Overwhelmed by Babies R Us

mkanderson85 · February 2010

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?

LovedWifey · February 2010

My advice is go get baby bargains! It helped us SO much with registering. We are also first time parents! The book rates things and explains differences tells you whats needed and whats not needed. It only took us an hour and a half to register for just about everything!

TiaTia · February 2010

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 )

KKWISC · February 2010

Pack and play. Makes it great for traveling and many mom's use it when the baby is sleeping in mom and dad's room for the first few weeks.

Daisygirl613 · February 2010

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.

Violet_McPurpleson · February 2010

I've done a ton of research and pretty much know exactly what I want for the baby and I was super overwhelmed when I went to check out BRU. You can google registry lists to get an idea of what you need.

Monicagail1 · February 2010

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!

rynhales · February 2010

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

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

amandalea51107 · February 2010

I'm a first time mommy too but I asked a friend who just had her 2nd baby her opinion (I highly suggest this if you have anyone at all you can ask... even a friend of a friend. They have the best advice) But she said in addition to those things a pack n play or bassinet... something if you're not going to have the crib in your room and a swing. Apparently swings are magic

What about other things like bottles and other misc things like that?

LovedWifey · February 2010

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

mexicolombiana · February 2010

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.

sarahbear · February 2010

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.

emmavenus77 · February 2010

I'm in the same situation with first baby in family, no preggo friends etc. Buy the book Baby Bargains, it helps weed out the stuff you don't need.

Mrs.LM625 · February 2010

Thank you for asking this, I have been asking in bits and pieces but it helps so much to have a list in one post!

mexicolombiana · February 2010

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.

Lauryn216 · February 2010

Definitely doing research ahead of time helps. I did a post on registering on my blog, not sure if it will help you or not, but here it is

StephanieDM · February 2010

LovedWifey:
My advice is go get baby bargains! It helped us SO much with registering. We are also first time parents! The book rates things and explains differences tells you whats needed and whats not needed. It only took us an hour and a half to register for just about everything!

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

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