Help with Baby Registry

Hi T.,

I would highly recommend that you get the book Baby Bargains. It has great product reviews, and lists for what you should get/register for. It also tells you what's a waste of space/money. I've found it very helpful in deciding what to register for/buy ourselves and also for choosing brands/models of various items.

Best,
R.

1 mom found this helpful

I didn't read through the other responses, so these might be repeats but here are a few things that really helped. We loved having the bundle me zip up blankets for the fall and the winter (they have a lighter one and a heavy one and we loved them both). You don't have to worry about coats because it covers them up so nicely. We also loved our Jumperoo, as my son turned about 5 months old. I would also register for the bigger onsies because they seem to shrink and sizes seem to grow fast (I think we were using the 9-12 months before we knew it. I did register for the small baby bath but I never liked it. Something that was a lifesaver was from One Step Ahead. It is a bath cushion that the baby lays on in the bigger bath tub. I think I started using it at around 3 months when I found out about it. We also loved our baby sling. I don't think I would've survived my sons acid reflux/colic if we didn't have that thing. I also didn't register for sippy cups, plates, spoons, ect because I thought I had time. It comes really fast and all that stuff adds up quickly, so throw it on the registry now. I registered through babies r us but I ended up doing most of it online. It worked out well because the store can be a little overwhelming. Good luck and enjoy

Congratulations T.

I think the hardest part about registry's is you never really know what you are going to use because of your babies temprement. I bought things and registered for things other mom's told me were must haves and I have never used them. But here are the things I love and use regularly. A diaper pail with a good filter. Changing table. Some sort of a bassinet I use the arm's reach co-sleeper since my daughter sleeps with us, but you will need some sort of bed for your room since the doctors all suggest baby sleep in your room for at least 3 months. I didn't bother with clothes because people buy whatever they want. I also needed a lot of burp clothes and when my daughter was first born a lot of receiving blankets. An activity mat. I found an exercise ball to be my best baby tool (you know the ones you use for your workouts). I got a sling so much easier then a stroller! And a lot of board books. And a bouncy chair. My daughter loves her cheap one that she makes move she won't sit in the expensive ones with all the features but the one where she can kick her feet and it moves for her has allowed my husband and I to eat dinner peacefully together every night since she was born. And obviously the car seat plus an extra base for each car.

Good luck. Honestly what I have listed are the only things I use on a daily basis even though I have many more things that have never been used.

1.) Register for one to two packs of clothing items in different sizes...like 0-3 months 2 packs, 3-6 month two packs,6-9 months 2 packs.

Register for onesies, sleepers, socks...and you are set for clothes. Me personally I wasted so much time putting my first in a cute outfit everyday. For what? She couldn't walk. So number two and now number three...pretty much stay in sleepers. Until they can walk outfits are a pain to put on and they are a pain to keep straight when you are holding your little one...constantly pulling down pant legs, putting dresses back in place and so forth.

I like zip up sleepers with the little fold over tab at the top to keep the zipper from pocking little one in those cute little neck rolls. Who wants to be finding snaps in the middle of the night after a diaper change....I always do everything in the dark with very minimal light to keep my little ones from waking fully. Back to sleep quicker.

Register for three or four sets of crib sheets, a few recieving packs of recieving blankets..they are great in spring to keep off a chill and they are great as burg clothes too because they cover more.

A sleep sack in nice if you don't want to use blankets for fear of SIDS.

If you are going to nurse a Boppie is a must. I love the thing. Not only does it make nursing more comfortable but they are great for propping up your arms when you are rocking a little one to sleep...because mommy often fell asleep in the chair too.

If you can get a glider that locks in a slight reclining position, do it. I love mine. I've moved it to the new baby room three times now. I wish I had dollar for every hour spent in that chair.

Bottles if you are going to use a specific kind like Dr Browns or something special like that.

A nice thermometer and nail clippers

A humidifier is nice too.

A winter wrap if it's going to be cold when you have your little one. It looks like a blanket. Most are made from fleece. It has to legs sewn into it for your babies legs and feet, the it has a flap that goes up the middle and two side flaps to fold over like a burrito. It usually has arm holes and a flap of material that will go up over your child's head too. They are easy to make as well if you can sew. Just go to Jo Anns and look for a pattern to follow. I love mine since it keep their whole body warm in the carseat and in the grocery cart.

