What Do You Wish You'd Registered For, but Didn't?

The coolest thing my friend just got at her shower came from Wal-Mart. It is a mirror for the baby to look into and it plays music and lights up. The best part is that it has a remote control, so if the little one falls asleep you can shut it off. I know I would have loved to get that for my shower!

The other thing that I didn't register for, but someone got for me was one of those rearview mirror mirrors. It looped over so that I could see the baby in the back seat. That same person also got me an octopus that had a clip on top that attached to the handle over the door so that when I drove it swung and moved around and my kids had something to watch other than the seat/ceiling.

Hope this helps.

A sling! I loved mine, but never would have even tried it if a friend hadn't given me one. I never saw one before. (I make reasonably priced ones if you are interested.)
I also loved the bag sleepers.

baby mitts or the t-shirts that fold over a newborn's hands so they can't scratch themselves
the my breast friend (yest that is the name) nursing pillow - worked so much better than the boppy...

A couple of things I wished I had registered for or asked for and bought later or recieved, and loved....
Gripe water for those colicky babies...
Dr brown bottles
Size 3 diapers( my daughter was in these the longest)..almost a year..
Journal with special messages from my friends on each page ...I would then write in it all the time...
Time capsel(spelling) that the baby opens at the age of the parents choice...mine was age 16...mag, newspapers, c.d's, etc...

I always buy for the moms to be though because most times the baby recieves so much....gift cert to coffee shops, spa's, etc...

Hi G. - I didn't even know breastfeeding clothing existed when I was registering for my baby. If I had known, I definately would have requested some! I had such a difficult time finding anything locally, that I started up my own business so that local moms in Pittsburgh could have easy access to clothing, bras, pumps and accessories for breastfeeding. Take a look here: <http://www.mothersboutique.com&gt;

I also offer gift certificates - so if you aren't sure what you want - you can tell your family and friends to get you some gift certificates so that you can pick out something after your baby arrives. <http://www.mothersboutique.com/gice.html&gt;

Also, I have some great pajama sets which make really nice baby gifts because they can be worn both during and after your pregnancy - for a complete listing of maternity and nursing clothing - click here: <http://www.mothersboutique.com/manucl.html&gt;

J.
A Mother's Boutique
MamaSource Members will receive 10% off of their first order - just mention promo code "MamaSource"
http://www.mothersboutique.com

A sling is a definite must. I've used all different types of carriers, but if I ever have another baby, I'm getting a GypsyMama stretchy wrap!

Cloth diapers - All-in-ones are super-easy to use

The clip-on rearview mirror thing - I can't drive w/o it!

Paper trimmer - like for scrapbooking. It makes it easy to cut all those portraits apart perfectly and quickly.

Hi G.,
I just had my 5th this summer and my favorite new thing (that I didn't see with any of my other kids) is that Bumbo seat. I love it and our daughter LOVES it.

I hope that helps :)

Hi G.-

I actually made a diaper and wipes orgainizer after my daughter was born. I had no idea that the diapers would get "lost" in my diaper bag. Check out my website at www.diaperbagwrangler.etsy.com

I also really love our Fisher Price Space Saver Highchair. The best part is that it tilts back for an infant and converts to a booster seat for a toddler.

Gerber cloth diapers (as burp cloths - can never have enough and then they are dust rags after)
White t-shirt onesies - as new mom had no idea about layers

One of the best gifts that I got that I didn't register for was the "new parents survival kit" that Babies R Us and Toys R Us has. Anytime someone has a shower I either buy it for them or recommend it for someone else to get. One of my friends got it for me and I was disappointed that she didnt' get me something off of my registry, but it was an amazing gift! I had twins who spit up a lot and were gassy and I had no clue that I would need gas drops or when they got sick, saline drops. This kit had those plus, nail clippers, cold medicine, teething toy that was thin, which helped with tiny mouths, etc. It was a great gift! Plus it had a magazine in it and some other medicines that came in handy!

The swing you put your car seat in and a bundle me for the car seat. They both ROCK! Also I did not bottle feed but if you do a podee... It is a hands free bottle. They look awesome.

