Baby Registry Help

Batteries! Ha Ha. Honestly! You don't realize how many things needs batteries.

Congrats!

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Save your money (and the money of others) and don't bother with the changing table. Our basically holds toys now and my son is only 7 months (we stopped using it by 3 months or even sooner). You can change a baby on just about any flat surface and most often, I would just toss a receiving blanket in his crib and change him there.

Cloth diapers are a must have....even if you don't plan to use them for their intended purpose. I have them scattered all throughout the house for emergency clean ups.

BIBS BIBS BIBS!!!! You will probably go through about 6 a day or more, depending on how often you end up with them covered in spit up. And I've always thought it was better to have plenty of them so I don't have to do laundry because I was completely out of bibs.

Skip all the cute baby clothes in newborn sizes. They barely EVER get out of pjs and onesies in those first three months and by the time your ready to put them in cute clothes, they've already outgrown them. Opt for outfits in 3-6 months or even better 6-9 months.

If you're going to be doing a lot of traveling to visit with people (my family lives about an hour from me), definately get a travel swing. Not only are they a must have if you're limited on space, they are a great way to keep baby entertained while at other people's houses. They run, for an expensive model, about $50 to $60 dollars (you CAN find them cheaper and regardless, they are still waaay cheaper than an actual swing) and minus a few bells and whistles (like music) do all the same things. Same goes for the space saver high chairs. Easier to keep your little one close by for feedings at home, take up way less space than regular high chairs AND you can take them with you to family meals at other peoples' homes (especially holidays and when you know that one won't be available, say, at Grandmas).

A bouncy seat that ACTUALLY bounces. There are some that just vibrate and are a huge waste of money. The baby will become bored with that type in less than 3 months. There are some on the market right now that literally grow with your child into toddlerhood.

Register for a good thermometer. The ones that come in the baby gift sets have a very limited lifespan. There are a ton on the market (anywhere between $10 up to $40) so just do a little research and read reviews and see which one you'll like.

1 mom found this helpful

My top must haves were:
bouncey seat, baby swing, bumbo, quick read therm., socks (tons of them), mesh sock laundry bag, bibs (tons of them), onsies, gowns/feety pajamas (if it wil be cooler weather), baby sling. Don't forget to register for wipes/diapers. I didn't register for them but luckily I recieved them.
A lot of people have issues with the bumbo seat but it worked great for us, and my daughter's legs were/are chunky. I used to put her in it on the kitchen floor while I did dishes (I would give her a plastic ladle to play with), it also worked great at the beach, and when I took a shower. =)
Congrats!

1 mom found this helpful

I agree the bumbo is great. Worked for us. That is one thing i held onto for sure for baby number 2.

1 mom found this helpful

Must Haves:
The Fisher Price Healthy Seat Booster - with 3 kids in our family the exact same age, we have tried all different boosters and this is the best one. Also, I recommend skipping a traditional high chair, especially if you have a small dining area. you will not need it.. and the trays are huge and hard to clean. don't be lured in the by the reclining feature. if your baby needs to be reclined, he/she prob shouldn't be eating anyway. this FP seat is great for taking to restaurants or anywhere!

Sheet Savers - use them in the crib for spit up, etc. you just tie it to the crib slats, and replace it when dirty. get at least 2. much easier than pulling the sheet off.

car seats - be sure to register for the infant seat, and the next step convertible.

diapers, wipes, travel wipes case, safety swabs, baby wash.

Skip:
Exersaucer & Bumbo seat - borrow one. they are expensive, and you won't want to store them. baby only uses them for a short time anyway.

wipes warmer

toys, clothes, books - you will get these anyway, especially if you know and tell others what the baby is! with your registry, you'll want to encourage people to get the things your really need!

