When I was expecting my first child, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed when friends and family asked, “What do you need?” or “Where are you registered?” I was already nervous about becoming a parent, and figuring out what baby gear I needed was just adding to the stress. I took a trip to a baby store to start my registry, but it was a disaster. I knew swaddles were important (though I couldn’t quite explain why), but they didn’t have the ones I wanted. Moving on to car seats, I felt lost between infant and convertible options. I quickly left, my head spinning (and I really had to pee!).
This experience is why I think Babylist is a fantastic option for anyone setting up a baby registry. I wish I had it back then!
How Does Babylist Work?
Babylist is an online universal registry that allows you to compile a wishlist of anything and everything in one spot. You can register for essentials like clothes and furniture, but also request things like hand-me-downs, home-cooked meals, or even cash gifts. It’s a game-changer compared to other registries like Amazon and Target.
Babylist Highlights
- Universal Registry: Yes
- Welcome Box: Yes, but you need to add items from both Babylist and other stores.
- Completion Discount: 15% off items from Babylist, available 60 days before your due date and for 6 months after.
- Shipping: Free on orders over $45
- Returns: Within 9 months of purchase
- Group Gifting: Yes
- Cash Fund: Yes, you can receive contributions via Venmo or PayPal.
Pros of Babylist
- Flexibility: You can choose items from any store online, making it easy to mix and match.
- Beyond Gifts: You can request non-gift items, like home-cooked meals or childcare services, which is super helpful.
- Cash Funds: You can set up cash funds for expenses or experiences, which is a nice touch.
- Price Tracking: Babylist shows price comparisons for items, so you know you’re getting the best deal.
- Support: Their customer service is known to be responsive and genuinely helpful.
- Registry Insert Cards: They provide cards with your registry link and QR code for easy access.
- Registry Import: You can consolidate items from other registries, simplifying management.
- Customization: Babylist recommends products based on your due date, which is a lifesaver for first-time parents.
- Free Baby Box: A curated selection of baby products and samples is available for new parents after making a purchase.
- Gift Notifications: You get notified when someone buys a gift from your registry, making thank-you notes easier.
- Group Gifts: Friends and family can pitch in for larger items, which is a fantastic option.
Cons of Babylist
- Discount Limitations: The completion discount applies only to Babylist items, with some exclusions.
- Limited Physical Stores: It’s primarily an online platform, which might not suit everyone.
- Registry Import Issues: Changes to imported items must be updated on both registries separately.
- No Barcode Scanning: You have to manually enter items, which can be tedious for some.
Babylist started in 2011 and is based in Oakland, California, but it primarily operates online, making it accessible for parents across the U.S. Setting up your registry is free, and friends and family just pay for the gifts they buy.
Conclusion: Is Babylist Worth It?
With its universal registry feature and personalized recommendations, Babylist simplifies the often daunting task of compiling baby essentials. If I were to make a registry today, I’d likely add a few items from other stores like Amazon and Target to take advantage of their welcome boxes and discounts, but I’d definitely run everything through Babylist. I wholeheartedly recommend it!
If you’re looking to start your own registry, it’s easy and free to sign up. Check it out and see if it’s the right fit for you!
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Summary
Babylist offers a flexible and convenient registry option for expecting parents, allowing them to compile a variety of items from different stores. While it has some limitations, its unique features make it a standout choice for those navigating the baby registry process.