How to Build a Baby Registry With Intention

Organizing expert and author of Minimalista, Shira Gill, suggests taking a step back first and instead asking, “What kind of parents do we want to be, and what does our family actually need to thrive?” “Before you think about the physical things, get clear on your values and vision.” Starting here, Gill explains, makes it far easier to cut through the noise and create a thoughtful baby registry that will serve you well for years to come.

That mindset is echoed by Katie Hintz-Zambrano, founder and editor of Mother. “Think about what you need versus what you want,” she advises. “If you can get something you love secondhand—from a friend or elsewhere—I’d start there, and then add a mix of big-ticket items you really want alongside smaller, more practical essentials."

Above all, Gill emphasizes a values-first approach. “Understanding how you want to parent—your rhythm, your priorities, your non-negotiables—should guide every decision. A registry isn’t just a shopping list, it’s a reflection of how you want to live with your child,” Gill says. “Start there, and the stuff becomes secondary.”

So before you click “add to registry,” ahead are Hintz-Zambrano and Gill’s tips on how to curate one that leads with intention and care.

One of the most common registry mistakes? Too much stuff. “Parents often over-prepare out of anxiety, thinking more items equals more readiness,” Gill explains. “The opposite is true.” A cluttered nursery, she notes, creates visual chaos and decision fatigue at a time when parents are already exhausted, which is the last thing you want. 

Hintz-Zambrano agrees with this and adds that if you register for too much, people might skip on getting you what you actually need. “If you register for too many things that aren't really essential, you might end up not getting the basics and then have to invest in those yourself,” she says. “Of course, if you already have the big basics, definitely register for all of the delightful little things that would be a joy to receive. After all, “You don't need twelve different swaddles or three types of bottle warmers,” as Gill puts it.

Some of the most impactful registry “wins” aren’t even things for the baby. Hintz-Zambrano strongly encourages parents to ask a close friend to organize a “Meal Train,” which is a rotation of friends and family who drop food off at your doorstep. “Those dropped-off meals in the early days and months of newborn life are often bigger life-savers than another ‘thing’ off the registry,” she says. She also urges parents not to forget themselves post-birth—whether that’s a cozy robe, a favorite tea, or gift cards for food. “Babies don’t need much,” she reminds us, “but moms deserve the world. When you're investing in your registry, make sure you're honoring your own newborn-life needs, too.”

Of course, it’s so tempting to add every piece of cute decor to your cart, but when registering for those big ticket nursery items, you really want to think about the pieces extending beyond the baby years. “Choose adaptable, multi-functional pieces that evolve with your child,” Gill shares. “A convertible crib that transitions to a toddler bed, a dresser that doubles as a changing table, neutral storage that can move from toys to books to art supplies—these are investments that grow alongside your family.”

Hintz-Zambrano agrees. “I like the idea of 3-in-1 cribs that can go from the newborn months up through the preschool years,” she shares. “Also, dressers and gliders that don't read too ‘baby’ and can work in the room of a ‘big kid’ and perhaps even up through the tween or teen period.” These don’t just save money, reduce the mental load of rearranging the room every few years. 

Hintz-Zambrano extends this thinking beyond furniture, too. She recommends buying clothing that works slightly oversized and registering for special outfits in larger sizes. “Babies chunk up around 12 to 18 months,” she notes. “They’re standing, moving, and you can actually see the clothes—as newborns are swaddled half the time. They can’t properly model their looks,” she laughs. Investing in items that grow alongside your child builds ease, longevity, and a registry that works far beyond the newborn phase.

Gill emphasizes keeping quality top priority. “Look for solid construction, timeless design, and convertibility,” Gill shares. “A well-made wooden crib will outlast a trendy acrylic one. Neutral colors and classic shapes won't feel dated as styles change. Check if cribs convert, if gliders are water or spill resistant, if dressers are sturdy enough to last through multiple children.”

Hintz-Zambrano echoes Gill’s note on incorporating neutrals for the bigger-ticket pieces, longer-lasting pieces. “When my son was born, I invested in neutral pieces to ground my space, as I knew that the artwork I chose, the vibrant rug, and the baby books would bring a rainbow of fun colors.”

While this ethos is true in parenting, it also very much applies to your registry and the pieces you bring into your home. “There is no perfect nursery,” shares Gill. “There's only what works for your family, your space, and your values. Give yourself permission to ignore the noise—the must-have lists, the celebrity nurseries, the judgment about what you should or shouldn't include.”

Gill adds a thoughtful reminder, “Your child needs safety, comfort, and your presence—not perfection. Let that be enough.”