Dreading the Registry

SA0012 · July 2014

This is our first and can get excited about the little easy stuff. But the idea of creating a registry just seems really daunting right now. Mostly because of the big stuff.

I understand how important these decisions are for safety, function and finances. And I just feel like I will want to read every review of every option out there. For one thing at a time that doesn't seem so bad. But that needs to be done for soooooo many important things. How do you not get overwhelmed? How do you even start?

ellasmama18 · July 2014

Ask a few close friends for recommendations and go from there.

SA0012 · July 2014

@ladyamanuet - That was my excuse too! But we just found out on Sunday so now I feel like I should at least start researching. Blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah :-S

Beauxbaton · July 2014

I read reviews on car seats and cribs. Everything else I just picked a reputable brand or something that I liked. Just cause you put it on a registry doesn't mean you can't change your mind later and change it. So just keep that in mind.

LooneyLife · July 2014

To start with, I've gone through the Baby Bargains book, section by section. After I read the section I go online and register for whatever I just read about using their reviews. After that, I'll check out Lucie's List. Finally, I'll probably just go back to add "filler" items.

TXUltraRunner · July 2014

I've just been working on it one item at a time and it's less overwhelming. I got all the "big stuff" out of the way and now I just add stuff I like. I'm using Amazon.

MichaelSC28 · July 2014

Ugh haven't even started myself...but i know that my baby showers will be here sooner than I think! I am just procrastinating...I mean I have till like October till anyone will really even have details...right.

I will say one of BFs said she will go with me she has two and knows what to get and what to forget. lol!

Good luck!

readyforround2 · July 2014

ladyamanuet said:

I feel the same way, so I haven't started. I keep using the excuse that we don't 100% know the sex yet and that's why!

Yep! My husband has taken over the safety and review research. He's mainly been focusing on car seats right now. We went into Babies R Us yesterday because it was in the same plaza as Petsmart and I had a small panic attack in the stroller section. My husband thought it was hilarious...

Beauxbaton · July 2014

I remember getting a piece of advice from my otger BMB. At some places when you get the registry fulfilment coupon, everything you buy HAS to be on the registry for the coupon to be used. So when you go to use it go to the registry counter and tell them you want to update your registry and as you pick up things to buy put it on the registry.

lars1226 · July 2014

Lucie's List is great as PP said, it's broken down in manageable sections with really helpful reviews. I have been stalking that site waiting for the double stroller gear guide to come out, July is almost over lady!! I also had my sister look at my registry to make suggestions.

kayham12 · July 2014

I remember registering for my wedding and being overwhelmed. To be honest most of the stuff I use the most wasn't on my registry. I'm thinking similar things will happen this time. My MIL is insisting in buying the crib and keeps asking if I have found one. I have started looking at cribs but when the nearest store that sells baby items is 80 miles away I don't have a lot of time to go look especially with school about to start. I'm overwhelmed by it to we shall see.

MusicFanatic · July 2014

I read a crap load of reviews for the bigger things I chose (carseat, stroller, etc) and then actually went to the store to look at those. Babies r us was nice because I could actually push the strollers ad test things out- that's how I narrowed down the list. Asked friends recommendations for a few things, more reviews, etc. It was overwhelming at first but was easier when I tested and looked at the stuff in person.

JoaPata · July 2014

So DH and I divide the registry up into sections to make it less daunting. We started 4 weeks ago and said we would go to the store every two weekends and do two sections each trip. If you are doing on-line you can just add online. I use the two weeks in between for research on those sections. So Health/Safety is one section and Diapering is another. We did those two..then moved on to Bathing and Car Seats. It makes it more manageable for me because I am extremely overwhelmed with the amount of items. I also ask friends for recommendations and look at Baby Bargins and Consumer Reports.

Beauxbaton · July 2014

So, I have an honest question. For those that find the registry so stressful, why is that? I'm really curious about it. Is it just the thought of picking out the big items, or the thought of someone else judging what you put on it? Or is it something else entirely?

MusicFanatic · July 2014

CuppyCakes721 said:

So, I have an honest question. For those that find the registry so stressful, why is that? I'm really curious about it. Is it just the thought of picking out the big items, or the thought of someone else judging what you put on it? Or is it something else entirely?