Bedding Set - Instead, register for the decor items separately. the set usually includes a bumper (which are not necessary, and are usually not recommended anymore), a crib sheet, a quilt (not useful since babies can't use blankets), and a dust ruffle. You can use other items to decorate, like a lamp, rug, wall hangings, etc. and save $150 - $200.

blankets - you will get a bunch from grannies who make them, and others anyway. the granny knitted/crocheted ones are great for baby when he graduates to a blanket, and the fleece/quilt ones are great for playing on the floor and in the carseat.

1 mom found this helpful

Diapers. Yes, put them on your registry, and in multiple sizes.
The Munchkin Dishwasher basket is a lifesaver if you have a dishwasher.
Towels and washcloths
Socks

Skip blankets. People will buy them anyway.
Skip clothing. I just put like one pack of basic white onesies in each size.

get:
breast pump if you are thinking of nursing, dont forget the isis hand pump, a life saver.
a simple bouncy seat for the floor
a good swaddler ( i do not like the ones that velcro in the middle, i walked into the room to find my daughter had wedged her arms out and under the "wings" velcroed across her chest, and wiggled her arms up until they were across her neck... horrifying)
sleep sacks
lots of cloth diapers, you will use them for evrything
some kind of sling or baby bjorn type of carrier.
if you register for one of those sack things for snuggling baby when you go out, be sure it has legs or holes for the straps on your carseat/stroller.
your baby proofing stuff, it will be here before you know it. best and first things are those switch plate things where you have to turn or slide it to get the plug in. the big covers are good too, but not for plugs you use frequently.
a baby monitor with a camera is not necessary, but is really nice.
get those zip off sheet things, get a bunch, im so sorry i never got them and i never wanted to spend the money for them, i should have.
crib tent 2! use it from the beginning and you will be soooo happy later on when you cant imagine what you are going to do when baby is old enough to climb out of the crib but too old to first introduce a new crib tent.
the boppy with a nice blanket over it is awesome for taking pictures of the newborn

skip the bedding set! you shouldnt use the bumper or the comforter, its a waste. go a-la-carte with the bedding, and though its tempting to get fancy, buy wash and dry. get lots of those sheet protectors.
skip clothes and blankets unless there is something you are in love with.
skip the wipe warmer, silliness.
good luck!

My daughter is 3 and here are some things I loved getting, and things I didn't use:
Loved -
Boppy
Bassinet in pack and play
Bouncy seat
diapers (in fact, I had a diaper shower... everyone that brought a box of diapers got in a "raffle" for a gift certificate)
washcloths
exersaucer
Medela pump - I went back to work after 3 months
Infant Motrin and Tylenol - it's great to have these before you need them... at 3am
A good car seat - carry it around the store to make sure you like how you will carry it. My infant carrier had a triangle handle so it was easy to carry from several angles.
A good monitor - we just stopped using this a few months ago

Things I didn't use-
Full size swing
High chair without a 5-point harness - I have a climber
Wipe warmer

I agree with Laurie below- skip the big high chair and get the booster seat. Neither of my kids liked the high chair, and it took up a ton of space. They liked sitting in the booster seat at the table with us. I felt like the high chair was a waste.

I also wouldn't get a traditional bassinet since there are many nice pack-n-plays that include a bassinet and changing pad, and you can use it as a play pen and/or portable crib later.

You'll need gates if you have stairs.

Travel swings are nice because you can move them from room to room with you (or even to someone else's house) and they don't take up as much space as a big swing.

Also, I loved having a travel system with the infant carseat/carrier that snaps right into the stroller so when baby falls asleep in the seat, you just move the seat from car to stroller or vice versa.

Don't ask for too many of one type of bottle. You may have to switch types a few times to find the ones that work best for your baby. Same with pacifiers if you use them.

Ask for some practical things like diapers!! Pampers Swaddlers were great for my newborns, then we switched to Luvs when they got bigger.

Best wishes!

A pack in play with a bassinet in it! Baby can sleep in your room in it, or where ever, and when the little bambino gets mobile you can throw them in there and get some laundry done!! And swing!! Please dont forget the swing, that thing is a life saver!

Oh and btw, congrats on your baby!!!

