A Realistic Guide to the Baby Registry

A First-Time Mom's Guide

Your belly is growing by the day, and your little one will be here before you know it. Expecting your first child is an exciting time, and one of the most exciting parts during this last trimester is the baby shower! While the shower itself is a joyous event involving your friends and family, sometimes the act of registering for baby's items can be a little daunting. Here are a few tips to help simplify the registry process and help you and junior get the most out of it.

Look for items that have multiple functions or grow with your baby. One great item is the pack and play that includes a newborn napper and a changing table. As the baby gets older, you can take the newborn napper off and then use the item for naps or as a play time. Instead of getting a changing table and a dresser, look for a dresser that includes a changing table surface on top. Also, consider a travel system that includes the infant car seat, base, and stroller that will grow with baby as well.

Think about size. All of this stuff has to fit into your home, so look for items that aren't necessarily full size. A good example of this is the baby swing. You can register for a large baby swing that will take up a full corner of your living room or a smaller, travel swing that will sit lower to the ground and take up considerably less room.

Don't register for too many clothes. Your friends and family will have a ball picking out cute little outfits for the baby, and you'll leave the party with tons of outfits for the little one. Also, the baby will grow very quickly- don't get stuck with a dozen 0-3 month outfits when the baby's already moved on to 3-6 months.

There are a lot of must-have items that you may not need. Just because it's on a list doesn't mean you need it. If your home is small, and your bedrooms are close together, you may not need a baby monitor. Also, there are a lot of accessories for the crib that can be forgone. A sheet saver on top of the sheet and mattress pad may possibly be overkill, and crib bumpers don't do a whole lot and are also attributed to SIDS. Also, bottle and wipe warmers sound like a good idea, but are definitely luxuries and not necessities.

Don't be afraid to register for bigger ticket items. Your friends and family members may be looking for larger items to go in on for you, so be sure to register for your crib, the high chair, and other pricier items that you may not have initially considered including.

Don't register for too many gender specific items. For most moms, you only get one shower, and that's for your first born. Registering for a pink stroller and a heart and butterfly themed swing may seem like a great idea for your daughter, but when your son comes along in another couple years, it'll be back to the drawing board for a lot of your items.

Create registries at two stores to allow your guests a little more flexibility. Choose larger chains like Babies R Us and Target that are easily accessible for your guests.

Don't forget about the future! Eating solids, potty-training, and sitting in the next level of car seat may seem like it's eons away for your baby, but babies are notorious for growing much too quicky. Don't feel silly about registering for items that baby may need in over six months to a year, such as the high chair, the convertible car seat, and potty chair. There won't be another baby shower for this baby- so register for the things you'll need now!

Check your store's policies and programs. Make sure your registry stores of choice have a simple return policy for when you need to swap out duplicates or if the baby comes and you find that there are certain items you just don't need. Also, many baby stores have great reward programs that you'll want to be sure to take advantage of. Signing up for reward cards may yield coupons or free perks such as diapers or formula after in-store requirements are met.

Look for kits. Instead of registering for separate grooming and first aid items, for instant, a lot of these items are sold in pre-bundled packages for convenience.

Ask your friends for recommendations. If you're unsure of what items you think you will truly need and what specifications these products should have, ask your friends about what they learned and the items their baby likes. While every baby is truly different, you will gain a lot of insight from hearing the lessons your friends and family members learned in real time, and their perspective will hopefully be helpful and, depending on the friend, entertaining!

Make a list, take your time, and most of all enjoy! Don't let registering for your baby be overwhelming. Set aside plenty of time and consider your list of must-haves before heading out. Then, have fun! Registering for baby is a great time, and it means that baby's on his way!

Preparing for Baby on a Budget

As an expectant mom, you do not have to look far at all to see lists compiled by "experts" telling new moms all the gizmos and gadgets that are "must-have's" for new parents. I felt like I needed to have each of these items to be the prepared mom that I wanted to be. I wish now that there had been an older woman to have guided me and put my fears to rest that if I could not afford some of these items, my child would still be just fine.

Now, looking back, I realize that the vast majority of thing are not really needed at all, and I would bet that my first child never even used half of what we had purchased thinking that we would need.

So, here I am, this is my "expert" list for you. I have "been there and done that"...in times of plenty and in want, these are the things that we really used...even some of these are not "must haves", but rather just convenient.

Cloth Diapers

We used disposables with the first seven....I wish so much that I could reclaim the money that we spent diapering the first seven!! Cloth diapers are not nearly as much trouble as I originally thought that they would be.

