
Why We Chose It
Amazon is our top pick because of its wide selection of baby brands, universal curation options, Prime member perks, and more.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Free Welcome Box
Thousands of items to choose from
Discounts and free shipping for prime members
Cons
Registry discounts expire 60 days from due date
Non-prime members only get a 10% discount opposed to 15% prime member discount
Shipping not free for Prime members for purchases under $25
Amazon is a hub for many top-rated baby brands, including Huggies, Chicco, Graco, Carter's, and more. Not only does the mega-retailer offer practically every baby registry must-have, but it also rewards gift-givers with low prices and free shipping. If friends and family are Prime members, they get free shipping. For non-Prime members, shipping is free on purchases of $25 or more.
The best part: Amazon lets you add items from any website, which means you can include products from Target, Pottery Barn, and other popular stores. Not sure what to add to your baby registry? Look no further than the Amazon baby registry checklist.
Key Specs
Return Policy: Within 365 days of the receipt of your shipment
Group Gifting: Yes
Discount: There is a 10% discount for non-Prime members and a 15% discount for Prime members. It expires 60 days after your baby's arrival date.
Why We Chose It
Amazon is our top pick because of its wide selection of baby brands, universal curation options, Prime member perks, and more.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Free Welcome Box
Thousands of items to choose from
Discounts and free shipping for prime members
Cons
Registry discounts expire 60 days from due date
Non-prime members only get a 10% discount opposed to 15% prime member discount
Shipping not free for Prime members for purchases under $25
Amazon is a hub for many top-rated baby brands, including Huggies, Chicco, Graco, Carter's, and more. Not only does the mega-retailer offer practically every baby registry must-have, but it also rewards gift-givers with low prices and free shipping. If friends and family are Prime members, they get free shipping. For non-Prime members, shipping is free on purchases of $25 or more.
The best part: Amazon lets you add items from any website, which means you can include products from Target, Pottery Barn, and other popular stores. Not sure what to add to your baby registry? Look no further than the Amazon baby registry checklist.
Another great perk of registering with Amazon is that Prime members receive a free "Welcome Box" valued at up to $35. The surprise box is filled with goodies for both you and your baby.
Best for Essentials: Target
Key Specs
Return Policy: You have 365 days after your event date to return items to any Target location.
Group Gifting: Yes, on items over $100
Completion Discount: Yes, on items over $100
Why We Chose It
Target is the perfect place to find every baby essential, from diapers to formula to furniture and clothes. There really is nothing you need for your baby that you can't find at Target.
Pros & Cons
Pros
1,900 locations make it easy for non-tech people to purchase something from your registry
Checklist page makes filling out the registry a breeze for first-time parents
Free New Parents gift box totaling $100
Cons
Non-Red Card members pay for shipping under $35
In-store purchases must be shipped separately
With 1,900 locations across the country, Target is a second home for many parents. Whether you love to shop in-store or online, it has everything you need and then some. The one-stop shop carries best-selling baby gear—like stylish gliders, cribs, clothing, nursery decor, and toys.
Target offers free two-day shipping to RedCard users. Otherwise, orders of $35 or more ship free. Check out the retailer's checklist page to find all sorts of baby registry essentials, including hand-picked favorites from celebrity mom, Jessica Alba.
Speaking of hand-picked favorites, new parents receive a free kit after completing their registry that includes coupons and samples with a $100 value. The only downside to shopping in-store is that purchased registry items will need to be shipped separately.
Best Baby Registry With Free Gifts: Babylist
Key Specs
Return Policy: Nine months for items from Babylist Shop; varies for gifts from other retailers
Group Gifting: Yes, on products sold by the Babylist store
Completion Discount: You'll receive a 15% discount to use on items that are sold by Babylist.com. This coupon is valid up to six months after your due date.
Why We Chose It
Babylist offers a free "Hello Baby" gift box filled with baby products, samples, and coupons. While there is no set list of items, past goodies include bibs, bottles, clothing, and more.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Baby gift Box contains more than typical samples and coupons
Can add items from any retailer to your registry
Can include "Thoughtful Favor" cards on your registry for friends and family to do helpful things for you like dog walks, dinner deliver, and babysit
Cons
Have to make a $10 purchase to be eligible for the gift box
Must pay $8.95 shipping plus tax to receive gift box
Return policy for other retailers is unclear
While most bay registries offer a gift box for new registrants, Babylist's has more than just the standard samples and coupons. Its "Hello Baby" gift box contains a wide assortment of items including bibs, hats, diapers, wipes, bottles, pacifiers, as well as money-saving coupons and promos. Items typically fit babies under 2 to 3 months old, so make sure you get the box before you deliver.
