Getting your baby registry started
Basics
Where to register
I recommend you use BabyList because you can integrate other registries. It's also great because it compares stores for your friends and families. Plus, they send you a box. Another tip is, register everywhere (Amazon, Target, Walmart, BuyBuyBaby, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Nordstrom etc.) and integrate your registry! Don't overlook Costco and local stores websites too. With BabyList, you can copy and paste a link in and add it to your registry which is nice.
Also, if you register, it's easier to return things without a receipt and you can return a larger amount than the store policy typically allows (for Target at least).
Where to try out gear
Nordstrom
If you are looking at higher end products, I highly suggest Nordstrom. Their children's sales associates (some stores have associates who just specialize in baby gear) are very knowledgeable. They offer a variety of products like clothes (obviously), strollers, car seats, high chairs, cribs, baby keepsakes, diaper bags, baby shampoos, blankets, diapers cakes, baby carriers, sound machines, pacifiers, bottles, maternity clothes, etc. Nordstrom has an amazing store return policy plus it's helpful to utilize their rewards program (Nordstrom Rewards = Nordstrom Notes). They also are really good about price matching. They also do free gift-wrapping.
Brands: Uppababy, Nuna, Veer, Fawn Design, Baby Jogger, Babyzen Yoyo, Maxi-Cosi, Stokke, Moby, Loulou Lollipop, Thule, Aden + Anais, Skip Hop, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Ergobaby, Baby Bjorn, Melissa & Doug, Bugaboo, Jellycat, Boppy
BuyBuyBaby
BuyBuyBaby is the only nationwide baby store we have now that Babies R Us closed. The best thing about a strictly baby store is that they have staff that specializes in baby stuff. My favorite part is the little mini nurseries showcasing the different styles and furniture. They carry basically everything you would want, with exception to the truly luxurious items like a Burberry diaper bag (you'll have to go to Nordstrom for that). Their coupons are also very helpful!
Target
Target is nice because they have a great return policy and it's has everything for the entire family. They also let you try out baby things but it is a smaller variety than BuyBuyBaby and Nordstrom. To get a freebie baby box, you have to go to a store and ask customer service. They typically only need to see you made a registry, and I've heard people going to all the stores in their town. Target also has some exclusive brands, I like Cloud Island.
Walmart
Walmart is another department store. I don't like their baby department because it has even fewer items (or at least ours did) than Target to try out. Walmart does have amazing prices and their exclusive brands are quite affordable. They also will mail you a freebie box when you register.
Amazon
The best thing about Amazon is they will have all the knock-off brands and random products not sold at the traditional retailers. That being said, be wary that some may not be baby certified or lack quality. Amazon also sends a free baby box of goodies. Amazon truly lacks being able to try baby gear prior to purchase.
I recommend all parents get Prime (as much as I hate to give into the anti-ethical Amazon empire) because it is super convenient to need something and have it two-day (even sometimes one-day) ship and have access to Whole Foods grocery delivery. I also like Amazon Photo better than Shutterfly (in terms of price, delivery time and fees, and customer service) and Prime Video is an overlooked feature.
**Nothing is promoted. Nobody has paid me for my free advertising on any of these brands