Last modified on 10 March 2026
With joy and anticipation, you are preparing to take the plunge into parenthood by welcoming your baby in the coming months. Because their arrival inevitably involves a bit of planning and preparation, we're sharing with you... some practical tips for creating your baby registry (by prioritizing the essentials and skipping the trivialities). Created by expectant parents, the baby registry This is a selection of baby care items, equipment, and decorations to guide loved ones toward gifts that will truly be useful. Here are some practical tips and recommendations to help you create your baby registry, but feel free to adapt them as you wish!
Why create a baby registry?
Focus on baby's essential needs
Let's face it: the arrival of a baby often plunges parents into a kind of consumer frenzy. Between baby care products, decorations, and high-tech gadgets, the options are endless! Creating a baby registry allows you to visualize your actual needs while assessing the associated budgets. It's the perfect opportunity to make some tough choices and refocus on the essentials for the first few weeks (like the crib, mattress, and changing table).
Avoid duplicate gifts and unnecessary items
A baby registry is a valuable tool for listing your desired gifts. Very practical, it prevents you from receiving duplicate gifts, items that don't match the nursery decor, or simply things you won't use. It's a subtle way to guide your loved ones while giving them the freedom to choose the gift that pleases them from your selection.
Easing the budget of expectant parents
As we know, the arrival of a baby, especially a first, comes with significant expenses due to the initial equipment needed: crib, changing table, stroller, car seat, etc. Thanks to this list, your loved ones can pool their resources to fund a collective gift on the highest spending categories. It's an excellent way to involve those around you while easing the burden on your overall budget.
When should you prepare and share your baby registry?
The ideal time to make your selection
The nine months of pregnancy sometimes give the impression that there's plenty of time to get organized. However, in hindsight, expectant parents agree that time flies! Some parents-to-be prefer to wait until the start of maternity leave to work on their baby registry, while others will already have a clear idea of what they want by the end of the first trimester. Generally speaking, expectant parents start working on their baby registry... once the second trimester ultrasound has been completed, Between the 5th and 6th month of pregnancy. Why this timing?
- The realization: for many, knowing the sex of the baby or confirming its good health makes the adventure more real.
- Energy: this is often the period when the expectant mother feels the most dynamic, before the fatigue of the third trimester.
- Anticipation: this gives you time to compare stroller or car seat models without stress.
When and how should you share your baby registry with your loved ones?
At the latest, you can share your baby registry with your family and friends when your maternity leave begins. Don't wait too long to give your loved ones enough time to plan their purchases, especially for bulky items needed as soon as you return from the hospital (crib, changing table, baby bath).
To share your baby registry, here are the two most common options:
- Specialized websites (multi-brand): they allow you to group products from different stores on a single page.
- The file shared online (Type Drive): a simple and free option to list your needs in real time.
Final tip: some items may be temporarily out of stock or have longer delivery times, so don't wait too long to share your list!
Essential products for getting started with baby
A trip to a baby store, advice from friends or family, feedback from your neighbors… and suddenly you're lost on what's essential and what's superfluous! To help you see things clearly, here are the must-haves for a minimalist baby registry focused primarily on baby's basic needs: eating, sleeping, being cared for, and getting around safely.
A peaceful and secure sleep
During the first few weeks, baby spends most of their time sleeping (at least we hope so 😉). The essentials for sweet dreams:
- A bed adapted : crib, co-sleeper or cot (with a firm mattress, adapted to the size of the bed and new);
- THE sleeping bags : plan for at least two (a spare in case of an accident) adapted to the baby's size, the season and the room temperature (TOG index) ;
- A baby monitor : to keep his mind at ease while he rests;
- A room thermometer: to maintain an ideal temperature between 18 and 20°C.
Meals: breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
Whether your choice leans towards the’breast-feeding or the baby bottle, a few accessories can prove useful on a daily basis:
- For meals: 2 to 3 baby bottles and one nursing pillow to get comfortable (whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding);
- Of the bibs and diapers: essential to erase any trace of reflux 😉;
- A bottle brush : for impeccable hygiene if you opt for the bottle.
Daily hygiene and first aid
To safely care for your baby, you will need:
- A changing table stable with a comfortable mattress and secure edges;
- A baby bath (some changing table models include a bath under the changing surface, a 2-in-1 solution practical for small spaces);
- A complete care kit: bath thermometer, medical thermometer, baby nail clippers, small soft and flexible hairbrush;
- Washable wipes for diaper changes and bath towels for after bath time.
Walks and first car rides
Whether on foot or by car, outings with a baby should always be guided by safety and comfort:
- The car seat: choose a model that is well rated in crash tests, complies with standards and is absolutely new.
- The stroller: choose a model adapted to your lifestyle (urban or all-terrain for use in the countryside); ;
- A babywearing solution: a sling or ergonomic baby carrier to keep your baby close while keeping your hands free. An ideal solution at home, on walks, or for shopping during the first few weeks.
What about safety? What you need to know before buying for your baby
A baby's safety is priceless, so here are our recommendations and tips for equipping yourself with complete peace of mind.
Second-hand and pre-owned: yes, under certain conditions!
The second-hand market is an excellent option for both your budget and the planet, especially when it comes to clothing (babies grow quickly and change sizes frequently). However, caution is advised for items where a safety defect could be dangerous for your baby:
- The car seat: the absolute exception where new should take precedence over used. Indeed, even without any external signs of impact, a micro-crack invisible after sudden braking can render the seat ineffective in the event of an accident.
- Check the applicable standards: for a used crib, high chair, or baby bouncer, make sure the model still meets current safety standards (CE marking and NF standard). Older equipment may have gaps between the bars, dangerous fastening systems, or a coating that is toxic to health.
Beware of purchases on certain platforms or retailers offering very low prices.
Whether online or in some physical stores, price wars and excessive product offerings should raise concerns, as safety conditions are often not guaranteed. Organizations such as the DGCCRF (French Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control) and the French Federation of Toy and Childcare Industries regularly issue warnings about... non-conformity Early learning toys and games from non-European third-party sellers often fail to meet the rigorous testing requirements of European regulations. The risks are real: choking hazards from small parts, flammable materials, or toxic plastics. For anything your baby will put in their mouth (teething rings, rattles), always choose reputable brands and partners.
3 tips to check the conformity of a used or new product
- Check for the presence of the CE marking. : it must be visible on the product or packaging.
- Inspect the general condition : for a second-hand item, check for cracks, missing screws or peeling paint.
- Check the recall sites If you have any doubts about a used product, do a quick search on Consumer reminder to check that it has not been withdrawn from the market.
In short
- The perfect timing for your baby registry Start listing your ideas around the 5th month of pregnancy and share your list with those around you around the 7th month of pregnancy.
- Focus on what's essential above all else Focus primarily on the essential products your baby will need every day during their first few months. Also, consider selecting products at various price points to accommodate the different budgets of those around you.
- No compromises when it comes to safety : choose brands and partners certified to comply with European safety standards to protect your baby.
Our articles on the same topic
- A guide to early learning for parents of babies from 0 to 24 months
- Buyer's guide: how to choose your playmat?
- The benefits of black and white toys for babies
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