Depends on if you are breast feeding or not. I will just day if you are....breast pads, cream for your breast, bags to store the milk. I am prego with my third and would say the necessaties....diapers (all sizes, probably not that many newborn sizes though, mine grew out of them pretty quick), butt paste, shampoo that you love (that you don't mind smelling on your kid all the time!)...nice things to have....washclothes, onsies, cute outfits, crib/bassinet sheets, binky (IF you are going to do that), warm blanket (for in the car or out..not the bassinet or crib!).
Everything else I already go. But, if you are going to register for big things...stroller, carseat, vibrating chair (that was a godsend for me), diaper bag, nursing bra, highchair (although I didn't use that with either one of my first 2 boys).
It's kind of hard. But I know that I actually was a bit dissapointed with my first baby shower. I got a TON of cute clothes, but not a lot of things I needed. Make sure you think about the things that you are going to need day to day. Clothes can be washed, but you can't reuse butt paste and shampoo! :)
Congrats!
L.

Skip the diaper genie or diaper pail. They all stink after a while. Just buy a regular trash can with a lid and use grocery bags to tie up the stinky ones.

And don't register for blankets-I registered for 3 of them and ended up getting 14 different ones! Everyone likes buying blankets and baby clothes.

I would also register for a convertible car seat, one that can go to 60 or 65 lbs. The infant carrier car seats are nice, but they grow out of them so fast.

Good Luck!

must haves
a really good stroller-one that will grow with the child
Boudreaux's Butt Paste- I know this sounds funny but this is the BEST diaper rash cream EVER. If your baby gets diaper rash, put this paste on their bottom and put a little powder on top...then put the diaper on...in ONE changing you will see a big difference.
Teething tablets- this is GREAT to have on hand for when the baby starts teething. It seems to take their pain away instantly.
A bouncy seat with some sort of toy that hangs from the top for the baby to play with. It will entertain your baby while you run to the rest room or start cooking dinner.
Those are the main items that i can think of that are Must haves.

B.:
First off CONGRATULATIONS! What an exciting time for you. Here are my picks:
Target has Zip up Sleepers- they are the best no need for snaps which can be frustrating. They sell out pretty quickly. Register for all sizes.
Burpcloths are the best. Target has some that match the Zip up sleepers. I think there are 3 to a pack and they are VERY reasonable.
Swaddle me blanket- we could not wrap our baby to save our lives- it stressed me out so we bought Swaddle me blankets and they were the best! It is so easy and the baby feels safe and secure.
Boudreaux's butt paste- It is truly the best diaper rash paste. It is a miracle worker.
Baby swing- it is worth it. It will give you a few free moments.
WE liked the bumbo but only used it for 3 or 4 months then she outgrew it.
A good baby monitor.
Don't get:
Wipes Warmer- it's a waste
Good luck

My favorite things are:

-Halo Swaddle Sleepsack-- best thing to keep my kids swaddled (but everyone has their own favorite).
-Thermal baby blankets
-Robeez shoes (6-12 months)-- make great first walkers
-Boogie Wipes (for snotty noses)
-Bathtub to use in the sink
-The swing- God bless who ever invented automated swings

I didn't use those sleep positioners-- Neither of my daughters stayed still enough for one of those. I also never used a wipe warmer.

Congratulations!!! We just had our first child 13 months ago. The first few weeks were definitely hard, but it has been wonderful.

I agree with several of the moms that the wipes warmer is a total waste. Sleep positioners are actually not recommended by the hospital and pediatricians. They are more of a hazard than a help. Just use a rolled up swaddling blanket on each side of your newborn. Also, we had a bottle warmer but never used it.

