Diaper Fund vs. Traditional Registry: Which Is Better?

Cash funds have become a standard part of baby registries — but should you skip the traditional registry entirely? Here's an honest breakdown of both approaches.

The Case for Cash Funds

Types of funds people create:

• Diaper fund: Diapers cost $70–80/month on average for the first year. That's $800+ total.
• Nursery fund: For furniture or decor you want to pick yourself
• 529 contribution: College savings that grows tax-free
• Childcare fund: Daycare costs $1,000–2,500/month in most cities

Why cash funds work:

• You get exactly what you need, not duplicates or wrong sizes
• Easy for out-of-town guests (no shipping hassle)
• Useful for experienced parents who have most gear
• More practical than a 10th stuffed animal

The Case for Physical Gifts

Why registries still matter:

• Some guests prefer giving something tangible — seeing you open it is part of the joy
• Grandparents especially love buying "the stroller" or "the crib"
• You get the completion discount (10–15% off remaining items)
• You know exactly what you're getting before baby arrives

The Best Approach: Both

Most modern registries include a mix:

• Big-ticket items (car seat, stroller, crib) — let someone who wants to give something memorable claim these
• Mid-range items ($30–100) — bottles, monitor, diaper bag
• Small items ($15–30) — gives everyone an affordable option
• 1–2 cash funds — for guests who prefer giving money

How to Word Cash Fund Requests

Asking for money can feel awkward. These framings help:

• "Contribute to our diaper fund — we'll think of you every 3 AM change!"
• "Help us give [baby name] a head start on college savings"
• "We're blessed with hand-me-downs but would love help with childcare costs"

Fees: What to Know

Most cash fund platforms charge a fee:

• Babylist: Free for guests, parents receive cash minus payment processing (2.9% + $0.30)
• Amazon: Doesn't offer cash funds
• In9Months: Transparent fee structure — we show you exactly what you'll receive

Should You Go Cash-Only?

Only in specific situations:

• You're having baby #3+ and truly have everything
• You're in a small space and can't store more stuff
• You have very specific taste and prefer to buy everything yourself

For most first-time parents, a mixed registry serves guests best while still being practical for you.