The great big Baby Registry thread!!!

stothi

What should you include? What should you skip? Suggestions, links, all the things! Let's talk about this

stothi

Skip: wipe warmer

Limit: clothes and blankets

Include: toddler/older infant items such as the highchair and basic child proofing safety stuff like outlet plugs and cabinet locks.

starla

I need this thread so badly!!!! I was planning on starting to add stuff to our registry this weekend. 

nackie

Agreed about limiting clothes and blankets. Most people like to pick out clothes on their own, but if you register for them they feel like they can only pick those ones. I think we got more clothes as a result of not registering for any because people went to the store and just bought everything they saw that was cute. And if your friends/family are anything like mine you’ll get a ton of homemade blankets and never use the store bought ones. 

JLyn821

Don’t hold fast to the lists that are provided for you from the stores/websites. They have an insane amount of stuff on the checklists that are completely unnecessary. 

Keep in in mind that all you REALLY need for the baby are clothes, diapers, food, a place for baby to sleep, car seat. Literally everything else is a bonus. 

Keep in mind that every car seat and crib has to meet the same safety requirements. The most expensive car seat doesn’t mean it’s magically safer than one that is half the price. 

stothi

So this one is a personal pet peeve rant, and ultimately you do you, but according to my world veiws I do request that you do NOT add anything to the baby registry that isn't specifically for the baby or mom as it relates to caring for baby. So like a nursing tank and a breast pump aren't directly for the baby, but they are in that it facilitates breastfeeding which is for the baby, so totally do put those on the registry.
I mean don't include things like camping gear, booze, guest bedroom furniture, new laundry baskets for the master bedroom, manicures for Mom (awesome, like so awesome if someone gets this for you, but don't ask for it,) stereo equipment- unless it's a small CD player specifically for the baby's room, ect. The baby registry is for getting what baby needs. Not fun stuff for the rest of the house. 

Now, side note, most places like Target and Amazon and wherever else, you get a completion coupon/discount to buy things on your registry. You can add absolutely anything to your registry and use the discount on those things. BUT, please wait until AFTER the baby shower to add all the extra stuff so no one thinks you are actually asking them to buy you a new foosball table.

nlc8424

Definitely limit clothes, you'll get plenty! If you know your MIL or your mom often takes tags off of gifts, kindly request they keep them on everything and give you the receipt. 

Love our bandana bibs, great for catching drool! Also really like silicone/wipeable bibs since they're so much easier to clean after meals and don't require stain remover and/or a washing machine.

I'd include a humidifier, nightlight and white noise machine. These all have been helpful for us. 

Consider the nosefrida. Gross in theory but works really well!

A small set of bottles regardless of whether or not you plan on breastfeeding. And small because you may not know which bottle baby will like best. Also handy is a bottle drying rack so it doesn't clog up your drying dishes in the regular rack.

I'd recommend a manual pump along with double electric since sometimes a manual can help just take the edge off. I have a medela one, but have heard great things about the haaka or an all in one that relies on suction and doesn't have multiple parts.

*autocorrect fail 

jhjocelyn

Baby bargain book!! Haha I think I’ve mentioned it once or twice... 

I absolutely LOVE our magnetic cabinet locks,
no pinching fingers, ugly brackets in view, the one downfall is it is tricky for anyone not familiar with them to figure out. 

I was an anomaly and got almost no clothes at all. I suspect because in the blurb space I mentioned loving non-pink girly clothes most? Maybe no one knew what that meant? Thankfully we were given a ton of handmedowns, for the first 12 months. I’m hoping to be as fortunate again because I didn't keep anything from dd. 

For those with big gardens or go visiting a lot, I had a kidco go-pod and the summer infant portable playyard that I loved using so dd could be near me while I weeded but also able to play and entertain herself. One downfall is they aren’t super easy to clean. 

I did add a crosswave vac/mop to my new registry, but I a) don’t intend to share the registru anyways, and b) having a cfer in the home means cleaning is super important, amd if the new one also has cf, I’m gonna need an easier way to keep up. 

starla

@stothi What. Do people actually do that?! That's ridiculous!

nlc8424

I apologize in advance for the multiple posts but I'm doing this as I think of it.

I liked the swaddleme and halo swaddles for newborn age. I also still use a muslin sleep sack for DS and it's great for a light layer so he doesn't overheat.

I think I've mentioned this once upon a time but I really loved using the My brest friend nursing pillow. It provides a lot of support and is adjustable which I really liked. My back, shoulders and neck were super sore for quite a while, and while the boppy is ok, it sits on your lap and doesn't stay in place very well.

nackie

starla said:

@stothi What. Do people actually do that?! That's ridiculous!