A nice baby carrier or sling. Like a Baby Bjorn. Don't go cheap here. The Baby Bjorn is like $80, but it is so much more comfortable than the other brands. I've had several. And I prefer to carry my little one around in one of those when shopping and out because your baby will cry less.

Baby spoons, bowls with tops, some sippy cups...

They have this neat contraption at Walmart that looks like a net on a teething ring holder. You put fruit or veggies...whatever the baby can't eat yet in the net...close it up and they can chew on the net to get the juices, but not choke.

Those are some things that you might not think of that I found to be very handy.

I never could understand why people spend so much on getting EVERYTHING for the baby. First, you can eliminate an expensive buggy. U can only use it till the baby is around 9 months old. An umbroller stroller can be used until the child is 4-5 on long walks where he can walk some and ride some when he's tired. A changing table/dresser doubles for 1 item. His own diaper recepticle with a lid and deodorizor/bags to empty daily. And, finally, a crib that doubles as a big bed. This means the mattress must drop all the way to the floor and gate goes most of that way. This way the little tyke doesn't get hurt when starting to climb out. Whatever you do, do not let the baby sleep in your bed! That's the biggest mistake a parent can make. It's heart wrenching when you try to break them of it. They can cry for hours which tears a parent apart. Even when they're sick, change them, rock them to sleep if you can and tuck them in their own bed for the night. Have fun mommy. Give him all the love and kisses you can while he's small enough to enjoy it. Get your fill (that never happens).

The diaper genie smells all the time, even when you clean it out. I like the other posts idea about the pail-outside!
As soon as my son is out of diapers, I am throwing that thing out.

Hi, just a note on the stroller, I would get the one that has the infant carrier, base and the stroller combo - awesome - it was so convenient to take the baby right out of the stroller and right into the car seat, and you didn't have to wake up baby!! Also, not sure if you are breastfeeding or not, but if so, I couldn't live without my Boppy Pillow! And if not, then when you get your bottles, make sure you don't wash all of them, cuz' some babies are stinkpots and may not like a particular type, so then you can exchance them! And definitely register for bigger size onesies - they are a must! They go through small clothes so fast, and better to be bigger then smaller. I still have my monitor and my daughter is 6!
Also, I put my daughter, and then my son, right in their own crib in their own room right from the beginning, and I am sooooo glad that I did. I had (and still have) two great sleepers, and they loved their crib, and loved their room!
The best of luck to you - whatever you decide on is going to be the BEST!!!!
Take care,
M.

I found the book "The Baby Gizmos Buyers Guide" helpful. Don't buy it - I borrowed a copy from the library. It has lots of helpful lists and pros/cons for every gizmo you can think of. There's also a website: www.babygizmo.com

Have fun!

In most cases the larger items will be purchased by family or close friends going in together to get you something. But it does not hurt to put them on your list. If you are not sure what brand, go to consumer report and look up test results all all the different brands.
Many women will say put a sling on your list I would say get a snuggly. With your baby going to be born in the warm weather put onezies right at the top of your list. My son was born in July and he lived in onezies through October and then he wore them under his outfits. He even had long sleeved onezies.
Personally I do not like the car seat that is also used as a carrier. We never really used a carrier because our son lived in the snuggly, that I wore all the time. We did have a seat at home for him to sit in and a battery powered swing. Great thing to put on your list is a battery powered swing. Our son loved it. He use to take his naps in the swing and loved swinging and looking out the picture window.
We never had a changing table like many people do. We just used the crib. We had a pad that we put down on the crib and was great for changing him. The crib we had raised up so when he was little he was up high for easy changing.
Do not put down that you want a little bit larger size than newborn sleepers. They grow out of the newborn sleepers in a few weeks. Since our son was born in the summer he slept in onezies a lot. Our son did not like to be swaddled at all. So he was not a big fan of confining sleepers either.
You will need a bathtub but you an always use the sink if you do not get one.
Receiving blankets, wash clothes, baby blankets, cloth diapers (get a package even if you are not going to use cloth diapers because they are great for burping cloths).
If you are going to use cloth diapers you could put diaper service on your list. I was given a years diaper service from my husbands step mother. It was the greatest service a new mom could get.
I never used many booties, He just worn socks around and when it got cold out he had a snow suit that kept him warm. Speaking of snowsuits, we went with the London Fog two piece suit instead of the one piece. The pants were bids. The reason for 2 piece because when it is just cool you don't need the pants. but then you need shoes or boots.
If you know if your having a boy or a girl you can add outfits to your list.
In closing Remember you will get items for people after the baby is born and not just at your shower. Don't over buy right away it could be a waste of money. Remember don't buy a lot of newborn items, no matter how cute they all are. Since you baby in warmer weather I would have at least a dozen onsies because your baby will wear a lot of them.
I could go on and one but I will stop now. Many Blessings on your up and coming bundle of Joy..

