Baby Registrys

Building a registry for a baby shower is not like registering for your wedding.  For a wedding registry, you can just scan for a bunch of stuff you would like to have.  When you are registering for a baby you actually have to think about what you are registering for.  I suggest you take a friend, measuring tape, 8lb weight, snacks, and give yourself plenty of time.  It may actually take multiple trips as you will likely change your mind about something you have registered for.  You will need to make sure you register for the right number of blankets, number and size of onsies, various nipple flows, and baby gear items.  You will need time to play with all of the products to make sure you like how they operate.  Nothing is worse than registering for that great looking travel system and finding out you don't like it because it doesn't fold like you want it to, work for your height, isn't easy to use, or worst of all the stroller will not fit in your trunk. You will also need to decide on a style of stroller, if you want to use a travel system or convertible car seat.  This does not even break the tip of the iceberg. You have to decide whether you want to go cloth or disposable on diapers, breast or formula feed, etc.  You get the hint.  Plan on several trips and lots of reading up and discussion with your mate on the options throughout the registry process.  And yes make sure you involve your significant other.  My husband initially thought he did not care about any of this stuff and it would be up to me.  However, after my shower he started asking questions like why don't we have a car seat like some of our friends.  Ultimately, he complained until we spent more money on a different style of car seat that he felt was easier to use.

Before you even begin to register you will need to do a little research and decide on the style and types of products you want.  However, sometimes too much research can begin information overload or you will go to the store and find out those options are not available in your area and it will cost you more to get these items shipped or they are not convenient for your friends to purchase as gifts. Stores will also suggest you register for training potties, learning toys for older ages, and larger quantities of items than are really practical.  In reality, who has the room to store this stuff in their house until the time when their child actually uses it.  Once you have the swings, bouncy seats, clothes, blankets, crib, dresser, bath tub, play time mats, bassinet, and pack and play; your house is already exploding at the seams in baby paraphernalia. Relax and just wait on some of the items they will not need until they are older because someone is bound to buy it for them for Christmas or their birthday.  Therefore, try to keep an open mind throughout the process and do not take the tags off anything because you will be returning a lot of it.