I definitely recommend a Medela breast pump if you will be nursing, They are pricey but so worth it. Also, a Boppy pillow and lanolin cream are must-haves. A baby bathtub that comes with a newborn sling is also great. I highly recommend bibs that have a water resistant or waterproof lining. You will find that the bibs without them just soak through onto your baby's clothes and skin. Make sure you have plenty of burp cloths. You will be surprised at how many you use each day. Also, I know one mom said the diaper pails are not necessary, but I disagree. We have the Diaper Genie Elite, and it is wonderful. You put it right next to the changing table. This way you can just drop the dirty diaper in, the smell is completely contained, and you just change it (which is super easy) as needed. Oh, and be sure to have some Desitin and some gas drops on hand as well.

That is all I can think of right now. I wish you all the best!!

A video monitor. We didn't have one with my first and now do with the second. Love it! Best gift we got. No more running in and out of the room to check how she is sleeping. A bit pricey so makes a great go in on gift for people.

Some sort of bath tub or bathing sling, that you can use in the kitchen sink or a bath tub, newborn babies are slipperier than fish when you start giving them baths!
Burp cloths, those made from cloth diapers work the best and you won't be heartbroken when a cheap cloth diaper gets left behind somewhere. I had some that had cute ribbon stitched on them and were still ok to bleach too.
A swaddler that closes with velcro for those first few months kiddopotamus was my favorite brand. They were a lifesaver for me as I could NEVER get receiving blankets as snug as the nurses to in the hospital do.
A lightweight blanket that has a little body to it (Gerber makes nice waffle weave ones) is great for draping over the carseat/carrier or stroller canopy. And it stuffs in a bag fairly easily when you don't need it.
If you're due in the winter, I loved JJ Cole Bundle Me Lite, it's a light weight blanket that fits into the carseat and zips around the baby, then all you really need for winter gear is a hat especially around here.
Also I LOVE Carter's bibs that have the vinyl or whatever coating inside them. You won't need them right away but they make nice gifts. They keep drool on the bib and off the shirt and therefore skin.
If you're looking for bottle recommendations, Born Free were by far my favorite, I used Avent with my 1st and Born Free with my second and I tell everyone about them.
We have the Sony baby call monitor and it works wonderfully for us.
I agree with other posters, wipes warmer, overrated. Never owned a bottle warmer. A video monitor is probably not needed either at least not when they're small - they don't go anywhere. Now that I have a 14 month old we have a cordless phone that has a separate camera option and the camera is now in his room.

I can't believe more people didn't sat the boppy used for nursing or bottle feeding. LOVE mine. Used for YEARS. It is a lifesaver on your arms when feeding baby. You can also lay a littler baby across it for tummy time and when he/she gets older you can help support them when sitting. Did I mention you NEED a boppy? LOL. 2nd most used item is the pack and play. We were given a 2nd hand one, used it for years, and have passed it to the grandparents for a little cousin. A pack of night lights and a white noise machine. Our daughter loved the womb sound bear, our son loved the rain noise. You might even register for a CD player to play a lullaby CD each night at bedtime. I wouldn't register for this but a very useful thing that I was given was a folder (with my nursery theme) to keep in the diaper bag. It was for the doctor's office to keep paperwork and shot records. I even kept the papers where I paid for visits so I could fill in the baby book later. I would have never thought of that!

I would skip the fancy diaper pails. Just put the diapers on the back patio or in the garage in a regular garbage can.

Congratulations! And... don't forget the boppy!

I just have to second the SwaddleMe swaddlers. My baby was sleeping through the night at 6 weeks (and she's breastfed!), and I give a lot of the credit for that to these swaddlers.

Must haves-

burp clothes(I used cloth diapers because they can be bleached)
bouncy seat
swing
good quality monitors
easy to get in and out of car seat
stroller with large basket to hold everything(cup holder is good idea to have also)

Skip-

bottle warmer
monitor with camera
toys

WWW.babiesrus.com has a "must have" check list. My 4th daughter is 14, so many of the items available now where not around when I had babies; however I am having my first grandbaby in 2 months.

