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When should we start a baby registry? This is a question I see a lot. There’s no surefire answer, so I’ll just go with my opinion. Please feel free to share yours.
In September 2005, we had just gone active with our facilitator. One day, we got a call about a mother who was due a week from that day. Although we had to decline the match, it made us realize that this really could happen at any time. I began researching car seats, and started our baby registry. After we matched with Jack, I waffled over whether or not to have a shower, and ultimately decided yes. So, the registry became public in December 2005.
After Jack was born and came home, I created an Amazon.com wish list for him. I periodically cull the list and move items to a hidden wish list titled “Next Baby”. So, you could say I started the registry for our next adoption almost 4 years before the adoption might take place.
I like registries. Not just making them, but shopping off of them. I like giving people what they want. I love that now, there are many sites that allow you to register everywhere. My favorite so far is TheThingsIWant.com. You essentially install a button on your web browser’s toolbar. Then, when you visit a store and you want to add an item to your wish list, you click that button. A window opens, you enter some information, click OK, and that’s that! Amazon.com now allows you to have a “Universal Wish List”, which is nice too.
The point is: There’s no perfect, magic time to begin a registry. You can start a wish list at any time, and just not share it with anyone. More and more actual baby registry sites enable you to start a registry without supplying a due date. Babies R Us actually asks you if you’re adopting. If “window shopping” is fun, then create a registry. If you think it’s tempting fate, then wait until you’re actually matched. Registering should not be an arduous process that only upsets you. That’s what all the paperwork is for.