Diaper Hamper

This is a MUST for cloth diapering moms. Make sure you look over in the plastic storage area of your local department store before you opt for an expensive hamper. We have a great hamper that I purchased there for $4.00! If you are not cloth diapering, please let me encourage you to NOT buy some of the expensive diaper disposal systems. Empty bread bags or grocery bags do the same job and just as well.

Diaper Wipes

I have heard of people making their own, but preferring to not throw out anything, we are using baby wash cloths. You could just use soft plain wash cloths and be just fine.

Car Seat

This is a requirement of each state and really a necessity for your baby's safety. I personally prefer the models with a base so that I can use the seat to carry baby. When choosing a seat, remember to think dark fabric. You would not believe how quickly these items show dirt, wear and tear.

Crib & Mattress

My babies have all slept in a co-sleeper or cradle by my bed for the first few months. This is your choice. I wanted my babies to be close because I was breastfeeding during the night. Whatever you use, be sure that it meets safety guidelines.

Bottles

If you are not breastfeeding, you will of course, need bottles. You do not think that you have to buy a certain type or brand. Breastfeeding is always the preferred option...not only because it's better for your baby, it is also more convenient and definitely more affordable!

Pacifier

Our hospital supplied one for us. If you are breastfeeding, you might want to re-think the use of pacifiers. I know that the "experts" go back and forth on the use of pacifiers and their connection to successful breastfeeding. From experience, I can definitely say that my babies who took a pacifier nursed less and therefore, I had less milk! This is something to think about!

Stroller

This is not a necessity but it is definitely nice to have, especially if you are going to be out with your baby very much within the first couple of years. Again, you will want to think dark fabrics.

Carrier

These come in so many different styles that I hate to comment on a particular one...many people prefer slings but there are many different styles. You have to shop around and see what will best fit your family. We, personally do not have one of these. Instead, when we are out with our babies, I either hold them or carry them in their car seat. With that said, moms who do have slings usually love them!

Diaper Bag

For this baby, I sewed a standard tote bag for a diaper bag. Especially, if you are breastfeeding, and not going to have bottles in your diaper bag that need a way to stay upright, there really is no reason to spend that extra money on a diaper bag.

Clothing

Babies generally need a lot less clothing that we think, and much of it can be purchased in really good condition from second hand sources. Some items you may want to think about are onesies, a couple of nicer outfits, lots of socks...(these tiny things get lost so easily in the laundry), and gowns (our choice because babies can wear them much longer than sleepers.

Other Supplies

Grooming supplies are pretty much a necessity. Items like baby shampoo, baby bath, a soft hair brush, bulb syringe and nail clippers will be needed. You may want to check with your hospital prior to making these purchases, many supply them to newborns to take home.

A couple of additional items that you will use are burp cloths, and a few receiving blankets.

A playpen or swing will give baby a comfortable place to play but I have also found that a rectangular laundry basket lined with a blanket and filled with a few favorite toys works just as well when babies are old enough to sit up by themselves and play.

Preparing for a new arrival does not have to cost you a fortune. New things are exciting and add to the anticipation of an expected birth, but many are not necessary. Babies only real needs are to be warm, fed and loved. Providing for these needs, even in the most humble means, will make for a happy baby!

Bringing Baby Home - Items of Clothing You'll Want to Have on Hand Immediately

Buying clothes for your new baby is one of the most enjoyable experiences while shopping for your little bun-in-the-oven.

There are so many cute styles and outfits (at such great prices!) that any normal new mommy wants one of each. Alas, ladies, you really don't need all those adorable designer outfits. First, your friends and family will probably purchase most of them during the baby shower. Second, babies grow like weeds-cute, adorable weeds.

Chances are your little one won't get into half the stuff that is given to you. Lastly, you are going to have a few "outfits" that are going to be your favorites and those are going to be grungy as anything when your little one grows out of them. Remember, babies are messy with the spit up stains and messy diapers that were SO DRY like two minutes ago! Plus, you never know, you may give birth to a toddler (10 pound babies, yikes!) So below I have listed for you the basics. This is what you are going to need and all the "outfits" get put on in between for about 2 hours.

First you're going to want 6-8 t-shirts. Nice to have if you have a summer baby because if you're in the house and don't have AC (like myself) the t-shirt will absorb the baby's sweat if its hot but keep him from getting a chill.

4-5 Gowns, maybe even more. I personally loved these because they made diaper changing a snap and covered my son's feet while having the effect of a light blanket as well. Remember ladies, gowns aren't just for girls, they come in boy styles just as much. It took me a while to get over that little aspect but I came to love them in the end.