You'll also need to make a minimum purchase of $10 from the Babylist Shop, and pay for the shipping of the box around $8.95 + tax. Note that boxes can't be shipped to PO boxes, U.S. territories, or international addresses.
Babylist is a universal baby registry, which means you have the freedom to add items from any retailer. It's super easy to create your wish list thanks to the brand's bookmark button. Simply drag it to the bookmarks bar of your browser and start shopping on whatever baby websites you like.
When you see a product you want on your registry, click the "Add to Babylist" button and you're good to go. There are also plenty of great products available on Babylist's website. One of the cutest items is a series of thoughtful favor cards, which lets friends and family volunteer to dog walk, babysit, make a home-cooked meal, and more.
Best for Budget: Walmart
Key Specs
Return Policy: Some items can be returned within one year while others have a 90-day return window. You can get cash or a Walmart gift card for unwanted or duplicate gifts.
Group Gifting: No
Completion Discount: No
Why We Chose It
Walmart has essential baby products that don't break the bank. The price-match guarantee ensures your friends and family are getting the best prices compared to competitors like Target and Amazon.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Wide range of products and prices that will accommodate any budget
Free shipping
In-store and online purchasing
Cons
No group gifting
No completion discount
90-day return window can be limiting
When you think of budget shopping, chances are Walmart comes to mind. And for good reason—the price match guarantee means you are always getting the best prices on essential items. It's a win-win for both you and your loved ones: You find necessary items for your little one, and friends and family don't have to worry about overpriced picks.
Walmart has essential baby products that don't break the bank. The price-match guarantee ensures your friends and family are getting the best prices compared to competitors like Target and Amazon.
Walmart has essential baby products that don't break the bank. The price-match guarantee ensures your friends and family are getting the best prices compared to competitors like Target and Amazon.
Walmart has essential baby products that don't break the bank. The price-match guarantee ensures your friends and family are getting the best prices compared to competitors like Target and Amazon.
Pros
Wide range of products and prices that will accommodate any budget
Free shipping
In-store and online purchasing
Cons
Cons
No group gifting
No completion discount
Key Specs
Return Policy: Some items can be returned within one year while others have a 90-day return window. You can get cash or a Walmart gift card for unwanted or duplicate gifts.
Group Gifting: No
Completion Discount: No
Why We Chose It
Walmart has essential baby products that don't break the bank. The price-match guarantee ensures your friends and family are getting the best prices compared to competitors like Target and Amazon.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Wide range of products and prices that will accommodate any budget
Free shipping
In-store and online purchasing
Cons
No group gifting
No completion discount
90-day return window can be limiting
When you think of budget shopping, chances are Walmart comes to mind. And for good reason—the price match guarantee means you are always getting the best prices on essential items. It's a win-win for both you and your loved ones: You find necessary items for your little one, and friends and family don't have to worry about overpriced picks.
Creating a baby registry at target is easy and fun. If you're not sure what to choose, go to Walmart's registry page to browse some of the top items. The retailer also offers the ever-popular free welcome gift with product samples and coupons valued at up to $40.
Best for Furniture: Ikea
Key Specs
Return Policy: Up to one year
Group Gifting: Yes, it's called a "chip-in" feature on the app
Completion Discount: No
Why We Chose It
IKEA is the secret to furnishing a nursery on a budget while still getting quality pieces. The company has a large selection of modern-style cribs, changing tables, rocking chairs, and other baby room essentials. Its registry app makes creating your registry a breeze.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Easy in-store registry scanning
Affordable, safe, easy to assemble furniture
Budget-friendly for family and friends
Cons
Doesn't carry the basic baby essentials
Limited to Ikea brands
Delivery for small items is $5; for large items it's $49
Ikea is the perfect place to look for safe and affordable nursery furniture. And the best part is you don't need an engineering degree to put together the furniture. Creating a registry is easy and can be loads of fun in-store. Adding items to your registry is even simpler with the Ikea app. All you have to do is walk around the megastore and go wild adding everything needed to create your perfect dream nursery.
Family and friends will thank you for giving them a reason to go peruse the floors of the giant store, and since the items are so affordable, they may pick up a thing or two for themselves. There's also a chip-in feature that allows gift-givers to partially purchase big-ticket items.
Since IKEA lacks true baby essentials like diapers, formula, clothes, and hygiene products, you'll definitely want to register somewhere where those items can be found as well.
Best for Nursery: Pottery Barn Kids
Key Specs
Return Policy: You can get a refund or exchange your gift within 90 days of your due date or purchase (whichever is later)
Group Gifting: Yes, in the form of an eGift card
Completion Discount: Pottery Barn Kids offers a 20% discount for up to 180 days past your due date.
