Registry Help!

MrsJOSEnADRI

I started a registry over the weekend at BBB.  I only checked out a few items in person and I do plan to go back.  I've been mostly adding things online and it's been a bit overwhelming.  I'm following the BBB Registry Checklist:  https://www.buybuybaby.com/regchecklist.asp? But, it seems like there are sooooo many items.  I eliminated some after reading posts on the Nurseries and Baby Gear Board.  But, it still seems like a lot and on top of that I keep researching every single item and reading the reviews trying to find the best one.  So, at this rate, I'll never finish and I feel like it's not as much fun as I thought it would be.  Most of my friends/relatives can't really help b/c it's either been a while since they had kids or they're first-time mommies, too.

Is there a website/blog you used to help you create your registry?

Did you do so mostly online or in person?

Should I just go in person and use a personal shopper to assist me at BBB (I think they mentioned that they offered this service)?  They did seem really knowledgeable.   

ReiszsPieces

Don't worry about it so much.  You can't research EVERYTHING, or you'll drive yourself insane.  Maybe take a girlfriend with you that recently had a baby and she can give you suggestions (but your baby will be different from hers anyway, so it's just a little extra moral support).  Really, the things they sell at BBB and other stores wouldn't be sold if they were dangerous, obviously if something is recalled, they'll pull it from the shelf.  You're not doing yourself or your child a disservice to just pick out something cute rather than something you've researched for hours on end.  Maybe research the big stuff (stroller, car seat, etc) if it makes you feel better, but a bathtub is a bathtub.  Go look at everything in the store, where you can feel how heavy things are, how quality or cheap they feel, see what color exactly they are, and then just pick one.  And then forget about it, don't keep changing your mind... instead go sit by the pool and have a virgin pina colada and eat some bonbons.  Lol.  Just relax.  It'll work out fine.

VandRicky

Have  you read the Baby Bargains book yet? Helped me ALOT!

Also, I wouldn't go with a personal shopper unless that person has recently had a baby or two (because you find out quickly with two how one thing works for one but doesn't work for the other). The people that work at those stores are knowledgable one what sells usually, not what works.

Also, don't be afraid to ask around, even us. I am no expert by any means but maybe I've tried something you considered buying and can tell why I wouldn't buy it again (like for example, if you are getting a swing I would get one that plugs into the wall so you are not frantically looking for D batteries in the middle of the night because your child only seems to sleep in the swing). I am sure other moms on here have great advice too.

Read reviews on Amazon too.

oh and register in store rather than online because what they carry online is usually not the same as what they carry in stores.

Mrs.HisOnly

I basically asked around here what things were necessities. I also asked my mommy friends what items they used the most. I didn't really register for a lot of "extras" just things I definitely needed. I added a few items that I didn't NEED toward the end just to give people some extra stuff to choose from. Thankfully, we got pretty much everything we needed minus a couple of small things. The 3 big things we had left, 2 of them (car seat & PnP) we were able to buy with the gift cards we received. So it worked out well! The last thing I have left is the breast pump and I'll be picking that up soon with a coupon.

If you want you can look at mine and see what I put in there. I used the Baby Bargains book when I registered. I took it with me and then did the majoity in the store. I never had any clothes on there but added some things last that I might need /want so that when hey send me the completion coupon I can refer back to it, so diregard that stuff

 

StephE623

I second reading Baby Bargains! Great book and it really helps make the registry manageable. I did my registry online because I had a bad experience with my wedding registry and vowed to do all my future registries online. The only time I went to check my registry in-store was to see what items where on there that were either discontinued or not carried in the store.

mjz

I started my registry a few weeks ago (I'm a planner!), and I was just as overwhelmed as you are. It passed, though, the more I got done. I think you're on the right track. I registered online at BRU. Their registry checklist was helpful and I read lots of reviews. Does BBB have an online feature that lists the top registry items? I found that helpful for a few items. Of course, just because something is listed as a "top registry item" doesn't automatically make it the best option for us, but it was a nice start to read what people really think about the function of the item. Oh, and Baby Bargains has been great for the bigger-ticket items like car seats and strollers.

MrsJOSEnADRI

I was going to get Baby Bargains, but a friend said she didn't use it that much.  So, I was just going by online reviews.   But, I'll have to look into it, again.  I guess it is overwhelming for all first-time moms, so I'm just going to take it easy and, hopefully, it will get easier the more we narrow things down.  It's nice having options, but too many can be overwhelming.