What are you registering for?

MrsMaryK2016 · July 2016

I searched but didn't see a post like this (but I'm mobile bumping so I may have missed it).

My SIL is on me to get my registry in order so she can print the invites to my shower. I've started it but I'm not 100% sure what to put in there. I've got the basics (car seat, stroller, bath tub, washcloths, bibs, comb, nail clippers, diaper pail, wipe warmer, etc.) but is there anything I'm not thinking of? Does anyone have a list? I don't want to register for too much or too little and I'd like to have the discount on what's not bought because I will need it.

In short, HELP!

kristah2 · July 2016

I think babies r us (and probably other places you can do registries on line) have a "mock list" of registry recommendations. Maybe start there? That's where I'm going!

lrg14 · July 2016

I also looked at friends registries if they were pregnant or recently had a baby. Lucie's list (website) was also very helpful.

ZoeFer · July 2016

As an FTM, i also found Lucie's list very useful. Also the chapter in what to expect for first year book has been helpful. But i am also confused about some items, for example do i need a rocker and a swing ? Why do you really need a bassinet or sonething similar while you have a crib

is it better to add the items that you ll need later , like high chair etc. ? How many small items should i include? We live in NY, should i include a snow suit or a coat , and is it better to get it 3-6months size ?
If some FTM s comment, that would be highly appreciated!!!

kristah2 · July 2016

I bought the book baby bargains and that was a huge help too! Tells you what is necessary and how many of each you need!

SandNStarsNJ · July 2016

ZoeFer said:

As an FTM, i also found Lucie's list very useful. Also the chapter in what to expect for first year book has been helpful. But i am also confused about some items, for example do i need a rocker and a swing ? Why do you really need a bassinet or sonething similar while you have a crib is it better to add the items that you ll need later , like high chair etc. ? How many small items should i include? We live in NY, should i include a snow suit or a coat , and is it better to get it 3-6months size ?
If some FTM s comment, that would be highly appreciated!!!

In my experience the rocker or swing is entirely a preference for you and the baby. Some babies can't stand one of the two motions (or in my DD's case, neither). And, again, entirely subjective, but we only used her crib so a bassinet wasn't necessary; if you plan on keeping the baby in your room for any amount of time, you might want to consider looking at one or an RNP. I would suggest concideeing a pack 'n play (PNP) if you're looking for any kind of flexibility in sleeping arrangements during the day, in different places, or have a large house.

I'd also add the high chair and other useful later on things (ie snow suit) because if no one purchases them you'll still be able to take advantage of the completion discount.

And one add on: I would also consider a car seat insert - fleece for winter, cotton for summer - because it helps keep the baby warm and snug. They are so tiny when you first put them in that car seat. Not to mention an actual car seat cover for the colder months.

Hope this helps!

MrsBigTime · July 2016

As far as snow suits go, we used the Carters bear suits in every size from NB - 6 months because my girl was a peanut and something about having a winter baby makes one absolutely paranoid of letting them get cold (at least I was!). I loved our snow suits!

ZoeFer · July 2016

Thank you ladies !!! @MrsBigTime yes i m already paranoid about the cold

all i think is now how to keep baby warm but worried of overheating at the same time. Our apartment temp is too unpredictable in winter, did you use sleep sack blankets for sleeping? Fleece does not sound too healthy to me but couldnt find any other option on amazon yet.
@SandNStarsNJ car seat insert looks very helpful ! Thank you for sleeping suggestions too

Cristin343 · July 2016

Not registering since I'm a 2nd time mom.
I found lucies list tremendously helpful. A swing takes ups ton of space, I would only invest in both if you have a split level house. You don't want to be lugging that thing (whatever you choose) up and down.
we did a MamaRoo and it was heaven-sent for us. The only way we could eat dinner.
I registered for the Arms Reach Mini cosleeper which worked great, but in hindsight, I wish we would've registered for a pack n play instead. After 3-4 months, baby outgrew the cosleeper and we are always traveling and really need a pack n play. Better long term investment IMO.
my list of Key Items:
swing or rocker (we love mamaroo)
bouncy chair/bouncer
car seats
stroller (unless you're buying, like I did--too expensive for us to ask of someone else!)
blankets
burp cloths (can NEVER have too many)
towels
diaper bag
diaper pail
change pad
crib
crib mattress
crib sheets
change pad covers

