Today's post is going to be on what to register for. In my opinion, you should register! Baby will need so many things and people want to buy your baby things. Most people want to buy you what you want and like to have the direction. If they don't want to buy off the registry, they don't have to, but it's there if they do!
These are some suggestions and tips for tackling your registry.
Must haves:
- At least 4 sheets and 2 waterproof mattress pads for both the crib and bassinet
- Sometimes baby's diaper will leak or they may spit up a few times in the same night. You want to have a few so you don't have to start a load of laundry in the middle of the night.
- At least 2 or 3 changing pad covers
- In the beginning, babies seem to like to pee as soon as you take their diaper off! So this is along the same lines as the multiple sheets.
- A rectal thermometer
- As uncomfortable as it can make Mom and Dad, it doesn't really bother baby much. And it is the most accurate way to get a temperature in a small baby, which can be important. Those ear thermometers seem great, but they aren't very accurate and tend to be too big for teeny, tiny ears.
- My husband and I both swore by this! Audrey is 18 months old and we're still using it. Certain carriers let baby hang from their hips, which isn't good for them. The Ergo allows baby to sit on their bum, along with distributing weight properly for Mom or Dad.
- Sleepsacks and nightgowns or sleepers with zippers instead of snaps
- PJs with snaps can be a royal pain in the you-know-what at 1am when you just want to change and feed baby as quickly as possible and go back to sleep.
- Sound machine
- Audrey had a teddy bear that played womb sounds that she used every night for the first 6 months of her life. Then we switched to a sound machine that has different sound options and a projector.
- Great for tummy time and even after when baby is starting to move around.
- Most babies love to bounce. These are great for a quick trip to the bathroom (by yourself!) or to let baby entertain herself for a little bit.
- I thought this would be a waste of money, but it was a godsend! Press a button and you don't have to remember how long it's been since you changed a diaper, fed baby, or how long they've slept.
- A comfortable rocking chair or glider with foot stool
- You'll be glad you have it for all those middle of the night feedings!
- Video monitor
- This is one thing I wish I registered for but didn't. I just got a regular audio monitor, but ended up buying a video monitor after the fact. It's great for peace of mind with ity-bitties and for knowing what rambunctious toddlers are doing without having to go into the room.
- These are great for putting on your bed or the couch for a quick diaper change or right on top of the crib sheet in the area of the diaper for occasional leaks.
- I didn't want to give Audrey a pacifier. I made sure they didn't give her one in the hospital because I was so nervous it would mess with our nursing. But the nurse I had suggested Nuk brand if I changed my mind because they are closest in shape to Mom's nipple. After a week or so, we had 2 days of almost constant crying and I sent my husband out to buy a pacifier! Our pediatrician said they're fine and there is actually research that shows they help them learn to self-soothe.
- Some kind of trash can with step-operated lid specifically for diapers and wipes
- The lid keeps the smell in, the separate can for just diapers and wipes keeps your regular trash can from stinking to high heaven, and the foot petal is useful for the parent who doesn't happen to have 3 hands!
The obvious things (or maybe not so obvious):
- Crib, bassinet, changing table, dresser etc.
- Changing pad
- Boppy pillow and at least 2 covers
- Bathtub
- Towels and washcloths
- Bedding and nursery decor
- You don't have to go the bedding set route if you don't want. The comforter type blanket that comes with it is pretty much useless. We didn't use the bumper at first, but Audrey moves around a lot in her sleep now, so it saves us bumped heads and limbs pinched in crib bars. We use everything else, but you can totally get away with just buying the things you want separately.
- Highchair
- You'll need it sooner than you think. Give someone else the opportunity to buy it for you!
- Diapers (if you're doing cloth or if you want a certain brand of disposables)
- Diaper bag
- Stroller
- We got a 3-wheel jogging stroller with real tires instead of plastic. I don't jog with it, but I find it's much easier to maneuver and is a much smoother ride for her on our walks.
- Infant car seat and convertible car seat
- Again, you'll need the convertible car seat before too long. Audrey was about 8 or 9 months when we switched her to hers. Give someone the opportunity to buy it for you and you might not have to get it yourself when the time comes.
- Swing and/or bouncy seat
- This is one of those things you don't really know until the baby gets here. Audrey absolutely hated the swing! Some babies love them! The bouncy seat was amazing though. She loves hers!
- Pack 'n Play and Pack 'n Play sheet (if you plan on travelling a lot, to stay overnight with the new grandparents perhaps)
- We have a hand-me-down, but have never used it because my parents bought an actual crib for their house. Other parents I know swear by theirs.
- Humidifier (if you don't own one already)
- Safety products (outlets covers, cabinets locks etc.)
- Burp cloths (good old tri-fold cloth diapers work GREAT)
- A few soft, fuzzy blankets, especially for winter babies (don't go overboard though. we have some we never even used.)
- Baby soap and lotion (if you want a specific brand)
Don't bother registering for:
- A wipe warmer
- My mom bought us one and I hated it. It dries the wipes out. Such a waste!
- Too many of anything (bottles, swaddles, pacifiers etc.) before you know what baby likes
- I wanted to swaddle so badly. I got like 6 or 7 swaddles at my shower. I think I only opened one. Audrey absolutely hated being swaddled. I have friends that got lots of one kind of bottle and it took 4 or 5 different brands for them to find one baby liked. So don't go overboard on any one thing. Wait to see what your baby likes.
- Clothes
- Everyone likes to buy baby clothes. They're adorable! You can't help it! So you'll get lots of clothes, don't bother registering for them!
Well, those are my suggestions! Every family's needs are different, but I hope it's helpful! Please feel free to comment with anything I might have forgotten!
*All links are to products we own and use. I was not in any way compensated by the companies or asked to review their products.*
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