The arrival of a new baby marks an exhilarating milestone in life. Whether you or your partner are pregnant, adopting, or working with a surrogate, the first thing you’ll want to get on with is building a baby registry. Your family, friends, and coworkers will all be excited for you and more than likely, are going to want to buy you gifts and gear, and a registry is an effortless, convenient way for them to do this.
There’s a lot to think about, so creating this list can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be! Here then is a simple list of what you need to know:
WHEN TO MAKE IT
You can start a registry as soon as you find out you’re expecting your soon-to-be-here baby! Some people start at the beginning of their second trimester, and others wait until the 20-week mark (or when they find out the sex of their baby). There is no set rule, but if you want to keep your early browsing choices hush-hush, most registries have the option of keeping a list “private,” until you’re ready to make it public.
TIP: IF YOU’RE HAVING A BABY SHOWER, SET YOUR LIST TO “PUBLIC” AS SOON AS THE INVITATIONS GO OUT.
HOW MANY ITEMS SHOULD YOU ADD?
Don’t worry about how many items you have on your registry. Register for whatever feels right for you Whether that number be 35, or 135, just own it. You can always delete or add items along the way. If you have more than one registry, avoid adding duplicate items (unless you’re having twins).
THE BASIC MUST-HAVES
First, decide what you will need – what will fit – in your home. Some questions to ask yourself are:
Is this a need, or a want?
- Do I have enough space for this item?
- Does it fit my lifestyle?
- Will it fit in my bag, house, or car?
- infant car seat
- baby carrier
- stroller
- diaper bag
- baby swing
- activity mat
How long will it last, or remain used?
NURSERY
The nursery is a big area you will need to consider for this, as there are loads of things you need to buy, some of which you might otherwise forget about till it is too late! Items to consider buying include a crib, crib mattress, waterproof mattress protector, bassinet, bedding (including two or more fitted sheets), dresser or changing station, changing pad, rocking chair or glider, ottoman, diaper pail or other disposal management system, diapers, baby wipes, baby wipes warmer, more diapers, diaper cream, floor rug, bedside table, bookcase, storage, window hangings, wall décor, child monitor, floor or table light, white noise machine, baby books, and baby blankets.
BATHING
After experiencing a few diaper changes and spit-ups, you will begin to realize the importance of a good baby bathtub. When selecting and registering for a baby bathtub, make sure it has an anti-slip surface to safely hold your slippery, wet baby, and keeps his or her little head nicely cushioned. You may also want to add hooded towels, washcloths, baby-safe shampoo, wash, and lotion, a faucet cover and safe bath toys.
FEEDING
When it comes to feeding, there are a number of circumstances you may not have thought about that can scupper feeding time for both you and baby, luckily there are a number of items to help solve these. Some Items to consider include a breast pump, nursing pillow, nursing bras, nursing covers, nipple cream, breast milk freezer bags, baby bottles and nipples, bottle brushes, pacifiers, burping cloths, bibs, highchair, and baby utensils.
A FEW MORE ITEMS
baby first aid kit
infant car seat
baby carrier
stroller
diaper bag
baby swing
activity mat
clothing (register for clothing in all sizes, from newborn to 24 months).
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST
Get advice from family members and friends. Talk with seasoned moms to find out which products they did and didn’t like during those first, precious years. Take your time to build a baby registry that truly appeals to you and confidently prepares you for the arrival of your new, little baby. Good luck!
