General Registry Thread

muggle621

Do you have questions about your baby registry? Ask them here! Examples below! 

What are the basic necessities that need to go on a baby registry? Where is the best place to register? How many registries should a new mom have? 
STM's -what do you regret putting on your registry? What did you not get enough of? 

Are you a second (or third, fourth, etc.) time mom who can answer these questions and more? Instill your wisdom upon us!! 

muggle621

So far I have started registries at Target, Babies R Us, Buy Buy Baby (which opens here in Dec),and Amazon. Amazon I will probably keep among my family and best friends since that one I will just put all the cutesy Harry Potter stuff I want. Does anyone have a preference among the 3? 

Gingermom15

I loved the option of people being able to physically go into Target (we don’t have a BBB). It was helpful for the older folks who didn’t have access to a computer or those who don’t have Prime. The major downfall of the Target registry, at least for me, was ease of use. I swear I had so many problems with items disappearing, not saving and then one day I couldn’t log on. I tried to recover my password and I was told the registry didn’t exist. The customer service was awful and my registry was never recovered after disappearing into the abyss. I have one this time around as a reminder of the things I need and it seems to be better, but there’s only a hantof items. 

I regretted putting any kind of clothing, blankets or burp clothes on my registry. I got SO many of everything and he wore so few and used next to none of the burp clothes. I wished I had registered for more diapers and wipes. 

For me, the basic necessities are a few outfits, bottles and nipples (even if you’re breastfeeding, you may still need them). I advise to register for one 2-3 pack of different bottles to see what baby likes. My son was crazy picky.
Free and Clear soap (I like 7th Gen) for pump parts and bottles. Scented soaps leave a filmy residue and odor after awhile. 
A couple receiving blankets to swaddle the itty bitty until they outgrow them in a couple weeks. Then they can be used as burp clothes, handy if you have a happy spitter. 
Muslin swaddle blankets. I hated the swaddlers like Halo’s. Way too hot and the Velcro was annoying. 
Diapers size 1 and up. Baby likely won’t be in newborn long. 
A place to sleep. Our son had reflux and slept in the RnP for 6 months at night. Yep, totally not recommended but you do what you need to do lol. He transitioned perfectly to the crib once he was able to lie flat.
A newborn positioner pillow (I liked Boppy’s). This helped keep him upright in the bassinet or floor while I was cooking or busy. I never used a nursing pillow to actually nurse, just a regular pillow. 

If you plan to breastfeed register for breast milk bags, Soothies by Lansinoh and a good nipple cream, I LOVED Motherlove nipple cream. Regardless if you want to use cloth or disposable nipple pads, register for a few of the cloth kind. If you get thrush, common if you need antibiotics during birth or anytime while breastfeeding, you want washable because they breathe and make it harder for yeast to stick around while you’re being treated. Wash in hot water with vinegar and detergent to kill the yeast. Disposables are great, but they hold moisture due to the plastic backing. 

If you are bottle feeding, register for different bottles and a good brush set. The Dr. Brown’s formula mixing pitcher will be your new BFF, especially if you need a thicker formula such as with added rice protein. 
A bottle warmer wasn’t used for us, we just sat the bottle in a bowl of warm water. He also drank them cold after awhile. 

Regardless how how you feed your baby, a microwave steam sterilizer is the bomb for pumps and bottle parts. Seriously love mine. 

I wish I hadn’t registered for baby gear. He never used the swing, glider, bouncy seat or tummy time mat. We used the boppy position pillow for tummy time because he preferred that. Looking back, it was likely more comfortable with his reflux. 
A diaper pail. We returned ours and got a locking trash can. 

ashleyf911

I follow Jamie Grayson - TheBabyGuyNYC on FB (if you don't, you should, he knows literally everything about baby gear) and after Babies R Us filed bankruptcy, he cautioned mama's who were thinking about registering there. Apparently vendors are starting to withhold merchandise from BRU because they're worried about not getting paid. I don't know how much of an issue it is now, but it may get worse depending on what happens with the company. Just something to think about if you register there.

