More from MamásLatinas: 15 Must-have nursery items all first-time moms need
For many expecting mothers creating a baby registry is one of the things they look forward to most during the long nine-month wait for their baby. It's especially fun since baby showers usually happen during the middle months of pregnancy, when the excitement of the initial news is fading, but baby's arrival still seems so far away. But any mom will tell you that putting together a baby registry can be quite the task, especially when you have no idea what the proper etiquette for doing so is.
No need to stress though, these things are much more relaxed than they were in our own mamis' days. There's very little chance that anyone is combing through your registry and shower invitations with a keen eye for etiquette errors. But if you follow a few basic rules, you'll ensure that all of your family and friends know that you were thoughtful in putting together your registry and that you appreciate their generosity.
Here's a quick primer on baby registry etiquette:
Choose the right store(s)
When you decide where to register, you should consider the average income and location of your friends and family and make sure you register at a store that is reasonably priced and easily accessible for most. Even better if there are online buying, ship-direct and ship-to-store options. It's also okay to have more than one registry, just don't put the same items on both or you might get repeat gifts.
Be budget-friendly
Again, when registering you need to be mindful about the circumstances of the people that will likely be shopping from your registry. Don't put that $1,000 stroller or nursery set on your registry if you know it's unlikely that anyone who would buy you a gift would comfortably be able to afford it. That's just setting your self up for disappointment while making everyone else feel bad. You should include items in a wide-range of prices, but be sure to steer clear of luxe items if you know your people don't have luxe budgets.
Include lots of options
Most people who buy baby gifts want to purchase something that they know you'll love and use for a long time, so they look for their own favorite brands and products on the baby registry first. If you put a variety of different pacifiers, bottles and baby skin care products, etc. on your registry, your friends and family will be able to buy the items they have experience with and still get you exactly what you need.
Don't expect everyone to stick to the registry.
You may know exactly what you want for your new baby, but you should never consider your baby registry the Bible. It's merely a suggested list of items. There will always be someone who purchases off registry. Maybe because they know of a product you didn't include that is a must-have or maybe because they personally didn't like anything you picked out. Either way, you appreciate the gesture and return anything you don't have a need for.
Consider ditching the registry cards.
While including registry cards in shower invitations is a common practice for some people, others may find it offensive. These days, a baby shower is considered a fun time to celebrate baby, rather than just an occasion to receive gifts. If your crew doesn't usually use registry cards, consider skipping them yourself and just share registry information when asked.
Do not post your registry on social media.
You should absolutely avoid sharing your registry information on social media, because doing so will undoubtedly come off as gift-grabby. Of course, you can do so via direct or private message if someone requests it from you that way, or the host of your shower can choose to share the info on their social media accounts, but your hundreds of "friends" from middle school and high school and distant relatives that you haven't seen since you were a toddler do not need your registry link.
Bonus tip!
It's totally okay to have a registry for your second and even subsequent babies, but stick to the basics like diapers, wipes, bottles, etc. instead of big ticket items.