More like overwhelming. NOTHING to do with people judging choices. More like.. there's 7,000 products. 100 car seats to choose from, 100 cribs, 300 strollers, etc.

Beauxbaton · July 2014

@MusicFanatic‌ I can see that. I'd stay away from Buy Buy Baby then. That store was overwhelming when I went a week ago and I already have a baby. That store is insane. We registered at target and BRU last time. Pretty slim pickings really.

nmrd · July 2014

LooneyLife said:

To start with, I've gone through the Baby Bargains book, section by section. After I read the section I go online and register for whatever I just read about using their reviews. After that, I'll check out Lucie's List. Finally, I'll probably just go back to add "filler" items.

I found that Lucie's List helped enormously in terms of figuring out some of the basics. I was super overwhelmed before reading that.

ETA: Also, maybe just work on one thing at a time when you feel up to it. Since there's no particular rush, you could just work on strollers some afternoon, bottles on another, etc.

Beauxbaton · July 2014

FWIW I picked a brand then chose the things that I thought looked good. The infant carrier, crib, playpen, and swing are all graco. The only thing I don't like is the straps on his infant seat wouldn't stay tight. But I didn't see that anywhere in the amazon reviews. So I really need to call them to see if there I'd a way to fix that so I can reuse it for this LO. His stroller is a Bob. My husband wanted it, if not we would have gone with a travel system.

MusicFanatic · July 2014

CuppyCakes721 said:

@MusicFanatic‌ I can see that. I'd stay away from Buy Buy Baby then. That store was overwhelming when I went a week ago and I already have a baby. That store is insane. We registered at target and BRU last time. Pretty slim pickings really.

I'm registered at BRU

I even thought that was overwhelming. But it was actually easier when I went to the store after choosing some products based on reviews, I was able to knock a lot out by seeing them in person and testing them.

kilayla13 · July 2014

Apparently my boyfriend has tons of experience.... he is super smart and takes care of me completely. With smarts comes a lack in common sense and quick decisions so in times of stress I'm there to back him up. So we work off each other. I ask around. I ask my friends with kids and family and it's a long list of help. Plus all the people's ideas on this site and on the Web in general. This is my boyfriend and my first kid and I feel like I'm doing....ok

I've done and few registries but my boyfriend really wants to know the gender before we do nursery themes and clothes and the baby shower itself.

KJsbabe · July 2014

Just take one thing at a time. Maybe focus on car seats this week and strollers the next. You don't have to decide on everything by tomorrow. You have lots and lots of time before you need to have everything nailed down.

I found Lucieslist really helpful. Everything is broken down section by section and it's all really straight forward.

When looking at car seats, think about your car and what will fit. When looking at strollers, think about where you're going to use it (mall, park, sidewalks, etc). When looking at furniture, think about how big your nursery is and how much stuff you'll want to put in there (crib, rocking chair, dresser, changing table, bookshelf, toy box, etc).

JoaPata · July 2014

CuppyCakes721 said:

So, I have an honest question. For those that find the registry so stressful, why is that? I'm really curious about it. Is it just the thought of picking out the big items, or the thought of someone else judging what you put on it? Or is it something else entirely?

Just too many options for me of items I know nothing about. I am a FTM and I literally walked in the store and had no idea what to do. I know it sounds silly. I got a lot of anxiety just with options and had no idea what I actually needed vs. the lists with tons of items provided to you. I am definitely better now with dividing it up and doing one thing at a time and asking girlfriends about what you actually need.

Stargirlb · July 2014

Amazon is the easiest place to do a registry because of all the reviews in one spot. Much easier to comparison shop than anywhere else.

ECATX · July 2014

LooneyLife said:

To start with, I've gone through the Baby Bargains book, section by section. After I read the section I go online and register for whatever I just read about using their reviews. After that, I'll check out Lucie's List. Finally, I'll probably just go back to add "filler" items.

This was exactly what I did when I was pregnant with DD and it really worked out well! I had no idea what I was doing, and it really helped. I checked out strollers and car seats in person, but I did everything else online. I felt like it was less overwhelming. Good luck!