I'm currently privately registered at Target and Amazon, just for my own sanity to keep track of what I need or want to upgrade. I've heard good things about Babylist too, it's a universal registry.

Gingermom15

Also, a pack and play with a changing table attachment is a wiser investment than a changing table. Or you can just get a changing pad to put on the dresser if it’s a good height. 
I used the PnP changing table until I could comfortably change him on the couch or bed, I had a cs and bending was let in the cards for while. 

GG620

STMs - am I nuts for not registering for a pack n play? SIL is giving us her rock n play and swing, and I intend to babywear a ton. I hate clutter and am trying not to have too much baby stuff. Thanks!!

I am registered on BabyList.Com, which links my BuyBuyBaby registry

HappyMonkey817

Here are things I found to be necessary or extremely helpful with baby #1:

- diapers, wipes, and a way to dispose of them/contain them until they get washed, if you use cloth 

- Boppy or some other kind of feeding pillow
- nipple cream and breast pads if breast feeding 

- about a dozen burp cloths (you may need more or fewer- my daughter had reflux)
- 4 or 5 swaddling blankets

- a safe place to sleep 

- about 7 or 8, one-piece zip jammies ("sleep & play")
- 7 or 8 onesies, for layering under the jammies 

- a couple of thin hats (my daughter was as bald as a bowling ball, and was born in the winter, so she wore them even when indoors) 

- anti-scratch mitts
- baby detergent (was necessary for us, might not be for you) 

- Boba wrap was extremely helpful for us 
- a couple of warm blankets

- small, soft towels, preferably with a hood (I used washcloths we already had)

- baby soap/shampoo 

- simple grooming kit with small nail clippers, soft brush, small comb 

- "forehead swipe" thermometer

That's really it, for the very beginning.

Gingermom15

GG620 smyaid:

STMs - am I nuts for not registering for a pack n play? SIL is giving us her rock n play and swing, and I intend to babywear a ton. I hate clutter and am trying not to have too much baby stuff. Thanks!!

I am registered on BabyList.Com, which links my BuyBuyBaby registry

It really depends on you. If you intend to travel a lot or have the baby nap “on the go” at someone else’s house during a visit, then I would register for one. The RnP only works until they can sit up, but the PnP can be used for a long time. My toddler is almost 2 and we still use it for him. It’s also nice to contain them when they become mobile. my son would have nothing to do with baby wearing, so it was nice to have a safe space to leave him 

ETA he also hated the swing lol. I would get it just incase because it folds away to almost nothing, I also couldn’t live without mine for the first few weeks so I’m biased haha

HappyMonkey817

Oh, and a monitor.

Gingermom15

HappyMonkey817 said:

Oh, and a monitor.

Yes, I forgot about that. We use ours every day still st almost 2 

stlbuckeye132

Thanks for sharing all this info! I don't have any specific questions right now, but I will definitely be referring back to this thread. Well I guess I do have one question that should probably be in the stroller thread, but that's been pretty dead... should I just go ahead and give up on hoping to find one perfect stroller that will meet my every need and resign myself to the fact that I'll end up with at least two? 

megpeg

@stlbuckeye132 I got the evenflo pivot modular travel system. I like that it fits the car seat or bassinet that turns into a toddler seat. I posted it in the other post too but am in love with this stroller. 
@GG620 I didn't have one with my first because we lived in a small apartment and if we went on vacation it was usually to family's that owned one. With #2 I got one because I couldn't hover all the time and wanted a way to contain her a little. My sister borrowed it and I will be getting it back. It was nice to have if we were outside working/playing with a net over it and she wanted to nap but I guess you could use a stroller.

runsoncoffee

@GG620 we used our pack and play in our bedroom for DS1 to sleep in before he moved to his own room and now we use it when we travel to my in-laws/vacation. I think at least a simple one is wise to have!
@muggle621 with DS1 we registered at Target and BBB. We ended up buying everything that was left on both registries all at Target because the prices were cheaper. BBB was nice though because as far as gear there were more options, especially in store. This time we are sticking to Target and Amazon since most likely we'll be buying most of what we need ourselves.

