Setting up your baby registry is an important pre-baby step. You can assemble a list of all your baby needs and share your excitement with friends and family. However, with so many registries out there, it can be difficult to choose the best option, so I took the time to compare two of the largest big-box stores out there: Target and Walmart. Who will come out ahead? Read on!

Overall Cost

While studies have shown Walmart to be somewhat cheaper than Target across the board, the overall cost of baby-specific products is actually quite similar.

Target

Target does offer an additional 15% on any baby items left on your registry, and if you sign up for their REDcard, you can save an additional 5% on all purchases; this could come in handy for items you will have to buy frequently, like diapers, wipes, and baby shampoo. 

Walmart

Larger products, such as changing tables, strollers, and car seats tend to stay within the same price range for both stores, but Walmart does offer a wider selection for some larger items and a few better deals when they are running sales. 

For the overall cost, we rate Walmart slightly better than Target, but it depends on the product.

Perks and Discounts

Both Target and Walmart offer perks for expecting parents when you sign up for their baby registries, but with different benefits.

Walmart 

When you sign up for Walmart's baby registry, you are eligible for a Baby Registry Welcome Box that includes a selection of samples; however, the process to get your Welcome Box can be confusing. After completing your registration, you must return to the baby registry main page and follow the link to this form. Walmart will send you a box of baby samples within 4-6 weeks. One great aspect of Walmart is its free return policy, which is helpful when you aren't sure what to expect from your new addition.

Target

Target's baby registry Welcome Kit includes up to $80 worth of samples and coupons. When you register, you receive a barcode that is used to pick up your gift at your local Target. They also offer a 15% coupon for anything still in your registry eight weeks before your due date. You can use the coupon twice, once in the store and once online, and it even applies to items you add after you've received the coupon. What's more, the coupon expires six months after your expected arrival date, so you have plenty of time to use it. 

For perks, I rated Target over Walmart. Easy access to the sample box and the versatile 15% coupon were our deciding factors.

Ease of Use

When I set up Target and Walmart registries, the process was similar for both, but with some key distinctions.

Target

Target's registration is simple. Go to their registry page and click "Create a Baby Registry,” then follow the prompts to provide your basic name and contact information. 

Your dashboard features a countdown to the baby's due date, a customizable photo, and a message board for notes to your friends and family. They provide a link to your registry that you can copy into your invites and useful pre-formatted inserts for your shower invites.

Two particularly useful features of the Target registry are the Target Registry app, which you can use to scan any items you want to add to your registry and the universal registry, which allows you to add items from any website to your Target registry.

Walmart

Walmart's registry setup is made easy with an interactive owl Chatbot that asks for your information in a series of pop-ups. Once the registry is set up, you are directed to your dashboard. Unlike the Target registry, Walmart has an email option right on the screen so that you can send registry invites directly from the site.

I am once again choosing Target over Walmart for ease of use, due largely to their scanning app and universal registry option.

Target Wins

(And Target Coupon Codes Boost Savings)

Target seems to be the clear winner for various reasons, namely that extra 5% and 15% savings you can apply close to your due date, the ease of use when creating a registry, and the universal registry. Best of all, when you tack on additional savings through Target coupons and online promos, your dollars go even further. 

Regardless of the store you choose for your baby registry, you are likely to need everything that is still on your list after your shower. So, when you're shopping for a baby, be sure to keep an eye out for discounts, sales, and promo codes to boost your savings. 

Emily Graham

Emily Graham is the creator of Mighty Moms. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms -- from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family.

Note: Guest blog posts are shared for informational and educational purposes and may not reflect the official policy or position of SlumberPod (parent company, Dovetail Essentials, LLC), our employees and/or contractors.