I agree. I know there are big things we need and I know we'll research those a lot, but all the smaller things - like do we want a bumbo? Do we want a swing? A bouncy seat? A baby carrier? *sigh.
My advice: start small. You just don't need half the stuff people put on their registries! Start by researching the must-haves (carseat, someplace for the baby to sleep, receiving blankets, burp cloths, pump + bottles if you will need them, etc) and put those on. You can add other stuff later. I worked on my registry for months before it went public, and I only had about 15 items on it. It IS super-overwhelming, but that is because the baby industry makes us think that if we don't have an organic ducky towel our baby is going to die of hypothermia ... Babies don't really need much.
Do you know where you want to register? I started with amazon since the majority of my friends/family prefer to shop online and some of the prices for things I wanted were better...
The nice thing with registering on amazon is that you can look up what people have been registering for in your region, which can give you some ideas.
I need to add more stuff to mine but like you both said, it's overwhelming.
I agree. I bought Baby Bargains and printed out the list from Bump & Consumer Reports. DH & I will go through and see what we think we'll need based on what our friends suggest and our own opinions.
From there I'm sort of at a loss. I guess we'll just find out what we really need when LO gets here. I'm sure we'll register for things we won't use and we'll pass on things we'll end up needing.
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I got this thing in the mail that has some tips for baby registries. It was interesting and things I hadn't really thought about... I'll share it if that's okay...
It's called "6 Registry Tips Most Moms Overlook"
1) Buy nursery furniture yourself instead of putting it on your registry. Why? Because items like cribs and changing tables can take 3-4 weeks to be delivered, and will require assembly. So you probably don't want to wait and wonder whether someone will pick them off your wish list. (I think my ILs are coming out here and buying our furniture so I kind of lucked out on this one... But I can see how registry stalking can help ease the stress of this one)
2) Register for diapers and wipes. Ok, so they're not as fun as clothes or toys, but you'll go through these baby basics quickly in the first few months. Having a big stash on hand will be incredibly helpful. Trust us! (Most people buy these for a baby shower anyway IMO... at least that's what I have noticed. I have a friend who makes a "diaper cake" for every baby shower she goes to)
3) Hold off on the adorable outfits and register instead for layette basics (like bodysuits and pj's). You'll get plenty of cute clothes as gifts, but in the first several weeks, you'll only want easy-on-easy-off pieces for quick dressing and diaper changes. Another tip: Look for clothes that don't have to be pulled over baby's head. (My sister was so sad when she didn't get very many items like this with her LO. Personally, I know I won't think something is ugly if I keep to these basic items. I'm picky haha)
4) Add baby detergent to your list. You'll be doing lots (and lots and lots) of laundry once the little one arrives, so register for baby detergent, which is gentler on sensitive newborn skin. Bonus: Having a stockpile of this stuff means you won't have to lug those detergent bottles home from the store with baby in tow. (something I had NEVER thought of until I got this)
5) Think twice about stocking up on bottles, nipples, and pacifiers. Some babies are picky about what kind they like, so you're better off experimenting with a variety before settling on one brand.
6) When choosing bibs for your wish list, consider this: Go with snaps instead of velcro. The reason" velcro can scratch baby's delicate skin, get tangled up in the wash, and startle babu when you rip it apart. (Also something I had never thought of..)
You might already know all of this but I thought it was interesting and useful for me at least.
I married a ginger.
m/c 12/25/09 (5w5d) mm/c D&C 4/9/10 (11w1d) Take home baby 2/22/11 My boobies belong to cour10e
Do you have another mommy to go with you? When I registered my sister was great. She is pregnant and when she registered she said it took her FOUR hours! When we went together she helped out, checked off my list, told me her recommendations. It only took us about two hours. I love DH but if he would have come with me and I'd ask his opinion he'd tell me "whatever you want to do baby." lol
6) When choosing bibs for your wish list, consider this: Go with snaps instead of velcro. The reason" velcro can scratch baby's delicate skin, get tangled up in the wash, and startle babu when you rip it apart. (Also something I had never thought of..)
THIS! I have snap pliers so I ended up converting our bibs from velcro to snaps when I noticed the back of DD's neck getting all raw. Poor baby.
I've been messing with it too and I'm completely overwhelmed, I have no idea what to register for. I guess I really just want to know what I'm actually gonna need, that's what I'll register for and the stuff I want I'll buy!