T.,

Here's a rough list:

stroller (big one and an umbrella one)
crib
dresser (use a regular one with a changing pad on top, don't buy one with the "diaper changer" built in)
rocking chair - FOR YOU and night before bedtime
infant car seat
toddler car seat (we love our Britax)
bouncy chair (consider one that is a infant seat/toddler rocker - there's a blue one they sell at Target that is ugly, but AWSOME)
onsies (every size)
sleep sacks & footie jammies
newborn mittens (so they don't scratch themselves)
baby towels & wash cloths
baby bath kit (body wash, lotion, baby powder, etc)
manicure set
medical set (thermometer, baby tooth brush, nail clippers, etc.)
diapers - consider asking everyone to bring some to enter some sort of raffle on the shower day
pee pads (yes the adult ones) to use as a diaper changer cover. It's disposable and great.
foam diaper changer pad & covers
pack n play + sheets
crib bedding
baby books & cds (maybe instead of cards???)
socks & booties
receiving blankets
spit cloths
diaper rash cream
toys - rattles, balls, etc. Sassy brand has a little box set that is cute.
exersaucer
swing - up to you, my kids hated ours
breastpump - if you're planning to nurse and/or go back to work
formula (don't know if you'll need it, but it's good to have on hand)
bottle sterilizer
bottle drying rack
bottle brush
1 or 2 different kinds of newborn bottle sets & pacifiers (our pediatrician said don't buy a ton since your baby might not like the nipples of what you get. you may have to try several bottles or pacifiers to see what works)
Dreft/ALL-free (laundry detergent to wash newborn clothes & bedding in, no dyes or perfumes)
Activity pad - these are little blankets you put the baby on that has overhead toys hanging from it to entertain them
Boppy - nursing pillow & cover
booster seat high chair - great for travelling over to Grandma and Grandpas house or using when your toddler boycotts the highchair
baby sun hat, sunscreen, etc
swim diapers
any "themed" stuff for your nursery (lamp, blanket, bedding, stuffed animals, mobile)
baby gates
monitor (get one with two receivers and maybe a "clip" for your belt)
sound machine/cd player for baby's room
sling or infant carrier
1 yr membership in a photo club like "JC Penney, Sears, etc." These clubs offer your discounts on future photo session. Nice gift from Godparent or one of your close aunts.
keepsake box - they sell them at BabiesRUs - keep photos and newborn hat, hospital bracelet, etc in

That's a mind purge for you. I'm brainfried. Ask me anything, I'll let you know what I think.

My advice on what to stay away from -

anything "cute" with lots of buttons or delicates or in need of ironing

Nice add ons for you to get/do now or once the baby is born:

coming home outfit
good video camera &/or digital camera
embossed baby shoes (baby's name and birthdate on soles for pictures and keepsakes)

I hope this helps!

Sara

i see you have aot of responses so i just want to say dont ask for clothes you will get plenty from the guest that dont shop the registry or want to buy an outfit to go with the gift. i wouldnt go expensive on anything other than the car seat, stroller and maybe highchair the rest is really used sooooo little i have stuff that looks brand new that the baby grew out of soo fast like the swing bouncy,bumboseat, ect ask for diapers wipes they sell them by the cases

I agree with the one who said to take a mom woth you, that has had a baby on the past few years. They can tell you what you need and dont. Also, im not sure if anyone mentioned a sleepsack. At least one or two are a must since you are not supposed to use blankets in the baby's crib. The baby will be safe and warm with it.