We put all kinds of crazy stuff on our amazon registry for the completion discount, but I added them like the day before I planned to buy them. I’ve seen registries that had all kinds off stuff obviously for mom and dad when I was looking for something for the baby shower though. I definitely side eye that and would never buy it. 

stothi

starla said:

@stothi What. Do people actually do that?! That's ridiculous!

They do. I'm one who loves baby showers, sprinkles, trickles, floods, whatever and will attend a baby celebration for a first, third, or twelfth and bring all the gifts. I don't even care what you call the baby celebration party! I'm on board for cake and gifts and celebrating babies!
Unless you put booze and camping gear on your registry. Then I'm not coming and I'm not sending a gift. I don't think it's cute or funny.
I do think it's totally fine to gift a mom and dad to be with a bottle or wine or their favorite booze for celebrating after the baby is born, but that's a thing that should just be done between good friends/family and not a thing put on the baby registry that is asking for help getting what you need for your baby.

knitknitread

Another great thing to add are those Gerber cloth diapers. They make EXCELLENT burp cloths. 

Ditto on limiting clothes and blankets. Maybe consider adding things in non-newborn sizes?

The Nose Frida is incredible.

Maybe throw in a couple of extra jersey sheets?

The Fisher Price Kick and Play was also a huge hit for multiple babies in DD's bmb.

Definitely have a mix of more expensive and less expensive items. People like to go in together on bigger items.

jumpy57

Baby carrier, stroller, sippy cups, play mat, different bottle types, yes to manual pump! Toddler forks, diaper bag, car organizer, sheets for bed and changing pad, car seat, lotion/creams, pack and play (we didn't really use the extra attachments), 

We got a ton of blankets, pacifiers, clothes, and little toy things so you don't really need to register for them

Unfortunately most people shy away from giving breastfeeding gear unless they recently had a baby

Our favorite gifts came from recent parents that gave us their random favorite baby things with little note descriptions

If there will be multiple baby showers reorganize your registry between each one and add things if you need to fill it out and bit

jhjocelyn

Oh yes to gerber cloth diapers for burp clothes!! We decorated them at my sisinlaw’s shower as an activity to make them more fun. I plan to dye/tye-dye all dd’s old ones for this one. Dd takes a nasty multi vitamin that stains everything bright orange. 

nackie

Also, skip the actual burp clothes. They’re way to small to be useful and you’ll end up covered in spit up if you try. 

MandyMost

I didn’t register for anything for after the infant stage with my daughter...I learned so much about the types of products I loved/hated those first 6-12 months, I don’t think I would have like the stuff I thought I would like. We also didn’t have a lot of storage space at the time!  Just something to consider.

i suggest registering for at least a few things that show the theme(s) you like: nautical, jungle animals, farm animals, woodland animals, sports, etc. It’ll really help people who want to buy stuff off-registry get something you like!

if you’re having more than one shower, I highly recommend making one a “book shower” and one a “clothes shower”, for example, and don’t have a registry for those. 

smsaulino

Loving this thread!! Since we live in a bigger city, I have discovered the sell pages on Facebook. I have found the swing, playmat and other gear from my registry at less than 1/4 of the price in great condition. We haven't actually purchased the stuff yet, just know where I'll get it. We plan on getting the crib, mattress, car seat and carrier new. 

stothi

@nackie my son was such a puker than we used a flannel receiving blanket folded in half as a burp cloth for a while. 

ashh2018

I’m so happy you started this thread. I am so overwhelmed. I just gave my coworker a Visa gift card for her shower bc I literally freak out any time I look at Buy Buy Baby (where she was registered) or any other baby store. 

Wishilivedinflorida

Loved:
Rock n play (with auto rock)
Gerber cloth diapers for burp cloths
Butt paste
Dohm sound machine
Vicks cool mist humidifier with insert for Vick’s pads
Arms Reach Cosleeper
Skip Hop whale bathtub
Boogie wipes
Halo swaddles and sleepsacks (DS wears the early Walker kind now)
manual breast pump
Lansinoh cooling pads for nipple soreness
Soothie pacifiers while little and Nuk pacifiers for later
frame stroller for infant seat

Useless for me:

Nosefrieda (plain bulb suction works better IMO)
PNP with changing table top that flips to infant insert—it didn’t hold up well—I preferred the plain PNP
sleepers with snaps—just stick with zippers!