Warning
No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
Re: I don't even know how to start my registry
Do you know where you want to register? I started with amazon since the majority of my friends/family prefer to shop online and some of the prices for things I wanted were better...
The nice thing with registering on amazon is that you can look up what people have been registering for in your region, which can give you some ideas.
I need to add more stuff to mine but like you both said, it's overwhelming.
BFP/Labor/Everything Buddy: Papetvet/Erpetdoc
I agree. I bought Baby Bargains and printed out the list from Bump & Consumer Reports. DH & I will go through and see what we think we'll need based on what our friends suggest and our own opinions.
From there I'm sort of at a loss. I guess we'll just find out what we really need when LO gets here. I'm sure we'll register for things we won't use and we'll pass on things we'll end up needing.
I got this thing in the mail that has some tips for baby registries. It was interesting and things I hadn't really thought about... I'll share it if that's okay...
It's called "6 Registry Tips Most Moms Overlook"
1) Buy nursery furniture yourself instead of putting it on your registry. Why? Because items like cribs and changing tables can take 3-4 weeks to be delivered, and will require assembly. So you probably don't want to wait and wonder whether someone will pick them off your wish list. (I think my ILs are coming out here and buying our furniture so I kind of lucked out on this one... But I can see how registry stalking can help ease the stress of this one)
2) Register for diapers and wipes. Ok, so they're not as fun as clothes or toys, but you'll go through these baby basics quickly in the first few months. Having a big stash on hand will be incredibly helpful. Trust us! (Most people buy these for a baby shower anyway IMO... at least that's what I have noticed. I have a friend who makes a "diaper cake" for every baby shower she goes to)
3) Hold off on the adorable outfits and register instead for layette basics (like bodysuits and pj's). You'll get plenty of cute clothes as gifts, but in the first several weeks, you'll only want easy-on-easy-off pieces for quick dressing and diaper changes. Another tip: Look for clothes that don't have to be pulled over baby's head. (My sister was so sad when she didn't get very many items like this with her LO. Personally, I know I won't think something is ugly if I keep to these basic items. I'm picky haha)
4) Add baby detergent to your list. You'll be doing lots (and lots and lots) of laundry once the little one arrives, so register for baby detergent, which is gentler on sensitive newborn skin. Bonus: Having a stockpile of this stuff means you won't have to lug those detergent bottles home from the store with baby in tow. (something I had NEVER thought of until I got this)
5) Think twice about stocking up on bottles, nipples, and pacifiers. Some babies are picky about what kind they like, so you're better off experimenting with a variety before settling on one brand.
6) When choosing bibs for your wish list, consider this: Go with snaps instead of velcro. The reason" velcro can scratch baby's delicate skin, get tangled up in the wash, and startle babu when you rip it apart. (Also something I had never thought of..)
You might already know all of this but I thought it was interesting and useful for me at least.
m/c 12/25/09 (5w5d) mm/c D&C 4/9/10 (11w1d) Take home baby 2/22/11
My boobies belong to cour10e
Do you have another mommy to go with you? When I registered my sister was great. She is pregnant and when she registered she said it took her FOUR hours! When we went together she helped out, checked off my list, told me her recommendations. It only took us about two hours. I love DH but if he would have come with me and I'd ask his opinion he'd tell me "whatever you want to do baby." lol
THIS! I have snap pliers so I ended up converting our bibs from velcro to snaps when I noticed the back of DD's neck getting all raw. Poor baby.
vflipo, that's great info, i'm bookmarking this post!
I don't have any currently pregnant friends, sigh.
Labor Buddy to Blowfish11
Dangit. I wish you were *HERE*.
I'd totally go shopping with you.
Maybe we could make a phone date? You, me, and a Target Registry gun. . .
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I TOTALLY wish you lived close, that would be so much fun. I may just have to take you up on a phone date.
Labor Buddy to Blowfish11
m/c 12/25/09 (5w5d) mm/c D&C 4/9/10 (11w1d) Take home baby 2/22/11
My boobies belong to cour10e
I've been messing with it too and I'm completely overwhelmed, I have no idea what to register for. I guess I really just want to know what I'm actually gonna need, that's what I'll register for and the stuff I want I'll buy!
My Blog