Why We Chose It
Pottery Barn Kids offers stylish, incredibly well-made nursery furniture, linens, and décor you can trust to hold up for many years to come.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Have an expert design your dream nursery
Quality, well-made items
Best completion discount on our list
Cons
On the pricier side
Shipping charges apply on purchases under $49
90-day return policy can be limiting
If you're searching for stylish baby items, consider registering at Pottery Barn Kids. Pottery Barn has must-have items like high chairs, diaper bags, and clothing, plus the brand's nursery furniture and decor selection is absolutely stunning. Bonus: It offers the best completion discount (20%) compared to the other options on our list.
Unfortunately, there is no free gift box offered. Although its inventory is on the pricier side, the quality and visual appeal are top-notch. You can expect your Pottery Barn items to last for many years to come, so spending the extra money will prove to be worth every penny. But since you will be limited to baby gear and furniture, consider a second registry for baby essentials.
Best for Eco-Friendly: The Tot
Key Specs
Return Policy: Up to 90 days after your due date
Group Gifting: No
Completion Discount: 15%
Why We Chose It
The Tot offers hand-picked, safe, eco-friendly baby products. Every product on the website has been vetted and tested for eco-friendliness and sustainability.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Offers eco-friendly products
Registry specialists available
Downloadable "Thank You" list
Cons
The items are on the pricy side
Not a universal registry
The Tot only offers products that are safe for both families and the environment. And lest you think there will be limitations to the products available due to the rigorous testing and high standards, there's actually a wide variety of baby products on the website, including furniture, diaper bags, clothing, and bath and body essentials.
The Tot understands that being a first-time expectant parent can be overwhelming, so experts are on-hand to help you create the perfect registry. If you don't have the time or band-width to work with an expert, there are pre-populated starter registries available to help you get started.
Most Universal: MyRegistry.com
Key Specs
Return Policy: Items must be returned to the store from where they were originally purchased. You can find most return/exchange policies on the company's websites.
Group Gifting: [Missing section]
Completion Discount: Completion discounts are available from the retailers included in your registry.
Why We Chose It
The online baby registry service provides a user-friendly browser extension that makes it easy to add products to your list, and it also has a smartphone app for in-store shopping.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Universal registry
Sync multiple registry
Cash gift fund
Cons
5% fee on cash fund
No group gifting feature
Like Amazon and Babylist, MyRegistry.com is a universal baby registry website that lets you choose items from several different stores. The online baby registry service provides a user-friendly browser extension that simplifies adding products to your list while surfing the Web.
The MyRegistry app allows you to scan barcodes wherever you go, so you can even support local businesses. A cash gift fund can also be set up for friends and family to contribute to but be aware a 5% fee will be deducted from your fund.
If you have multiple registries, you can sync them all at MyRegistry so you can monitor them in one place. There is a downloadable browser app that allows you to easily add items to your registry in one click, so if you come across something cute from a random store, you can easily add it to your registry. Completion discounts are available as well.
Best for First-Time Parents: BuyBuyBaby
Key Specs
Return Policy: New and unopened gifts can be returned for store credit within 365 days of receipt.
Group Gifting: Score 15% off for up to 90 days after your expected due date.
Completion Discount: Yes, on items $100 or more
Why We Chose It
BuyBuyBaby is a baby gear headquarters that helps first-time parents find everything they need, and then some. Its easy-to-use registry makes creating your first registry a breeze.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Extensive baby inventory
Free Welcome Gift
15% completion discount
Cons
Huge selection could be overwhelming for new parents
No options for universal registry additions
BuyBuyBaby is synonymous with baby gear. You name it, BuyBuyBaby most likely carries it. In addition to beloved brands, the popular baby store goes above and beyond with its baby registry benefits. If the total value of your registry exceeds $1,500, you get free shipping during your baby's first year. The retailer also offers a referral program: Get $25 off a $100 in-store purchase for every parent-to-be you send BBB's way.
You'll also want to take advantage of the brand's helpful registry tools, like expert help in-store and online, thank you note tracking, and a baby registry analyzer for price variation. Curious about a Bed Bath & Beyond baby registry? BuyBuyBaby is a subsidiary of Bed Bath & Beyond, so both companies have the same baby registry features and perks. Pro tip: You can use Bed Bath & Beyond coupons on BuyBuyBaby purchases. Claim a free goody bag filled with samples and a coupon at your nearest BuyBuyBaby location.
Final Verdict
We love Amazon's baby registry for the ease of use and the endless variety of baby items available, from formula and bottles to breast pumps, clothes, furniture, diapers, and diaper bags—the list is truly endless. The welcome baby box is a great perk for having things for both baby and parents. And the 15% discount on your registry items is great considering Amazon's prices are often unbeatable.
