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Q&A: Registering for baby?

What should we put on our registry? I'm totally overwhelmed- it feels like there's so much to get. What do we really need, and what is just a luxury?

Re:

What should we put on our registry? I'm totally overwhelmed- it feels like there's so much to get. What do we really need, and what is just a luxury?

The Bump Expert

Tiny as baby is, she sure seems to need a lot of stuff. These checklists should set you up for the first couple of months, and help you figure out what to register for. Check out lila guide for real mom reviews of specific products. And remember, start your collection small, because, just like baby, it’ll grow very fast.

[  ] Clothes/Layette

[  ] Nursery

[  ] Changing supplies

[  ] Bath supplies

[  ] Feeding supplies

[  ] Medicine chest

[  ] Travel

[  ] For Mom

| May 07 , 2009 12:38 PM

re: Q: Registering for Baby?

This was a helpful list for those of us who are not only 1st time moms- but surrounded by people who seem to know as little as I do! My husband and I used the list to help create our registry :o)

Drgnfly | July 12 , 2007 5:26 PM

re: Q: Registering for Baby?

I'd like to register in one place - but be able to choose items from different stores and websites. Does such a registry exist?

serenamca | September 17 , 2007 10:02 PM

re: Q: Registering for Baby?

There is a website called myregistery.com where you can register as many stores as you can find! Enjoy ~ inny

inny | September 23 , 2007 4:14 PM

re: Q: Registering for Baby?

how many places should i register at?

Baby LaFond | May 03 , 2008 7:49 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

If you're looking to register in one place, but from different sources you could try Amazon.com. We have a registry at a store, but we also have a registry there since some items are much cheaper.

Musicalniss | July 27 , 2009 9:57 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

We just registered at one place: Babies R Us, you can get a list of helpful things. We LOVE our video monitor the best out of any present....Ours is hand held so you can go outside and do everything and still see your little one, it is a MUST to get, so get a good one. Also my cousin got us this thing called BabyPlus it is a prenatal device and I would definetly get that....you can read more about BabyPlus at www.babyplus.com.

Tsmommy10 | August 05 , 2009 5:05 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

TSMommy- just curious, which video monitor did you get? I've been researching products, but its always nice to hear from others which one worked for them. Thanks

cammie6549 | August 06 , 2009 5:43 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

You should purchase the Baby Bargains Book, they have all the ratings and a sample registry in the back. Go through the book write down what you want then go to the websites and see where the prices are the best. I registered at Babys R Us and Target.

deniselynnrudolph | September 07 , 2009 8:42 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

myregistry.com (as a previous poster mentioned) is great ! You sign up, and it adds a link to your favorites. You browse ANY online store, and when you find things you like, you simply click that link (in your favorites). A pop up appears, with some info filled in (the store name, item name, etc.), and you simply enter how many you want, and a color IF there is a color option. Occasionally the price that shows up on the pop up is incorrect, so just watch for that, and fix if needed. This really allowed me to bargain shop, and use the stores that offered the lowest prices on the items I wanted (I like the idea of getting gifts, but always feel badly asking for things, and saving the buyer some money makes me feel a little better). The site also has numerous lists and suggestions for your registy, which helps. And if your interested, you can print out cards (business card size) in various prints that discreetlly let people know where you're registered. I did use them, but only for younger people. Anyone past the age of using the internet, or those that I felt sure would think it was tacky did not get them.

bcharity | October 24 , 2009 10:21 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

How long did you wait to register? This is our first and my very anxious mom is urging me to start before Christmas. I'll be 19 weeks in 2 days... is this too early?

JJcre8 | November 19 , 2009 7:44 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

I don't think it would be too early to register. Sometimes you can't get it all done at once. It also gives you more time to compare brands and colors. I started to register at 14 weeks so I could go with my mother who lives far away.

boyscout8 | November 28 , 2009 11:32 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

I just turned 18 weeks but started my registries at Target and Babies R'Us about 2 weeks ago. It's nice to be able to add things as I think of them and be able to research items and just add them online. I haven't told anyone about the registries yet, but it's nice to have them up and running for convenience sake!

