As the title says, this is part 2 of my attempt at helpful tips for creating a baby registry. You will find that part 1 is the previous post.
Again, my biggest tip is to seriously consider lifestyle, parenting style, and space. Don't register for things you won't use (car seat-stroller set when you don't have/use a car), items you don't have room for, or just because someone says you need it or that it was their saving grace.
In this post I'll cover furniture, car seats and strollers, calming aids, toys, feeding, diaper bags, baby wearing, and organization.
In this post I'll cover furniture, car seats and strollers, calming aids, toys, feeding, diaper bags, baby wearing, and organization.
Crib/bassinet/pack and play:
I'll keep reiterating this: evaluate your needs and plan accordingly. This can be tough with sleeping, because, try as you might, your child may hate their crib (like mine does). I would suggest definitely getting at least a pack and play with the bassinet add on. These are great for travel and using as a sleeping location during the day if you're only co-sleeping at night. Pack and plays are also a great place to set baby when you need to use the bathroom/do the dishes/make supper/give your arms a break.
I know I advocate heavily for using hand-me-downs, but be careful with cribs (and really anything except clothes). Educate yourself on the safety standards for cribs and make sure that the hand-me-down fits those specifications.
Changing table:
If you don't have a dresser that is at a good height or wide enough for changing baby, consider adding a changing table to your registry. Sure you can use the bed or floor or where ever, but I think a changing table/dresser is the way to go. The last thing you want is to be changing your baby on the floor when they have a massive blowout and are trying to crawl away. It will also save your back, by keeping you from being hunched over. We are lucky enough to have a dresser that's just the right height. Don't forget to register for a changing pad and covers. We only have two changing pad covers and have never been left without a cover.
Rocking chair:
This is one item I wish we had, but we didn't buy because of space. If you plan on using the chair just to rock your baby to sleep and the occasional night feeding, consider registering for a plain wooden rocker (you can always buy some cushions to tie on and make it a little more comfortable). You'll probably spend less money and it will last longer. If, because of space or personal choice, the rocker will become part of the living room, go for comfort and durability.
Car Seats and Strollers
Car Seats:
Do. Not. Buy. Second. Hand. Car seats!!!! You can not be sure that it was never in an accident and it may be past its expiration date (yes! car seats expire). Both are things that void the warranty and compromise the integrity of the product.
Make sure it fits in your car. Sounds silly right? I'm sure there are many people who didn't check and are now kicking themselves in the butt. We didn't check, but we got lucky. Don't forget to sit in the seat that will be in front of the car seat to see if you really have adequate room. Also, read your vehicle owner's manual to find out where they recommend placing the car seat.
All car seats have to meet the same safety ratings. Yes, some companies go above and beyond, but price does not always imply a difference in safety. Don't be afraid of an inexpensive car seat.
Things to consider before choosing a car seat:
- How easy is it to install
- Can you get multiple bases
- Size
- Ease of placing it in the base
- Ease of removing it from the car
- Ease of adjusting the straps
- Comfort items that are provided with the car seat. (If you really want strap pads, get a car seat that comes with them, because you can not add them to a car seat that came out of the box without them).
- How it feels to carry with weight in it (see if the store has any sort of weighted bag you can place in the car seat. Carrying an empty car seat is way different then carrying it with 18 lbs in it).
Strollers:
Really, really think about your needs. Don't just go straight for the car seat-stroller combo. Many strollers have the ability to accept various car seats (some additional hardware may be needed). If you think you may want to jog or do a lot of off road walking with a stroller seriously consider a jogging stroller with a front wheel that can be fixed or moving. I did not think about it then and am now kicking myself in the butt.
This is another item where you need to make sure it fits in your car. If you have a compact car, or just a really small trunk, test putting different strollers in your trunk. Most baby related stores will let you do this.
Convertible Car Seats:
Consider skipping the infant car seat altogether. Often when I had Jr. in the infant car seat there was no reason I couldn't have put him in the stroller and left the car seat in the car. You will need one of these eventually. Children should remain rear facing until they're at least 2 years old, but ideally for as long as possibly (frog legs is not a sign that your child needs to be turned, and is actually safer than having their legs straight out). So you might as well get a car seat that will take them from rear facing to forward facing to booster. Even if you get an infant seat you may still want to register for a convertible seat now.
