First Time Mom- Baby Shower- What to Ask For.

Congratulations!

I agree that some of the more expensive stuff you may want to choose yourself or let family members buy for you - however, it all ends up the same because all that other baby stuff really adds up!

I am a first time mom to a 6 month old, and these were the things that I consider must-haves so far:

Boppy (or two, I kept one in the car for when breastfeeding on the go, especially when my son was smaller.)
Activity mat/play gym
Cool-Mist Humidifier
Baby Monitor
Rear mirror for car (so you can see your baby's face as he/she sits in the rear-facing car seat)
Miracle Blanket swaddle (the BEST swaddle)
Burp cloths - you'll need a few
Hooter hider/bebe au lait (nursing cover)
Diaper bag with a changing pad
Moby Wrap or some kind of sling.
Bundle Me
Footed pjs
Couple of different types of bottle - your baby may prefer one over the other. We started out with Medela glass bottles but also found them to be a bit leaky. Now switched to Dr. Browns. My baby didn't like the Avent nipples and wouldn't take that bottle.
Bouncer
Swing
Diaper bin
3-4 receiving blankets is plenty.
Decent infant tub (the ones that slot together tend to leak - we exchanged ours for one that is all in one - but now he's outgrown it anyway and I bath with him.)
You can also register for the consumables like baby lotion/shampoo/body wash/baby oil (for cradle cap, that worked best for me), diapers, wipes.
Re washing the baby's clothes, just use something like All (Free and Clear) - my ped said Dreft is a crock :). It is not free of smells etc which is what can irritate the baby's skin. Try non-scented lotions and washes as well. Actually, our ped recommended Cetaphil lotion for the baby, so we use that, and sometimes California Baby products.

I wouldn't register for clothes actually - people buy you that anyway, and I packed away so many outfits my son never even wore!

That should give you enough items for your work shower at any rate!

Good luck to you - all the best with the rest of your pregnancy!

N.

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I, also, am one of those people who hate to have people buy me things. But the shower isn't really about you. It's about people wanting to do things for you. Most women like to buy baby things, so just accept with grace and keep the receipts.
As far as what to ask for: Baby blankets, outfits (for the 3-6 months age, not newborn), little baby toys, soft things, and lots and lots of diapers. Not newborn. Neither of my kids used the newborn for more than a few weeks. Also, baby thermometers, bath items, wipes (I recommend against the warmer), a carrier, bottles (even if you decide to EBF, they come in handy for juice and water).
Good Luck and Congratulations!

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I understand your feelings, but they are wanting to do this to help you and your baby (very nice of them!). Here are some things that are not pricey, but functional:

- Make sure you register for diapers that are larger in size. I've been using size 4 (toddler) longer than any other size. Don't forget to register for wipes
- Gift sets (Babies R Us has tons that include baby shampoo and lotions & get one that has all of the medical items with clippers and hairbrush - you will need them for many years to come)
- Bottles (they have gift sets for these too)
- An umbrella stroller (a throw away type that's awesome for when they're 6 mths plus and only costs $20)
- Bath tub, towels, and washcloths for baby
- Humidifier
- Burp cloths
- You can register now for bowls, spoons, sippy cups, bibs (both baby and toddler)
- a walker (it has wheels and a tray - awesome at about 8 mths+ and there's one at Babies R Us that's $35)
- Toys! There are tons of educational toys now that each cost around $20. Don't forget to register for the basic teethers (plastic keys, etc.)
- A food mill in case you want to make your toddler pureed food (worth it!) and storage containers for the freezer
- An activity playmat (a must-have). When they're small, you can use it for "tummy time" and as they grow they can look up to see the hanging animals. Get the one with the mirror because babies love to look at themselves
- Register for clothes (not infant because EVERYONE loves to get the newborn size), but register now for clothes up to 18 months. Keep in mind that usually when a baby is 1 yr they are most likely wearing 18 month size.

Good luck and blessings to you and your family!

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Hi S. - congratulations on your pregnancy!

Even though you don't feel really close with anyone at your office, they still care about you and are happy for your pregnancy and are going to want to chip in on a gift for you. It will be a way for them to make a connection with you and you will feel closer to them when it's over. I agree with your co-worker - wait on some big items like your stroller or baby carrier and register for them. You still get to pick exactly which one you want and no one is going to think you are greedy. Also, if someone only wants to pitch in $5 or $10 - going in on a bigger gift is an easy way to do that.

