Prepping for your baby's arrival is such a special time, and creating your registry is one of the first steps that makes it all feel more real. But, as a first-time parent, starting a registry can feel a bit overwhelming.

To set you up to a great start, we turned to an expert. Meet Georgia, mom of four, who shares everything you need to know about baby registries!

Tips from a Mom of Four

I’m Georgia, and I’m a proud mama to four beautiful kids: a five-year-old, a four-year-old, a one-year-old, and our newest addition, a newborn baby girl. I absolutely love all the joy and chaos that four little kids bring to our home. When I was expecting my newborn, I was both shocked and excited to be welcoming a baby girl. The older kids were thrilled too—they asked about their baby sister every day, giving my belly kisses and singing her songs.

After four kids, I’ve become a bit of an expert at baby registries. Below, I’ll share my top tips for creating one, the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and what items I think should go on every wish list.

What’s your best advice for expectant parents planning a registry?

My first piece of advice is to not shy away from adding bigger ticket items to your registry. Most family members seem to love getting you the things you need and most registries allow multiple people to chip in on a larger item.

My second piece of advice is to create your registry early. Give yourself time to look at all of your options to avoid feeling rushed. It can be less stressful to start earlier and add things slowly as your pregnancy progresses. Personally, I started around 20 weeks, but some might start even earlier, especially if it’s their first child.

Did you create a single registry or multiple?

I created two registries through different online services. My main registry was for both friends and family, while I created a second one specifically for my parents, as they were more comfortable ordering from that site.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you create one registry or multiple. The key is to choose a system that’s easy for family and friends to use and navigate. 

Did you do something differently when registering for your fourth baby?

Yes, definitely! With my first baby, I added a bunch of cute newborn outfits, but most of them were barely used—maybe once or twice for photos. At that age, babies live in onesies.

This time around, I made sure to register for products that needed replacing after my first kids. However, I was able to reuse many items, like my baby cradle and carrier, which I used for all my babies.

What type of gear was most useful outside of the home?

A good, comfortable baby carrier! Strollers are great, but they’re not as convenient as a carrier. My favorite is Baby Carrier Harmony—it provides amazing support, even if you’re out for a long time.

I also highly recommend the BabyBjörn Baby Bouncer. It’s been worth every penny—we’ve used it a bunch. It’s lightweight and easy to bring to grandparents’ or friends’ houses, and it keeps the baby happy wherever you go.

Is there an item you tell all your friends and family to register for?

I’d recommend my BabyBjörn cradle to anyone, anytime. It’s gorgeous in the nursery, and the canopy gives it such a cozy vibe. My baby absolutely loves it! The cradle’s high quality means you can pass it down to your next child or give it to a friend who’s expecting when you don’t need it anymore —it’s such a worthwhile investment.

Lastly, your fourth baby is finally here! How has the first time been with her?

I’ve been prioritizing rest and bonding, which means lots of cuddles and quiet time in our bedroom getting to know my baby girl. I've kept everything I need within arm’s reach, which is something I’d recommend to everyone. By keeping things like the diaper caddy, wipes, bottles, or nursing supplies close at hand you can save energy and enjoy those early days without constantly getting up.