I’m no baby professional by any means but I was all about getting the right items on my registry for my little guy. For me, that meant joining mom groups and peeking at their registries and asking their thoughts on products they might have. Mom groups are actually one of the best sources for many things. You have someone who has figured it out and wants to share their advice with you.
Don’t get me wrong, I have my mom but the times are different – especially when you have parents giving kids iPads which are something my parents never did.
My registry was something I worked hard on – I only wanted to ask for things I needed rather than wanted because that is what I wanted people to get. I took the tips of many and avoided adding too many outfits on there because I wanted to do a bit of my own shopping without worrying that he has too many clothes and would outgrow this outfit or that outfit. Not even going to lie — I made three registries because Welcome Boxes are so cool!
Currently, I’m on Babylist, Target, and Amazon. All have different things I want and great perks so I have no bias to pick which is my favorite. Part of me felt bad for some of the stuff I was asking for because they were big items but I’ve had reassurance from different people that it’s okay. Ultimately, people will buy what they want to buy and you just have to hope for the best when it comes to your registry.
So mamas and mamas-to-be here are some things that I included on my registry and ideas that you could include on your own:
The Mom Essentials
Whenever we’re building our registry, I feel like we’re forgetting ourselves. We are the ones that are carrying this baby and bringing the baby into the world. For forty weeks, we’re lending our body to grow another human and we deserve to be included on the registry. There should be no shame in adding a few items that are for mom. Yeah, it’s a baby shower but it’s your baby shower so do take advantage of the fact that someone wants to spoil you and will go out of their way to do so.
If you plan on nursing, it doesn’t hurt to add nursing tank tops and products that will help with the process. You have a variety of items that you can add to your registry and should take that chance.
Sleeping Essentials
First and foremost, a bassinet. Many people opt to get a bassinet for themselves but it never hurts to go out of your way to add it to your registry if you’re dealing with the rest of your nursery furniture. A bassinet will be helpful for those nights when the baby is sleeping in your room. Plus, it’s smaller than a pack-and-play which many people use, as well. People have sworn by sleep sacks so those will always be a staple on my list as they are basically pajamas and help baby sleep.
Add a sleep machine to your list. People are always 50/50 on these but someone made a great point that baby is so used to the sounds it hears while in the womb and falling asleep during those tasks. You can never have too many crib sheets or mattresses pads so make sure to add those! Accidents can happen and you want to be prepared.
On-the-Go Essentials
You might not be on-the-go right away but you will be and there are some things that you will need. You are going to need a stroller especially as you start to take family vacations and go on trips where you need the extra transportation for baby. A travel system is probably your best bet. It comes with everything including a car seat which something else you might want to add.
These might seem like big items but just remember there are people in your life that want to help. Add a pack-and-play and baby carrier — both are essential to traveling if you need the baby to sleep somewhere and when you are traveling and don’t want to bring your stroller/travel system.
Bathing + Diaper Essentials
Do you know how many diapers a day a baby will use? I don’t but I know I’m going to have a lot of diaper changes because my little guy can’t just use the restroom like I can. Pinterest can give you an eyeball of the number of diapers you might use for each size so why not add them to your registry? This is the best idea I had. Diapers and wipes are a necessity that you can’t pass up on when it comes to your registry.
Bathing-wise, find your favorite tub and add it. Along with towels and a changing mat. You will never have enough towels, in my opinion. And, a changing mat might be something you want if you plan to change your little guy in one room or if you need multiples for each floor. Cloth diapers are great, too! The secret is to use them for burp cloths and to clean up messes. Also, I saw this great idea of using them behind baby’s head when they’re in a bouncer or swing to catch their little messes.
Feeding Essentials
A hungry baby is not a fun baby. You want to think about feeding items that will be great for your little one. The little things are great to add to your registry. Add bibs and bottles as those are things that will come in handy. They are the necessity. This is what your baby will need to feed — at least, the bottles.
Things that aren’t a big deal but I highly recommend: sterilizer, bottle warmer, and drying rack. Why? Well, the sterilizer will help you out in the long run. You won’t have to clean everything that you received by hand. The bottle warmer will heat up those refrigerated bottles and frozen breast milk. Lastly, a drying rack will come in handy after you clean everything,
Clothing Essentials
Clothes are something I avoided on my registry, at first. I started to add things as time went on but really specific things like holiday outfits. I feel like this is a personal feeling that a person should make when it comes to clothing for their baby. You don’t want too many things in one size and you don’t want to get things too small that your little one won’t fit.
But, people love buying baby clothes and I think putting a little something on there can help limit them going crazy over outfits. Give them an idea of what you want. You can stick to the basics like onesies, socks, and pants or you can leave a note that you want really particular outfits like ‘My First Thanksgiving’, etc. Don’t shy away from clothes because other people have been bombarded with them. People may surprise you!
The Extras
This last bit is going to be extras that you can add or leave off your registry. It’s never too early to add teething rings especially when you don’t know when that first tooth is going to pop through. There are tons of teething supplies that you can invest in like teething gel and different types of teething rings. Toys are fun and you won’t need them right away but you can still plan for them! Add a play mat or ball pin, things you want your little one to play with. Don’t forget your pacifier! Many people talk about staying away from them but they’re great for soothing your child. There are different types of pacifiers and you just have to hope for the best when it comes to them.
Take all the guidance
As a first time mom, I just want what is best for my baby and I’m sure you’re in the same place. I felt like some stuff was ridiculous when I added it but those things aren’t. If you see them fit for your child’s life, go for it.
Remember, you have no idea what you’re doing and I have no idea what I’m doing. We’re both lost and confused when it comes down to this because we haven’t had a child before. But, don’t forget to use the resources of family and friends in your life.
Take the extra guidance as a first-time mom. You’re not hurting anyone and if you don’t use something, you can always donate it to a mom in need. Please don’t feel bad for the things you ask for. A lot of people might criticize or go through your registry but you just need to remember this is your baby and you know what you want and what is best.
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