Lastly: a diaper raffle if you're having a shower is a fun optional idea. Just make sure the door prize is a good one. I didn't want to pressure anyone into buying a gift AND a box of diapers but it was optional and I did a really nice gift basket with wine and cheese, etc.
those diapers got us through about six months!!!

Cristin343 · July 2016

MrsBigTime said:

As far as snow suits go, we used the Carters bear suits in every size from NB - 6 months because my girl was a peanut and something about having a winter baby makes one absolutely paranoid of letting them get cold (at least I was!). I loved our snow suits!

Not to mention the bear ears!

yosemite2018 · July 2016

I also got the baby bargains book which was really helpful in narrowing down brands (strollers, car seats, monitors, etc). I emailed a lot of friends and asked what they liked for their kids. Even though my registry isn't at BRU I printed their online registry checklist. They have a list of things you need and also things that are good but not necessary.

Here are a few hints that people told me:
Swings/bouncers: probably don't need both, and some kids are picky. So while you can put this on your registry, make sure you can return it if the kid doesn't like it.

Bassinet: I had the Halo on my registry, but then someone suggested getting the pack and play with bassinet insert so that it has double use. One less thing to buy, and the pack n play will come in handy at my parent's house or if I need to bring the kid to work for a little while. Also, since the kid only sleeps in a bassinet for a few months (although some kids do go straight to the crib), if I decide I still want the halo I am just going to ask a friend to borrow it for 3 months.

Carriers: find a good one that is comfortable for you (try them on!), as it can be used a lot instead of a stroller or bouncer around the house. (You'll still need a stroller, but I've heard when doing a lot of things this makes it easier as your hands are free and it takes up less space)

Wipe warmers: I've heard that warming them between your hands is fine, and you don't really need a warmer. I've heard they can also catch fire. Also, I read that if you were out somewhere (i.e. the park) and didn't have a warmer, you don't want the kid to squirm because they aren't used to room temperature wipes.

I'm a FTM, so again, this is just what I've read or heard from other moms and can't personally vouch for any of this info. Good luck!

SandNStarsNJ · July 2016

On the wipe warmers... I never used them for my DD and don't plan on it for my DS for this reason: once you use warm wipes it will be increasingly more challenging to get them to adjust to less warm wipes, for instance when you're out. Wipes aren't exactly cold to begin with; I wouldn't stress on needing that.

SandNStarsNJ · July 2016

And this was fantastic as far as car seat covers:

Image: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41uBjeBOIiL.jpg

comealongponds · July 2016

ZoeFer said:

*snip*
@SandNStarsNJ car seat insert looks very helpful ! Thank you for sleeping suggestions too

Just make sure the insert you buy is approved to be used with your particular car seat. Many after-market inserts are not tested with all seats and may void your warranty or be considered unsafe with your seat. You can read more here

camcbeth · July 2016

Advice I got that was helpful:
Car seat bases. One thing we did with the rear facing car seat is invested in several of the bases. With DD we lived close to family who took care of her a lot, so we purchased 3 extra bases. One for my car, hubby's, my Mom's, and the In-law's. It was a great investment and saved time from installing the base every time we jumped into a different car. Once you pick the car seat you can buy the base separately from the company.

Used car seats: We almost took a hand me down car seat, but we were warned they have expiration dates on the bottom of them. We were thankful for the warning because the car seat had expired.

PNP: If you register for a PNP and get several at the shower then "gift" one to a relative whom you might spend a lot of time with. While we LOVE our PNP, they are heavy. We've flown with it and have taken it everywhere. It was nice when we had it at the grandparents because it was one less thing to lug around.