Consider registering at a couple of places - like Target and Babies R Us. It really is helpful for out of town family and your co-workers to know your style choices and what you need. Choose a wide range of items. BabiesRUs will give you a checklist of suggestions.

Register for the things you dont have yet, diaper bags, bedding, quilts, lamps, curtains, rugs, baskets, extra crib sheets and mattress covers, changing table supplies like baby soaps, wipes, lotion, diaper creams. Register for diapers of different sizes to cover you over the first years. Register for toys and binkies and sippy cups and bottle supplies and cleaners. Register for onesies and pajamas and socks in a couple of different sizes. Specific clothing items and outfits are okay but they can be difficult to locate from a registry list.

Consider looking outside the baby aisle for things related to your time with baby - I registered for a zip-up picnic blanket at Target for times when the little one and I would be at the park. I got 2 of them and we use them all the time!

best of all things to you and your little one!

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Dear S.,
Congrats! Registering at Babies R Us/Toys R Us and Target sounds good to me. This way all of your out of town family/friends can get ideas what you want and your co-workers can decide to pitch in together or pick out items individually that you really want. I happen to live far away from a lot of my own family members and close friends but have used these resources and had things shipped off a registry with gift receipt in order to avoid duplicates and so far, I have never had any problems. Your supervisor and your co-workers have already given you a big thumbs up without you ever realizing how well thought of you are! I would take this as a huge compliment!
Take lots of pictures at this super happy event to reflect back on and enjoy yourself!

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Well, that's the great thing about registries - you will know what you are getting, because you picked it out! :D I have only had one baby and had a "work" shower that was slightly awkward. I'm pretty much blushing in all the pictures because it felt weird to receive all these things and sit in front of the women who bought them - I was unsure how to act. Now, in high-sight, I'll tell you this. Don't compromise your wants for your baby - put what you really want on the registry. Just because items are listed there do not mean that the guests have to buy them - it's just an option for them. BUT if they are going to buy something off the list - it might as well be something you really want and really intend to use. Otherwise they would be wasting their money in the name of you being polite, right? But how polite is it for them to waste money buying ANOTHER inexpensive teething ring? That was just an example, course. As for ideas.... You'll need a good baby tub (not one with lots of crevices where mildew will grow). Maybe some organic/mild baby bath soaps? The little baby wash-cloths also come in handy - your reg sized ones will be too large. You'll also need lots of fitted sheets for your crib, for those middle of the night changes! :D Also, do you have a baby mattress yet? Then, you'll want safe sleepers - I love the gowns that are long and have elastic at the bottom to keep those little feet inside. And don't let anyone tell you those are just for girls (in case you are having a boy) - they are for babies period and are usually unisex in color. If you want a pacifier, do your research and pick a good one - think about those orthodontic bills later when making this choice. ;) Check: wubbanub.com. Okay - that's enough for now, I have to stop myself or I'll just keep going! :D I love shopping for baby things. One more thing: http://www.mytinyhands.com/
That product worked wonders.... :D

Congratulations!

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Since this is your first baby register for everything and if you get something that you don't like or what a different one of just return it and get the one you want if she wants to do this for you just let her it's nice to have people that want to do it!

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I couldn't have lived without my Boppy Pillow. It was by far the most useful item I received. I don't know if you plan on nursing, but if you are and even if you aren't it makes things a lot more comfortable.
I also was very appreciative of the Johnson's Baby Relief Kit http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=240465...#
It really came in handy when my child became very gassy and when he had his first cold. It comes with infant Motrin, Mylicon, Desitin and lots of other goodies that I was grateful to not have to run out and buy with a sick baby.
I could probably go on and on about things to buy, but I know many other moms will chime in as well with their awesome advice.
Good luck and have fun.
Peace,
J.

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As someone who has done a lot of baby showers and enjoys to do them. Here is something that I have noticed. There are alot of things that new moms and even us old pros don't always get that we need for the new baby. Here is a list of items that I like to give because the new mommy usually never gets these items and usually ends up having to run out and buy them herself.