Sarahlynn79 | January 09 , 2010 5:55 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Most of my shower guests and family do not shop online, but will go to an actual brick and mortar store. I registered at Target. I figure if some of the people who don't live near a target will probably just get the baby what they want from whatever store is near them. That said, I did register for essentials. Some of the stuff is a little more expensive ($30 and up). The way I figure is, if we don't receive what is on our registry, it will be a good shopping list. The biggest things I registered for is a pack and play, a baby bjorn, a floor play gym, a swing, a boppy, and a portable high chair. The rest is just little essentials (bath stuff, blankets, health kit, diapers). I know we won't receive everything on our registry. It's more of a guideline for those that want to give the baby a gift but don't know what. I'd be happy to receive nothing but big boxes of diapers!

happy_trails | January 20 , 2010 8:54 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

A friend who recently had her second child advised me not to waste a large amount of time with clothes on the registry. She said people are just going to buy the things they like anyway so as long as they know when and what you are having you should be set. We are headed Saturday since we find out this afternoon!

X0xtilsterx0x | February 24 , 2010 9:20 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Consider an eco-friendly baby registry - www.ourgreenhouse.com has all natural and organic products

musedavis | March 07 , 2010 5:13 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

We just started a registry at kaboodle.com and love that you can register at ANY store on the internet-- and it has price comparisons, you can search and find options at lots of stores-- saves a lot of surfing!

lmdulane1 | April 07 , 2010 11:02 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

When do you register?!?!? At what point should we register?!?!?!

njknibbs04 | July 03 , 2010 8:43 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Well, don't plan to get anything you put on the registry. This comes from a pregnant lady whose wedding registry was ignored for a load of silver and china. We created a baby registry at AMAZON.COM but people keep sending cutsie stuff they want to buy, rather than stuff we actually need. Also, some moms (like myself) have carefully researched the items we want and receiving random stuff is going to make us have to return these items, if we have time, and also have to spend money actually purchasing the things we need. It is all very frustrating. I am not a jerk or an ungrateful person, I just do not understand why people do not want to actually purchase things we can use. For the record, we live in a one bedroom apartment in San Francisco, and I have repeatedly told people we don't have any room to spare:(

HannahArthur | July 06 , 2010 4:09 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Babies R US and Target are awesome ones..they ship to APO/FPO addresses!

Reilly410 | August 15 , 2010 6:27 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

www.babyearth.com is great- they have a ton of eco-friendly products, but they also ship for free on purchases over $50

agreenaffair | August 18 , 2010 2:38 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

While there's a lot of stuff that you need... there's also a lot of stuff that you don't need. We had so much stuff given to us when we had DS, but we found that mostly we only used the basics. Of course the crib, rocking chair, stroller and car seats are must-haves. Changing tables? Only if you have room for it. A floor makes a perfectly adequate changing table too! Nursing pillows, yes! Bottle warmer... no. You can warm up water in a pot on the stove and put the bottle in it and it works just as well. I would go through each item on your registry in your head in advance... think about if you already have something that can substitute (safely) for the item. If so, then delete it from your registry.

CMoul001 | August 25 , 2010 10:28 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

We live in the NY area and registered at BBB & BRU. I found the personal shoppers to be very helpful as they walk through the store with you and discuss items needed. I also found that BBB has much more organic produces than BRU if that's something to look for

MariDave01 | August 27 , 2010 1:24 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Is it okay to register for a second child? It will be 6 years inbetreen by children is is okay if i register for a few things.. bottles, blankets, car seat? or do you find it tacky?

Giese78 | September 09 , 2010 8:22 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

oops! Sorry that should have read: Is it okay to register a second child? It will be 6 yrs in between by children. Is it okay to register (target) for a few things like bottles, blankets, carseat... Or, Do you think that iit s tacky????

Giese78 | September 09 , 2010 8:25 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Giese78- no its not tacky to want to register your 2nd child for new bottles, blankets, etc. its not like you are asking for high chairs, swing sets and changing tables. it would just be nice to get the new baby some new fresh stuff. :)

Jennarose517 | September 15 , 2010 4:30 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Thank you to the people who wrote about MyRegistry.com! As soon as i read that i went to the website and signed up and it has been sooo helpful!