be_love

Wondering your thoughts on requesting gift cards for our shower? We live in a 1 bedroom plus den(baby's room) condo and are limited to space. We both have big families and know they are going to spoil us but we would rather save money for purchasing items when needed. We really don't have the room for lots of toys, extra clothes, etc. just the necessities. Trying my best to live a minimalist lifestyle here. Also at our party I dislike the idea of sitting down for a long period of time opening gift after gift all eyes on me awkwardness, I would rather have a fun mix and mingle co-ed together with family and friends and have a box ready for cards and gift cards. This is doable right? Thanks for listening

nlc8424

@be_love I also felt the same way about awkwardly opening a ton of gifts in front of people. I would have preferred more gift cards and I personally wouldn't judge that and would gladly get a new mom one. Also I would ask for receipts for everything so you can return whatever you don't want/need.

be_love

@nlc8424 thanks for your response. Yes, requesting receipts is a great idea. We will have to think of a nice way to word our specifics on the invitation.

nackie

I think most registries also give you the option of requesting gift cards so people see that as an option when they view the registry 

jhjocelyn

@be_love if it helps, whenever I plan a shower I try to time opening gifts to happen while the guests are having food or cake. It helps break up the all-eyes-watching feelingf. Just don’t pass gifts around as the may get spilled on. 

be_love

@nackie that is wonderful news! I haven't started any registries yet so I will keep my eyes peeled for gift card options, my cup of tea! 

@jhjocelyn great idea for timing gift opening with eating. I will consider that for sure. For now I'm leaning towards spreading the word that we will be opening the gifts on our own the following day, like you'd do after a wedding. That way we have more time to spend with our guests.

Wishilivedinflorida

@be_love No offense, but I’d be super pissed if I went to a shower and the guest of honor didn’t open my gift after I spent the time to pick something out for them. Also, I think it is poor etiquette to request gift cards or receipts on an invite. The purpose of a shower is to shower the Mom-to-be with gifts, well wishes, etc. You can subtly suggest gift cards on your registries and hope for receipts. I think most people include receipts out of courtesy, anyway. But asking for certain things, telling people how to spend their money, and not opening gifts is a no-no in my book. Is about your guests giving things to you. Take whatever you get and be gracious. If you can’t return a gift and definitely won’t use it, then pass it along to someone who will or sell it on consignment. 

I hope this didnt come off too harsh, but I don’t want your guests to think you are being rude. I get where you are coming from, but there are certain things you can’t avoid. (Like 8 million homemade blankets!) 

southernlady07

@be_love @nlc8424 One of my best friends HATES opening gifts in front of people, so her baby shower hosts asked guests to bring their gifts unwrapped. They were set out all around the room so people could walk around and look at them while having more time to socialize versus sitting and watching gift opening. It worked great and didn’t make her uncomfortable. 

@Wishilivedinflorida Are you planning to use the Rock and Play again this time around? I loved ours with my DD and recently bought the automatic one for #2. However, I’ve seen some articles recently that are swaying me to use a regular bassinet instead due to safety concerns...would love to hear your thoughts! 

mrsman2018

Loved:
White noise machine 
Humidifier 
Boogie Wipes
Cloths and receiving blankets
Chair/swing
Highchair 
Nose Frida
Play mat for tummy time
Diaper Genie and refills
Whale tub

Not so much:
Bumbo
Swaddlers (DD never likes to be swaddled)

At our shower we did not get many clothes at all or dipes, so we bought those ourselves. We did get a million blankets ... 
And we got lots of lotions and bath stuff which I did not like because DD had sensitive skin and we could not use them. 

mrsman2018

southernlady07 I hate opening gifts in front of everyone too, so stressful! At my shower, I was sweating the whole time and it was not cause I was pregnant in August. 

jumpy57

I do think specifically asking for receipts is off-putting. Most people included them and if not store credit is still a good option. I think putting a gift card option on a registry is fine.

The unwrapped gifts is a neat idea. If it helps, most people only half pay attention during gift opening and really just want to see you open their gift. You can open some before food then more after if there will be a lot.

