Throwing a Baby Shower? Here Are Some Essentials for Your Baby Registry
You’ve announced your pregnancy. The excitement of your future baby can finally be shared with the world. Now, you have a nagging feeling that you need to start nesting. This includes compiling a list of everything you will need ahead of baby’s’ arrival. You pull out your laptop and sign up for a baby registry at your favorite store. Account created. Great, now what to add?
Our team of Mini Social Moms knows firsthand how overwhelming the nesting process can be the first time around. We know that all parents are different and will have their own feelings of what is deemed essential to have on hand for baby’s first year. That said, when it comes to registering for baby shower gifts, there are some things that can be left off or we think are must-haves. We’ve compiled our own list of non-essential and must-have items for your future baby registry.
Non-essential Items For Your Baby Registry:
Clothes/Shoes – Online garage sales or consignment stores are best for clothes literally until your child stops outgrowing clothes. People WILL buy you clothes if you do not register for specific items. It is impossible to resist the urge to buy brand new, adorable, tiny clothes for a new little one in your life. We are not saying do not register for any clothes at all or not to buy your own new outfits, just do so in moderation especially until you see how big baby is when he/she is born.
Baby chairs/bouncers/etc. – Your baby will likely outgrow most of what typically goes on a registry in this category within the first 2-3 months because of size or they are now rolling and cannot be in it. Consider a swing to give your arms a break and rock baby to while they sleep and an activity chair that converts into a full play table once baby is too big for the seat.
Blankets, swaddles, etc. – The same as we said for clothing goes for this category. Blankets or swaddles become a filler in many gifts for expecting moms. If you have a specific swaddle print you love, consider theming the nursery around that print. Then ask for gifts based on that theme.
Must-have Baby Registry Items:
White onesies –
Onesie extender – This snaps onto the bottom of a onesie so that if the body still fits, but it’s too short the baby can still wear the cute or plain onesie. It’s genius and saves you from only having he/she wear a onesie once or twice!
Bottles and Nipples –
Select one brand for bottles/pacifiers to try. You want to do the same brand for both because the nipple should be consistent.
For Mama – it’s easy to forget you as the Mother has a need for things to as you become a first-time Mom. Our sister store, Zoolikins, has a collection of Mama items to browse.
Diapers – whether you do disposable or cloth OR BOTH, registering for these will save you a lot of money (and trips to the store). Curious about Cloth? We have the answers here.
One package of nipple brushes/bottle brush (dishwashing)
Think beyond the first few months of baby’s life. Ask for dishware, silverware, bibs, and travel essentials that will make life easier and cleaner.
First aid kit
Baby Wipes
Closet hangers for small clothes
Baby bathtub
Stroller/Car Seat Combo
Pack and Play
Baby Carrier
Baby Proofing Items!! – outlet covers, cabinet locks, doorknob locks (you will need this sooner than you think)
Diaper bag
Crib
Crib mattress
Mattress cover (waterproof)
Sheets for mattress
Dresser with changing table/pad
Gift cards to wherever you will buy everyday products like diapers and wipes
Some Additional Advice:
Think ahead in year one, not the first few months because they are in your arms, sleeping, eating, or pooping most of that time.
You do not need as much as you think, or advertising tells you
Babies changes so fast so really think about what you want to use long-term or shorter long-term.
Use the registry to have people buy you those bigger budget items.
Grandmas and Grandpas will buy and buy and buy….