The baby registry essentials 101
So I put a notice out on Facebook asking for help in registering for the essentials for baby Cole. I am so excited and want to go do it in the next few weeks. I have read several "what you must have" sections in books I have and devoured my baby gear book for months on end. Now I need to be sure I have a complete list of things a first time Mommy can't live without. So, help me!! Give me your first 3-5 (whatever) thoughts of things I must register for. Then if you want to throw out a "waste of money" item you didn't really use, let me know that too! Let the buying advise begin!
(Never fear I'll give you a chance to spread your motherly advice in months to come)
(Never fear I'll give you a chance to spread your motherly advice in months to come)
8 comments:
Oh..the swaddle me blankets were a complete waste for me. I never ever used one of the 10 or so I have...I used a good old fashioned blanket and swaddled char myself.
Diapers and wipes:) You have no idea just how many of these you will use in the next few years.
We had a little vibrating bouncy seat with all three that was an absolute life saver. If I needed to take a shower or just wanted them really close by it was easy to move around and a gentle nudge with my toe jiggled them around and settled them down.
We had a Diaper Genie and in the apartment it was nice. Once we moved to the house though it was more of a pain. And the little bag refills are expensive. I'd recommend a small garbage can with a lid and just take out the trash each evening.
A good, dependable pack and play. That thing was a life saver! You'll use it more when he's bigger and getting into things, but when he's little it will keep Gizmo off of him and give you peace of mind say when you're in the kitchen and can't watch him every second, but want him near. Then you can haul it to the beach, Disney, wherever and have a nice comfy place for him away from home.
Most of the stuff you'll see is not necessary at all, but it's fun to have anyways! Have fun registering!
Burp cloths and Bibs are a must. You can never have to many!!
Ok, can't help myself -- more suggestions....
Diapers & wipes and a lot of them. Wipes do not go bad in a very long time (we're talking years here), if they stay sealed. For diapers, I would say a few size 1, but mostly size 2 & 3 -- you'll use those the most. Many with boys prefer Huggies over Pampers. I prefered Huggies over store brand because we had a lot less leaks and with coupons, they weren't that much more expensive.
I agree with Misty -- skip the diaper genie. After awhile, ours smelled worse than the dirty diapers. Just save plastic grocery bags and tie them up with the diaper inside. You could put them in a plain pail, or just take them out right away.
Burp cloths with vinyl on the back so they don't soak through to your clothing, bibs with vinyl on the front so you can wipe them off (you can also put them in the wash and hang to dry)
Swing -- some babies love them, others hate them (I had one of each), if yours loves it, it's a lifesaver and well worth the short time you'll actually use it.
I wouldn't register for clothing, unless there is something you can't live without. Most people will buy clothing anyway.
A baby monitor with two receivers and one that doesn't interfere with your cordless phone and/or wireless internet.
If you want a front carrier rather than a sling, I would suggest Baby Bjorn -- expensive, I know, but the only one I found comfortable (tried 3 or 4 before that) -- I found this more useful with a second baby when you need your hands free to tend to the older child.
Sassy infant toys were a favorite at our house.
Ok, I'll stop for now.
I think the swaddles were wonderful. My son would kick out of the blankets, but loved the security of the swaddles. They have velcro, and it makes it really easy to to use.
I think the Diaper Genie is wonderful. It hides the smell, and is very easy to use.
The bouncy seat that vibrates is a life saver. It keeps them calm and occupied for awhile.
Make sure you get a stroller that is easy to push, and easy to navigate through tight spaces. We got a jogger, and love it!
Stacy (Adoptive Mommy)
Girl, I could go on and on and I might comment again after I think about it some more ;)...
I agree with Diaper Genie...ours stunk so bad so we didn't use it with the twins. We just use grocery bags and take out the trash 1-2 times a day! (that is with twins!! ;))
Medicines we found useful: gas drops, little noses, Motrin (for teething, etc.), and teething tablets.
Cute little burp cloths and bibs...also agree that you can never have too many of these!
Pack-n-play...a MUST! Especially for you guys who love to travel and camp! We still use 2 LOTS!
Vibrating Bouncer (and/or Exercauser) for sure! Like someone else said...great for when you need to take a shower, etc.
Sling- great for little ones!
My favorite discovery...ULTIMATE CRIB SHEET!!!!!!! This sheet snaps OVER your cute little sheet on the crib. So, when washing all you have to do is unsnap from the side of the crib and wash...instead of changing the crib sheet! This was a LIFE SAVER...especially with twins! Unless you just like changing sheets on a crib...yuck! :(
I told you I could go on and on and on... I'll stop! ;)
Number one on my baby essential list: cool mist humidifier for the nursery. My babies were very congested and the humidifier helped them breathe plus the white noise helped them fall asleep (and stay asleep!)
Also, like other commenters, I loved using a bouncy seat (the cute musical/vibrating ones are worth it, in my opinion). And a boppy is really useful.
I almost bought a Bumbo seat but a friend advised against it, saying Mini would be sitting up on her own by the time she was able to get a lot of use out of it. I think she was right. I didn't miss having it, at least.
I will have to agree about the diaper geenie - we only got one because MK's room is upstairs but don't spend money on it.
The thing we used gift cards for and love the most is the video monitor!! We LOVE it! I could not live without it now - just looking on there when I have not heard her all night gives me peace of mind!
Another must have, as people have said - TONS of nice bibs and burp cloths - thick ones!
We use a ton of Aquaphor too - MK has very sensitive skin and we rub it everywhere! HA!
The cool mist humidifier is one too - must have!
For us, also saline nose drops, or called Little Noses (can you tell my child has allergy issues! HA!) - also BE SURE and keep the good nose syringe they give you at the hospital!
Hmm...what else...Preemie clothes...at least a few..you don't realize how small they are and you want cute stuff for them to wear right off the bat. But like someone else said - don't register for clothes.
I will think of some more....
Post a Comment