STM+.... besides a double stroller, extra convertible car seat, and second camera for the monitor what do I need?? I am having my second boy (although different seasons) but won't need any boy specific things other than a few outfits. I'm afraid I'm going to forget something!

HappyMonkey817

If you plan on breast feeding, buy/request a nice, high-capacity water bottle and a case of protein bars. You'll need to be hydrated and have quick snacks within reach.

becausescience

@scoogy19 I'm in the same boat, not getting much more. I'll also get a second sound machine and new bottle nipples. (And a new pump via insurance.)

kiki75

Just register for a Sophie. Even if you think it is the stupidest thing you've ever seen. Otherwise you're going to get three. I told my friend this when she was doing hers. She didn't. She got three. 

https://www.target.com/p/sophie-la-girafe-teether/-/A-15286048?sid=2760S&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9031626&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5Jfd2OHs1gIViWt-Ch24vgMvEAQYASABEgKDw_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

heatherdubrow

@kiki75 both my girls were obsessed with Sophie! I don’t get it but they loved her!

runsoncoffee

@kiki75 that's so funny!! We didn't get a Sophie at all the first time around!

justkeeptrying

Here are my registry notes that I tell new parents to be:

Bumbos do not fit chubby thighs, look at the mamas and papas seat as they're easier to get kids in and out of. 

My personal opinion is not to register for clothes/blankets because people are going to get you what they think is cute so there's really no point. 

If you have the space in your home, register for a swing that swings both front to back and side to side because you don't know what your LO will prefer. Ours only went back and forth and DS would not stay in it, but when he tried one that went side to side he fell asleep instantly. 

Register for everything even if you think it's too expensive. You never know who is chipping in to buy you a group gift, and at least if they know what crib you're getting they can try to coordinate with colours you've chosen. 

The Avent breast pump SUCKS. Don't bother. I've only heard good things about Medela and personally loved mine. 

You do not need a $40 Baby Bjorn potty. Ikea sells them for like $8 and it's literally the same potty except better (my DS prefers it to our Bjorn). 

Try to have a good range of cost to your registry items. It's really frustrating for a guest when you go to buy and all that people have registered for is $70+ or $10- items when you have a $30 budget. 

These are just my personal suggestions. Take it or leave it

DDRRT1982

@vflux33 gave me a very detailed list that has environmentally conscientious products.  The list includes links.  When she is back safe, she would probably be more than happy to share it.  It's a nice jumping off point for those that are learning, like me.  

livingthedream-3

Breastfeeding: Nursing pads, nipple cream, breastmilk storage bags.

Blankets, both my kids used lots and still carry one around and one in their crib/bed. 

Bibs, seriously they aren't just for eating. drool/spit up happens a lot and we go through a ton of bibs, but don't get the velcro ones go button.

Even if you are a STM+ or not planning to have a shower do a registry so you can get the completion code 90 days prior to your due date. I am working on one that nobody knows about just so I can get the coupon. 

Gingermom15

scoogy19 said:

@kiki75 that's so funny!! We didn't get a Sophie at all the first time around!

We didn’t, either. I ended up getting a Mombella Ellie Elephant teether and he loved it. My nephew had a Sophie and it was so much harder to clean and sterilize (to me). The puppy is using the Mombella teether now, so we will be buying a new one and not the Sophie 

edit because typos 

fragglemom

Bandana bibs like the ones made by Matimati are the absolute best for absorbency, ease, and cuteness.  I never see them in big box stores and have to get them from Amazon.  My son drooled so much and had to wear them until he was over a year old.  Once I started using them I never used a regular bib again.

justkeeptrying

One note about bibs. I registered for like 20 because my nephew was a major spitter upper. 