4-5 lightweight footed sleepers. They keep the baby nice and comfortable and covers all the little bits that get cold real easy until he can regulate his body temperature. Plus, they are super cute! I definitely went overboard on these since my son was a fall baby and they were perfect for keeping him comfortably warm. These were the outfits of choice. Plus I got a ton of them at my baby shower.

A bunch of blanket sleepers are also key. The amount just depends on how much laundry you like to do (hence, why I stocked up on these). With the ever looming threat of SIDS these days the blanket sleeper is like a little sleeping bag for your baby but they won't get all twisted up in it like they might a blanket. You may decide to get blanket weight footed sleepers but I found that my son got hot real easy so I only got a couple of these for the really chilly winter nights.

Grab a package of socks. Self explanatory - the tootsies get cold but you don't need a ton of them. They don't get dirty quickly since your little guy isn't walking anywhere.

If it's winter grab one of those sleeping bag looking things you put in the stroller/car seat. They are a lifesaver when you have to take the baby out in the cold and it keeps him nice and toasty warm.

6-12 "Onesies". These are a must have. My son lived in these and they are great to put under long sleeved shirts in the winter (all about regulating that temperature). I bought even more than that and used them all...constantly. They are the true baby staple.

A couple of hats to keep his head warm when you go outside. A baby can lose a lot of heat from his head so grab a couple of neutral colored ones that can go with a lot of outfits. As far as material goes, light cotton works great for every time of year except winter. For that season I would go with something a little heavier, though preferably made out of cotton to avoid any reactions.

Receiving blankets. 6 is good to start with but I purchased more than that after. They have many great uses including, swaddling the baby (of course), burp cloths, and if you forgot your changing pad at the mall they are a quick fix for that. I always carried at least two of them wherever I went.

Baby towels and washcloths. They are made less abrasive for a baby's sensitive skin.

Burp cloths. For obvious reasons these have saved many a shirts from being stained. Of course, that doesn't mean you save all your shirts from baby stains...that's just silly!

So, these are the basics for clothing for babies. Like I said, you're going to get tons of outfits for the baby from relatives and friends. Buy the outfits you just "can't live without". Don't get rid of the fun. Just cut down your costs for the most part and get the essentials. You can use the money you save for all the diapers you are going to have to buy!

Bringing Baby Home from the Hospital

Bringing your newborn baby home from the hospital for the first time is exciting but can also be a bit scary. You've been in the hospital for a few days getting used to your little one and you have had the help of nurses and doctors round the clock at your becking call. Now it's time to go home- just you and your newborn.

First of all, make sure that you understand how to care for your baby properly before you leave the hospital. If you don't understand how to clean your baby's umbilical cord stump in the hospital, you won't understand at home either. Ask lots of questions when something is not clear. Your baby will thank you for it. Make sure that you have the phone numbers for the pediatrician, lactation consultant and the obstetrician or midwife that delivered you in case any concerns arise.

It is important that you have clothing and a car seat readily available when it is time to leave the hospital. A going home outfit for the baby is necessary since hospitals do not provide clothing for the baby to wear home. The outfit should be either a preemie or 0-3 sized outfit. Make sure that the outfit you pack is appropriate for the weather outdoors. If you are unsure of what the weather will be like, pack two or three different sets of clothing to choose from. Bring a blanket for additional warmth if needed. Hospitals will not let parents leave with their newborns unless an approved car seat is installed in the car. Install the car seat before your baby arrives so that you can have a qualified car seat technician check the installation to make sure it is done properly. Most hospitals do not allow the nurses to install carseats for you. This should be done ahead of time to avoid any delays or conflicts.

Before you deliver the baby, make sure that you have a place for your newborn to sleep. A crib, bassinet or playpen are all appropirate. Remember that sheets are safe to use in the crib, but to reduce the risk of SIDS no other toys or bedding should be used. When you come home from the hospital you will want to rest and the baby's bed should already be set up and ready to be used. You should have a supply of diapers, wipes and clean clothes for your baby. If you do not plan to breast feed, make sure that your bottles have already been cleaned and sterilized and that formula is on hand when you get home.

During the first few weeks at home, take the time to get to know your baby. When someone asks how they can help you, ask if they can do a load of laundry or prepare dinner. This is your time to bond with your newborn. Rest when your baby sleeps and enjoy your new bundle of joy!

Tags: #buget, #prepairing, #mom, #diapers #wipes #newborn #home

Thanks for the articles to Jaclyn Berger, Tracy Lambert, Rusty Angel, Laura Ward