Calming Aids
Let me preface this section by being honest. There is a chance that your child will only be calmed by you. Whether it's by nursing, walking, swaying, or bouncing, there is a chance that your child will only want you.
As I mentioned before, hand-me-downs are great. Buying a swing, bouncer, and rock 'n play sleeper will add up quickly. If someone is willing to pass one along, or you can find one used, carefully consider if it is the right option for you. I don't know about you but I hate putting money into something that never gets used. When someone says "my Jane would always fall asleep in the -blank-," ask if you can borrow it for a week or so to see if it works for your child before buying.
Toys
Think about basic toys that are going to provide months of entertainment. You want a variety of textures, sounds, and colors. High contrast toys are great for when your baby is little, before they see in full color (because apparently they don't see in full color when they're born). Also, think about toys that can take baby from lying down, to sitting, to standing. They will be intrigued by the new view they have of a familiar object. (We just brought out the baby gym mat now that Jr. is crawling. He's quite amused with it from this new angle.) I do recommend some sort of jumper/bouncy seat. There's a reason they make these- babies love to jump!
Basic Toys to consider:
Basic Toys to consider:
- An easy grip ball (like the Oball, some styles double as a rattle)
- rattles
- Soft blocks, especially if they rattle or make a crinkle sound.
- stacking toys (if you're afraid of the plastic stacking rings (the post in particular), there are soft versions out there)
- a set of rings/links (the kind you put toys on)
- Soft toys that squeak, chime, vibrate, or crinkle
- Child safe mirror (comes on most baby gyms)
- board books
- teethers
Feeding
Bottles:
I will be the first to admit that I don't know much about baby bottles, after all Jr. has used a bottle maybe 10 times since birth. However, I do know that if you will be using formula exclusively it would be best to buy various bottles to see what your baby likes and what gives them the least trouble with gas. Go ahead and listen to recommendations from others about what bottle worked best for their little ones, then pick 5 (or more, or less) to try.
If you plan on breastfeeding for a while or for as long as humanly possible, purchase a bottle that is designed to be as close to the feel of a breast as possible. Even if you will be a stay at home mom and plan to exclusively breastfeed, there may come a day when you'll need a bottle because for whatever reason you aren't there. I used Tommee Tippee, 0+ months. They came in a three pack, but you could buy just one bottle.
Sterilizers are up to you, but most bottles say to just be sure to clean in hot soapy water after use and you can sterilize them occasionally by boiling in a pot of water (after they've been washed. I learned hard way). Some people like the dishwasher baskets, but my bottles didn't fit in them.
Bottle warmers can overheat liquids. For breast milk a mug of hot water (straight from tap, not heated up) works best to gradually warm the milk. If purchasing a bottle warmer, look for one that comes with a car adaptor.
Breast Pumps/Feeding:
Breast pumps are expensive and not something you want to go cheap on. I was given a used breast pump by my sister (which most companies do not recommend) and only bought new tubes for it, so cost was minimal.
As soon as you are pregnant, think about whether you will use formula or breast milk, then contact your insurance company to see if they will cover the cost of a breast pump. Many companies will, but they have very strict time lines for when you can submit for the pump to be purchased, therefore you will want to check with them as soon as possible to learn that time line. Also consider renting a pump, which many hospitals do. Even if you will be a stay at home mom and plan to breast feed you will still want to have a pump around just in case, especially the first time your child skips a night time feeding. Ouch.
You will probably want a pillow of some sort to aid in breast feeding. It gives great rest to your arms. Boppy's are nice and versatile. I only used mine for breast feeding for the first few weeks, but after that it was great for propping up Jr. and later for a safe support when sitting up. When it comes to nursimg pillows I love My brest friend. I still use it and Jr. is 8 months (he only likes lying on his side to nurse).
I'll leave you to decide if you plan to cover up or bare all when nursing at home or in public. Nursing covers are easy to find and not a budget buster should you choose to use one.
I will leave the topic of nursing bras and shirts for my maternity wardrobe tips, which I'll post in April.