Ask for things like:
pacifiers
teethers (for the freezer / and for travel)
hooded towels and wash clothes
rattles
toys that attach to the car seat
shopping cart seat cover
first aid/safety kit (includes nail files and scissors, and tons of other misc items)
shampoos and baby washes
feeding utensils (you will need them in about 6 months anyway)
bottles (depending on the type of bottle / liners)
blankets
bibs
diapers (the next sizes up to keep you for a while)
dishwasher baskets to make washing bottles and parts easier

Hope this helps.

S.

1 mom found this helpful

You ask for everything on the registry. Your co-workers may all pitch in and buy you one of the larger items and only have to pay $20 each as opposed to spending $40 - $50 on a gift and gift wrap and as well, they all pitch in and only one person shops. That is pretty normal.

On your registry, you scan the exact item you want and that should be what they get. Anymore so many stores automatically ask if a gift receipt is needed and if it doesn't work out for you, you can return it.

I was having a lot of trouble at work and didn't speak to anyone for quite some time even before my pregnancy. I invited 3 people from the entire building to my shower and they ended up throwing a shower for me in the office. People I didn't expect to get me anything, did.

I think you will really hurt this ladies feelings if you don't go along with it. I don't worry much about hurting people except when they are trying to help you. Not in a bad way, but you can't always mind everyone's feelings, but I am sure she is just looking out for you.

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Onesies~ they are fantastic in cooler weather as an extra layer, and in warm months they make a great 1 pc. outfit! I'd ask for them in multiple sizes...babies do grow quickly.
In addition, booties and/or socks, as well as gowns which have built-in hand covers (so they don't scratch themselves) are items that are often missed, and very much needed. Btw, the gowns are the first sleepwear for your new one.
I'd also consider asking for clothing in sz. 9mos....you'd be surprised how soon your nlo will fit that size....and most people will buy nb to sz. 1, but seem to miss this size.
Also, consider stating what you want in terms of bottle feeding or nursing, pacifiers or not, etc. etc. That way you won't get items you specifically don't plan on using.
I think it is fine, to let them all know that you appreciate what they are doing, and prefer to buy the larger items yourself.....if anyone gets "offended" that is their "issue", you have every right to have what you want.
Finally, and more than anything, congratulations and remember, anything is returnable, at least for a gift card to the store....so at the shower, if you get things you'd have preferred not to, smile, say thank you and then feel free to return.
Best wishes to you and your baby!!!

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Steph, Go to the store and register and register for things like diapers, wipes, onesies in multiple sizes, outfits in multiple sizes, diaper bags, blankets, bedding (you will be amazed at how many recieving blankets and sheets you will go through in a day) socks, booties, boppie, changing table, books, toys, childsize dishes, bottles, cups, silverware, pacifiers, themometer set, babybath stuff, lotions, gels, dreft for laundry, little hangers. these are all little things nothing super expensive which will fit in with what you need and what people will love to by. People love to buy for new babies. And just don't mention anything else that you buy to her. I would fill out a registry at target and maybe toys r us. target is our go to store of choice they have such great selection. Good luck with your new baby and let people celebrate with you.

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If they really want to get you or the baby something ask for gift cards. That way you don't end up with 30 of the same thing and you can get what you want. Let your boss know that that is the way you would like it. But, the baby can never have too many clothes! If you are going to divulge the sex of the baby you can't go wrong with clothes! Diapers are always good but a friend of mine ended up returning a bunch of packages cuz everyone got the same size! Oops! Good luck!

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Hi S.,
The *best* thing my husband and I got was a pack-and-play portable crib. We used it as a convenient place for the boys to nap around the house (living room; kitchen; etc) when we wanted them to learn to nap around noisy places.

It was also perfect for our traveling lifestyle (vs. borrowing a hotel crib: a little scary sometimes: lol!). Our one Pack-and-play we got in 2005 is still in perfect condition and ready to be passed on to my sister and her new baby: we are so very thankful for this gift.

Just remember: the baby shower is mostly for baby. I'm also uncomfortable about accepting gifts, but in the case of my babies (and how much money our friends, family, and co-workers helped us to save) I was grateful. Go register with someone else to make it more fun!

