Things You'll Need:
- Access to the internet, paper, pen
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Step 1
So, you're a little intimidated. Not only are you going to be someone's PARENT, but now you have to figure out how to prepare the nursery and stock it with all of the essentials for your new family member. One visit to register at one of the baby superstores or one of the mega-superstores will be an overwhelming experience if you aren't prepared. Although at the baby superstores, they have very helpful employees and welcome kits with suggested items, it may not be as detailed as you'd like.
Obviously some of the items are a "No-Brainer" like crib, crib mattress, car seat, stroller, but exactly what else do I really need? -
Step 2
Step 1: Survey your "Mommy" friends. Most people who have children remember what an overwhelming experience the registry process is, and will usually be happy to assist and provide recommendations. When I created my registry I actually surveyed about 8 of my "Mommy" friends who gave me very insightful assistance and specific recommendations.
I found my Mommy friends reocmmended things that were not included in the "general" recommendations and were some of the best things I really used with my son. -
Step 3
Step 2: Do your research. With the birth of the internet, there are many websites that can offer safety ratings, user reviews and other helpful tips to assist in your decisions. Read what the real customers say about some of the recommended items from your friends. Start with your favorite search engine using a title such as "Infant Car Seat Ratings" and you will instantly have access to websites that can assist in your search.
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Step 4
Step 3: Price your list accordingly. If you put a $600 stroller on your registry do you really expect people to buy it? Remember that anything left on your registry may leave you footing the bill, so choose your items wisely. Review the options from your Mommy friends and then make sure along with saftey and convenience that price is a factor.
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Step 5
Step 5. Choose where to register wisely. Research the return policies on gifts without receipts. I had a VERY negative experience with one of the mega superstores that prides themselves on registries for baby, bridal, etc. Unfortunately one person who purchased for my shower either neglected to alert the clerk that it was a registry item or the clerk never included it from the registry list, and I received two of the same item, which was a significant costly gift. I was not given a gift receipt for either gift, and when I tried to return to the store I was told without a gift receipt I could neither exchange the item, nor could I return for a store credit, even though I had a record from my registry which showed the item was purchased off the list. I even wrote to the company president and was told by several members of management "This is our policy". So, I now tell all my potential Mommy friends "Don't Register Here". The baby superstores are great - most of them will maintain records of what is purchased off your registry and will provide you an exchange or store credit within 90 days. You may also want to create multiple registries as some people prefer to shop locally, and others may want to purchase gifts online. Provide options for your friends, co-workers, family, etc., that may not be local to your main registry store.
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Step 6
Step 6. Make a list. Create a list with specific items such as crib, car seat, stroller, etc and make yourself notes if you have specific items in mind. This way once you get the scanner from the store, you can check the things off the list as you go. Your list should also contain how many of specific items you may want, such as crib sheets, bottles, burp cloths, etc.
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Step 7
Step 7. Try out things at the store. One of my "Mommy" friends suggested that I test my travel system with the "One Hand Test". Basically see if I could remove the carseat and fit in the base and the stroller with one hand, as the other might have diaper bag, keys, etc. I found this was a great piece of advice as the system I originally picked out was much more difficult than I had imagined. This is also a good idea with High Chairs, Pack N Plays and the next size car seats. Most of the baby super stores actually have a "dummy" car seat you can test to see which model suits your individual needs best.
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Step 8
Step 8: What NOT to put on your registry.
- Clothing items other than basics. Stores will most likely have either different inventory, or they may sell out of specific pieces of clothing. Stick to the basics that are always in stock like onesies, Side-snap Ts, socks, sleepers, caps, and sleep sacks.
- Diapers/Wipes. You will get these as gifts in many cases, so try to avoid placing these items on your registry unless you WANT to receive them as gifts.
-Baby Bath Tub. Most of my "Mommy" friends said they used the sink once the baby could hold his/her head up, and just did sponge bathing in the beginning. The baby bath tubs are cumbersome once filled, and end up making a mess.
-Blankets. Limit the blankets you receive to the ones that match your crib bedding and potentially one or two other decorative ones, as you will receive these from people whether you ask for them or not. -
Step 9
Step 9. The list of "Must Haves":
Essential Items
Car Seat (or Travel System)
Crib
Crib Mattress
Diaper Bag
Stroller
Things you really need:
Activity Center/Play Mat
Bassinet/Pack N Play
Bath Seat
Bibs
Blankets
Boppy Pillow & Covers (recommend 2 covers)
Bottles
Bouncy Chair
Burp Cloths (recommend 12)
Changing Pad & Cover (recommend 2-3 covers)
Crib Sheets (recommend 3)
First Aid Kit
Hats/Caps
High Chair
Hooded Towels (recommend 2-3)
Mattress Pad Cover (recommend 2)
Mobile
Monitor
Onesies
Pacifiers (recommend at least 3)
Pack N Play or Play Yard
Play Yard Sheets (recommend 2-3)
Side Button T-Shirts (recommend 6)
Swaddle Sleepers (Swaddle Me or other brand)
Washcloths
REALLY nice to haves:
Baby Sling or Carrier that attaches in front
Bottle Warmer
Breast Pump (If you plan to breast feed)
Bumbo Chair & Tray
Doorway Jumper
Feeding utensils - spoons, bowls, cups
Fisher Price Crib Aquarium
Lap Pads
Next Size Car Seat
Gift Cards are also a great idea for your registry, especially if you have someone who is not sure what to buy. You can also combine them for purchases on some of your larger items.