Highchairs:
Highchairs take up a lot of room, so be very conscious of space. Check out the display at the store to see how big it's foot print is when it's being used and stored. A great option for small spaces is a space saver highchair. These sit on a regular dining room chair and come with a tray, though sometimes it's nice to not use the tray and slide baby up to the table. Space savers are also great for traveling to visit family and friends (though it obviously takes up some room in the trunk).
Baby food Prep:
If you plan on making your own baby food, consider how you want to do it. Will you mostly make it that day at that meal? If so, a baby bullet or something similar will be good choice. Do you plan on making large batches to freeze? Yes? Then you will need something larger, either a blender, food processor, or stick blender. If you have one of these already test it out by pureeing cooked peas (these are difficult to get smooth because of the shell), just remember that you may need to add water to make it a nice consistency. If it works well with peas, it should work for anything else you throw at it. You will also need to consider what you will freeze the food in. Most people use ice cube trays, because each cube is about 1 oz. If you use ice cube trays they will take a beating, so I suggest getting them from the dollar store. It hurts less when they break.
As far as bowls, spoons, and other such things go, it's up to you if you want to register for them or not. I chose not to, because I knew that it would be about Christmas time when Jr. would start solids, so I could ask for them then. They also don't cost that much, and if you wash them each day you don't need very many.
I will be the first to admit that I don't know much about baby bottles, after all Jr. has used a bottle maybe 10 times since birth. However, I do know that if you will be using formula exclusively it would be best to buy various bottles to see what your baby likes and what gives them the least trouble with gas. Go ahead and listen to recommendations from others about what bottle worked best for their little ones, then pick 5 (or more, or less) to try.
If you plan on breastfeeding for a while or for as long as humanly possible, purchase a bottle that is designed to be as close to the feel of a breast as possible. Even if you will be a stay at home mom and plan to exclusively breastfeed, there may come a day when you'll need a bottle because for whatever reason you aren't there. I used Tommee Tippee, 0+ months. They came in a three pack, but you could buy just one bottle.
Sterilizers are up to you, but most bottles say to just be sure to clean in hot soapy water after use and you can sterilize them occasionally by boiling in a pot of water (after they've been washed. I learned hard way). Some people like the dishwasher baskets, but my bottles didn't fit in them.
Bottle warmers can overheat liquids. For breast milk a mug of hot water (straight from tap, not heated up) works best to gradually warm the milk. If purchasing a bottle warmer, look for one that comes with a car adaptor.
Breast Pumps/Feeding:
Breast pumps are expensive and not something you want to go cheap on. I was given a used breast pump by my sister (which most companies do not recommend) and only bought new tubes for it, so cost was minimal.
As soon as you are pregnant, think about whether you will use formula or breast milk, then contact your insurance company to see if they will cover the cost of a breast pump. Many companies will, but they have very strict time lines for when you can submit for the pump to be purchased, therefore you will want to check with them as soon as possible to learn that time line. Also consider renting a pump, which many hospitals do. Even if you will be a stay at home mom and plan to breast feed you will still want to have a pump around just in case, especially the first time your child skips a night time feeding. Ouch.
You will probably want a pillow of some sort to aid in breast feeding. It gives great rest to your arms. Boppy's are nice and versatile. I only used mine for breast feeding for the first few weeks, but after that it was great for propping up Jr. and later for a safe support when sitting up. When it comes to nursimg pillows I love My brest friend. I still use it and Jr. is 8 months (he only likes lying on his side to nurse).
I'll leave you to decide if you plan to cover up or bare all when nursing at home or in public. Nursing covers are easy to find and not a budget buster should you choose to use one.
I will leave the topic of nursing bras and shirts for my maternity wardrobe tips, which I'll post in April.
Highchairs:
Highchairs take up a lot of room, so be very conscious of space. Check out the display at the store to see how big it's foot print is when it's being used and stored. A great option for small spaces is a space saver highchair. These sit on a regular dining room chair and come with a tray, though sometimes it's nice to not use the tray and slide baby up to the table. Space savers are also great for traveling to visit family and friends (though it obviously takes up some room in the trunk).
