the dreaded registry

It's not that I was completely oblivious to what we needed for a baby; I had worked in a daycare once (eons ago), I know plenty of people who have had kids, and I read every baby book and web site out there.  Still, I was completely lost as soon as I walked into the stores.  There were things I would see as we walked down the aisles that made me ask my husband "Wait, what the heck is this?  Do we need this? Crap, just scan it, we can return it."

So what advice would I have to a couple registering?

Plan Ahead

Write a list before stepping foot in the store.  Scour the internet (I personally like www.thebump.com – it was a natural transition: The Knot > The Nest > The Bump) and read through the comments on the supposed “ultimate guides”.  Other parents are your best resources.

More Than One Registry

We registered at 2 places: 1) Babies “R” Us and 2) BuyBuy Baby.  Why did we do this?  Because we have family and friends everywhere and it wasn’t a guarantee on which franchise they had close to them.  Why didn’t I register at Target or Wal-Mart?  Because after 2 stores, we got tired and didn’t want to scan another bloody cutesy thing.

One important thing is that you don’t hesitate to register for the same or similar items from both stores.  You can choose the best and return the rest.  People shopping on your registry like choices.  They will like seeing a complete list from whatever store they choose to go to and decide what they want to buy and how much they want to spend.  If you don’t give them enough options, you’ll end up getting things you didn’t necessarily want and that you might not be able to return.

Don’t Forget the Basics

I literally shopped a baby registry the other day where it looked like the (very young) couple didn’t have a clue on what to put on it.  There was very expensive furniture, bottle nipples, blankets, bibs, and lotion.  That was it.  No diapers, wipes, bouncers, play yards, strollers, car seats, bath tubs, or all the other essentials that you need.  I like to break the list up like this (plus people love to shop in “themes”):

You have to feed the baby:

• Breast Pump (now someone may not feel that it’s appropriate to buy you such a “personal” device, but put it on the registry just in case.  If anything the store will most likely give you a 10, 15, or 20% registry completion coupon that you can use to buy this yourself)
• Breast Pads (you don’t want those suckers leaking all over the place)
• Lanolin (trust me, you’re going to wish they had it by the tub)
• Bottles (even if your breastfeeding, you will eventually need bottles)
• Nipples (news to me, they come in different sizes that change as the baby grows… crap)
• Bibs (seriously, you can’t have enough of these)
• Sippy Cups/ Bowls/Plates/Utensils (it’s going to be awhile before you can use them, but you will eventually need them and people love buying them)
• Burp Clothes (you’re going to use them all the time for everything, get a six pack)
• Bottle Sanitizer (I prefer the microwavable kind, but eventually you will have enough to clean you can put them in the dishwasher)
• Dishwasher Baskets (register for a couple, they prevent all your little baby-sized parts from flying around the dishwasher)
• Drying Rack (you’ll need somewhere to store all this crap)
• Boppy Pillow + Cover (even if you don’t use it for breastfeeding, your baby will love sitting in it when they get 2 mos or older)
• Highchair (there are so many to choose from, but you only need one)
• Baby Food Processor (if you’re feeling adventurous)

You have to wash the baby:

• Infant Bath Tub (get the one with the newborn net, trust me, it’ll make bathing a slippery baby a lot easier)
• Towels (they come with hoods and they are so cute)
• Washcloths (these come in handy to wipe the baby’s face throughout the day, so get a couple of packs)
• Water Thermometer (so handy, especially for new nervous parents)
• Bath Wash & Lotion 
• Tub Organizer (you won’t need this immediately, but they are great for holding all the toys and products that come with bathing your babe when he/she is ready for the big tub)
• Tub Toys (people love buying these and eventually your kid will love playing with them)

You have to change the baby’s diaper:

• Diapers! Diapers! Diapers! (get them in several sizes and register for several boxes of each – you are going to be very thankful for these and you can return unopened boxes for different brands or sizes later if needed)
• Diaper Pail (don’t forget the refills too)
• Wipes (register for several packs)
• Diaper Cream (get several, no one likes a chapped butt)
• Changing Room Contoured Pad & Cover (whether you decide to get a changing table, which I’m personally against – just use the dresser! – you will need a pad for the nursery & cover)
• Changing Pad Liners (this are a lifesaver for all the little unexpected accidents that may occur during changing.  Get a 3 pack of these, wait… get 3, 3 packs of these.  You’ll see…)