Congratulations T.! I am a first time Mom of a 2 month old and I remember having this very question....so I can help you-you need....a boppy pillow with one or two extra covers, about 10 newborn onesies (my 2 month old grew out of newborn size FAST)depending on if you are breastfeeding or not-if yes, the breast pads (2 packs of 66 to start you off-they go fast), a breast pump, bottles-Dr. Brown's are very good (6 or so so you can pump and store in frig) if formula, similac or enfamil, doc says formula is all the same-bulk sizes x2, diapers.....newborn-150 0r so, size 1-my boy has gone through 250 so far...limited newborn outfits-again, my boy has outgrown ALL newborn clothes and hardly got to wear them all. Bassinet for first 3 months for in your bedroom, chico cortina keyfit 30 stroller/ car seat (rated THE safest) swing, bouncy chair, 10 3 month onesies, two large bottles of each-Johnsons baby wash-lotion and baby bath....crib, sheet sets, laundry bin, I would skip the diaper genie-too expensive and hi maintenance, music for baby, bath gear (towels/washcloths)-that;s a good start for you..I am sure I am forgetting something, I am sure the other Mamas will fill in the blanks-good luck!

M.

Hi T....I did not read through all of your responses so sorry if this is a repeat. But 1 thing I do for all my friends who have had babies was buy them several bags of diapers in differenet sizes. This is a big help for them when they are starting off. As well as wipes. Also you will need like nail clippers,medical needs such as fever meds etc. I usual make up a basket of small stuff like that. Anything like that. Just go up and down those baby isles and start scanning away on those bar codes. Anything or any brands your prefer scan away. Remember some people wont shop off of your registry.Good Luck and Congrats on your 1st little one.

T.:

Congratulations!! You have received a ton a great responses.

In an effort not to duplicate, I want to give you a bit of advice that I wish someone had given me regarding registering. I know this sounds really odd, but I just went through this a few months ago myself. Before you register pay close attention to the RETURN POLICY. Trust me, you will want to return things that you receive even if you registered for them. For example, Babies 'R Us changed their return policy in August and you only have 45 days to return electronic equipment. So if you have your shower 45 days before your due date and you receive a monitor that doesn't work for your home. You can't return it because it is over the 45 days even before the baby arrives!! Trust me, monitors can work really well in some homes and not in others.(My friend returned her electronics and repurchased them the week before her due date to have the longest amount of time to try them out and exchange them if necessary.)

Just my 2 cents, hope it helps!

A.

I agree with Patricia M.'s list, it has everything you need.

The best gift from my shower was a big gift card to Target. We went there a lot the first few months.

I second recommendations for the books:
Baby 411
The Happiest Baby on the Block

big square receiving blankets for swaddling. I recommend the 42x42 size, 30x30 was not big enough.

Exergen Temporal thermometer

I definitely recommend a big comfy glider or rocker with an ottoman so you can put your feet up. You hold the baby a lot in the beginning. I didn't have a reclining one but that sounds great.

And, if you are considering cloth diapering, you can register for a diaper service. We used Bottom's Up for the first 6 months, and it was great!!!

if you are registering at babies r us they give you a pretty accurate list to go off of that gives you numbers of onesies you may need etc. if you can i would take someone who has kids with you to help. general rule would be to get more than you think you need. you can always return things if you dont need them babies r us is great about returns.

Looks like you have gotten lots of responses! I would have to say definately do aquaphor (an ointment that can be used for irritated skin especially diaper rash) it's the best! Also a cheap digital thermometer, when the doctor wants a temp they will want a rectal temp not an ear or forehead. You will want to stay away from sleep positioners & bumpers for the crib as they can be considered obstructions which increase the rate of SIDS. Otherwise I would say scan away for anything you think you may need.

take a g-f with you who has a baby 1-18 months old. She can better tell you than anyone what you need and what is really necessary. good luck and congrats!!!! them 1st babies are wonderful. J.

Hi T. and CONGRATULATIONS! This is such a fun and exciting time.

One thing I didn't see any of the other moms mention that I love is the "Snap-N-Go" -I think it's called. You can put the car seat in it like a stroller but it's light weight and much easier to open/close. I found it handy to keep in the car at all times.

I agree with the other mom that if you have any friends that have kids, ask one of them if they could go with you when you register. That's what I did and it was so helpful.

Oh and one more thing...I did not like the Diaper Genie. We used it at first but soon started using these little scented green plastic bags. The poop diap goes in and straight out to the garbage can in the garage.

Have fun!

Ok I know you've been bombarded with answers, but it's a blast to read about baby things when you're pregnant!

Ok so here was our experience on things that are essential.

Baby monitor - I saw a suggestion below that you don't need it. Not so much at the beginning if the baby is in your room, but when they move to their own room - get one. We use ours still with our 2 year-old.

Diaper Genie - stay away!!! Waste of money. Refills are a fortune and the bags fill up fast. We just keep a diaper pail on our back porch. Free. Haven't tried the Diaper Champ.