Jennarose517 | September 15 , 2010 5:55 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Definately a diaper disposal. I also have a way to make it more appealing using a bundle cover. Google it!

kmeade44 | November 13 , 2010 2:34 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

My question is my son will be 3 on the 23rd I wasn't planning on anymore. So I gave everything but the crib away. I have people asking me where I'm registered. I'm 16 weeks is it ok to register and only tell those who ask? Its also my boyfriend's first child and we aren't currently living together. Not sure what I should do. Any help of advice would be appreciated.

misscarolyn06 | January 12 , 2011 4:34 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Life happens. You are pregnant and should feel wonderful about that! If people have a problem, unfortuately, that is something they have to deal with. Your job is to be a good mom. Register and celebrate!

bradygl | January 13 , 2011 11:55 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

at Amazon.com you can create a baby registry and even add items from OTHER websites, such as Wal-mart, Target, Babies R Us, etc using their "Universal" button. This way you can have just ONE baby registry with all the items you want =) Amazon is especially great because the items ordered from their warehouse have free shipping. When you add items from other stores (such as the stores listed above) you will be charged a shipping fee but guests are free to order through the main sites or buy the items in store and can click "buying item elsewhere" on your registry so that item will be taken off the list and not bought twice.

RachyD | March 03 , 2011 11:46 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Do not register at Target my sister and friend had a lot of trouble returning items they got duplicates of. Just to mention a couple. Babies R US and Buy Buy Baby are good places to register at.

mlb781 | March 10 , 2011 9:25 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

This is my second baby after 5 yrs. We had registered at Target. Just watch what you register for because many things are exclusively for online. I had to go in the store and do some additional scanning for my store shoppers only. I registered for important things such as a new car seat (btw are different and better than 5 yrs ago) stroller, bouncer, diapers, baby care items and cute clothes at all sizes and different seasons. They has very good reasonable prices. I wasn't going to register at Babies r us. They are too expensive for the pocket. Consider others' finances. They really appreciate it

bznursnchic9 | March 10 , 2011 11:25 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

I agree with HannahArthur, creating a registry is a total waste of time. I spent a lot of time choosing the things we would need as soon as our baby arrives as we do not have a lot of room to spare and created registries at Amazon.com Baby and Target. We only got our car seat (purchased by my mother) and a diaper bag out of the 35 items we had between the two registries--and we didn't even register for spendy things!!! It is very frustrating because we just received a TON of clothes that we do not need rather than the things that would be of practical use to us. So now on top of the doctor and hospital bills we have to go out and buy all of the other things that we need. I too don't want to sound ungreatful, but there is a reason why people create registries!

Shenze | March 10 , 2011 1:33 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Sidenote, if you register at Target and don't get everything on your list, you get 10% off if you buy anything on it.

BethanyLyn82 | March 10 , 2011 4:01 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Think about the practicality of each item you register for. A wipe warmer is nice, but is it really an essential? You won't need sippy cups for at least 8 months. Bowls spoons and cups till around 6 months. Think of what you will need immediately when you bring baby home. Also, don't register for clothes, they will be hard for people to find because they will have to match the UPC codes. Registering for diapers is a must.

CNAMamaof2 | March 10 , 2011 4:33 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

I'm super early along (only 7 weeks) but I had my first prenatal appt and they brought up all of the cord blood stuff. After looking into it, one of the companies available here in Maryland is CBR and they allow you to place your account with them on your registry so friends and family could contribute to the cost of banking the blood. I think it's a great idea because it is a little expensive up front ($2100), but I feel like that's tacky...any thoughts???

melann18 | March 10 , 2011 6:50 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Basics that I always ask for (this is my 5th time around... LOL): + Bottles (2oz to 8oz) - the smaller ones are needed when you first come home. + Diapers (Newborn to Size 2 boxes) - anything you don't use & unopened, you can return + Wipes (lots & and lots of boxes) + Formula - again, anything I don't use, I can return + Onesies (newborn to 3/6 mos) - these are INVALUABLE!!! OMG! + Sleep & Play Sleepers (newborn to 6/9 mos) - awesome for around home, etc + Cloth Diapers - I use them for burp rags, lap rags, changing pads, crib sheet savers... + Swaddler - newborns love to be 'baby burrito'd'... and I can never get the blankets tight enough. This is the most amazing creation EVER! + Snuggli + Pack & Play (that way you have a 'crib' no matter WHERE you go!) + Baby Monitor + Basic Baby First Aid Kit - infant tylenol/motrin, thermometer, gas relief (colic SUCKS), aspirator for boogies, safety nail clippers, etc + Good Car Seat/Carrier/Stroller combo + Receiving blankets - the thicker ones my kids never liked, they all preferred the lighter blankets If you need more, just let me know! :-)