Well... You are definitely going to need: A car seat, a crib, a playpen, a stroller, a high chair, tons of diapers, clothes, a bassinet, stuff for feeding (depending on if you are bottle, or breast feeding... formula, bottles bibs, breast pump..), bath stuff(baby towels,shampoo,soap,lotion...).baby blankets, crib sets(bumpers,sheets,blanket), and toys.
It would be nice to have some keep sake things too. It is nice to have some albums to keep pictures in. A nice camera, if you don't have one, would be a great gift. You may want special gifts for the time of year your baby is born. A rocking chair is nice to have. A timer baby rocker is good to have too.
Some things for them to play with that are kind of important are: Activity center for in the crib, an activity center that hangs over them when they lay on the floor, some small things to keep them busy in the high chair, rattles, keys, teethers(those ones with the liquid inside are great) Bath toys.
I think I covered everything. lol Good luck, and congradulations!!

There is a great product out there from PODEE. It is a bottle system designed for babies with colic or chronic ear infections...however, it works GREAT for the rest of us! It is only about $10 at Babies R Us and it is priceless! I swear I don't know how I survived without this product. Basically it is a "travel bottle". I use it in the car mainly. It allows the baby to take the bottle "hands-free". It has a tube system that allows the bottle to sit next to the baby and a tube extends the nipple to their mouth. It is so simple I can't believe we didn't have this before. I have started giving this at all showers and all new moms have LOVED it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this product. I actually find myself stopping people in stores to tell them about it...or they stop me and ask. Even the doctor's office went nuts for it, I had to show all the nurses and doctors before we left the office.

I'm telling you for those bottle fed babies there is nothing as helpful...especially if you have other children! My daughter used to cry all the time in the car...now I give her a bottle while we travel and she is quiet.

I can't say enough about how much I love this product or how much easier it has made my life.

tylenol,motrin,mylcon,dispose. cameras to keep in bag.and gift cards,thank you notes

A bouncy seat...that was one thing we had to buy that I wish we had had at the beginning. Also...i know this is boring but diapers are the best thing in the world

r.

Sleeping gowns and the sleeping "bags" that don't have legs and feet. The middle of the night (all night) changings were so much easier when you aren't fumbling to get teeny tiny little scrunched up feet and legs into and out of the footie pajamas.
The "Mommy Bear" it has a speaker inside which makes womb sounds and it soothed both my babies and there were days and nights I couldn't have lived without it.

A few must haves for any new mom:

cloth diapers - make great burp cloths!

formula dispenser - a little container divided into sections. even if she isn't planning on bottle feeding, they work great for baby cereal or snacks later on.

JJ Cole Bundle Me - a "sac" that velcro's into the baby carrier. they make a "light" version for spring/fall or a thicker one for winter. eliminates the need for bulky jackets & blankets. (I have 2...I don't know how I survived without this with my first child!)

diaper gift certificate - can be used when she finally runs out of the newborn diapers.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

hotslings.com
kangarookorner.com

Hi G.!
I make Baby Clothes Bouquets that are always a huge hit at Baby Showers! If you are interested, Please give me a call or email me at ____@____.com. I can send you pictures and prices of my fun stuff! I also have a listing here on mamasource... which I am very new to. Thanks and good luck!
C.

i wish i had registered for quickzip sheets, which you can find at www.cloudsandstars.com. they are truly a back-saver. i recommend them to all expecting parents.

Although this isn't neccessarily stuff to register for, we gave the idea a lot of thought (we are expecting our third) now that we know what is really 'needed' for a little one :)
So I suggest: magazine subscription for Mothering Magazine or another publication you really value; film developing (camera) or photo developing (digital) credits; gift certs for blockbuster or other 'convenience' places (a pick-me-up from Dunkin Donuts, eg); trial memberships to mommy exercise class (one fit mama, stroller strides, etc); contributions to memberships to the local zoo or museums (gets you out & about, & gives the little one some exposure to cultural/ community stuff); if you are nursing, a gift cert to an organization like the Breastfeeding Resource Center or a store for nursing or general postpartum clothes; seasonal items that can be pricey (mini pools or sun tents for summer, car seat snuggly covers for winter, etc)...How about hiring a doula/birth assistant? The pregnancy, birth, & postpartum help is invaluable to any mom, first time or not. A bunch of my girlfriends also recommend meal assembly places (like Dream Dinners) where you go for 2 hours & make your meals for a month. Hope these help -- I have some more ideas, but my two little ones are calling :)