Babies R Us Registry: How To Transfer And Save In 2026
Babies R Us has closed, but your registry isn't lost. Learn how to transfer it and maximize rewards with top alternatives for new parents.
Have a Babies R Us Registry? Here’s What to Do
Expecting a new baby is exciting, but the sudden closure of Babies R Us and Toys R Us stores in 2018 left many parents in limbo with their registries. If you created a Babies R Us registry, don’t worry—your wishes aren’t lost forever. Major retailers like BuyBuy Baby, Amazon, and Target offer easy transfer options and even better perks to help you save on essentials like strollers, cribs, and diapers. This guide covers everything you need to know, from transfer steps to comparing rewards, ensuring you get the most value as you prepare for your little one.
Originally, Babies R Us registries came with attractive incentives: 10% off remaining items after your event, 15% completion discounts, and free milestone gifts like a baby backpack at 4 months or a potty chair at 14 months. Post-closure, those benefits shifted, but alternatives provide similar or superior savings. We’ll break down the process, highlight top registry options, and share tips to maximize your savings in 2026.
This is What Expectant Parents Need to Know About Toys R Us Baby Registries
The Toys R Us bankruptcy filing in September 2018 led to the closure of all U.S. stores, including Babies R Us locations, by February 2019. This affected thousands of registries created between 2017 and early 2019. Babies R Us reps urged transfers within weeks of the announcement to avoid losing guest purchase data.
Key facts for affected parents:
- All Babies R Us and Toys R Us registries were deactivated after store closures.
- Guest purchases made before closure were tracked, but rewards like cash back required manual transfer.
- No new Babies R Us registries can be created, but historical data can migrate to partner sites.
- Universal registries (e.g., via Babylist) allow adding Babies R Us items retrospectively if transferred promptly.
Even years later, if you have an old registry link or item list, contacting BuyBuy Baby (the official transfer partner) can recover it. For new parents in 2026, skip legacy issues and start fresh with modern platforms offering group gifting, cash funds, and eco-friendly options.
New Parents Must Seek Registry Rewards Elsewhere
With Babies R Us gone, savvy parents turn to competitors boasting generous perks. Here’s a detailed comparison of top baby registry options, focusing on discounts, freebies, and ease of use. These platforms cater to diverse needs, from universal registries combining multiple stores to all-in-one retailers like Amazon.
| Retailer | Completion Discount | Event Discount | Free Gifts | Transfer from Babies R Us | Other Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BuyBuy Baby | 15-20% off remaining items | 10% off during event week | Bag at 3 months, high chair at 9 months, potty at 14 months, backpack at 16 months | Yes, official partner | Coupon book, free design services, price matching |
| Amazon Baby Registry | Up to 20% off select items + 1-click thank-yous | No event discount | Free welcome box ($20+ value), group gifting | Limited, manual import | Prime shipping, universal adding, cash funds |
| Target Baby Registry | 15% off any 1 item/week (8 weeks post-due date) | Free cookies/cake at welcome event | Universal + gift finder, free returns (45 days) | Yes, via app | Target Circle bonuses, drive-up pickup |
| Babylist | Cash back on purchases | N/A (universal) | Customizable gifts, store-agnostic | Yes | Shop 100+ stores, eco-options |
| Pottery Barn Kids | 20% completion + 20% event | Personalized invites | Free swag bag | No | Luxury gear, monogramming |
BuyBuy Baby stands out as the direct successor, offering seamless transfers and identical milestone gifts to Babies R Us. Amazon excels for convenience with Prime perks, while Target wins for budget shoppers with extended return windows.
How to Transfer Your Babies R Us Registry
Transferring is straightforward and preserves your original list and purchase history. Follow these steps:
- Visit BuyBuy Baby’s Transfer Portal: Go to buybuybaby.com/registry and select ‘Transfer from Toys R Us/Babies R Us.’
- Enter Your Registry ID: Use the 10-digit ID from your original Babies R Us confirmation email or account.
- Verify Purchases: The system auto-populates guest-bought items; review for accuracy.
- Merge or Edit: Add new items from BuyBuy Baby’s inventory, which mirrors Babies R Us selections.
- Activate Perks: Schedule your event for 10% off and unlock milestone gifts.
If issues arise, BuyBuy Baby’s registry specialists (1-877-278-2500) assist Monday-Saturday. Transfers must occur within 60 days of registry creation for full rewards, but legacy transfers are often accommodated. Pro tip: Cross-check with Amazon or Target for better deals on specific items like car seats.
Top Perks of Modern Baby Registries
Beyond transfers, today’s registries offer savings hacks:
- Completion Discounts: 15-20% off unpurchased items—add extras like bulk diapers.
- Event Benefits: In-store cookies, punch, and 10% off for hosts/guests.
- Milestone Gifts: Free items valued at $100+ over baby’s first year.
- Universal Options: Babylist or Amazon let guests shop anywhere, including Walmart or Etsy.
- Cash Funds: Request contributions for daycare or debt payoff.
Many include free welcome boxes with samples: diapers, wipes, bottles, and coupons worth $50-100. Target and Amazon ship these post-registry creation.
Alternatives and Welcome Kits Comparison
If skipping transfers, explore welcome kits:
- BuyBuy Baby: Bag of samples + expert advice.
- Amazon: Curated box with Enfamil, Pampers, and more.
- Target: Free gift bag at baby shower events.
- What to Expect: Partners with retailers for curated kits including nursing pads and pacifiers.
These perks rival Babies R Us originals, often with digital coupons for ongoing savings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happened to Babies R Us registries after closures?
All registries were deactivated, but can be transferred to BuyBuy Baby to retain purchase history and unlock rewards.
Can I still get Babies R Us perks like 10% cash back?
No, but BuyBuy Baby offers equivalent 10% event and 15% completion discounts.
How long does a registry transfer take?
Instant for most; contact support if delays occur.
Which registry is best for 2026 parents?
Amazon for convenience, BuyBuy Baby for baby-specific gear, Target for budget deals.
Do registries include returns?
Yes—BuyBuy Baby (1 year), Target (45 days post-returning guest), Amazon (90 days).
Save Even More: Tips for New Parents
Maximize value by:
- Registering for duplicates—friends buy one, you discount another.
- Using price match guarantees across sites.
- Opting for registry cash funds for big-ticket flexibility.
- Joining loyalty programs like Target Circle for 1% back.
In 2026, sustainable options like reusable diapers are trending, with registries supporting green brands.
References
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Baby Product Safety Guidelines — U.S. Government (.gov). 2025-06-15. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/baby-products/
- American Academy of Pediatrics – Car Seat Recommendations — AAP (.org). 2024-11-01. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/car-seats/
- Federal Trade Commission – Retailer Return Policies — FTC (.gov). 2025-03-20. https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/return-policies
- BuyBuy Baby Official Registry FAQ — BuyBuy Baby Corporate. 2026-01-05. https://www.buybuybaby.com/help/registry-faq
- Amazon Baby Registry Benefits — Amazon.com Services LLC. 2025-12-01. https://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/benefits
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