Have fun :)
t

1 mom found this helpful

exersaucer is a must, the Ultimate sheet which allows you to change your sheet on the crib without pulling up the mattress-- you will find this HUGELY helpful, Books for baby -- ask for baby's first library-- they are priceless and the one thing that are expensive to buy on your own-- A baby monitor--- and how about doubling on some things you will want at your in-laws so you dont have to bring them!! ie high chair, plates/cups, a crib. Hope that helps!!
Enjoy the gifts and dont feel guilty!! :)

I saw children's books listed and I agree...you can never have too many. After reading each one 37 times in one day, you will yearn for something new.
Sleep sacks/ wearable blankets- cost about $20 and I had 4 in each size...LOVED THEM!!!
Also --it is called the ultimate sheet - it fastens to the side of the crib and as a working mom it is valuable to be able to change a sheet in the middle of the night quickly--they caost about $17 each.
Lastly--how about restaurant gift certificates--cooking was a chore and as a tired new mom it was nice that my mom had come down and stocked my freezer with foods that were heat and eat.
If they don't want to do gift certificates, another idea is to throw the shower at a meal prep place like "dream Dinners" or "Cena to Go" or "A dinner a'fare" that way you can tell the place ahead of time about the foods you want or don't want and your co workers help you prep the foods so you go home with a freezer full of foods for when the baby arrives.
Congrats and good luck!

Congratulations on your new blessing.

Do not worry about what price the items are on your registry. Try to get a mix of things. you never know when several people pitch in and get one more expensive gift. What that in mind.. the products that I loved for my son are.

Video monitor. we got the Summer on, it is hand held and can plug into the tv for a larger picture and portable so you can bring it around the house with you. we absolutely love and have no regrets in getting it.

Swing- Our son liked it, it was nice and relaxing for him. He did not sleep in it much, but we liked having it.

Boppy pillow. It acts like somone is hold them We put our son in it a lot. It also helped with nursing. But even if you decide not to nurse, it is still very helpful.

The stroller with the infant carrier. We got two extra bases. Since you want them nice and secure it is easier not to switch the base from car to car all the time. So we had one base for each of our cars and one extra for sitters, who might need them. When lookin at a stroller. Look at how easy it is to open and close, the weight. and how much it sits up. Our did not sit up as much as we would have liked. Also think about how much you will or will not use it. We live in a condo with and elevator. We used it daily until he went into the convertible car seat. In hind site we should have gotten the carseat that went with the jogging storller. Because here in Chicago with the ice an snow, the jogging stroller would have taken the turaine better.

Highchair. we got one, but they are so big. We also use one of the booster seats, that sit on a chair with the tray in front. we like our regular highchair, but we like the to use the other one as well.

We got a smaller pack n play, with the bassinet on the top. We use that as the changing station.

Small items. Baby clippers, nose plunger, baby bath, Tub (we did not use much, it was easier to put him in the sink to wash him until he got bigger, then he went into the tub on his own). Blankets, towels, wash rags, slip covers for the changing pad ( you will need extra ones as they mess them up you can have more to put on). Sheets, sheet protectors, Cloth diapers for spit ups. Bibs, Mirrors for the car (we got a nice bigger one with a small light) .

People will usually get outfits on thier own and if you put certain ones on the registry by the time people go to get them they may not be there.

Remember also that the registry is a wish list. You may end up buying these things on your own but most store offer a 10% discount if it is on there.

Good luck and congratulations.

Take the shower, its nice she wants to do something for you. And no matter what you get you will probably use it. Anything from extra bottles, pacifiers, bibs, towels, washclothes, clothes, socks, diapers, wipes, lotions and soaps, teethers. Since you are not really close with anyone, they probably wont get you anything big, prob $20 or there abouts in spending on you and baby. So get it, not that you are greedy, but every little bit helps. And as a first time mom, there are things that you never even thought about buying that someone else adored and they get it for you to help. It will be ok and for the best. Congrats as well!

i've done 2 different registries for my 2 babies, and also i've had to buy from registries also....the thing that i've noticed is that while, yes, it's fun to do the registries, people don't typically buy from it. i didn't receive anything that i requested on my registries (and like you, i stayed to the cheap stuff bc i don't like people spending money on me) and the registries that i would look at for friends they were always 0 for quantity purchased. i would definitely stick with buying big things for yourself. but i would put on there sleepers (gowns are easier and quicker for changing diapers at night even if you are having a boy), diapers (of all different sizes), wipes, soap, baby bath, bibs, socks, you shouldn't need a ton of receiving blankets, and really depending on how much your baby spits up you might not need a lot of bibs also. my daughter i never used a bib, but my son, i would use about 5 or more a day bc of spit up. put pacifiers, bottles, washcloths, crib sheets (you can also purchase these at goodwill for about $1 if you don't mind them being used, whereas at walmart they are about $10 for a 2pack), you can go ahead and ask for baby proofing things also. hangers bc you buy tons of clothes and will probably get a lot for the shower also. you can put disposable changing pads, etc....