If you plan to have multiple registries, MyRegistry is a great choice for its ability to sync all of your baby registries in one place. You can easily monitor what items have been purchased, and, thanks to the app and browser add-on, you can add items from local stores and small online baby boutique shops.
Compare the Best Baby Registries
Best For | Return Policy | Group Gifting | Completion Discount: |
Best Overall: Amazon | Within 365 days of the receipt of your shipment | Yes | There is a 10% discount for non-Prime members and a 15% discount for Prime members. It expires 60 days after your baby's arrival date. |
Best for Essentials: Target | You have 365 days after your due date to return items to any Target location. | Yes, on items over $100 | Two months before your due date, Target offers a 15% discount on anything on or off your registry. |
Best Baby Registry With Free Gifts: Babylist | Nine months for items from Babylist Shop; varies for gifts from other retailers | Yes, on products sold by the Babylist store | You'll receive a 15% discount to use on items that are sold by Babylist.com. This coupon is valid up to six months after your due date. |
Best for Budget: Walmart | Some items can be returned within one year while others have a 90-day return window. You can get cash or a Walmart gift card for unwanted or duplicate gifts. | No | None |
Best for Furniture: IKEA | Up to 1 year | Yes, it's called a "chip-in" feature on the app | None |
Best for Customization: Pottery Barn Kids | You can get a refund or exchange your gift within 90 days of your event or purchase (whichever is later). | Yes, in the form of an eGift card | Pottery Barn Kids offers a 20% discount for up to 180 days past your event. |
Best Eco-Friendly: The Tot | Up to 90 days after your due date. | No | 15% |
Best Universal Baby Registry: MyRegistry.com | Items must be returned to the store from which they were purchased. You can find most return/exchange policies on the companies' websites. | Yes, if you set up a cash gift fund | Completion discounts from the retailers included in your registry |
Best for First-Time Parents: BuyBuyBaby | New and unopened gifts can be returned for store credit within 365 days of receipt. | Score 15% off for up to 90 days after your expected due date. | Yes, on items $100 or more |
Guide for Choosing the Best Baby Registries
Is a Baby Registry Worth It?
There's no doubt new babies are budget busters. Having a registry is not only an ideal way to let friends and family know what you need, but it's also a great way to save money. And with the usual free baby gift box filled with goodies for baby and new parents plus the completion discount, a baby registry will prove to be one of the best things you can do to prepare for your new bundle of joy.
How to Choose a Baby Registry
With so many baby registries available today, take a moment to decide what you need and from where. Consider each registry's intuitiveness, including how easy it is to add items to the registry, and whether or not it's a universal registry that lets you add items from multiple stores.
Another thing to consider is who will be buying you gifts: Can they afford to buy you items from high-end stores like Pottery Barn, or would a budget-friendly registry from Amazon or Target where you can add items under a dollar up to a few thousand dollars be a better fit? You might want to go with a registry that has options outside of store-bought items, like favor cards for services such as dinner drop-off, dog walking, or babysitting. If you'd like to receive cash, make sure the registry offers a cash fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Items on Baby Registries Cost?
Items on a baby registry can cost under a dollar to upwards of a few thousand for nursery sets. Depending on where the registry is held, discounts on regular-priced items may be available as well.
How Many Items Should Be in a Baby Registry?
There is no limit to the number of items you can register for. You could technically register for everything at IKEA or even Amazon if you wanted. That said, make sure you only add the items you truly need or want.
What Sort of Essentials Should I Have on My Baby Registry?
You will definitely want baby registry essentials like diapers, bottles, formula, and breast pumps. You'll also want to register for a range of clothing sizes from newborn to at least 6 months so as your baby grows, you will always have something stored away that fits. Don't forget hygiene products like bath wash, washcloths, lotions, nail clippers, hair care, towels, and linens.
When Should I Start a Baby Registry?
It's best to start your registry at least a month before your shower, or two to three months before your due date. Also, consider the return policy for the places you register with. If you have your shower 60 to 90 days before you're due or if you need to return something after the baby is born, you may find yourself outside of the return window.
Can You Have Multiple Baby Registries?
Absolutely. You can have as many registries as you would like. However, it's advisable to have no more than two or three options to share with friends and family. If you do choose to have more than three registries, look into a universal registry like MyRegistry where you can sync multiple registries in one place for easy monitoring and management.
Methodology
We reviewed over 20 different baby registries to find the best of the best based on ease of use, app and browser extension availability, universal registry options, ease of buying and shipping for friends and family, and more. We also considered the stores themselves and zeroed in on those that provide lots of essentials, low prices, well-made high-quality products, and eco-friendliness.