You have to put the baby to sleep:

• Playard w/ Bassinet (my preference is to get the play yard with a bassinet insert so you can have your baby by the bed – very useful when breastfeeding, but you may decide to skip this all together and just go straight to the crib)
• Sleep Sacks (you can’t put a baby to bed with a blanket – due to suffocating concern – so these are like wearable blankets for your baby)
• Long-sleeved Onsies and Sleep and Play suits (your baby needs pjs too and the house will typically by cooler at night, get several packs)
• Nightlight (your baby and you will need this)
• Mobile (you can get the matching one that goes with your nursery theme or you can venture out and get one that has lights and multiple songs, etc)
• Crib Bedding Set (pick your nursery theme and register for the set and any accessories)
• Extra Sheets and Liners (you will need extra sheets, your baby WILL spit up or have accidents)
• Blankets (you won’t really need to even put these on your registry, people will buy them anyways, they can’t help themselves)
• Baby Monitor (personally I love a video monitor)

You have to dress your baby:

• You don’t have to put a single clothing item on your registry.  People will buy all sorts of baby clothes.  You will buy all sorts of baby clothes.  Your child will have outfits they will outgrow before they even get to wear them.  Trust me.
• Hamper (I forgot this when I registered and when I realized how much clothing and dirty items that come with a baby, I felt stupid)
• Detergent (baby detergent is expensive, go ahead and register for it, someone may take pity on you)

You have to take the baby places:

• Travel System (these are great, it comes with a carrier and stroller)
• Jogging Strollers (if you are actually a jogger/runner prior to becoming pregnant – not just someone who thinks they are going to be – register for a jogging stroller)
• Lightweight Stroller (completely optional, but you are going to realize that the stroller that comes with your travel system is nice, but heavy and bulky…)
• Stroller Bug Net (optional, this may seem silly but if you live in the South you will want to protect your baby from all of our mosquitos)
• Additional Bases (if you know for sure that more than one person will be toting around the baby carrier in their car, you can buy additional bases)
• Car Seat (you will need to register for one that can hold a toddler eventually)
• Car Mirror (this goes on the headrest above the carrier so you can spy on your baby while driving)
• Car Window Sunscreens (babies hate the sun in their eyes)
• Diaper Bag (be kind and register for a “man-friendly” one too)
• Traveling Diaper Pad (a lot of diaper bags come with these, but if the ones you chose don’t, make sure to register for one, you won’t want to lay your baby on those nasty diapering stations in the public bathrooms, trust me)
• Traveling Bottle Warmer (optional, but mine comes in handy)
• Playard (if you didn’t already have it on your list for the bassinet, you’ll still need one for travel and convenience)
• Grocery Cart Insert (this is a little cushy insert to put in the grocery cart to make your baby comfortable and prevent them from sucking on the handle bar that everyone before you touched)

You have to entertain the baby:

• Bouncer/Swing (this will become your go-to when you need to put your little lovely one down – register for what you like – babies love vibrations and motion)
• Activity Mat (optional, but most babies love to reach for thing and kick their feet, also great for tummy time)
• Walker/Jumper (optional, but these can come in handy when entertaining your little one – just be cautious of ones that are too busy, they can overstimulate your little one and upset them)
• Toys & Books (these are fun to register for and buy – don’t forget to select some high contrast black-and-white ones that your little one can focus on early)
• Ceiling Fan (out of all the things you are going to buy your baby, the ceiling fan you already have is going to be the number one most entertaining thing that the baby sees – they will be mesmerized)

You have to make a nursery for the baby:

Furniture is definitely something that you will need and it will be a completely personal choice.  Stick with the essentials: a crib, dresser (or 2), bookshelf, and lamp.  You may also want a glider/rocker – that’s completely your call.  We occasionally use ours- we tend to just use the recliner in the living room.  Also, don't forget your baby proofing stuff for the rest of the house (outlet covers, door knob locks, child-proof cabinet locks, etc.).

Is that enough stuff?  It will get you started and like me, you will find things that you personally will never use and things that you never would have thought of.  Just make sure you put plenty of small stuff on your registry and enough $30-50 items (they are most frequently purchased).  Most importantly, don't feel bad about returning anything!