Registry Checklist for New Moms
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In my previous post, I discussed some helpful tips on registering for baby products. But what exactly do you include in your registry?
I found registering for baby even more overwhelming than compiling a wedding registry. I’d been running a household for five years before getting married; I knew what kitchen appliances and tools had worn out and what gadgets we’d been eyeing for some time. I knew I needed new sheets, towels, pots and pans and a vacuum cleaner.
But, registering for our first baby was a different experience. We needed virtually everything to care for an infant, and weren’t sure where to start. (Oh, and a new vacuum cleaner, too!) With such a long list, it was hard to keep track of what we had already selected, and what we still needed to add to the registry.
Compiling a check list before we hit the stores and the Web helped. I’ve broken it down into categories for easy reference. Your list may be different depending on what you already have from previous children, or what you’ve found at garage sales, through friends, or even on Craig’s List or Freecycle. Some of these items are optional based on your lifestyle.
Another thing I found helpful was going with an experienced friend to register for many of the more confusing items. We take our expedition tomorrow, and I will report on how it went and what I learned.
Big-Ticket Items
- Bassinet/ Crib
- Crib Mattress
- Changing Table
- Infant car seat/carrier/stroller travel system
- Additional car seat base for second car
- Baby/toddler car seat
Miscellaneous
- Travel playpen
- Baby monitor
- Baby or pet gates
- Diaper bag
- Lightweight umbrella stroller
- Baby carrier/sling
- Child-proofing products (Read this article for an expanded checklist.)
- Glider or rocking chair
- Baby book
* Many of these items overlap. For instance, you can opt for a regular stroller, and then get a convertible car seat that functions as an infant car seat and converts to a toddler car seat when the baby reaches 20 pounds. Or, your travel system may include the infant car seat/carrier, so you’ll want to buy another car seat, which converts to a booster seat later on. Of course, this purchase can wait, but you may as well register for it! You can also find a travel playpen that doubles as a bassinet and changing table.
Toys
- The possibilities are endless, but here’s a list to get you started.
- Baby swing
- Infant gym/playmate (for tummy time)
- Stationary exerciser
- Crib mobile
- Soft Blocks
- Mirror
- Stacking cups
- Rattles and noisemakers
- Phthalate-free teethers
Grooming & Hygiene
- Potty seat
- Step stool (for toddler)
- Infant bath
- Bath toys
- Baby shampoo
- Wash cloths
- Diapers
- Diaper pail
- Changing table pad
- Baby wipes
- Soft-bristled hair brush
Clothing
- Booties - 2 pair
- Knitted hat or sun hat (for winter or summer) – 2
- Sleep sacks, pajamas w/ feet or nightgowns – (total 7)
- Onesies or t-shirts – 6 – 10
- Socks – 10 pair
- Sweaters (for winter and fall)– 2 or more
- Snowsuit (for winter)
- Outfit for hospital photos (may want to purchase in 0 – 3 mos. and 3 – 6 mos. sizes) Seasonally-appropriate outfit to go home from hospital
Linens
- Receiving blankets
- Crib sheets
- Bassinet sheets
For meal-time
- High chair
- Breast pump (This can be rented).
- Bottles
- Nipples
- Nursing Supplies
- Pacifier
- Baby spoons & bowl
- Bibs
- Spit-up cloths
For Mom
- Nightgown for hospital (opens in front for breastfeeding)
- New slippers
- Boppy pillow (if you haven’t purchased one during pregnancy, you may want one for breastfeeding)
Readers, have I forgotten anything?
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