Bottle Nipples: This one is embarrassing, we didn't know the nipples have numbers on them for the size of the flow. The initial bottle nipples are for newborns but as babies get older we didn't realize you needed to switch them to higher numbers so the liquid can come out faster.

fiscally3 · July 2016

I highly recommend a thing called "my little seat". It turns a regular chair into a high chair, machine washable, and fits in a pouch. I amazed how many restaurants only have 3 high chairs, and you're the 4th baby, it's also helped in times when the only table was bar height, visiting friends with no kids, restaurants with only broken straps on the highchair, and on vacations when we ate in the room/rental. I literally thought it would be useless when I got it.

MrsBigTime · July 2016

ZoeFer said:

Thank you ladies !!! @MrsBigTime yes i m already paranoid about the cold all i think is now how to keep baby warm but worried of overheating at the same time. Our apartment temp is too unpredictable in winter, did you use sleep sack blankets for sleeping? Fleece does not sound too healthy to me but couldnt find any other option on amazon

I am a swaddler (it's the nurse in me!) and I always double swaddled my daughter, so she was always toasty. For really cold nights, I'd put one a onesie and pair of pajamas and then swaddle in muslin blanket and then a swaddle me on top of that. She slept super snugly and I never had issues with her being cold. We did put a hat on her in the very beginning because, again, paranoia. I never got into the sleep sacks, but that's also because we swaddled until 10+ months and then she was so mobile she didn't like the sacks - they probably would have helped her stay in her crib longer though! We transitioned to a toddler bed at 18 months because she was climbing out. Stinker!

m6agua · July 2016

comealongponds said:

ZoeFer said:

*snip*
@SandNStarsNJ car seat insert looks very helpful ! Thank you for sleeping suggestions too

Just make sure the insert you buy is approved to be used with your particular car seat. Many after-market inserts are not tested with all seats and may void your warranty or be considered unsafe with your seat. You can read more here

This! Also a lot of hospitals will not let you leave with the additional inserts in the carseat unless they came with it.

On the topic of snowsuits. I believe it is not recommended to have them on while the baby is riding in the carseat. The extra bulk is not tested with the seats. I plan on just layering come clothes and having a Cozy Cover.

I am a FTM but have friends that had babies recently. I registered for a variety of things. High chair, car seats (infant & all in one) and extra base, jogging stroller, lightweight stroller, PNP, monitor, and safety gates for big items. By no means do I expect everything to be purchase, I plan on getting whatever is left with my completion discounts or as needed. Also excited for black friday sales. As for the smaller items, bottles & accessories, PNP sheets, white onsies (long sleeve, sleeveless, and regular in appropriate sizes), bath items & accessories, diaper bag, sippy cups & bowls & spoons, nooks, bibs, boppy & cover, hangers, books, walker toy, teethers, socks, car mirror, nail clippers, brush , thermometers, changing pad covers, A+A swaddles, play mat, wet dry bag, breast pads and milk storage bags.

You don't really need to register for clothes/blankets because people like to buy that stuff anyway and will buy what they think is cute.

I also have been hitting up a lot of rummage sales and VarageSale to get things at great deals. So far I have gotten all of the furniture (except a rocker/recliner), a mattress, swing/bouncer combo, velcro swaddles, some clothes, Cozy Cover, all of the bedding set. I think there is more I just cannot think of it.

shevaCC · July 2016

camcbeth said:

Advice I got that was helpful:
Car seat bases. One thing we did with the rear facing car seat is invested in several of the bases. With DD we lived close to family who took care of her a lot, so we purchased 3 extra bases. One for my car, hubby's, my Mom's, and the In-law's. It was a great investment and saved time from installing the base every time we jumped into a different car. Once you pick the car seat you can buy the base separately from the company.

