Registry stuff

Taylor72 · December 2016

I searched our board and didn't see that this had been started so figured why not. As a FTM I started my registry at 12 weeks so we could add things as we thought of them or after we did the research. I have found that people have already found our registry and actually purchased some things off of it (I assume for xmas presents) so with that being said...who else has one done? who has questions? what was your MUST have and what was something that you totally skipped?

I will say, if you are an amazon prime member, it totally pays to set one up on there and even add things that you would normally buy (batteries, tissues, TP, etc) because you get 15% off and a welcome box full of goodies!

*Edited because quick fingers make for typos

SnarkasaurusRex · December 2016

I was just thinking that I should start a registry thread this week!

I put everything that we knew we were going to need for baby on our registries (we did one at BRU and one on Amazon). A lot of people get caught up in thinking that the registry is just a wishlist for people to buy you gifts from, but you should really use it as a checklist for what YOU need. People will be able to shop from the registry in their price range, so don't feel bad to put that $600 rocking chair on there! Most registries will give you a "reward" as a percentage of the total amount of things that are bought off of your registry (BRU gives you 10% back...we wound up with a $250 reward from that alone!) and/or a "completion discount" to purchase the remaining things from your registry as you approach your due date. STM+ mommas, you should definitely register, too! I made registries for baby girl at Target and on Amazon because I know I'll need the diapers and I love completion discounts.

A good tip that I got when we were doing our registry was to actually go to the store and look at the stuff. If it's a big ticket item (ie, a stroller) and you want to do more research, scan ALL of the ones that you are interested in, do the research at home, and delete the extras later. It made the actual shopping trip much less stressful (DH is an obsessive researcher, and he fully would have spent 8 hours at BRU researching everything on his phone if I'd let him!).

I'd also avoid registering for baby clothes...if you're having a shower you'll get TONS of outfits...I don't think DH and I have NEEDED to buy a single outfit for DS (I mean, I still do, because they're cute, but he's got plenty of clothes). Registering for specific outfits makes some people feel "trapped" when that's usually an area they're allowed to get creative in. Plus, I wanted to see what other people liked.

Our must haves were the stroller/car seat/travel system and diapers + wipes (seriously, wait until close to your due date and use all those coupons!!). We are pretty minimalist on the baby stuff, so most of what we got were the essentials.

catem07 · December 2016

I started my registry really early and kept it private. Now that my shower invitations went out it's public. I also believe in using it as your own checklist. People can buy what they want, and it helps me remember which X thing I want. My registry is on Amazon, but you have to register for shit in a ridiculous number of categories in order to get the welcome box, so I haven't done that.

lovelongdog06 · December 2016

I just started a Target registry mostly to keep track of what I'd still like for baby boy #2 and also for the completion discount. I agree with don't register for clothes, and also it's sometimes hard to find some of the smaller stuff if your gift purchasers aren't shopping in store where you live. We did the scanner last time and there were a bunch of things that came up null when we checked online. We aren't actually expecting any gifts from registries, but I put a double stroller I really like on there, so maybe we can save our pennies and use the discount.

Taylor72 · December 2016

@catem07 if you look down on the left side of the jumpstart categories, you can click the thing that says "mark as complete" and then you don't have to register for those things. Also....I was curious about how early you sent out your shower invites? My mom is having one for me in February and just asked when I thought she needed to send them out.

catem07 · December 2016

@taylor72 thanks! My mom sent them out last Monday for a January 7 shower. I'd send them out 6 weeks in advance--but I like to plan, so that might just be my preference. Definitely at least a month.

Taylor72 · December 2016

I have been debating on adding a halo bassinet and owlet monitor to my registry. Not for someone to buy them for us, but for us to get them with the completion discount. Anyone have these and feel like it's worth it?

bww_0331 · December 2016

We started our registry a few weeks ago at BRU. We got all of the "big items" on there but we're too mentally exhausted to totally finish out the registry. We haven't added anything as far as health/sickness, feeding, etc goes. I figured I probably needed to contact insurance and see what kind of pump I can get before tackling that section.

cafedisco · December 2016

I agree with all of the above, except 1 thing! If you are Team Green, you may not get clothes. At least, that was our experience and I was sending DH out to Target when baby girl arrived (why didn't I get crap before she was born...no one knows!). We literally had a few packs of onsies, but no one gave us any clothes at all before she arrived. Even after, there wasn't much because people assumed we had stuff.