DS drooled like one day of his life and rarely spit up. I have 20 brand new bibs sitting there because he never wore them...

day38

I'm a STM and have a private registry on Amazon I'm working on. I'll probably make it public at some point but not planning on handing out the link unless someone asks. Mine is mostly the stuff to make our stroller a double, furniture, some breastfeeding things (like freezer bags), 2nd camera for monitor, sound machine, night light, etc. I'm also adding a few long sleeve newborn outfits/onesies because DS was born in mid June and this baby is due in March. We didn't have much warm stuff for DS (that I would otherwise use) because we didn't have central AC back then so our house was pretty warm in the summer.

For 1st timers, one thing that was suggested to me was to also add things to your registry that you know you don't need immediately but will need later even if it's pricey. You never know if someone will want to buy it. We added a high chair and convertible car seat, and both got purchased.

Some must haves for 1st timers: safe sleep space & appropriate linens, stroller (with bassinet - we used the bassinet for sleep initially), car seat, monitor (we still use ours), if you're getting a convertible crib make sure you add the conversion parts (if sold separately) because by the time you convert the model you need could be discontinued, bottles & dishwasher basket for cleaning them/small parts, diapers, wipes, changing pad (I wouldn't get a specific table- you can put the pad on anything), towels for bathing, baby soap/shampoo, bathtub, diaper bag or backpack to fit necessities for when you leave the house, baby thermometer, nail clippers, infant tylenol, and saline nose drops/nose freida (or other nostril clearing implement).

I'd put a couple basic outfits on there, but people will buy it anyway regardless of on or off the registry. I got a million bibs, and my son wasn't a drooler so we barely used them.

Things we never used: bottle warmer (I exclusively pumped, so I did have to warm plenty of milk- I just used hot water), wipe warmer, bumbo or equivalent seat, I have a swing but my son was not a fan, we used boppy for baby positioning but it's not very good for breastfeeding a newborn (heard it's better when they're bigger), my son also hated the RNP, and PNP (I used it literally once for travel- but if you think baby will be napping somewhere outside of home or you have multiple floors it can be useful).

I actually have since purchased a pricey travel crib (we have the Bjorn but I heard really good things about the Guava as well) which I personally find a lot more useful than a PNP. 1) It's bigger (so can use it longer with a toddler) 2) it's MUCH easier to set up/fold up and 3) the surface seems a lot sturdier/more comfortable for sleep.

ashleyf911

FYI too that if you register on Amazon and follow their checklist and have $10 worth of stuff purchased from it (I registered for a book for my 2 year old and then bought it myself, haha) you can claim their Amazon Baby Box that has a ton of samples in it. I got mine today and it had:

3 samples of Draft

Gerber 3-6m onesie

Huggies diaper samples

Waterwipes pack

Bloom baby wipe sample

Seventh Generation laundry detergent pack

Avent breast pad day and night samples

Dove Baby tip to toe wash x2

Seventh Generation diapers 

Aquaphor sample

Avent 4oz bottle

Seventh Generation wipes

Seventh Generation coconut care lotion

Swaddle Designs hedgehog muslin swaddle blanket

muggle621

This thread is turning out to be so helpful, I can't thank everyone enough!! I definitely feel a little less overwhelmed in trying to finalize my registry. 

kiki75

muggle621 said:

This thread is turning out to be so helpful, I can't thank everyone enough!! I definitely feel a little less overwhelmed in trying to finalize my registry. 

Lolololol. Finalize. I haven't even started. 

