💼 Gear & logistics · From month 5–6 of pregnancy
🎁 The baby registry
A baby gift list can help friends and family choose things you will actually use. Keep it optional, suited to your space and budget, and planned together.
Offer a range of choices
- Lower-cost options: muslin cloths, bibs, simple clothing and a digital thermometer.
- Mid-range options: a changing bag, washable play mat or suitable lightweight sleep sack.
- Larger shared gifts: a cot, pram or child car seat. Set budgets in Kenyan shillings (KSh) using current local prices.
- Practical gifts count too: meals, shopping, transport or help with household tasks.
Build a useful list
1. Choose your own timing
Starting around month five or six leaves time to research, but there is no required milestone. Share only when comfortable and make clear that gifts are not expected.
2. Check local availability
Use a shared list or retailer serving Kenya. Check delivery to your specific address, delivery charges, return policies, warranties and whether purchases can be marked to avoid duplicates.
3. Make contributions optional
If pooling money, explain what it is for and check platform fees and payout arrangements. Share payment details privately. Offer physical gifts and practical help as alternatives.
4. Choose a mix of clothing sizes
Keep some newborn clothing and include larger sizes; babies grow at different rates. Choose lightweight clothes for warm conditions and adjustable layers for cooler days and nights where you live.
5. Research safety before style
Check cot and car-seat suitability, product instructions and recall information. Avoid pillows, cot bumpers and sleep positioners. For second-hand gear, inspect condition and completeness; avoid a car seat with an unknown crash history.
6. Leave room to learn
Prioritise a safe sleep space, transport and daily care supplies. Wait on optional gadgets until you know your baby's needs. Test bulky items for your home, car and usual journeys.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
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Read next
- Employment Act
- Birth registration
- Civil Registration Services
- SHA and SHIF
- Mother Child Health Handbook
- Emergency services
- ART bill status
- Parentage judgment
When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 999 or 112.