On your registry, ask for Dreft (the baby detergent - not a real necessity as any gentle soap is usually ok, but if your baby's skin is ultra-sensitive, Dreft is great. And it has that wonderful baby smell that I loved). It's a little spendy, so no shame in asking for 3-4 cartons of it.

Get diapers...newborn, and the next size up too. Add wipes, Desitin (or whichever ointment you want to use).

I adore my Graco travel system stroller. The stroller itself is a little heavy when you have to lift it, but I can easily fold it up and put it into my car myself. It is the cadillac of strollers, I have LOVED having it. You can use the infant seat in it, when they get older it has a treat tray so you can feed them when you're out, the seat reclines all the way so they can sleep in it, the sun shade gives full coverage, fantastic storage, cup holders, everything you could want. I wouldn't have traded it for any other one I have ever seen.

Changing table - definitely get one that is also a dresser to save space. You'll only use the changing table for awhile anyway, then eventually the living room floor usually becomes the changing area. :)

Bumbo chair - we used it a ton before my little one could sit up on his own.

Breast pump - I'm also due with my 2nd in the summer. I had a manual breast pump with my first and HATED it. This time around I will be getting an electric one that I can travel with. Be sure to read reviews before you pick one.

Bundle Me - this is a MUST for the winter. You won't need it for awhile, but it's one of those rare essential items, so go ahead and register for one. If you haven't read about it, it's the cover that goes over your infant seat to keep them bundled. You can also use it in the stroller, on bouncy seats, etc, and the top zips off to make a super cozy place to lay them down too.

I could go on all day, but I'll spare you. Best of luck and don't worry - if you don't have everything, Target isn't too far away!!

T.,

I was in the same boat as you are now, one year ago. What I learned is that you don't need to register for everything that everyone says you need. If I could redo my first baby registry I would have put down the following items;

Clothes in various sizes - but keep in mind what the weather would be like when the baby is 3 mos, 6 mos, 9 mos, etc.

Onesies are a must! The ones I liked the best tied at the side, much like Kimono's. It was easier on the baby in the first four weeks. I didn't have to pull anything over her head.

If you plan on breast feeding it's okay to ask for breast pads, breast lube, breast pump and accessories. (That includes cleaning supplies.) My sister-in-law gave me all of my stuff and it was a great-generous gift.

Do your research on your expensive items - what you feel you want for your baby. If you register at any big name stores and you don't get them at the shower(s) you might get a discount if you have to buy them yourself.

Also, diapers. At approximately $20 for the boxes of up to 100 diapers that can get expensive after a while. Diapers are not a lame gift. I was always thankful when people bought them for us. I breast fed our daughter and believe me when a breast fed baby has a bowel movement you will go through diapers! (I'm sure it's the same with formula fed babies too.)

Some "luxury" items that are nice to have is the wiper warmer. I thought that my baby should go through the cold wipes like I did when I was little, but I got one and it really is nice for my daughter.
I also asked for music for the baby.

It's nice to think about the future as well, teething rings, books, certain learning toys and products. As the baby gets older you'll be thankful those items are on hand when your ready to use them.

Good Luck!
Kimberly M

Babies*R*us has great suggestions on what you will need. I'm registering right now too. B R U breaks everything down into categories like feeding, bathing, changing, strollers etc. I started a registry there and they gave me a booklet on a whole registry suggestion. I'm lucky that I'm having 3 baby showers, and I want to make sure I put everything on that registry that I think I'll need.
Good luck!

You may wish to buy the book 'Baby Bargains'. It is a great, comprehensive guide detailing what you will need and has product reviews for almost everything. The authors will tell you what things you need, which items are the best value for their price (i.e. they don't always recommend the cheapest thing), and will tell you what things are an absolute waste of money.

I would caution against going into Babies R Us, sitting down at the registry desk, and following word-for-word the advice of the consultant or the 'checksheet'. There are tons of things on that list that you would never need.

Hi T., Here we go, register for diaper bag, bottles, onezies, socks, sleepers, stroller, cloth diapers(good for burbing) High chair, swing, changing table, diapers etc. You will probably need everything. Just register for larger sizes and a couple of smaller ones. The baby is going to grow like a little weed so you really won't need alot of small sizes. That is just some of the things I could think of. Baby monitor is another thing you'll need. Good Luck and enjoy this very special time in your life. It is beautiful.