Another thing my sister said is that if you do register for any clothes, zippered sleepers is where it's at 'cause you don't want to fiddle with snaps in the night.

pandababe94

I am glad I am not the only one almost done

pandababe94

No snaps for the sleepers is an amazing tip honestly! This is my first baby but after taking care of my nieces and nephews the last 5 years there will definantly be no snapped sleepers in our house. I can't imagine a 2am diaper change and trying to snap them back up bc I can't get them snapped properly on a good day with the babies not even kicking around. Another perfect example of why I am so glad my siblings had kids first because I have learned sooo much thru them. 

npkat

To add to the no snaps.. My sis said to get the sleepers that are open at the bottom. That way you just lift it up to change diaper and pull back down to feed. No snaps or even zippers.

Gingermom15

npkat said:

To add to the no snaps.. My sis said to get the sleepers that are open at the bottom. That way you just lift it up to change diaper and pull back down to feed. No snaps or even zippers.

Yes! My son lived in gown sleepers for the first few months. No zipper or snaps 

SoraLk

ashleyf911 said:

FYI too that if you register on Amazon and follow their checklist and have $10 worth of stuff purchased from it (I registered for a book for my 2 year old and then bought it myself, haha) you can claim their Amazon Baby Box that has a ton of samples in it. I got mine today and it had:

3 samples of Draft

Gerber 3-6m onesie

Huggies diaper samples

Waterwipes pack

Bloom baby wipe sample

Seventh Generation laundry detergent pack

Avent breast pad day and night samples

Dove Baby tip to toe wash x2

Seventh Generation diapers 

Aquaphor sample

Avent 4oz bottle

Seventh Generation wipes

Seventh Generation coconut care lotion

Swaddle Designs hedgehog muslin swaddle blanket

I got mine a couple weeks ago, and it was very similar to this. I didn't get any laundry detergent, or the onesie, but a couple different items instead. I believe I got some 7th generation dish soap, and prenatal vitamin sample - but I don't remember too well. I really recommend getting the Amazon box if possible, as well as the Target registry bag. (I'd skip the BabysRUs registry sample bag...it was literally like 3 items with no coupons).

gazelle319

Re: zippered sleepers, Target has ones that zip from the bottom up (Circo brand I think) that were much easier for us for middle of the night changes (kept baby warmer by not exposing the chest).

Re: STM purchases, ditto to what others have said, and I'm also looking to get a new and better diaper bag to hold both toddler and baby stuff. We have a skip hop one right now that's fine, but it's a bit deep and a bunch of stuff gets lost at the bottom. 

Re: Amazon box, if you add your spouse's Amazon account to the registry (we have two separate accounts under different emails though only use one account for most of our purchases) then they'll send you a second box to that account/address (even if it's the same address). At least they did for us when we did it with DS' registry, we're going to try it again to see if it still works. We also used the registry completion discount code to get bunch of non-baby stuff for the house and ourselves which was great. 

vflux33

Yes, as @DDRRT1982 said I have a low chemical list of products with explanations going... put a lot of effort into it, which will save you time if you share those concerns about chemicals. Don't want to post it here just because it is very long and may not interest everyone, but if anyone wants it just PM me and I'll get it to you when I can   

enigmaticjj

I used Lucies List for guidance/recommendations when creating a registry for my first, I found it very helpful. Plus the site is a great source of info/recommendations for other baby/toddler/parent related things. I found Amazon a great place to register (you can even add items from other stores/websites, plus there's a way people can mark an item as purchased if they ended up buying it from another place). I also registered with Babies R Us just for the sake of having a brick and mortar store, however Buy Buy Baby is also a good choice especially as you can use their Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons there as well.

