DH and I went to Babies R Us today to start looking for things that we will be needing and be registering for. There is way too much stuff there. I have no idea what I need and what is not necessary. I don't understand the difference from one stroller to the next. I will be a first time mom and this is the first baby in the whole family. I have NO clue and the lists that I'm finding online are not helping much...so much stuff seems unneccesary and like a waste of money.
What are the absolute ESSENTIALS that are needed?
My mom said: stroller, car seat, crib with mattress and bedding. Would you add anything else?
Re: Overwhelmed by Babies R Us
Thr BRU catalog and website have a "list" that pretty much breaks down the store into categories and subcategories.
I'm a little type A so I took that list and put it into an Excel sheet. I left out teh things we didn;t feel we would need. Anything taht I knew the specific brand for, I wrote that in.
I think we're going to tackle registering in 2 stages.
We'll go next week for the gender neutral stuff (feeding supplies, gear etc).
And after we find out teh gender we'll go back to finish it up.
My head would spin if I had to do it one shot
)
i agree...the first trip to get ready to register is overwhelming. i ended up doing most of mine online w/ help from my local bumpies, friends and Baby Bargains book.
I think you need to add a lot to your list IMO... there are so many things for babies that people wouldn't say are ESSENTIAL, but they really are life savers. For Example...love my boppy.
And if you're creating a registry, it's so others can buy stuff for you...give them lots of options.
pic by http://www.southernportraitanddesign.com/
I feel your pain. After my first BRU visit I told my husband you need a passport to shop there!
Seriously though, I highly recommend (as will a ton of others on the Bump) the book Baby Bargains. It gives you a good checklist of essential items, and also rating on just about every baby related product imaginable. I know it has helped me tremendously in navigating baby world!
Marriage: 12.18.04
DD1: 5.19.10
DD2: 4.11.12
here is an email I sent to a friend of mine. It is a list of things that were essential to me.
take what you want from it.
email:
Now these are things that were essential for me but everyone and every baby is different.

https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2404626

Used this everytime for nursing https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3247649&moduleName=Brand+Name+Secondary
used this ALL the time at the beginning for changing diapers on the main level fo the house https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3402604 and then it is great for when they get bigger.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the swing. She took all naps in it until she was 8 months https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3090973 (she was too small at first, started using it around a month or so)
I didn't get the bath with the hammock and it is a very nice tool! Wish I would of https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3553504
I loved this thing but it SUCKS, unless you screw it to the wall it falls off the first day.
This was the greatest thing EVER! We called it her "friends". I NEVER put her to bed asleep. I would lay her down and turn this on and she would watch it and laugh and fall asleep. Even as a wee itty bitty one. https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2455073
She LIVED in this until she could sit up, it is how I got a shower everyday! Highly Reccomend! https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2508008
Great for chapped cheeks! https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2267618
The first night home will be the WORST! The babe is realizing they don't dig their new surronding and if you are nursing they will be VERY gassy because they are not getting the milk yet. Ryan and I sat upstairs with a screaming baby for 3 hours trying to figure out what was wrong. You could hear the gas in her tummy and I remembered I had this https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2435248 gave it to her and she was much better almost instantly. Also take their legs and run them around their tummy or rub your hands with pressure clockwise on their tummy to help with the gas.
These are not recommended and I got one and hated it. It smothers the babies face! https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2541398 I got the one with the hole cut out. one like this but it has flap to come down https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2302941
A bounce rseat
Possibly a swing
Receiving blankets
Onesies
Bottles
Battub
Diaper Bag
High Chair
Safety items for around the house
First aid kit (nail clipper, thermometer etc)
Monitor
Changing pad & cover
Yup I'm with amandalea, you should ask a friend if you can.
This is what I did and how I failed pretty miserably at my registry:
1. I went into the store at BRUs w/my DH and was overwhelmed with amount of stuff and got a high from scanning items with the magic scanner. I thought I was doing a good job too.
2. Then I came home and viewed my registry online. Like 75% of the stuff I scanned said "not available" or something goofy and had NO corresponding picture or price!!! So it was worthless, I basically had to re-do the list.
3. Then I thought I had a done a marvelous job of picking items and I emailed the registry link to my wise friend (mother of a 10 month old). She emailed me back with amazing suggestions and very good advice and I ended up RE-doing the list again.
I'm only 17 weeks and I have spent over 8 hours on the registry. And now I keep getting emails from BRUs saying some items will be discontinued so I will have to re-do it again closer to baby shower time. UGH.
http://balletandbabies.blogspot.com
https://blogs.consumerreports.org/baby/2009/02/newborn-necessities-save-money-and-buy-just-the-basics.html
Consumer reports article at above link. My SIL had her baby last year and said this was pretty spot on...read the comments to for further advice re: the list they provide.