My must haves with a newborn were....
First Years Close and Secure Sleeper
Swing/Bouncer
Swaddling Blanket
ERGO Baby Front Carrier
Breathable Bumper Pad for Crib
Sleep positioner/blankets rolled up

We never used.......
Wipe warmer
bottle warmer
Microwave Sanitizer
Bassinet

Good Luck and Congrats

Go out and get the book Baby Bargains - it has great reviews of almost everything under the sun you will need - as well as lists of must haves and things you probably won't need. It was so helpful to me when I had my son - I took it to the store with me (along with my best friend who already had kids - a MUST) when I registered. Congratulations and good luck!!!

Get:
changing pads - the waterproof pads you put over your diaper changing area - I took these everywhere
bottle system - I liked Dr. Browns but others have their preferences
wipes
diaper genie
cloth diapers for use as burp cloths
baby bath
snap shirts... easier and less traumatizing as over the head
monitor
diapers and covers if cloth is choice
bottle sanitizer for the microwave
the swaddle-me outfits
Boppy
Activity mat
Thermometer - ear or roller
nail clippers
car seat w/ pop-in base and extra base
pop-in frame stroller for baby carrier - don't have to wake baby to use and is easy/light to throw in any car
Bibs

Skip:
Wipe warmer
bumbo seat - many babies legs are too chunky for this item and it should never be used on an elevated surface

I just had my first child in July. You will need lots of gas meds (mylicon or store brand), bouncer that vibrates, portable swing, the travel system (carseat with base and stroller), lots of diapers and wipes. Instead of a pack-n-play we got a Co-Sleeper. It is a pack n play type thing that attaches to your bed. Research it. Its really helped with breastfeeding. Its portable but a little bit difficult at first to travel with, but it connects to your bed.

Congrats! I am a mom of two and know there's a lot out there that you don't need. I wrote about my "must haves" on my blog.

http://babybittenbender.blogspot.com/search/label/Must%20...

the baby seat.. you can have them on this type of seat thing.. it kinds of lays 1/2 way down.. you put them on the coach or on the floor in this.. get a high chair that is portable.. to bring places... get a playpen to have the baby in during the day.. and to keep the toys.. it's also great when they are smalll and you go to someone's house like your parents.. or to the beach.. car seat... stroller that is easy to push and collapses easily... push them around.. make sure you like it.. try it in the store and talk to your friends.. see what they like.. i love graco carraiges..

Don't register for clothes. You'll wind up with a ton of stuff that'll only be worn once.

Congrats! I never had a high chair. I used the booster seat with tray and it can recline that attaches to a kitchen chair. I also never had a changing table. I did have the pad and put it on top of a regular dresser. I would pick out a good stroller. I also borrowed many items or had hand me downs of the bouncy seat, excersauer, swing, etc - things that are very helpful but a baby only uses for several months. One thing that I found with my 3rd baby that I loved my Baby K'tan (sling). I bought it from their website. If you plan to breastfed and work a good breast pump is a must - it is expensive well worth it and much cheaper than paying for formula for a year. I also found with my 3rd baby was a trendy nursing cover.

Definitely skip the wipe warmer! Definitely register for diapers, pack n play and gift cards. The gift cards will come in handy for things you forget and formula if you end up bottle feeding.

A really good breast pump (Medela Free Style lets you actually walk around!) and all the related accessories (lanolin, milk storage bags if you are going back to work, etc)
Bouncy seat
Swing- the expensive ones that go either side to side or front to back. These are great to get second hand as well because well, they are expensive.
Swaddle Me's- being able to velcro was so much easier than any of the other blankets.
I'm not sure what you're planning for a changing table, but a good one with shelves or organizers is a must as are several (MANY!) changing pads.
Foot stool for your rocker
One of the non-necessities that we LOVE is this pad that goes over the side of the tub and onto the floor to soften the blow to parents knees as they bathe baby.
Baby carrier- we love our Baby K'tan, but some people like the Moby, Maya or other sling/wrap carriers.
Lots of baby wash clothes- they are good for everything from wiping baby noses to wipes for rears with diaper rash.
Books- lots of them! We had a book shower!