The Best Baby Registry Services for New Parents

Expecting a new baby is one of the most exciting occasions in a person's life. So naturally, your parents, siblings, friends, co-workers and more will want to celebrate you and your growing family with a special gift. Plus, as a first-time parent, you'll need all of the gear you can get!

If you've already done your research and have a specific stroller or sound machine in mind, then the next step is to start a registry. Many companies will even send you a welcome box packed with free samples and coupons just for signing up. Here are the best baby registry services on the market and what to know before creating your own.

What to Look for in a Registry Service

STORE VS UNIVERSAL: A store-specific registry is one created with an individual retailer, like Target or Crate & Barrel. So if you have a favorite shop, you can easily tailor your list to their line of products. A universal registry, on the other hand, pulls from multiple stores and is ideal if you have a variety of brands you're looking for.

DISCOUNTS: Most registry services offer completion discounts, ranging from 10% to 20% off, so you can save on any items still left on your list. Some of these discounts must be used before your little one arrives, while others are valid for up to six months after.

GROUP GIFTING: Baby essentials can be pretty expensive. If you have some big-ticket items on your list (like a crib or glider for the nursery), look for registry services with group gifting options so multiple people can contribute toward them.

Best Baby Registry Overall: Amazon

There's no denying that Amazon is convenient. As a universal registry service, they have millions of products for you to choose from including many hot-ticket items. (Ronbei Bedside Bassinet? Doona Infant Car Seat and Stroller? Hatch Rest Sound Machine? Check, check and check.) They also offer a free welcome box and a 15% completion discount just for signing up. And group gifting is available.

Best Store-Specific Baby Registry: Target

You saw this one coming, didn't you? Target's baby registry service is incredibly easy to use and allows gift-givers to shop online or in person. You can even label your top products as "Most Wanted" to let your loved ones know exactly what your priorities are. You'll also receive a welcome box full of free samples and a 15% completion discount that rivals Amazon's. Group gifting is available as well.

Best Universal Baby Registry: Babylist

Babylist's motto is "anything from any store," and they certainly delivers. You can build your registry on their website or in their app, then browse products from major retailers and small businesses. Best of all? Babylist also offers "personal and meaningful" gifts, so you can request a home-cooked meal or dog-walking session. Once you sign up, you'll receive a free welcome box and a 15% completion discount.

Best Baby Registry for Perks: Buy Buy Baby

Buy Buy Baby is popular with new and experienced parents for a reason. They have thousands of name-brand products in stock (like Doona infant car seats, Boppy nursing pillows, Carter's baby clothing, Aden and Anais swaddles, etc.) and often run deals on all of the above. They also have a Welcome Rewards program, so you can get 20% off every purchase and start earning points for every dollar spent. And if that's not enough? Buy Buy Baby also offers a 15% completion discount, free shipping on orders of $39+, price matching and group gifting.

Best Baby Registry for Deals: Walmart

If you're looking for great deals (and want to encourage your loved ones to do the same), then Walmart is the perfect place to build your registry. They're constantly rolling back their prices, so you can save on essentials like wipes, diapers, pacifiers, etc. Walmart also offers price matching and will send you a free welcome box for signing up.

Best Baby Registry for Decor: Crate & Kids

There's no shame in mixing and matching registries. If you already have one for newborn essentials, consider creating a second for nursery decor. Crate & Kids has an incredible selection of cribs, hampers, mobiles, quilts and more, so you can add a special touch to your baby's room. They also offer one-click baby registries comprised of must-have gear and curated bundles for popular nursery themes such as boho-inspired rainbows and whimsical aquatic life. (Just to make shopping a little easier.) And did we mention you can take advantage of The Design Desk, where they provide free (yes, really) professional interior design services and tools to create said dream nursery? You can check this amazing serve out online and in stores.

Best Baby Registry for Heirloom Items: Pottery Barn Kids

For keepsakes like personalized baby blankets and sentimental frames, we highly recommend registering at Pottery Barn Kids. You can create your registry online or in their app, and then receive a 20% completion discount toward your list. (That's the biggest discount yet, and it's valid for six months after your due date.) Pottery Barn also offers free nursery design consultations in case you decide to request furniture, bedding or toys.

Best Baby Registry for Cash: My Registry

Sometimes a little cash goes a long way — especially if you're not sure which car seat, stroller or diaper genie you'll end up needing. Enter: My Registry. Here, you can sync all of your registries and compile them into one neat list. But the best part is that you can also create a cash fund to put toward baby gear or even a college fund. Group gifting is available as well.