Children's books. Build your child's library by asking for books that they enjoyed as children, or enjoy reading to their children. You may also include MUSIC - from birth, listening to quality music in coordination with your loving interaction can bring untold benefits to your baby. Ask them to bring their favorite selections of classical, jazz, or a their favorite lullaby album. By the way, both of these suggestions also help you learn more about your co-workers, providing an engaging conversation about their choices... lots more than clothes. But I will mention, most people love to buy clothes because they are just so darn cute when it's that tiny.

I just wanted to tell you something a bit off topic. My children are 12 & 14. I have always dreamed that God would bless my house with a little boy. However he has not. I buy baby gifts, sometimes even over the top, for everyone I know when they have babys. I do this because I LOVE to buy baby things and am just looking for an excuse. Do not feel guilty about it for a second. We buy because we love to.

On a side note you really need to make sure you send out Thank You Cards in a timely fashion, especially if you are not really close to them. I always buy Thank You Cards when I am hosting a shower. Then I ask each person to address the envelope when they arrive. This way you have all the addresses of the people you are not very close to.

Congratulations! Do not be concerned about registering. You letting others share in the joy is a gift to us as well.

The whole point of a baby registry is so that you go to the store and/or website and pick out exactly what you want. People then will look at the items you've selected and can choose for themselves what they would like to buy for you. Larger, more pricey items are often selected by a group of people who can pitch in and that leaves the burden lifted from you to purchase yourself. Most every woman who has had children LIKE baby showers. They are cute, fun, and they give women an opportunity to get together and have a good time. Babies R' Us is an AWESOME store to have a registry with but Target is just as good.
Some ideas to consider selecting for a baby registry might be:
clothes of various sizes
Bottle warmer (if you plan to bottle feed)
Baby food mill, baby spoons, toddler sets (plates/bowls/utensils)
Shopping cart cover that covers the WHOLE seat of the shopping cart (A MUST have! And, Babies R'Us has a really nice one, too)
Disposable breast pads, breast pump (if you breastfeed and need to pump)
Bibs, burp cloths
Baby bath tub, bath toys, mesh toy holder for bathtub, tub spout cover
Baby products for bathing (gift pack type)
Diapers (the obvious, but NOT all newborn...select a box of each size)
Crib sheets
Waterproof mattress pad for the crib
Waterproof changing pads
Wipes, ointments, stuff for grooming baby like nail clippers, comb/brush
Crib toys that light up, play music
Bouncy chair that plays music and vibrates
Baby sling or baby carrier (for those days when the baby does NOT want to be put down but you need your arms free)
Toilet seat insert for potty training
Bottles (if you plan to bottle feed), bottle drying rack

The point of a registry is to pick out a wide variety of items that have various prices. Some people, like myself like to get the mom to be more than one gift but I don't necessarily want to spend $20 for each item. Don't worry, you will NOT get everything on the registry and chances are you will get things that you never selected as well. Some people like to get what they think you will like/love/enjoy so graciously say thank you, even if you don't like it. The nice thing about a baby shower is to have a good time! And you get gifts for your baby. Have a wonderful time.

I could do a detailed answer but I won't...Go to babycenter.com and on there you can find a list of necessities you will need. If that doesn't work, pratically anywhere you register should give you a checklist to carry around the store with you.