My must haves before baby arrives (register for):
- diapers
- wipes
- nursing supplies (nipple cream, a cheapie sport type nursing bra, a specific pillow isn't needed but sooooo helpful)
- lots of easy blankets. We loved A&A swaddle blankets because we not only swaddled but they are so light and can be used for tons of things.
- clothes (including hats)
- some kind of carrier, even a cheapie one
- Rocking chair
- carseat/base
- convertible carseat (I say register, if someone wants to buy it now, you store it for a year and save a lot of money!)

Could go either way (register/buy before baby OR wait and see):
- stroller
- monitor

I'd wait til baby is born (but I'm a minimalist):
- swings (your baby may hate them - ours did)
- too many newborn clothes (we skipped and went to 3 mo size)
- pacifiers
- more than 1 carrier/expensive carriers
- too many cloth diapers if that is the route you're going (you absolutely won't know what you like and what fits your kid until they arrive)

lovelongdog06 · December 2016

If you're thinking of registering for a big item like convertible car seat, keep in mind they expire! We bought one because it was on such a good sale it was worth it even losing a year on it.

MWoodside · December 2016

its interesting to think back at all the stuff I thought I would need but didn't. We never used or needed a swing with DD1. We ended up returning it.

i actually regret getting our convertible car seat earlier than needed bc we lost a year of use while it say there and the baby used the infant seat. Bummer!

We were team green and got tons and tons of clothes anyhow. Then when she was born we got round two of clothes bc people wanted to buy something girly. But we just like to put newborns in one piece sleepers or kimono tees with a diaper and swaddle. So most of the fussy, cute outfits went unused.

Some essentials: a carrier (not a crotch dangler, but one with a supportive seat or a wrap), sunhat, swaddles, bucket car seat, bouncer, little tub, soft towels and washcloths, breast pump if you plan to nurse (although health insurance typically covers a double electric- wait until birth or just prior to get this bc warrenty only lasts a year from purchase. I got burned on that.)

babies can be picky about bottles and pacis so I found it best to not stock up in advance.

rachelmiller03 · December 2016

# 2 in less than 2 years, and team green for us, so we aren't registering for a lot. We really don't need a lot. I already have a pack-n-play, 3 different carrriers, an infant car seat, infant tub, etc. Like pp's, I'm using it as my checklist, and to get a discount. I am absolutely NOT having a shower for this one, but if people ask if we still need anything I may send them my amazon registry. Just completed it last night!

Magheeta · December 2016

This is a totally random thought I had, but wanted to share -

We used the gerber cloth diapers as burp cloths and they worked amazingly. I highly recommend them for burp cloths because they are thick and absorb the spit up well. Plus they're a good deal for the number of diapers you get.
https://www.target.com/p/gerber-newborn-5-pack-prefold-heavy-weight-cloth-diapers-white/-/A-13574459

Blueberry85 · December 2016

I think I shared this way back in the summer when baby gear first came up, but it's relevant again now

My cousin had her first baby this summer and was overwhelmed by all the stuff out there, so I made a "registry" to share all my favorite things for baby. I've altered the extra info/descriptions to get rid of some personal info, but I think it all makes sense! FYI, it is an extensive list that includes plenty of things I personally did not have on my real registry (clothing, lots of toys and books) but also things I learned were needed/useful along the way. I hope it helps!

https://www.babylist.com/e-fave

edited for typo

Taylor72 · December 2016

@blueberry85 "way back in the summer" I LOVE the way that sounds! lol

schef070911 · December 2016

@Blueberry85 That's super helpful, thanks!

Blueberry85 · December 2016

@Taylor72 Haha, well, it was ages ago when we all first got our BFPs and were last talking about what baby gear would be needed! Just think, within the next month or so, all the April 2017 mamas will be reaching viability! Seriously, where does the time go??

Blueberry85 · December 2016

@schef070911 You're very welcome! Happy to help!

peachy0709 · December 2016

Don't forget to put things on that you may ultimately buy yourself ... completion discounts! Amazon's is 15%.

cafedisco · December 2016

Magheeta said:

This is a totally random thought I had, but wanted to share -

We used the gerber cloth diapers as burp cloths and they worked amazingly. I highly recommend them for burp cloths because they are thick and absorb the spit up well. Plus they're a good deal for the number of diapers you get.
https://www.target.com/p/gerber-newborn-5-pack-prefold-heavy-weight-cloth-diapers-white/-/A-13574459

Plus they make the best cleaning rags later!