ECATX · July 2014

CuppyCakes721 said:

So, I have an honest question. For those that find the registry so stressful, why is that? I'm really curious about it. Is it just the thought of picking out the big items, or the thought of someone else judging what you put on it? Or is it something else entirely?

I found it really stressful with DD. There were just so many options, and I didn't know what was really essential and what wasn't. There are so many items, so many choices...for someone who isn't super decisive, it can be overwhelming.

9513 · July 2014

We're taking it one big item at a time. Yesterday was car seats (and strollers that they attach to).

I have the online subscription to Consumer Reports and would be willing to screen shot their ratings on car seats if anyone would like it. Just let me know! We've used that, combined with recommendations from Car Seats For The Littles and online reviews. We have officially decided on the Chicco KeyFit 30.

amiej1227 · July 2014

Question, if you don't plan to have a shower is a registry still relevant?

Or should I look at it more of a list as I'm ready to buy I know what I need/want?

lars1226 · July 2014

@amiej1227 it's definitely a good way to keep track of things you like/want. And most stores offer a registry completion discount after your due date which is nice.

steelerfanva · July 2014

So glad I am not alone! I melted down in the stroller section yesterday and DH just made me leave. I think we tried to do too much. I just feel so overwhelmed and am afraid that we will make the wrong choice. Definitely going to check out Lucie's list and try and restore my sanity!

ECATX · July 2014

amiej1227 said:

Question, if you don't plan to have a shower is a registry still relevant? Or should I look at it more of a list as I'm ready to buy I know what I need/want?

I think so! I'm doing one again this time, even though I know we won't be having a shower. If nothing else, it's a nice way to stay organized!

MarxieVonTrapp · July 2014

We registered at BBB, and had a great experience. The employees were highly knowledgeable about all the different things and were able to answer our questions. I've gone to BRU from time to time, and really don't like it--I've found that their employees know very little (including where to find things in the store, or what something basic is), and usually wind up frustrated and walking out.

When we registered, I called my older sister (mother to 3) to ask her for help. She was great, and I've answered a bunch of registry-related questions for friends who are also overwhelmed.

LaStella25 · July 2014

I registered at Target. It's still private, but it's complete. I'm not sure when I should make it public, my shower will be the end of October.

You get a 15% off coupon six weeks before baby arrives at Target. It's good for a full day of shopping in the store AND online. From what I understand, the items do not have to be on your list.

I read a ton of Amazon reviews and watched Youtube videos. I know other girls who are preggo, so I took a peek at their lists. I would have loved to have an Amazon registry, but I figured it would be a nightmare if I got doubles or triples of items that I would have to ship back. Target is easy and they are everywhere. My friends have had a ton of problems at BRU, so I just stuck with Target.

AggieMom0809 · July 2014

It's not worth the stress. Even some of the best rated items fail to be safe. Go with what you want or has features you think fit your lifestyle. I was lucky enough to have a ton of hand me downs. The registry was more items I wanted to make life easier.

You are not committed to getting all the items on the registry. You can register for the high priced stroller in hopes of someone buying it for you, but may end up buying an inexpensive umbrella stroller.

Shortstack06 · July 2014

I actually started mine early (like at 8 weeks), but I just slowly keep adding to it. One night I would research car seats, the next night strollers, the next travel systems. I also went to the store to see which I liked better in person. We aren't finding out the sex, so everything I did was neutral anyway. It honestly was fun for me but Target also has categories under Baby, so you could do a different category a week.

robsbabygirl08 · July 2014

I went to a baby shower a few weeks ago and she didn't register any where. She got a lot of gift cards and some small baby essentials. She was able to pick out all her own stuff at her own pace.

AggieMom0809 · July 2014

If I went to a baby shower and they didn't register, I'd be getting them something I would have needed/wanted and tried to get it in a style to match what I know they like. I'm not a fan of giving gift cards. It shows a lack of thought for what the person may want/need. It's much easier on friends and family if you let them know through your registry what you want. Otherwise you can end up with a lot of items that you don't like and can't be returned.

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