What to register for?

SoSweetTea1124 · June 2013

OK, I am a first time mom and I have been trolling the baby registry sites for the last 14 weeks just looking at all of the things we are going to need to get for our LO. Being that I have no experience can those of you that do have experience give me some advice on what is worth registering for (aside from the obvious crib, changing table, tub, etc...) and what is a complete waste of money and space?

There is so much crap out there it's hard to tell what is actually necessary and what is being put on the market just to get people like me to buy them i.e. baby wipe warmer, bottle warmer, deoderizing diaper genies...????

fluttergirlmoonchild79 · June 2013

This is the way I did it the first time around. I'm a huge list maker so bear with me.

First I made a list of - like you said - the obvious stuff (crib, car seat, changing table, stroller).

Then I looked at lists that are online (the Bump has one and there's others out there, you can google.)

I added things to my list that seemed logical from the lists they had and ignored the things I figured were silly.

The best thing to do is ask friends or relatives that have little ones what they recommend and don't. This helped me so much. Every one has told me the wipe warmer is a major waste. Babies hate their butts being wiped whether it's cold or warm. I swore by my bottle warmer. I like my diaper genie but I don't necessarily think it's necessary. Friends and relatives will also be able to give you an idea on how many of things you should have (like burp cloths, receiving blankets etc.)

If you are a big researcher (my DH is insane when it comes to this) then to not get overwhelmed - I would suggest deciding to work on 1 thing every day (Day 1 cribs, day 2 changing tables, day 3 strollers etc.)

rbtrumpet · June 2013

Do you have any friends who already have kids?

I have had two friends offer to go registry-shopping with me, so they can point out what was really useful, and what was unneeded/unused. Maybe you can find someone willing to go with you?

fitmama418 · June 2013

Not sure where you're registering, but Babies R Us has a great "checklist" tool that helps you figure out what you should register for (and how many) and what would be "nice to have." I like that they do it this way with "must haves" and "suggested items" as it keeps me from going crazy.

Good luck and HAVE FUN! You're starting nice and early so you've got plenty of time to add, delete, research, etc.

TexanArrington · June 2013

I found a great website via Pinterest. It's at www.lucieslist.com. She has done research on what works, what doesn't and what is a complete waste of money. If you sign up for her mailing list you get a weekly update on products and a registry cheat sheet. I love this website! It's amazing!!

fitmama418 · June 2013

GOBLU1274:
BRU also have staff that will walk around with you while you are registering to help you out. I have an appointment the day after my a/s with one of their registry staff. I spoke with you her in length a few weeks back so I feel comfortable with her help. She has 3 children so she has the experience.

Wow that's really awesome that they do that! I'll have to call ahead to our BRU to see if they can do the same with DH and I.

10-4LilBuddy · June 2013

I bought the book Baby Bargains that had lots of helpful advice. I had tons of recommendations from friends to use the book. It really helped me make some decisions on what we need and what models to get. There are lots of reviews of each category and it feels like a Consumer Reports of the different items.

CaitS07 · June 2013

TexanArrington:
I found a great website via Pinterest. It's at www.lucieslist.com. She has done research on what works, what doesn't and what is a complete waste of money. If you sign up for her mailing list you get a weekly update on products and a registry cheat sheet. I love this website! It's amazing!!

This. Her cheat sheet has become my bible. Plus, I like the emails I get every week or so with new information.

tjheld · June 2013

This is a great questions! Thank you for posting this as I will be "watching" what responses you get!!

amandasvids · June 2013

I am going to chime in here and say that I am also aboard the Lucie's List train! The whole website is chalked full of great info for FTMs.

DebateThis · June 2013

Ditto PP's comment re: Lucie's List. It's very thorough and generally awesome.

Also, I've skipped a changing table. A $15 changing pad on the top of the baby's dresser will work just fine.

https://babyli.st/baby-registry-checklist I like this checklist because it takes into account what YOU think you'll use, not what the stores are trying to sell you.

dobrydney · June 2013

CaitS07:
TexanArrington:
I found a great website via Pinterest. It's at www.lucieslist.com. She has done research on what works, what doesn't and what is a complete waste of money. If you sign up for her mailing list you get a weekly update on products and a registry cheat sheet. I love this website! It's amazing!!
This. Her cheat sheet has become my bible. Plus, I like the emails I get every week or so with new information.

Agreed! I'm also a FTM but she does stuff with some humor and gives realistic suggestions on things. My biggest worry is other people (or myself) wasting $$$ on things that I don't want or need and this helps remove that variable.

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