Taylor72 · December 2016

On mobile, sorry if its huge. But I'm so excited! I got my welcome box from Amazon and look at all the stuff in it! Avent bottle, aquaphor sample, helicopter toy, 80 count thing of wipes, Muslin swaddle blanket, pampers diaper holder (with diaper and pack of 6 wipes), aveeno lotion, and two disposable breast pads. I was really excited about the Muslin swaddle Blanket, wipes, and little toy.

cafedisco · December 2016

@Taylor72 how did you get that?! I've had registeries with Amazon both times now and never got anything!!

bww_0331 · December 2016

Other than a pump, what do you lovely ladies recommend putting on a registry for breastfeeding essentials?

rachelmiller03 · December 2016

@taylor72 Question- I have a prime membership, made my list, and the only think left is ordering at least $10 to get my welcome box. I ordered something for $12 off my registry, and it still says I have to have an order. Does it complete once the shipment is made? Just curious- I really want my welcome box, lol!

rachelmiller03 · December 2016

@wagnerw I would suggest nursing bras and tanks, Lanolin (I only needed this for a couple weeks, so one tube was fine), nursing pads, and freezer storage bags for breastmilk.

SnarkasaurusRex · December 2016

@cafedisco They didn't offer it when my first was born, but when you go to set up the registry now there's a bar at the top that says "Jumpstart." If you add something from each category onto your registry (or if you click where it says "Mark Items Complete" for everything), they'll send you a welcome box! Mine is supposed to get here tomorrow...I hope its good!

@wagnerw Make sure you check with your insurance to see what kind of pump they will cover...most will cover some sort of electric pump. I also found it helpful to have a manual pump and some reusable nursing pads for any leaking (I liked Bamboobies). A nice nursing cover if you want one for when you're out in public (mine was an infinity scarf style one), plenty of nursing bras and nursing tops, nipple cream. ETA the hands free nursing bra!! So wonderful to have...I had a lot of supply issues and either had the baby or the pump attached to me every two hours and it was a godsend to be able to go hands-free.

doozenberg · December 2016

Thanks for all the tips ladies. FTM here and so all the advice is welcomed. I did what others did and started my registry early. I'm registered at BRU and Amazon. I put things on there that I thought of just so I wouldn't forget. Then I would do my research and remove things. Lucie's List is great for looking at things to add to your registry.

I also have nursing bras on my registry. Partly so I can buy but I definetly wouldn't be upset if someone got me some. To mommas who've put nursing tanks and bras on your registry, did people but them for you? Or was it just something that you added so you could get completion discount?

catem07 · December 2016

Might just be me, but I think it's odd to put a nursing bra on a registry other people are going to look at. If I were going to do that for the completion discount, I would add them after my shower was over. Also, would be weird to open a nursing bra as a gift at a shower if someone did actually buy you one.

But I'm also the kind of person who did not want any lingerie whatsoever at my bridal shower, so...

SnarkasaurusRex · December 2016

@doozenberg I did have people get the nursing bras for me, but my best friend is a lactation consultant and she got me a CRAZY gift basket with breastfeeding supplies (including a hat for DS that looks like a nipple). My shower wound up getting cancelled due to a family emergency, so I didn't open it in front of anyone, but I don't think I would have found it weird at the shower.

I've seen a lot of people put nursing supplies on their registries and I've never side-eyed it. I don't buy the nursing bras or the breast pumps, but I have always viewed the registry as being more for the parents to have as a checklist than for me to have as a gift list.

ebloom3 · December 2016

The hands-free pumping bra saved me multiple times. When you are hands-free you can use the computer, eat, etc...and it helps make use of your time. I second what many said about bra pads, lanolin, and nursing bras. A night bra also helped a lot because it was comfortable and held the pads in place. Lanolin SAVED my boobs while nursing. I used it after every feed early on and it made a huge difference. If you are a second time mom, you may want to consider ordering new pump tubing. Mine was in rough shape and I replaced it before baby #2. I plan to do that this time, too.