Things I couldn't live without-
play gym- Fisher Price Rainforest
Boppy pillow or My Brest Friend Pillow
Pampers Sensitive diapers
pampers sensitive wipes
diaper bag (Eddie Bauer Weekender)
Portable Changing pad
portable wipes case (Check out the diaper clutch... it's adorable)
BIBS, BIBS, and MORE BIBS (snaps.........the ones that go around the neck and snap in the front)
Dreft detergent
Simulac sensitive formula
Dr. Browns bottles
Microwave Sterilizer (lifesaver... you don't have to boil everything)
drying rack- Check out the Skip Hop Splash in Translucent
Burp cloths (the gerber white cloth diapers)
Receiving blankets (TONS) We use those as burp cloths
Lansonoh cleansing and cleaning wipes (purple package)
Pacifiers
the book- "On becoming babywise"
A sling!!!!! Either a Peanut Shell or Hotsling
Homedics sound spa (wave machine)
Sleep Sheep to Go
onesies
soft baby blankets
car seat cover (So you don't have to rip the whole thing apart when your kid spits up)
Stroller liner (same reason above.. check out Boo Ya baby)
Fisher Price Soothe and Glow Sea Horse
Bright Starts Hop Along Carrier Toy Bar (Target, ten bucks)
Ikea Antilop High Chair (20 bucks for the chair, 3 for cushion, 5 for tray)
Nuby NT Silicone Travel Infa-Feeder (spoon and bottle in one!)
Disposable travel bibs
Disposable travel burp cloths
Baby Einstein videos
Books

Don't worry about people not buying things from your registries. I am pretty picky myself, but I either returned or exchanged things I didn't like..........Or- baby items have great resale value. (Even used.........people know babies don't use things for very long) You'll definitely want to register anyway.

I have a REALLY concise list of things to register for from an old baby magazine. I'd be happy to e-mail it to you if you PM me your e-mail address. I made several copies of it and would keep it in my wallet at all times. It's much easier than those HUGE lists they give you in the stores.

p.s. You may also want to register at diapers.com. You will get 10percent back in registry credit for everything people get you. Long distance relatives can have things sent directly to you. (free shipping over 49 bucks) When you sign up, use this referral code and you'll get 10 bucks off your first purchase of diapers or wipes. MMAC5253

You sound like you are not familiar with how gift registries work (I wasn't either until my baby shower though!) You still get to pick all the items, you just don't have to pay for them. You go to the store (Target is normally best for baby shower registries) and take a scanner and just scan the bar code on everything you want. That way, you are actually picking out the items, and others will come and pick from the list you made with the scanner. Make sure you have plenty of bottles, receiving blankets, pacifiers if you are going to use them (you can never have too many, they tend to disappear!) Clothes, especially onsies and footed pajamas, and make sure you scan all different ages, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, and 9-12 months...you don't want to get stuck with a bunch of newborn clothes and none for later!

Congratulations! This is a very exciting time for you!

I am a giver, but an uncomfortable receiver also.
Remember showers are as old as pregnancies. It is a tradition in every society. Just relax your own feelings and allow others to be supportive of you.

When I was given a shower, I was amazed at the amount of what I considered "Large items". People collected money and gave large gifts as a group.. It was awesome! I was more touched by the effort to tell you the truth than the gifts..

Baby monitors, car seat pad, cars seats.. so you will not have to switch out for each car. Play saucer. high chair booster chair.. Think into the future.We were very blessed and it seemed like each time I needed something, I had it.

Not related t the shower....Also try not to fall into it has to be "brand new" mentality. If people offer to loan you something, consider really borrowing it. Your child will go through stages so quickly your head will spin. I was offered a cradle. It was wonderful and our daughter only used it for 3 months. Her swing was borrowed, she only used that for about 6 months.
Her walker, only used for 2 months... I put the owners name and phone number on each item, so that when we were done I could get it back to them with a casserole or cake as a thank you.

Also storing all of that stuff for the next child is hard to do. If it is borrowed, you can give it back to the owner and in the future borrow it again if needed. Infants do not know that the items they are using are not brand new.

First of all there is something to know about new babies. People LOVE to buy gifts for them. Even if you don't know them they might buy your baby a gift. The registry is important b/c these people are going to buy stuff and it is best to get the stuff you really want. Great registry items to choose from are Diapers, Wipes, Onesies (spread out the sizes of all clothes), burp rags, crib sheets, playpen sheets, umbrella stroller, bath tub, wash cloths and towels, feeding supplies (bottles or breastfeeding stuff). Don't feel bad about having a couple of high priced items on there...if they can't afford them, then they won't buy them or they will go in together to get them. Plus your family can send you stuff based on your registry. Try to have fun with it, and in the end you can go buy all the leftover items.

bibs, onesies, shampoo, lotion, first aid kit, colonia, baby wipes, sterilizer, socks, etc.