Sorry but in my rant somewhere above, I realized I didn't name any essential items. So I know I'm just a lowly 1st time mom, but my experienced friend helped too, here's what I have:
1. Boppy Bare Naked with Slipcover - Sweet Pea
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2584005&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=770253
2. Fisher-Price Newborn Rock & Play Sleeper
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3739296&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=539018
3. Graco Luv N' Hug Swing - Nouvelle
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3091005&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=48163
4. Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2508003&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=582209
5. Koala Baby 8 Pack of Washcloths - Frog
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3070535&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=36603
6. Cookie Monster Puppet Towel
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3311020&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=186092
7. Tommee Tippee 3-Pack Closer to Nature Bottle 9oz
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3918819&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=419327
8. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Newborn Starter Set
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3918816&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=419301
9. Graco MetroLite Travel System Stroller - Utopia
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3420748&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=206012
10. Pampers 84Ct Swaddlers Diaper Value Box - Newborn
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3499853&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=550172
11. Hotslings Pouch Style Carrier - Shabby Chic (Size 3)
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3776831&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=342517
12. Moby Wrap Baby Carrier -Moss
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3577553&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=182250
13. JJ Cole System Diaper Bag - Cocoa Clover
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3472401&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=471049
14. Safety 1st Playard Plus - Clemson
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3504341&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=630522
15. The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn-to-Toddler Tub
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2403667&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=525637
16. Crane Cool Mist Humidifier - Drop Shape
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3214733&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=141571
17. Philips AVENT BPA Free Translucent Pacifier - 0-3 Months
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3371299&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=207665
18. Lansinoh Ultra Soft Nursing Pads - 36 Count
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2793488&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=70632
19. Seal N Go Breast Milk Storage Bags - 45 Count
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2324375&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=309084
20. The First Years Spin and Store Drying Rack
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2747237&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=794012
21. Medela Breastmilk Freezing and Storage Set
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2815289&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=333692
22. Peanut Shell Nursing Cover - Vanilla Bean
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3121385&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=31077
23. The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Healthcare & Grooming Kit
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2448217&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=603508
24. California Baby Calming Gift Set
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3678848&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=33076
25. Lansinoh Brand Lanolin Topical Breast Cream - 2oz.
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2668339&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=69828
26. Organic Cotton Multi Use Pad
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2404217&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=469553
27, Tadpoles Set of 2 Organic Portacrib Fitted Sheets - Natural
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3732281&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=650865
28. Nursery-To-Go Mocha 10 Piece Crib Bedding Set
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3073528&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=48621
29. Eddie Bauer Bassinet - Newport Collection
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3537220&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=872183
30. Halo Fleece SleepSack & Swaddle Blanket - Ecru: Newborn
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2409033&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=556634
31. Halo Organic Sleepsack Cotton: Natural (Small)
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2543615&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=102655
32. BreathableBaby Breathable Safer Bumper - Fits Slatted Cribs - White
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266849&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=88132
33. Pampers Baby Fresh Tub of Wipes - 77 Count
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3537348&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=546523
34. Safety 1st Baby On Board Car Magnet
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3505891&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=214091
35. The First Years American Red Cross Infant to Toddler Oral Care Set
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3052926&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=599527
36. Little Tummys Gas Relief Drops - 1 oz.
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2404507&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=148485
37. Especially For Baby Disposable Diaper Bags - 250 count
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3011096&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=963898
38. Fisher-Price Baby's First Blocks
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2501235&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=782766
39.Desitin - 16 oz. Jar
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2396637&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=403164
40. Pampers Thick Scented Wipes - 420Ct
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3559112&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=137779
41.California Baby Calming Shampoo & Body Wash - 17.5 oz.
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3398669&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=79939
42. The First Years American Red Cross First Aid Kit
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2667190&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=685825
43.Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2402051&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=575221
44.Summer Infant SwaddleMe Fleece Adjustable Infant Wrap - Green Leaf (Small)
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3726452&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=275177
45.JJ Cole Original Bundle Me - Graphite
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266846&fromRegistryNumber=44844931&product_skn=833706
So it's still a work in progress and yes I know many of these are not essentials but I'll be adding/deleting much more later on.
http://balletandbabies.blogspot.com
Yes! I second this.
Baby Bargains seriously saved my sanity. I'm also a first time mom and I would be losing my marbles if it weren't for that book! It gives you a great break down of everything and helps you avoid brands/products that won't hold up well. I mean, who wants to get a stroller only to find out a few months later that its a piece of junk and you have to buy a new one?
I've been reading Baby Bargains all the time and taking it with me when I go shopping for anything baby related. I can't say enough great things about that book! Get yourself a copy, you will not be disappointed.
https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Bargains-8th-Furniture-Maternity/dp/1889392332/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266268916&sr=8-1