Baby food Prep:
If you plan on making your own baby food, consider how you want to do it. Will you mostly make it that day at that meal? If so, a baby bullet or something similar will be good choice. Do you plan on making large batches to freeze? Yes? Then you will need something larger, either a blender, food processor, or stick blender. If you have one of these already test it out by pureeing cooked peas (these are difficult to get smooth because of the shell), just remember that you may need to add water to make it a nice consistency. If it works well with peas, it should work for anything else you throw at it. You will also need to consider what you will freeze the food in. Most people use ice cube trays, because each cube is about 1 oz. If you use ice cube trays they will take a beating, so I suggest getting them from the dollar store. It hurts less when they break.
As far as bowls, spoons, and other such things go, it's up to you if you want to register for them or not. I chose not to, because I knew that it would be about Christmas time when Jr. would start solids, so I could ask for them then. They also don't cost that much, and if you wash them each day you don't need very many.
Diaper Bags
As with anything, personal preference will dictate what you decided to register for when it comes to your diaper bag. I did the diaper bag thing for a while and then realized I was carrying more than I needed. Now I carry a changing pad with diapers and wipes in my purse. In our car we have a baby emergency bag that has extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes in. That's all we need most of the time. If I need to pack food or toys I have a very small tote that everything fits in. I would like to get a bigger purse to fit what I need in, but I haven't found one yet. The other problem I found with the diaper bag is that it did not stand up and therefore took up way more room than I wanted it to.
Think about your needs. There are a lot of innovative bags out there and one is bound to be suited to your lifestyle and needs. Traditional diaper bags, diaper backpacks, or diaper bags that look like a normal purse. I do suggest taking into consideration that daddy will sometimes have to carry it around. That's why the bag I registered for was a black tote with a green inside, not frilly or girly looking, but still practical. If you want girly and frilly, consider registering for a small backpack that dad can use when he's out and about with the little munchkin.
Baby Wearing
If you plan on using both hands in the first 6+ months of your baby's life look into baby wearing. There are plenty of different styles to choose from: slings, wraps, mei tai's (not like the drink), and carriers. Please read up on the safety concerns for each type before deciding what product(s) you'll use. Some safety concerns are no brainers, but some you may not think about. For instance wearing your baby the wrong way in a wrap or mei tai could contribute to hip dysplasia. The same goes for carriers that don't support the baby's legs out to the knees. If you're not sure what would be safe, have a conversation with your pediatrician.
Organization
As with anything, personal preference will dictate what you decided to register for when it comes to your diaper bag. I did the diaper bag thing for a while and then realized I was carrying more than I needed. Now I carry a changing pad with diapers and wipes in my purse. In our car we have a baby emergency bag that has extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes in. That's all we need most of the time. If I need to pack food or toys I have a very small tote that everything fits in. I would like to get a bigger purse to fit what I need in, but I haven't found one yet. The other problem I found with the diaper bag is that it did not stand up and therefore took up way more room than I wanted it to.
Think about your needs. There are a lot of innovative bags out there and one is bound to be suited to your lifestyle and needs. Traditional diaper bags, diaper backpacks, or diaper bags that look like a normal purse. I do suggest taking into consideration that daddy will sometimes have to carry it around. That's why the bag I registered for was a black tote with a green inside, not frilly or girly looking, but still practical. If you want girly and frilly, consider registering for a small backpack that dad can use when he's out and about with the little munchkin.
Baby Wearing
If you plan on using both hands in the first 6+ months of your baby's life look into baby wearing. There are plenty of different styles to choose from: slings, wraps, mei tai's (not like the drink), and carriers. Please read up on the safety concerns for each type before deciding what product(s) you'll use. Some safety concerns are no brainers, but some you may not think about. For instance wearing your baby the wrong way in a wrap or mei tai could contribute to hip dysplasia. The same goes for carriers that don't support the baby's legs out to the knees. If you're not sure what would be safe, have a conversation with your pediatrician.
Organization
Do not be afraid to register for organization items. You'll need somewhere to put everything from feeding paraphernalia to toys and books, so if you feel you need a small bookcase or one of those great cube organizers, add it to the registry. This is one of those areas that you might not always think through, and before you know it you have no where to put the baby's bowls, spoons, and food. Think about everything that you are going to use with your baby in the next year and a half, then think about where you're going to put it.
Hopefully part 1 and 2 of this baby registry series has helped you to think carefully about your registry choices. As I said before, there's no sense in registering for things that you won't use or don't have the room for.
Happy planning!
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