When will you start a registry?

Stef33

I'm the type who does a TON of research on everything, not just baby stuff. So I've been looking at things I know we will need eventually (though we aren't buying anything until at least 12 weeks). I was thinking of starting registries at different places online and then just telling people about them at the appropriate time the further I get along. Which makes me think of another question: When do you tell people you have a registry? Have any of you ladies thought about or started a registry yet??

On a side note, we have our first prenatal class tonight! Not a doctors appointment but still just as exciting for me at this point! Hope you ladies are having a great day!

bargar18

i would suggest not starting a registry until you're in your 3rd trimester...we started ours when i was 25 weeks and this was way too early because a TON of stuff ended up going out of stock or changing/went on sale and then was no longer available.  i would totally wait.  and usually that info goes out with your baby shower info if you're having one. 

bingham101

Is this class a part of your Doctors office or something else you are doing. I have heard others talk about these classes. Maybe this will be something I wiill learn about at the first apt?

Stef33

The class is something that my doctors office does. They like their patients to take the initial class before you schedule any appointments so you can get a feel for the office, staff and their philosophy. They told me I needed to complete this class before I could schedule a real appointment but I'm not sure if that's what all doctors do.?

JLG95

For my first, I didn't start working on that until after we had the anatomy ultra sound and were past the viability cut off -- so that was about 24/25 weeks.

jf198400

With my first I think I started my registry when I was about 4 months.  Most people do it after they have the anatomy US and know the gender.  If you register too early things may be discontinued.  You should just tell your mom, MIL, and anyone else who may be hosting you a shower where you are registered, they will put it on the invitations.

I had my baby showers at 6months and 7 months, and I thought that was perfect.  It gave me plenty of time to get everything washed, organized, put away, and assembled before LO arrived.  It also gave me time to shop for sales on the stuff I still needed.

I recommend you don't register for clothing.  Most clothing is seasonal and will end up not being available when people go to buy it.  Also people will buy you clothing regardless of whether or not you register for it.

pink100

I'm going to try this website My Registry

So much fun just thinking about it! (And to think one week ago, I was afraid to think into the next day, much less the next tri!) 

Today I am pregnant and today I love my babies!!

Ivana_Stolichnaya

I didn't start a registry until I was about 28 weeks.  People found out about it when my hostess and mom passed along the info to anyone who asked.

Bella61811

We will start ours when we find out the sex

Mrs164

If you are going to find out the gender, definitely wait until you know.  And as a PP mentioned, be careful to check the registry often as you get closer because of discontinued/unavailable items.

However, make sure you research the delivery times on nursery funrniture very well!!!  I was misinformed by a sales associate that the company I was ordering from would take 8-10 weeks for delivery so I waited a little longer to order.  When I went back they told me that that company actually took 16-18 weeks for delivery!  After some tears and some great discount offers I decided to take the chance with the furniture I had my heart set on, and my worst fears came true.  DS was born on 12/17/10 at 5:46am and the nursery furniture was delivered the same day around 1pm.  DH had to run home to meet the delivery guys instead of staying and bonding with us.

Mrs.MauiBride24

IMO you only need a registry if you are having a baby shower.  Once someone mentions hosting one for you, then start thinking about registering.  And then it just needs to be started by the time the invites go out.  

I know people buy baby gifts outside of showers, but that's my criteria. 

Just my 2 cents!

Free2Sing

Depends on when your baby showers are.  Be registered in time for the host/hostess to send out the registry invitation on the invitation. Like PP said, don't do it too early or things will be discontinued. 

sanriobaby

When to register all depends on a few things. First will you find out what you're having and will that affect what you will pick out? Second, when will you be having your baby shower?

In my situation, I will be having my baby shower early due to the upcomming holidays, bad weather, and possible bedrest. Since it's being held in early Nov, I will start my registry in late Aug-early Sept. I'm not due til mid Feb so I will have my entire 3rd trimester to do whatever exchanges or other purchases needed before my baby comes, God willing.

Registering at a few places is great b/c it allows consideration for everyone's budget and perferred stores. You or whoever is throwing your shower for you can informally announce on FB for example, where you'll be registered at but that info should definitely be included in your baby shower invites. Unless someone is super excited to get you something, or is gifting you a higher end item like furniture that needs extended time to be delivered, I find that most people don't shop for your baby shower until 2wks before your party. And don't be surprised to find out some people will pick up your gift on the way to the party!

Until then keep doing some research on what you want and make a few visits to see them in person. Hope your prenatal class was fun!

ryry1977

I started a registry as soon as I told people with 1st preganancy.  I did change quite a bit as I went along of course and did research and things became unavaliable.  But I loved having it.  It was good to have what I wanted down and could always change it since people didn't really look at it for a long time.  I will make another one for this pregancy as soon as I tell people again.  No shower this time, but love the discount at the end!

TwinCitiesGirl

ryry1977:

I started a registry as soon as I told people with 1st preganancy.  I did change quite a bit as I went along of course and did research and things became unavaliable.  But I loved having it.  It was good to have what I wanted down and could always change it since people didn't really look at it for a long time.  I will make another one for this pregancy as soon as I tell people again.  No shower this time, but love the discount at the end!

I like this answer.    I hadn't really thought about it until this moment, but it might be nice to start a registry just for my own personal use so I can keep track of what I need for #2.  I don't expect anyone else in the world to see it, since I won't be having another shower, but it will be nice for me (I'm a very detail-oriented person) and for the discount.