Am I the only one fearing the entire baby registry process? With all the baby showers I have been to, I have never bought a thing off someones registry (Horrible, I know) They scare the bejesus out of me.
Today at work I decided to lurk on some websites who offer baby registries, 5 pages of bottles and nipples? What the heck is the difference between a Sleeper and a Sleep N' Play? Boucers vs swings vs vibrating chairs????? I should have started this week 4. Help....
Re: Fear of the baby registry vent
breathe. don't let it overwhelm you. it's just a baby, they need a few things, the rest of the crap is just cute/handy/luxury. i started one with the hopes of getting the discount off of whatever is left.
i just went in and scanned the stuff i wanted. it's not that big of a deal, really.
Yep - I get it. And we are team green, so it seems even more confusing for some items.
We went into BRU and got started but kept it private. That way there isn't 'pressure' (which I know sounds stupid) of anyone peeking at the registry and making comments about what we have so far. I plan to use the private registry so far just to keep track of my thoughts sort of to get started, and use that as a springboard to look at other sites to compare reviews, ask my one and only friend who has a kid (he is 1 so it's still fresh in her memory!) and go from there.
Once I have a better feel for what's practical from my mom friend and online reviews, I'll finalize the official registry and make it public.
I know that sounds crazy, but I've already been overwhelmed more so by people saying, "Oh, you HAVE to one of those!" or "Well, back in MY day..." I'd rather at least have an idea of what the options are before weighing so many opinions.
We'll all make it! Worse case, exchange policies are in place, and there is always a Target or Wal-Mart to run to if needed.
I worked with infants for a number of years so have an advantage. I already know which bottles tend to leak and which ones are a PITA to clean, what swings work better then others, etc. So the registry wasn't hard for me.
That being said, start with the big stuff you know you will need. Crib, stroller, car seat. None of those need to be the most expensive either. Find ones you like the look and feel of then check the reviews. Then add some diapers. I prefer the Pampers Swaddlers so made so those got added so people know. Not going to turn down any diapers we are given but prefer them. Since we are doing cloth, I don't need too many disposables to didn't add too many to the registry.
Do you have a friend to help you or a sister? My bff had a baby in May and used me as a resource for what to get, what brands, etc. She has thanked me so many times because she still ended up with a couple of the brands of bottles that are a pain and is so glad she listened and got some other ones too. I'm sure if you don't have a IRLfriend that has already had a baby, some of the ladies on here would be glad to help.
Married: 1/2008 ~ DD#1: 3/2012
TTC #2: Started 4/2014 BFP 7/30/15 MC 8/3/15 BFP 9/4/2015 EDD 5/16/2016
There are some really good "baby checklists" out there that will help you narrow things down. I thought this link regarding registries was interesting: https://www.rookiemoms.com/shopping-registry/
We are starting the process today and have no idea what we are doing... BUT will use a similar checklist to make sure that we get the main things decided.
If you have questions on something you could always ask this board, too. Some items are a personal preference and/or not necessarily a necessity for every momma.
BFP: March 22, 2011 M/C: April 8, 2011 @ 7 weeks
BFP: June 29, 2011!!! Crossing my fingers for a sticky baby
LO Born early March 2012 We are so blessed