A Parent's Checklist for a Baby Registry
The addition of a baby to a family is a major event. One way to ease the transition into parenthood is to prepare appropriately. It helps to have your supplies together before the baby arrives. One way to do this is to create a baby gift registry so that your loved ones can help with the preparation. If they are planning to buy a gift for the baby, the registry will direct them toward which items are needed.
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Feeding Items
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If you plan to breastfeed your baby, you may need a breast pump, along with milk storage bags, bottles, nipple balm, bra pads and breastfeeding blouses. If you don't breastfeed, you will need plenty of formula. Other feeding accessories include bottles brushes, bottle sterilizers, and bottle drying racks. If you want to prepare for later feeding stages, include baby bowls, utensils, bibs, cups and a high chair.
Toiletry and Medical Items
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You'll want to keep your little one clean and fresh with plenty of diapers, wipes, diaper cream, baby soap and lotion, hooded towels and wash cloths. You'll also need an insert for the baby to sit in for the bathtub. Add a brush, nail clippers and cotton swabs to your list as well. You might want to get a potty chair as well, in preparation for things to come. Medically speaking, you should add fever relief and gas relief medications to your list, as well as a nose suctioning bulb, thermometer and humidifier. Other safety items that you will need eventually include draw and cabinet latches, outlet covers, baby gates and audio or video monitors.
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Nursery and Baby Gear Items
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Registry ideas that will make your nursery cute and comfortable include a crib, mattress, sheets, changing table, changing pad, covers for the changing pad, wall decorations, lamps, hamper, diaper pail and a rocking chair. Your baby will need a car seat from the first time you place him in a vehicle to bring him home. You also might want a baby sling or carrier, walker, jumper or play station, swing, and strollers. You will definitely need a baby bag as well, for trips out of the house.
Clothing Items
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Your baby will need a few basic wardrobe items such as gowns, body suits, socks, outfits, hats and maybe even a sweater or two. Make sure you add blankets of varying sizes and thickness so that you can adjust according to the temperature. Shoes are not a necessity at first, but you might want to add some booties to the list just because they're cute.
Keepsakes and Toy Items
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Prepare for your baby's development by adding some toys to your registry. Choose toys that are safe for infants. One of the main factors that makes a toy safe is a lack of small detachable parts that can be swallowed. Stuffed animals, rattles and toys for teething work well. Be sure to include books as well. Babies usually respond well to board books and books with varying textures for little ones to touch and feel. You also should add a baby book, along with photo albums and frames for preserving precious memories.
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References
- Photo Credit baby image by Dron from Fotolia.com