Here are some items that worked very well for me/us:

• If you plan to breastfeed, I suggest staying away from lanolin for nipple cream/butter as it doesn't smooth on very easily (kind of pulls on your skin as you try to smooth it on). I really liked Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter (I bought it from Amazon). And it can be used for chapped/dry skin as well so I used it on my baby for that as well. I also like that brand of foaming body wash & shampoo (if you're looking to avoid parabens and sulfates).
• For nursing pads, I liked Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads. They fit and absorbed better than the other nursing pads I ended up collecting throughout pregnancy and shortly after from samples. I tried Bamboobies reusable nursing pads for a bit but they didn't stay in place so I ended up leaking (although I'm sure if you were set on reusable you'd make it work somehow).
• Diaper cream I like Sierra Sage Organics 100% Baby Balm. It has no color as you put it on and is like a balm as the name says. I do have to say though the daycare teachers never seemed to like it as they all preferred the kind that was a thick white cream, however I wanted to stay away from ingredients like lanolin and parabens, which a lot of the go-to creams seem to have. (I never gave parabens, etc a second thought until I started picking products to use on my baby, then I got sucked into the whole organic/natural sort of thing, and I know not everyone may care about those but if you do...) Our first born didn't really have a lot of issues with rashes, but if one popped up that stayed a day or more, we'd use Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment Advanced Skin Therapy Skin Protectant. It has petroleum which is suggested to avoid if you're into doing the natural/organic route, so we just use it as needed here and there for a persistent rash.
• Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail. I know some people just skip the diaper pail route and make a point of taking it to the trash outside, but we had good luck with this one. It doesn't smell, however the smell makes its way out while you have the top open.
• If you plan to breastfeed on the go, a travel nursing pillow is helpful. I used the Boppy Travel Pillow.
• Boppy Newborn Lounger was nice as far as having a place to set the baby (not a necessity, but nice to have). Probably more multipurpose though is the Boppy Nursing Pillow since that can be used for breastfeeding, tummy time and propping up the baby (although not really tummy time and propping up right away when they are so tiny/young).
• Nosefrida was useful as well when there was stuffy/runny nose.
• Our baby LOVED the Fisher Price Kick & Play Piano Gym. We got a lot of mileage out of it. Although of course all babies are different, so there's no telling really what you're baby is going to be a fan of.

Items we ended up not really using/needing:

• Burp cloths (she just wasn't a spitter upper)
• Baby socks (during summer months)
• Pacifiers (she had no interest, only wanted the real thing)
• Rock n Play (I know so many people rave about it, but she just didn't really care about it)
• Bouncer (she just didn't show much interest with it, but again, plenty of other babies love them)
• We never bought a swing, just for the sake of not getting her hooked on sleeping in it since they shouldn't sleep in that position for safety reasons (plus that's another piece of large-ish gear to find a place for, but again, lots of people find these invaluable)
• Glad we didn't spend A LOT of money on strollers just because when she was able to walk, she wanted out of the stroller. But definitely a must have for us when she wasn't walking yet.

runsoncoffee

Just thought of something re. burp cloths. If you or someone you know has a sewing machine... make your own!! Those were the best ones. My DS1 was a happy spitter and I'm not exaggerating when I say we used 8-10 burp cloths a day plus at least 5 bibs. Anyway... just buy terry cloth and flannel fabric and cut to the size you want and sew together. Or you can buy the Gerber cloth diapers and I have heard those also work great for burp cloths.

Gingermom15

scoogy19 said:

Just thought of something re. burp cloths. If you or someone you know has a sewing machine... make your own!! Those were the best ones. My DS1 was a happy spitter and I'm not exaggerating when I say we used 8-10 burp cloths a day plus at least 5 bibs. Anyway... just buy terry cloth and flannel fabric and cut to the size you want and sew together. Or you can buy the Gerber cloth diapers and I have heard those also work great for burp cloths.

DH grandmother made some for my son out of thrift store flannel shirts and they were the most absorbent of all of them

pregobeth

I love this thread! I just got most of my registry done. All the tips on here have been so helpful!

SoraLk

@gazelle319 Wow, just claimed a second box with my SO's account. Thanks for the tip!

mdfarmchick

The Gerber double cloth diapers are amazing for burp cloths and my MIL sewed a piece of cotton or flannel on the center section and that seemed to make them even more absorbent.