10 common baby registry mistakes (and how to avoid them)

When creating a baby registry, it's easy for new parents to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind:

1. Focusing on Short-Term Needs

• Mistake: Registering only for newborn essentials like tiny clothes, bottles, or newborn diapers.
• Tip: Babies grow quickly! Include items for later stages, such as larger clothes, convertible car seats, and toys suitable for older infants.

2. Overloading on Clothes

• Mistake: Registering for too many clothes in small sizes.
• Tip: Babies often outgrow clothes faster than expected. It's better to focus on versatile items and clothes in larger sizes (e.g., 6-12 months).

3. Neglecting Practical Items

• Mistake: Skipping essentials like diaper cream, baby detergent, and medical kits.
• Tip: Practical, everyday items are invaluable. Make sure to include diapers, wipes, and bathing supplies.

4. Not Researching Products

• Mistake: Choosing items based on appearance rather than functionality and reviews.
• Tip: Research products for safety, ease of use, and longevity. Read reviews and ask other parents for recommendations.

5. Ignoring Mom's Needs

• Mistake: Focusing solely on baby items and forgetting postpartum essentials for the mother.
• Tip: Include items for mom’s recovery, such as nursing pillows, breastfeeding supplies, and comfortable clothing.

6. Too Many Specialty or Novelty Items

• Mistake: Adding unnecessary or niche gadgets (like wipe warmers) that might not be used.
• Tip: Focus on multi-use items and things you'll actually use daily, avoiding the temptation to add trendy but impractical products.

7. Not Considering Your Space

• Mistake: Registering for bulky items without considering your home’s size.
• Tip: Think about storage space. Choose foldable or compact versions of strollers, high chairs, and other gear if space is tight.

8. Forgetting to Register for Bigger-Ticket Items

• Mistake: Hesitating to list expensive items, thinking no one will buy them.
• Tip: Don’t shy away from bigger purchases like strollers, cribs, or car seats. Some guests may prefer to pool together or buy group gifts.

9. Not Asking for Enough of Consumables

• Mistake: Registering for just one pack of diapers or wipes.
• Tip: Babies go through diapers and wipes quickly! Include multiple sizes and lots of these essentials to last you for months.

10. Waiting Too Long to Create the Registry

• Mistake: Putting off creating the registry until the last minute.
• Tip: Create the registry early, even if it’s just with a few key items, so family and friends can plan ahead.

Being mindful of these common pitfalls will help you build a balanced, practical registry that can make life easier when the baby arrives.