Well, good for you! When I was pregnant I didn't really know anyone in the town I live in, I had moved here to marry my husband, and shortly there after became pregnant - so I was staying at home taking care of his great Aunt (alzheimer's) and running back to the town I had moved away from to sell my house. Anyway, not one of my friends had offered to throw me a shower - despite the many many many baby showers, birthday barbecues, bridal showers, candle / tupperware/crystal parties I had hosted for them over the years. They did throw me a bridal shower which was quite a disaster - as two paired up, a third horned in and took over -making bigger plans for a restaurant etc.., the 2nd sort of backed down after taking the responsibility of mailing invitations etc.... and only mailed them on the Wed before the shower was to be on Sunday - and didn't include registry information - so basically I got some beautiful gifts but they were really a mish mosh of everyone else's taste. My mother in law threw a baby shower for me back in my home town - but didn't include registry information either - just babysrus.com - and most of my friends aren't really .com shoppers.
ANYWAY - after the baby came - I did some shopping on my own - and this is what I ended up using the very very most!
1) Boppy pillow - love it - boppy is the bomb!
2)receiving blankets - I didn't receive any - and baby was swaddled in a dish towel for the first week or so until I could get out to a store!
3)baby tub - indispensable for bathing a slippery baby - balance it in the kitchen sink or on counter - and your back will love you for not having to stoop and bend over a big tub keeping hold of baby!
4)onsies, wash clothes, sleepers,
5)sheets & waterproof pads for crib
6)mesh lingerie bags for washing baby socks
7)plastic rubbermaid dish pan - & baby laundry soap - you can soak things with spit up in tub w/ soap - and once or twice a week when doing laundry - just dump tub in with the rest of laundry and viola - no spit up stains.
8)First Years (I think) portable / folding booster seat - ours was blue & black nylon and came from Target - I think it's First Years or Safety First - basically it looks like a little black & blue briefcase, but unfolds and straps down to restaraunt chairs, & self inflates to make a booster seat that fastens baby to seat securely - and without the nasty nasty germs that those restaurant high chairs have on them - watch the people turn them upside down to balance an infant carrier in, just to turn right side up to sit a toddler in! yuch!
9) toys & rattles
10) The orginal Floppy Seat - it's at Toys R Us / Babys R Us - and it is a cover that goes on shopping carts. I had another version - and it didn't even fit the smallest of seats, left the side exposed, and said "wipe clean with damp cloth" - for real? The Floppy seat - is $40, machine washable, folds into it's own bag, and even fits those big double carts @ Sams club etc.....INDESPENSABLE! I could give my daughter little snacks and not feel like she was dirty-ing the cart - or eating other people's germs etc..., it has a pocket for wipes, keys, wallet, toys etc....has loops to fasten toys onto. Also fits restaurant high chairs! Also - when baby/toddler is sleeping when you pull into publix etc.... you can fold a blanket or towel in the corner and then lay baby in the seat to continue sleeping in comfort while you shop. All of the people that work in our local Walmart think of my daughter as "sleeping beauty" because she was ALWAYS sleeping in that thing with her legs hanging out over the side - up until she was about 4 1/2!

Anyway - those are a few of our favorite things! One tip I highly recommend - is scotch guard everything! I scotch guarded the car seat, stroller, snuggli, etc.... I would regularly wash the car seat cover, stroller etc, put back together - air dry, and re-spray. My niece just had a baby - and I took almost all of our stuff down to her while she was pregnant. She was amazed - and said that she couldn't believe how new everything looked, and that her friends were in awe of the quality and quantity of stuff that I was able to pass on to her.
Also - if you haven't watched the video on you tube yet, let me get on my soap box now and say that you have to watch this video if you are car seat shopping! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azgBhZfcqaQ
If the link doesn't work - just go to youtube, and search "5 point harness" and watch the video by kcmillerfamily
Good luck, hope all this information helps. Really - the floppy seat is the most expensive of everything that I listed - coming in at around $40 - but most everything else can be combined and still come in under $20. Have fun!

