Amazon Baby Registry Return Policy 2023: Your Full Guide
As a parent expecting one of the over 3.7 million precious new arrivals in the U.S. this year, you‘ve probably created an Amazon baby registry to help friends and family celebrate. With registries becoming more popular each year, you may be wondering about Amazon‘s current policy on returning baby registry gifts – especially if space is tight!
I‘ll explain everything you need to know about smoothly returning Amazon registry items in 2024. You‘ll learn:
- How long new parents have to return baby registry gifts
- Effortless return procedures
- What happens to returned baby presents
- Expert tips for managing gift returns
I‘ve also compared Amazon‘s policy against Target and Walmart to highlight why their streamlined self-service returns make gift giving worry-free.
Key Stats on Baby Registries and Returns
- 65% of new parents now create a baby registry according to Babylist‘s 2022 survey, up from 55% in 2021
- Top registered for baby products are strollers, car seats, carriers, and nursery furniture
- 15-25% of registry items purchased end up being returned by parents
While daunting, following Amazon‘s baby-friendly return policy prevents wasting expensive gear and cluttering your new baby‘s space.
How Long Can I Return Amazon Baby Registry Gifts?
The return window depends if you purchased the item or someone gifted it.
For registry items purchased by others:
- 365 days from shipment to return
For items you purchased yourself from your registry:
- 90 days to return
All other purchases fall under:
- Amazon‘s standard 30 day return policy
So if you see something you think you‘ll need, add it to that registry! Even if you buy it yourself, almost a full year to decide comes in handy during those sleepless newborn nights.
Comparison of Return Windows for Popular Retailers:
| Retailer | Standard Return Policy | Registry Item Return Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 30 days | 365 days (gifted items) 90 days (self-purchased) |
| Target | 90 days | Year-round returns allowed |
| Walmart | 90 days | 90 days |
How Do I Actually Return Amazon Baby Registry Items?
Amazon lets registry owners easily process self-service returns without involving the gift giver or needing return labels.
Instead, locate the item under your registry’s “Thank You” list. Click the Return Item button, confirm why you’re returning, print the shipping label, and mail it back.
You can also return registry items through Amazon’s general Online Returns Center. Enter your Order ID from your registry purchases page instead of the gift message.
Streamlined self-service returns reduce awkward conversations about gifts you can’t use. The gift giver is never notified of returns either, avoiding hurt feelings.
What Happens To Returned Baby Gifts?
As long as the returned item passes Amazon’s product quality inspections, Amazon lists open-box gifts for resale to other parents whenever possible. Used baby gear often ends up on:
- Amazon Warehouse Deals – Open-box items at discounted prices
- Amazon Outlet – Overstock and liquidated products sold in bulk
- Sold to resellers specializing in regifting baby products
Some parents feel guilty returning precious hand-picked presents. But repurposing extra presents prevents waste and enables budget-conscious families to afford the essentials.
Pro Tips for Managing Amazon Gift Returns
Between up to a year to return gifts and private hassle-free returns, Amazon makes registering worry-free. Here are my top 5 tips for smoothly managing gift returns as a new parent:
1. Research restocking fees – Some large baby gear like cribs or car seats charges 15% fees if returned. Check before registering to avoid surprise charges.
2. Note purchase dates – Track shipment dates of gifted items so you don‘t miss the 1 year return deadline. Returns become your responsibility after that.
3. Re-gift gently used items – Consider regifting unopened packages or gently used clothes and toys to local families in need through community groups instead of returning items.
4. Get the Welcome Box – Take advantage of Amazon‘s free Baby Welcome Box worth $35+ by completing registry tasks – no purchase required. It contains handy samples.
5. Add postpartum recovery items – Don‘t just register for baby products! Comfort items like cushy underwear, cooling pads, and nipple cream you may overlook pre-birth but appreciate after.
I hope this inside look at what to expect from Amazon‘s 2023 baby registry return policy empowers you to confidently register for the essentials – without worries about being stuck with wrong or duplicate gifts!
Let me know if you have any other Amazon baby questions I can answer.