*snip*

Bottle Nipples: This one is embarrassing, we didn't know the nipples have numbers on them for the size of the flow. The initial bottle nipples are for newborns but as babies get older we didn't realize you needed to switch them to higher numbers so the liquid can come out faster.

It's also possible (and pretty easy) to install infant car seats without the base. Another thing to consider if your baby only occasionally rides with others.

And bottle nipple sizes are only relevant for formula. Breastfed babies should be kept on level 1 nipples since it better imitates the flow of the breast. Even with they're nearly a year old.

MrsMaryK2016 · July 2016

I posted and ghosted over the weekend. Sorry, I was busy!

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I think I've gotten it all figured out. Just didn't want to seem gift-grabby but at the same time have things in different price points and be able to get the completion discount. It seems to be a fine-line I'll just have to figure out. Thank you!

comealongponds · July 2016

shevaCC said:

camcbeth said:

Advice I got that was helpful:
Car seat bases. One thing we did with the rear facing car seat is invested in several of the bases. With DD we lived close to family who took care of her a lot, so we purchased 3 extra bases. One for my car, hubby's, my Mom's, and the In-law's. It was a great investment and saved time from installing the base every time we jumped into a different car. Once you pick the car seat you can buy the base separately from the company.

*snip*

Bottle Nipples: This one is embarrassing, we didn't know the nipples have numbers on them for the size of the flow. The initial bottle nipples are for newborns but as babies get older we didn't realize you needed to switch them to higher numbers so the liquid can come out faster.

It's also possible (and pretty easy) to install infant car seats without the base. Another thing to consider if your baby only occasionally rides with others.

And bottle nipple sizes are only relevant for formula. Breastfed babies should be kept on level 1 nipples since it better imitates the flow of the breast. Even with they're nearly a year old.

I didn't know that! Thanks, @shevaCC! My goal is to EBF these two at least a year but I'm sure I'll want/have to leave them with bottles of pumped milk (or pawn off a late night feed to DH).

fiscally3 · July 2016

@MrsMaryK2016 a lot of baby stuff is pretty inexpensive, and I don't think you can put too much on your registry, some people will get you what they think you need regardless of what's on your registry. Plus if you have too little it can feel awkward choosing from, especially for people who haven't had a baby yet or older folks who haven't had a baby in awhile. Plus I like to know things like nursery colors/themes, so if I go off registry, its not something mismatched (like if in budget, I like to get people some sort of container/basket, because I found the ones I got at my shower so useful for holding diapers, toys, books) or if someone wants to make you a blanket or something.

erinlin25 · July 2016

I'm A FTM and just did my registries this weekend. I was feeling very "gift grabby" with the amount of things I put on there but friends and family all assured me its better to have options. It is not a requirement to get everything you registered for and at the end of it all, whatever is left that you really want you can buy at a discount. I figured with a November baby, there will be black Friday sales and Christmas right around the corner too to continue gift ideas off the registry for things that will be not needed right away. I put some clothes on the registry simply so I could buy them at discount if they were not bought and places like amazon, you get your welcome gift once an item is bought off the registry so I picked one of the outfits to buy now to get my welcome box.

I found a good checklist on pinterest that was helpful, and friends who already have kids gave me a lot of recommendations to make it easier.

fiscally3 · July 2016

And you can always add things after your shower just for the discount. Its not like the sites know when your showers are.

camcbeth · July 2016

@shevaCC My sister is a firefighter and did our install check. She was the one who gave advice on the car seat base. While you can do the seatbelt strap only, she didn't recommend it for everyday travel. Plus I didn't like how the strap went over the baby and I felt safer with the base, seemed more secure. Everyone's situtation is different and I thought it would help people who have or plan to have extended family drive little ones around often.

Also, I had no idea about the breastfeeding nipple advice. Thanks for the insight. I breastfed and DD got frustrated with the bottle when she got older. A friend suggested the nipple size change. When we changed the nipple sizes and she was much happier. Who knew. Every kiddo is different.

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