With so many responses already, you may not even get to this one :-)

Boppy for sure - especially if you're nursing! And if you plan on pumping, go for a double electric one. Trust me, it's worth it.

Skip the changing table - A changing pad with raised sides on top of a dresser is great. And when your little one gets too big, you just get rid of the changing pad and it's now just a dresser.

Don't register for any clothes except socks and onesies. You'll get tons of clothes you didn't ask for anyway.

I love "Baby Organic" body wash and shampoo. It's all natural, uncented, and gentle on your little one.

Saline drops. Trust me, he/she'll be super congested and it'll be easier than using what I call the 'booger sucker' on its own all the time.

Infant's tylenol. Another thing you'll need at some point, so may as well have it on hand.

I skipped the bumbo, but a lot of people swear by it. My son wasn't impressed and wouldn't stay in it.

As far as a high-chair, don't bother with a stand-alone. It'll just take up space and irritate you. Just get one of the ones that straps onto the dining room chair. Then you don't have to move it after each meal, and it's more portable if you're spending the day at Grandma's.

Those travel systems are great, for the first 6 months. Then it's a pain in the butt and you'll want a nice umbrella stroller. I suggest just investing in a good umbrella stroller, and wear your little one in a sling until he/she is big enough to sit in the stroller. I haven't taken my travel system out of the garage since my son was 6 months old and he's two now.

Most important, earplugs! Sometimes you can't do anything to make them stop crying, and there's no reason to get more stressed when you're trying to cuddle them quiet.

Hi T.,

You are going to have so much fun!!

Two things that I could not live without were a Diaper Champ and a mattress pad that doubles as a sheet. You have the mattress, on top of that you put a mattress pad on top of that a regular crib sheet and on top of that this pad that attaches with elastic bands and snaps to the rails. I wish I knew what to call it. It is white in color with a sheet material on top and a waterproof pad on the bottom. What's nice about it is if the baby messes it in the middle of the night all you do is unsnap it from the rails, remove it and you have your regular crib sheet underneath. You don't have to struggle trying to get a crib sheet on in the middle of the night.

The Diaper Champ is great! You can use your own bags. The Diaper Genie I & II take special refills plus you have to push your hand into the unit with the II type in order to get the diaper in. Your hand is coming in contact with the other dirty diapers and it is usually quite moist in there.

Hi T.,

First, congrats on your pending arrival! What an exciting time!!!

My best advice to you would be to take an experienced mom with you when you register. It could be a friend of yours who's already had a baby, or it could be your own mom. You will find this insight invaluable as you go through the store. They'll tell you what you really need and what you really don't. Us moms on this blog can give you some suggestions - but there is sooooo much stuff to weed through (as I'm sure you are finding out!) that we will barely scratch the surface. It's really best to have somebody who's been through it with you at the store to help you item by item.

Best of luck...and enjoy this time! : )

Everybody has their own ideas of brands and items that work for them. My baby registry Bible was a book called Baby Bargains. I loved it. They update it frequently so there's got to be a new one since mine in 2006. The book has no advertisments and they rate all products from maternity clothes to carseat, baby clothes, furniture etc. It describes each item by brand in A-F rating by function, quality and price. THey they list it as good, better, best for the price. It was a LifeSaver! I love to buy it for 1st time pregnant friends. I hope this helps!

I highly recommend sleepers with zippers instead of snaps! They are much easier in the middle of the night!

Hi T.,
One thing that I have always done when purchasing big ticket items & even smaller items was to go on to Amazon.com to read the reviews by other parents. These reviews have been so helpful to see what people love and hate about products. It gives you insight into things you might not have thought about by just reading professional product reviews.

Also, I would like to reiterate what other people have posted: don't buy too many newborn & even 0-3 month clothes because they grow out of them so fast. Especially if you have a big baby to start with ;) I also found that clothes may seem really cute when you are looking at them at Babies R Us but may not be practical for a baby (I'm talking about clothes with actual buttons that are hard to get on a squirming baby or clothes with collars that always flip up unless you iron them).

It seems confusing right now but you'll figure out what you (and your baby) like pretty quickly. Good luck!

