Evolution of a Baby Registry
When I found myself pregnant September of 2022, let’s just say it was the surprise of a lifetime! We had just sold all of our baby stuff in June after coming to terms that we may not be able to have any more children. So when I found myself pregnant after a 5 year hiatus, shocked was an understatement. I had 3 boys and found myself hoping baby would be a girl so I would feel justified in getting all new stuff, but alas, it was another (beautiful, amazing, smiley, well-tempered and just so special) baby boy. The only things I still had were an ergonomic baby carrier and our crib. So when my sister in law asked if she could throw me a baby shower and to make a registry, I found myself with mixed feelings.
Did I deserve to have a shower and all these new things? Would people even support and buy things off of our registry? Or would people just assume that we were all set.
What I loved about this new experience was creating a registry knowing exactly what it was we truly needed and wanted. If I could go back to 2013 Kayleigh and help her with her registry for baby #1, let’s just say it would be a much smaller list and definitely more thought out!
Baby registries have come a long way. Instead of registering at 5 different stores, you are now able to use websites like Babylist to compile it all in one place. You can add products from all of your favorite stores like Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc. and also support local or small businesses by adding their products to your registry.
Babylist also makes it easy for you to prepare for postpartum by creating funds for things like diapers, doula, freezer meal delivery, photographer/videographer and more. I was able to have my doula paid for by friends and family and it was the BEST gift and best choice I made for this pregnancy and delivery. I tell everyone to add a doula fund to their registry!
You can also add “coupons” that people can sign-up for. Remember the coupon books we used to make for our parents?
“One free hug”.
“I will clean room without complaint.”
“One home cooked meal” (I always made spaghetti 😂).
With Babylist, people can sign up for coupons for things like babysitting, dog walking, housecleaning, grocery shopping, and more!
Best of all, you can even register for a Birth Boot Camp birthing class! If having a doula or taking a birthing class seems unattainable because of funds, add it to your registry! It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
While getting all the little baby clothes, blankets and quilts, binkies, bottles, bibs and more are so fun and helpful to have, having all of these options for help in the long run are a home run! Sometimes, we don’t think beyond the birth and baby. If we can invite others to help us prepare for postpartum and beyond, bonding with your baby will improve, you’ll get more sleep and have less stress, which is what every new mom/family needs!
What was your registry must have? What product or service to you think every mom should have access to? I’d love to hear!
Thanks for reading!