Redpuma119

What are the best places to register?
STMs, when did you start it?

jumpy57

I loved babylist because you can pull from any website, it was the only registry I set up last time

stothi

I would be sad if my gift wasn't opened at the baby shower (or any other gift giving celebration other than a wedding.) It makes me feel like either my gift  was meaningless to you or that all you wanted from me was some free stuff. I also would be offended if I was asked specifically for just gft cards/money cause again that feels like you just want my money. You can absolutely register for gift cards and then very few other items, but then it's up to the gift giver to decide what to give you. I think it's very important to remember that a gift is just that- a gift. You get what you get. I think being asked for unwrapped gifts would also hurt my feelings cause it goes back to making me feel like you just want as much loot as quickly as possible without having to do any work. I usually don't make statements like this and hope it isn't too harsh, but if opening gifts that people spent their time, energy and money on picking out just for you because they love you, makes you uncomfortable- suck it up. It's really a small price to pay to show that same love and attention back to the gift giver. Please don't forget a lot of the exchange about giving and receiving a gift is about showing love, support and affection and not just about the actual gift. Like others have and will say, if you get a gift you don't like or can't use, say thank you, appreciate the thought and effort of the gift giver and then return it or donate it. 

Eta: obviously this is just my personal opinion and only you actually know you and your family/crowd/personal customs. So if I said something and you are reading thinking, "but that's how we do stuff around here!!!" Obviously what you and your people do and find acceptable/correct trumps the opinions of a random internet stranger. Ultimately, you do you, but here's my two cents on the subject of anyone cares about my personal opinion.

Would it be ok if baby shower ideas/etiquette could be moved to a baby shower specific thread? I think a lot of people have a lot of feels about the how's and where's and what's and why's of baby showers. I know I kind of brought it up myself earlier, but moving forward could we try to keep this thread focused on baby products and the registry? I'm not trying to micromanage and if you all still want to mix in baby shower convo then by all means, do so! I just think a separate baby shower thread could be valuable for those would like to talk more about the shower it's self vs focusing on the registry and baby gear.

mrsman2018

Redpuma119  I registered at BRU and Buy Buy Baby. I started the registry when I found out I was expected. I used it as a checklist too. As I saw things come on sale, I bought them and I could keep track of what I bought. 

mrsman2018

And yeah, I went to a shower before where they did not open the gifts and I was disappointed. 

jaylii

@jhjocelyn I bought the baby bargains book and am finding it so useful!

STM - where/in what did your baby sleep the first few months? I need ideas. 

I'm a FTM but I'd encourage you guys to think about the weight of items like bucket car seats and strollers. I'm 2.5 years post a serious back injury that resulted in two herniated discs so this is on my mind. One thing I learned from my physical therapists is how easy it is for anyone to injure their back, so be careful.

With weight as a consideration, I've selected a Graco car seat which weighs 8lbs, by far the lightest of the selection. As someone else mentioned, car seats are safety tested, so a Graco is just as safe as more expensive options.  Also have settled on the Baby Jogger City Mini GT stroller (20lbs). 

Edited because an emoji on mobile erased half my post!

nlc8424

I will say that although I did not feel comfortable opening gifts in front of guests for an extended period of time I did do that during cake/food. And like others said, a lot of people weren't really paying attention all that much. I think maybe my husband showed up at some point and helped open gifts too to speed up the process a bit. 

knitknitread

This isn't so much a registry rec as a "baby supplies in general" rec.

If you can sew or if a family member sews (and they don't mind sewing for you), my aunt made these great receiving blankets. She made a 42" square with a narrow hem, so nothing too complicated. It sounds huge but they were great for swaddling. They also got used for car seat blankets, snugglies, and just a spot to lay her on the floor.

I want to say she used cotton flannel?

be_love

Wishilivedinflorida said:

@be_love No offense, but I’d be super pissed if I went to a shower and the guest of honor didn’t open my gift after I spent the time to pick something out for them. Also, I think it is poor etiquette to request gift cards or receipts on an invite. The purpose of a shower is to shower the Mom-to-be with gifts, well wishes, etc. You can subtly suggest gift cards on your registries and hope for receipts. I think most people include receipts out of courtesy, anyway. But asking for certain things, telling people how to spend their money, and not opening gifts is a no-no in my book. Is about your guests giving things to you. Take whatever you get and be gracious. If you can’t return a gift and definitely won’t use it, then pass it along to someone who will or sell it on consignment. 

I hope this didnt come off too harsh, but I don’t want your guests to think you are being rude. I get where you are coming from, but there are certain things you can’t avoid. (Like 8 million homemade blankets!) 

All good @Wishilivedinflorida I totally see your point but this party is not a traditional shower, we aren't even calling it a shower, name TBD. My guest all know me well and I am comfortable letting them know ahead of time about our registry and our request for gift cards doesn't have to be subtle as you register for what you need. This is a first time big party for my partner and I as we aren't married and we look forward to spending an evening with family and friends in celebration of our growing love. There will be plenty of time for expressing our gratitude at the party and in our thank you cards.