I'd do a registry at Target and choose lots of burp cloths, bibs, onesies, socks, crib sheets, changing pads, diaper pail, diaper bag, etc. Those kind of items aren't too expensive by themselves but you'll spend a fortune on them if you buy them all yourself. Most women LOVE to go to a baby shower--even if we don't know the mom-to-be all that well--and are happy to buy these kinds of things that we know you will need. Congratulations and good luck!

Don't forget to add a simple Baby Health kit to your registry (it will have a bulb syringe, nail clippers, thermometer, etc.) A nice gift for a relatively low price usually.
I also loved the sippy cup leash/strap thing that my friend gave me after my son was born. Very inexpensive, but once I had one I couldn't imagine life without one because my son threw his bottle/sippy cup out of the stroller constantly.
My husband and I bought most of our big ticket items as well. I don't think I registered for anything that was over $40. It was nice to get the smaller items from others because they do add up...and it allowed us to focus our spending on the big items that we were being specific about (crib, stroller system, video/Angel monitor, etc.)
Oh...and skip the burp cloths and register for a couple packs of cloth diapers! I found that spit up (perhaps because my son was breastfed only) didn't absorb into burp cloths, but just rolled down it and eventually onto my cloths. Cloth diapers however were very absorbent and worked MUCH better.

Congratulations!!

You have a lot of responses so I'll keep this short. Two things I can think of quicly were must haves in my home.
1. Sound Machine, we got the radio with ocean sounds built in.
2. Blanket Sleeper since they can't have blankets for a long time.

Congratulations First Time Mom!

Sometimes baby showers held in your honor are hard. The person giving the shower has the best of intentions at heart, but sometimes they just don't seem to hit the mark on your comfort level. In your case - buckle in cause it sounds like you are getting a baby shower no matter what. And you know something? You will be glad that you did. People will come to the shower that Want to come to the shower. They will give you all sorts of adorable things - much needed adorable things. (Looks like you have already gotten a very good list of ideas to put on your registry.)

My advice . . . When someone says they really want to get you something special, tell them you want a Pedicure and a babysitter. It's wonderful feeling to get out of the house for just one hour of quiet time and to see your beautifully pedicured toes once again.

Definitely make it a diaper and wipe extravaganza! Those are the things you need most. A humidifier for when the baby gets sick is what I used SO much. Also, when I have thrown showers in the past, I request that each person bring a board book or storybook for the child to start their very own library. There is nothing like books to teach and entertain your child from infancy thru pre-school. Another great gift are classical or children's music CD's like Raffi or Laurie Berkner. Stay away from equipment that you put your baby in. Make sure someone buys you a huge quilt for floortime/tummytime and plenty of safe rattles, teethers and blocks to make the floor your baby's playground.

They always threw baby showers where I used to work and it was always uncomfortable to give presents to people I barely ever really spoke with... so I LOVED it when one of the showers was a BOOK themed shower. It was approached so that everyone was to buy the baby a book to help build his/her library. That way, if you didn't know her well, you could just spend a couple of bucks on a book, and if you did you could buy several and/or throw in another gift with a book.

To be honest, even if you register, people will just go out sometimes and buy you what they feel like buying without looking at the registry, or you'll end up with more than one of something. So no matter what, just know that if you register at Target or Babys R Us that you can pretty much exchange anything and use the store credit to buy what you want or just buy more diapers

Gift certificates are appropriate. Small items like baby blanket and bath items; and especially items for MOMMY...slippers, bathrobe, a coupon for take-out, a babysitting night or day so you can take a shower at last...
Show your gratitude and accept the love and support your co-workers obviously are giving you. You are blessed to have this.
Blessings, S.

First of all, remember regsteng for a baby is alot of fun!!! Put the basic stuff on your registry....bottles, pacifiers, onesies, towels, blankets, hangers, the little kit with nail clippers and stuff in it. All those litle things add up to a lot of money, but by themselves are not to expensive. Go to the stre to do the registry, and you will be surprised at how much stuff you will find to put on the registry!

Register for what you'd like to get for your baby! If people aren't comfortable spending a certain amount, they won't! Make it a wide range of items. High chairs and bouncy seat to bibs, sleepers, blankets, bottles, etc. Enjoy, let people have options of things they know you'd want. Is your family going to have you a shower somewhere else? Maybe your boss could send invites to your family, and they could order gifts for you online, and ship them to you. This is such a fun time, try and relax and just have fun with it! Congratulations!