Taylor72 · December 2016

@cafedisco I do know that you have to be a prime member and then complete the registry and make at least a $10 purchase, then you can click on the thing that says check status and click "claim my box" or something like that.

@rachelmiller03 the purchase you made has to be shipped/delivered before you can claim the box

doozenberg · December 2016

@SnarkasaurusRex, thanks for the reply. I likely won't be opening the gifts during my shower as we're doing it as more of a couples/family event for people to come to. So that would avoid any possible embarrassment.

SnarkasaurusRex · December 2016

@doozenberg I would strongly suggest that you still open your gifts at the shower. Your guests spent time, effort, and money on a gift for you...they should at least get to see your reaction to receiving it. From an etiquette standpoint, it's generally considered pretty rude not to open the gifts you receive at a shower.

Magheeta · December 2016

Alrighty, I just updated my registry and ordered an item over $10. Can't wait to see what's in my Amazon box.

Also, I don't think BF items are weird to receive at all. In fact, I see it as another way to normalize breastfeeding, so why not add some boobie cream and nursing pads? I have nursing camis and bras (which I went ahead and ordered because they're really comfortable) along with pump parts. I think being a STM helps with the "weirdness" too. To me, it's just like ordering nipples (hehe) for bottles.

catem07 · December 2016

I don't think all BF items are weird to receive, just bras. I really don't want anyone else buying me bras. But different strokes for different folks.

HGRich · December 2016

Well since my family and friends are scattered everywhere I didn't think I'd get a shower besides my work one, but my best friends told me today they'd like to throw me a "suitcase shower" where they'll do it online in advance, bring the collected gifts to my house, decorate my living room, and film me opening gifts to send to the friends and family who sent me stuff. I've never heard of that, but one had done it for her sister in law already and she loved it. I'm so grateful, I cried, haha. But I guess it means I need to beef up my registry for sure besides stuff I wanted a discount on. One question--do any of you add storage items like baskets and shelves to the registry and if so, did anyone buy them for you?

I also will probably add bf items but I kind of agree about bras @catem07. I feel like that would be weird, but maybe not.... and I do like the importance of normalizing breastfeeding.

catem07 · December 2016

@HGrich that's really sweet! My friend registered for cute baby basket/toy holder things. I'm not sure if anyone bought them, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did. I don't think people would be likely to buy you shelving units (it's just not a fun gift to give...), but something for the completion discount anyway.

HGRich · December 2016

@catem07 I suppose that's a good point. I was thinking cute little corner wall shelves but I guess personally I'd choose something cute or pampering to give someone over something that came with hardware.

schef070911 · December 2016

@HGRich I really need some assistance in the way of baby storage, but since we don't have a nursery plus we're moving when LO is 2-3 months old and I don't know where we'll be (apartment, house, etc.), the only thing I have so far is this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIX3AW8/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_ttl?ie=UTF8&colid=T5QHGGRCC1BD&coliid=IUA8FPW7GIJCQ&vs=1&th=1 (directly off @Blueberry85's list and goes with all our elephant stuff!)

I guess we also registered for a dresser at Target, but unless parents surprise us and buy it that's purely for discount purposes.

SnarkasaurusRex · December 2016

@HGRich I would still register for the baskets and such...some people might like to get them to incorporate them into the wrapping process. I actually do that a lot because I don't like the wastefulness of wrapping...I just go and get some blankets or diapers or outfits or whatever and display them cutely in the basket.

And then if no one buys it you can still get your completion discount on!

Blueberry85 · December 2016

One tip I might add for the FTMs is feel free to be a bit...strategic with your registry. For clarification, with my registry with DD, I only had a few of each of the "fun" things like books, toys, and clothes, whereas most of the items I had on it were more what we deemed necessities. This might sound a touch mercenary, but it did mean that the gifts we were given were the things we really needed, which was a huge help. Plus, people enjoy picking out their own books and toys for gifts.

A friend of mine put tons of cute things for the nursery on her registry, even though they were renting at the time and planning to move to a new place about 6mo after her due date (so, a bunch of things she couldn't use for awhile), and ALL of those items were purchased and a ton of really vital things were not. They had so much stuff they needed to buy themselves, even after her two large showers.

It probably also helped that we were team green, so that also probably curbed people's urge to buy lots of baby clothes

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