Awhile back I wrote a post about creating a wedding registry. When I mentioned to a friend of mine in passing that I’d written it because of how clueless I felt when I had gotten married about what I’d need, she mentioned that that is how she had felt when she had her first baby. I couldn’t agree more {in fact, it has kind of made me reflect on how clueless I’ve been over a lot of life’s major events, but what can you do?}.
Since babies don’t come with manuals {they totally should, though}, and lots of first-time moms live hundreds of miles away from their own moms, I thought I’d put together some baby registry tips:
- Babies grow…FAST. When you are registering, remember that they won’t be teeny tiny for very long and before you know it, they will be mobile, teething, etc. Think sippy-cups, teethers, and toddler safety. All of those items can go straight onto the registry.
- Like the wedding registry, register at more than one store {maximum of 3}, and try to make one a “box store” that out of towners can easily shop from.
- Register for a variety of the smaller items. Chances are, your baby will take one specific kind of pacifier –having a couple of different brands to try out until one takes can be heaven sent at 3 a.m. when you are exhausted.
- Create a checklists before you go. Diaper bag items, clothing needs, diapering needs, bathing items, feeding items, nursery items. That way, you have a method to your madness and cover all of your bases.
- Don’t feel pressured to get things you won’t use. Maybe you live in a small space or just don’t like clutter–the pioneers raised babies with way less than we do, and did fine, so if you don’t want a johnny jumper, swing, bouncer, and tummy time play center {even though your neighbor swears by them} feel free to pass. Your baby, your rules. You can always purchase it yourself later if you change your mind.
- Register for a wide price range of items from a pair of socks all the way up to the crib. That gives everyone options, and if they don’t want to buy it, they don’t have to.
What are your tips for first-time parents creating a baby registry?
~Mavis
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heather h says
My advice would be to get advice from a friend with possibly more than one little pumpkin, er I mean baby. 🙂
My 9th is 1 1/2 and I can surely say get plenty of undershirts….many different sizes. You can never have enough, and they last for several years.
I’m coming across quite a few new mommys that would rather get a lot of gifts from Goodwill, rather than one outfit brand new. But brand new is also exciting!!!
Tammy says
Don’t register for clothes unless there is something very specific that you desire. People who gift clothes are going to get what they want, at the store they want, and not really pay attention to the registry.
Also, register as close to the shower as possible, because there can be a big turn over in the availability of what you register from when you register and when your shower is. This happened to me with several items that I registered.
I had a girl and registered all pink stuff instead of neutral. Since we only ended up having one baby, it worked out that I didn’t need any of it again anyhow. Some people want the bigger items to be gender-neutral (baby seat, carriers, bath tub, etc.). That’s something I didn’t really think about. All I had on my mind was PINK! LOL
Remember that stores like Wal-Mart will take back or exchange things like pampers if you get too many in one size. Also, if you get too many newborn clothes, if you have the gift receipt you can exchange them for a size larger.
Jessica S says
My advice is also talk to someone who has already been through the trenches! There are some great, ingenious products out there that are TOTALLY ridiculous and unnecessary.. they will empty your wallet and clutter your space! The electronic baby formula mixer- not needed, the wipes warmer- not worth it!
Stick with basics- skip teh pricey decorative bedding set and stock up on basic color/patterned sheets- get at least 2 waterproof crib covers. ( I layered cover/sheet/cover/sheet. Then in the middle of a night when twins were puking.. I only needed to strip that first layer off and bed was ready! )
Baby proofing items are great- you will need them quicker than you realize!
Thick flat cloth diaper pack for burp clothes! They cover so much more then the cutesy ones sold with a bib.
DIAPER!!! You can never have enough if you are going disposable
Jenn says
So I don’t have any kids of my own… yet but I have helped raise several of my nieces and nephews and I have worked in child care for quite some time as well. My advice, register for a entertainer, you know those round saucer looking things that have toys all around it, and register for one that has a lot of different toys on it. It will save your life. As soon as baby can hold their head up you can put them in one. Just stuff a blanket in front of them to keep them from bobbing around : ) Most are adjustable on the height so you can adjust it so that baby has their feet on the bottom and help strengthen up those leg muscles. Also best burp cloth ever, a hand towel. They soak up so much more than the burp cloths that are all cutesy.
Julie says
It’s so easy for first-time parents to get caught up in the decor and the latest innovative gadget.
Ideally you should talk to someone with a small child and see what she found valuable and what became unused clutter.
Also, take time to think of practical things. Cabinet door locks and outlet covers and baby gates are not glamorous. They aren’t really that expensive either, but if you’re on a tight budget and you suddenly need this stuff. . .
Lots of parents include a baby first aid kit that has a thermometer. One of my favorite shower gifts is infant Tylenol, J&J vapor bath, and other baby meds.
We received a waterproof pad about the size of a small bath towel that we used over and over and over.
Leslie says
Just had our first in May. The BEST thing was that my sister came to stay for two weeks. She did 100% of the cooking, cleaning, shopping, and errand running. She provided some good guidance, too.
Next best thing was my bidet bottle (not a peri bottle).
Third best thing was wearing a girdle postpartum. I stopped wearing it because the velcro wore out. But it was so supportive when I really needed that.
Janice says
My daughter just had our first grandchild two months ago. She is very practical and asked for things like premade freezer meals for nights she didn’t feel like cooking, someone to help clean the house and offers of babysitting. She got some lovely regular gifts but she realized she would also appreciate the gift of someone’s time.