musesinspiration | April 21 , 2011 9:36 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Wow! I just want to say thanks to everyone for taking the time to write all this stuff! I'm a first-time pregant mom and I feel like I got so much information from your answers. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

jbauerbuckley | May 10 , 2011 1:28 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Museinspiration: awesome and helpful list of things that are MOST important! Thank you!!

emjay131313 | May 26 , 2011 10:38 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Best registry advice I got from a handful of new moms that I will pass on: If you announce your baby's sex, you will get a ton of clothes instead of what you actually register for! I've been to about 10 showers so far this year (5 were thrown for me), and the "unknown gender" moms-to-be got more of what was on their registries, and those who knew what they were having got a ton of clothes instead. DH and I chose not to find out our baby's sex and we ended up getting all of our big, expensive registry items: travel system, high chair, pack-and-play, swing, doorway jumper, monitor, changing table, etc... some of the more costly stuff was bought by either immediate family or a group of co-workers who would each put in $20 for something big.

ysudiva | July 12 , 2011 7:09 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Register for anything and everything you might possibly want/need. Its not like people HAVE to buy what you register or anything so it really doesnt matter what you put on it but it gives people lots of options if they are going to buy something and all it takes is the click of a button.

authorofdreamz | August 02 , 2011 3:09 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

I tried a registry with my family but it seemed like the only ppl sticking to it was me and my parents. My aunts and uncles sent checks and cards while my in laws just bought whatever they wanted. I wound up asking for the receipts because I got many duplicates of outfits and items. This time around I'm asking everyone who is coming to my shower to keep the receipts of the items with them unless they are planning on following my registry.

AkiraWindflyer | September 21 , 2011 2:19 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Dont get very tense, you'll learn when you'll have your baby7 in your arms that what you need to buy and what not to. Planning is good but donot indulge your self so much that you get your self tense. Its not good when you are pregnant Online Diplomas | online high school diploma | arts degree | business degree | Education degree

PeterMark | September 29 , 2011 2:23 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

I have to agree with the comment about not telling what the gender is. This is my first and some friends that had twins suggested not telling what the gender was. At least not right away. They didn't want to know the gender and when the time came for their shower, they got all the essentials and things they actually wanted/needed instead of 20 pink bibs.

poconc | October 03 , 2011 3:30 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

This has been very useful to me, thank you!! I had a very difficult time with my wedding registry, and I really didn't want a repeat performance, where I ended up getting most of what we needed, because people had given me "decorative" earthenware. Yeah. Thanks again!!!!

HStern79 | October 17 , 2011 2:38 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Getting ready for a new baby can be an exciting time. You have nine months to set the nursery up just so and get everything in order.-Guy Riordan

shantelle1015 | October 24 , 2011 6:52 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

There are many helpful things but we LOVE the bumbo seat! We take it everytime we go out to eat for our almost 5 month old. We put him in it when our food comes and he'll sit in it long enough for us to get through dinner. Hes not a fan of sitting in the carseat if we aren't moving....

Shonnagayle@yahoo.com | October 25 , 2011 12:50 PM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

To my mind the research papers on this topic is popukar among new mamas

Gerny | December 28 , 2011 7:34 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

Figuring out what to put on the registering list wasn't easy.My husband helped my sure, but my best friend suggested me Yourlist.com. In the end we received all the things in the list.

AudreySimpson | March 03 , 2012 8:51 AM

Q&A: Registering for baby?

It is very difficult to decide what is really necessary to put on the list while creating a baby registry.I remember that two years ago when I've made my baby's registry I put there clothes,diapers,toys and also a soy baby formula.

AidaRoRo | April 24 , 2012 1:15 PM