I don't know where you are registering, but most places have comprehensive lists of everything you might want and need (and a few thousand extra things) when starting out. It's a good place to start, and if you have a mommy friend who can go with you to register, I highly recommend that. There are so many options for each item- for example bath tubs for infants. Some have sprayer attachments, bubble blowers, etc. We were really happy with the basic plastic infant-to-toddler tub, but it's totally up to you. I was glad we got a good swing, but my sister got the same one and her baby hates it. They never use it.
A pack and play or bassinet is helpful if your baby will be sleeping in your room. We were glad we got the pack and play with the bassinet/changing table attachments because we're on different floors, and it was great for the first several months. Even though our son doesn't fit in either attachment now, it is nice to have a portable "crib" when visiting grandparents.
We had a bouncer, but our son hated it. Clothes- you'll need clothes in newborn sizes but probably not a ton because they grow so fast. The sizes go in order: preemie, newborn, 0-3 months, 3 months, 3-6, 6 months, etc. I was glad I invested more in the 0-3 than the newborn because even though they were too big for the first couple of weeks, he fit into them soon enough and outgrew the newborn fast. Depending on the weather, you'll need a few sleepers (with the feet) that shouldn't be big but should fit well. Since you can't use loose blankets for months, you can get the sleep sacks (blankets with arm holes), or swaddle blankets if you plan to swaddle. (I recommend it!)
Last, I don't know if you're a big book person, but I would strongly recommend a book which you should read before the baby's here. "The Happiest Baby on the Block" is in book and DVD form- either is fine. I borrowed both from friends and was glad to have them because the book contained more info, but the DVD showed me how to do it. This book is to help you calm your baby and get more sleep. It's helpful to have time to read it!!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. There's a lot to think about for your baby; I remember feeling so lost when I was looking at this stuff! Thank goodness I had a lot of experienced friends to ask. I love giving my opinions about things, especially baby things!
Good luck!

I just glanced through some of the responses and wanted to say while getting things for baby is very important don't forget a few essentials for you. If you are breastfeeding a pump is helpful as well as breastfeeding pads and lansinoh (sp?)cream. I would also highly recommend a pack and play. When my oldest was first born we didn't think we needed one, but by the time she was about 3 months old we found it very useful. Also a boppy can be useful for feeding... just a couple thoughts.

This is a great question :) First, you only need about 10 outfits (sleepers & onesies)and maybe 2 outfits (cute things when you take baby out) in 3 months size. Depending on the size of your baby, you may never wear newborn size (mine were 7lbs 14 oz and 8lbs 9oz (and we never wore nb sizes). You will end up doing laundry 2 times a week, so don't bother buying too much- they grow out of it sooooo fast.
As for basics, I never used a bassinet (but that's personal preference). You'll need a crib, 2 mattress pads, and 3 bottom sheets, a changing table and pad with at least 2 covers, 3-5 receiving blankets, burp cloths, towels, washcloths, a bath (one that goes in the sink, and then in the tub is best-you get the most use out of it). Depending on how you wash bottles and breastfeed you'll want 3-6 bottles and a drying rack. A playmat, a pack n play (one that has the changing table on top is nice if you have two levels in your house (I kept it downstairs for changing the baby during the day). An exersaucer, you may want a bouncy seat (but my kids never liked them). A car seat and a stroller :) That's what I can think of off the top of my head- I am somewhat of a minimalist and don't like to buy things I don't need- I'd rather put the money in a college fund for my kids :)
If you want more suggestions just let me know! Good Luck!

First of all, congratulations!! I remember registering for my first, it is soooo much fun!! Definitely onesies and sleepers. Receiving blankets, crib sheets. A bassinet is really helpful for the first few months, so they can sleep right next to you in your room since you're up every 2-3 hours to feed anyway. Spit towels are also good. A waterproof mattress pad to put under the sheets in the crib in case of leaks, waterproof pads for changing. I always had a large stroller for big outings and an umbrella stroller to keep in the car for short things. Spend a little extra on the umbrella stroller though, don't get one of those cheap $10 ones. A pack & play is wonderful to have for going to homes where the baby will need to nap and they make sheets for them also. A bouncy chair is also good, I would get one that vibrates just in case you have a fussy baby, it works wonders!! I wouldn't advise sleep positioners, I never used mine or wipe warmers, they just dry them out I found. One must have I found if you are using formula is the holder for it. It is a circle thing separated into 3 sections with a lid and a hole on the top. You can pre-measure the powder in there and then just fill the bottles up with water and when it is needed, just pour the formula in! I'm not sure of the exact name but it should be by the bottles or formula, it is wonderful!! If you are breast feeding, you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a breast pump, I think I spent $40 on mine and it worked great for both of my children. Good luck!!