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A shared wishlist
The list of things you'd like to receive — gear, supplies, and (increasingly) help.
Built for modern parents · A plain-English explainer
What is a baby registry, really?
A shared wishlist for expecting parents — so friends and family know what to give. Here's how it works, what to put on it, and a modern take that goes beyond gear.
The basics
A baby registry, in one paragraph.
A baby registry is a list expecting parents create — gear, clothing, supplies, and (in modern versions) real-life support — that friends and family can buy from or contribute toward. It's hosted online, shared as a single link, and updated as you go. It prevents duplicates, makes gift-asking less awkward, and ensures the things you receive are things you'll actually use.
How it works
Four things to know
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One link to share
Friends, family, coworkers all click the same link.
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People claim or contribute
Avoids duplicates. Lets guests pick something within their budget.
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Built around your real life
Yours should reflect your home, your support network, and your priorities — not a generic checklist.
The modern take
A registry doesn't have to be just gear.
The classic baby registry was built around stuff: cribs, strollers, onesies, bottles. That made sense in 1995. In 2026, what most new parents desperately need isn't another product — it's a month of meals, a cleaner for the first weeks, help with the older kids, an hour with a lactation consultant.
KindList is a registry built around exactly that — the real-life support that carries you through the fourth trimester — and you can link your traditional gear registry from it, so friends see everything in one place.
Getting started
How to create your first registry
- Step 1
Add what you'd like
Gear, supplies, and the real-life help you'd love — meals, recovery, a cleaner.
- Step 2
Share one link
Send it to friends, family, and your shower invite list.
- Step 3
Receive what actually helps
Gifts and contributions come straight to you. Less duplication, more useful support.
Why it matters
Why a registry is worth the hour it takes to set up
Less awkward asking
People want to help — the registry tells them how.
Built around real life
Not just gear. Meals, sleep, recovery.
One link to share
Everything in one place.
Free, no fees
Contributions come directly to you.
Common questions
What is a baby registry?
A baby registry is a shared wishlist that expecting parents create so friends and family know what to give. Traditionally it's hosted at a retailer (Amazon, Target, Babylist) and filled with gear, clothing, and feeding supplies. A modern registry can also include real-life help — meals, a cleaner, postpartum care.
How does a baby registry work?
You add items you'd like to a list, share the link with friends and family, and people can buy items off it (or contribute toward them). It prevents duplicates and helps guests pick gifts you'll actually use.
Do you have to have a baby registry?
No. It's a convenience, not a requirement. But most parents find it makes shower-planning and gift-asking less awkward, and it dramatically cuts down on duplicates.
Are baby registries free?
Yes — every major baby registry is free to create. KindList is free too, with no platform fees and no cut taken from contributions.
Where should I create a baby registry?
It depends on what you want. Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Babylist are popular for gear. For real-life support — meals, recovery, a cleaner, postpartum doula — KindList is built around exactly that, and you can link your gear registry from it.
Can a baby registry include cash or services?
Traditional registries are gear-only. Modern registries like KindList let you include cash-based wishes — a fund for meals, postpartum care, a cleaner — alongside everything else.
What's the difference between a baby registry and a baby shower?
A baby shower is the event; the registry is the list. The registry tells guests at the shower (and beyond) what would actually help.
Keep reading
Related guides for new parents
More on what actually helps in those first few weeks — and how friends and family can show up in meaningful ways.
First weeks
What new parents actually need
Meals, sleep, recovery, and the support nobody puts on a registry.
Read the guideMeal supportA better meal train for new parents
One simple list for meals, takeout funds, freezer food, and postpartum support.
Read the guidePostpartumPostpartum support ideas that actually help
Recovery, sleep, mental load — practical ways your village can show up.
See the ideasRegistryBaby registry alternatives worth considering
Beyond gear lists — registries built around real-life help for the fourth trimester.
Compare optionsRegistry checklistWhat to put on a baby registry (without the overwhelm)
A short, minimalist take on what's actually worth adding — and what to skip.
See the listTimingWhen to start a baby registry
The simplest answer to when to start, and what to add first.
Read the guideFor giversGifts for new parents that actually help
What new parents really want — and how to give something that lands.
See the ideasNow you know what it is. Want to start one?
A modern registry, built around what actually helps.
Start your KindList