What we picked
Registering for baby gifts wasn’t as crazyawesome as I anticipated. When we registered for our wedding, I was all about it- planning out our dinnerware and serving dishes, decor, kitchen.. Tom just sat back and watched me live it up. The only thing he requested was a wine fridge, which we got, so he was very happy 😉
For baby registry, I feel weird.. like I’m asking for gifts. I’m already getting the most incredible gift ever and we’ll get presents on TOP of that? How does that even happen? It’s funny too, because I’ve been pretty chill about the whole thing, considering there are a boatload of items we really do need and a crazy variety of options for each thing. This weekend, the *bug* finally hit me, so I started researching and really planning our registry (instead of my mental images of “oh, that’s cute”) since we’re more than halfway there.
We finally finished our registry, but I will say the best thing about it was spending time talking about baby stuff with my husband. The “stuff” doesn’t matter- but I do hope this list may help out some of you who are planning out your registries, or shopping for a bun-in-the-oven friend or relative.
What we have already:
-bedding
-some clothes (newborn-12 months)
-swaddling blankets and muslin sleep sacks
-Ergo baby carrier
-Orbit Baby G2 Travel system(it shipped today!) – we ordered it with a promo, so we’ll be getting the bassinet for free, too [LOVE this]
Plan to pick up in near future:
-glider
-crib
-changing table (will probably use a regular dresser and add a changing pad to it)
-diaper pail (I want to make a silver one like YHL’s)
As far as the registry goes, It’s quite a bit of stuff, but we registered for pretty much everything we need. This way, even for the more expensive items, we’ll be able to buy them at a discount with a registry completion coupon.
A couple of tips I read online:
-Don’t register for clothes- people like to buy what they think is cute. [I did anyway, so I can use the completion coupon later]
-Don’t be afraid to register for big-ticket items. Sometimes group of people like to purchase a bigger gift together, so it’s nice to give ideas of what you like.
-My biggest tip: do your research. It’s hard to figure out the differences between everything that’s out there. Amazon.com was a lifesaver, because I would read the reviews for each item I liked before registering for it.
Bathtime:
Health and Safety:
Mealtime:
(The price of the breast pump surprised me, but a good friend promised that it’s the best)
(love this high chair and the fact that it can be adjusted to grow with the child, and that they can sit at the table to participate in mealtime)
Diapers:
(We decided to do disposables for the first couple of weeks until we get into a groove and then transition to cloth if possible)
Books, toys and playtime:
Carriers:
Extra:
(Tom wanted this timer. There’s probably an app that does the same thing, but I think it will be helpful for new parents like us)
(The elf onezie is pretty much amazing. I want one for me! Haha)
It’s definitely a lot of stuff. Anything that you see missing?
And, totally random, but does anyone have experience with this?
I registered for it and have heard mixed reviews. Some women say they’re amazing (and rave about the Belly Bandit), but others say they do nothing. I think my hips will probably go back to their home after the baby, when the relaxin decreases back to a normal level, but apparently this will help ease them along? Am I falling into a gimmick trap here? I know nothing about this, haha. 😉
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I loved doing my registry! So fun! I had a lot of the same stuff (and got it!). Never heard of that hip thing, kinda seems silly, but if it works then hey, I’d get it! 😉
boon frog pond is FAB!! my boys are 7-5-3 and we still use it. love!
good to know! sabrina (rhodeygirltests.com) showed that one to me and i loved it 🙂
I can’t wait to do our wedding registry. I want to do it like.. right now. Considering my engagement is 9 days old.. I suppose we should wait. A day. Or a lot more 😉
Breast pumps are the best….totally worth every penny!! Same with glider chairs 🙂
I have a friend that asked people to, instead of buying a card, buy the baby a book and write a message inside. I thought that was a fabulous idea! 🙂
i love that idea!!
That’s what my sister did for my baby shower – I have a whole bookshelf full of books now to read with my little girl when she gets here. Such awesome keepsakes too because so many people who love her got to write her a special note 🙂
People like buying gifts – having a registry makes it fun and easy for people who want to give you a physical token of their pleasure/joy for you having a baby. You aren’t asking, you are giving options for those who like to buy things for Little Ms.Fitnessista!
And the Elf onesie is freaking adorable.
I got a belly bandit and never even wore it once. I tried it on and felt so constricted and didn’t like how it fit under clothes. I immediately took it off. Huge waste. Especially the first 8 weeks you are so tired and getting into a schedule that I couldn’t be bothered to worry about my hips.
Wow, I didn’t even know people did baby registers :/ Seems a bit weird! Maybe it’s an American thing?
Oh well, baby stuff is super cute to look at anyway 🙂
quite a few cultures don’t do baby registries, because they think it’s like bad luck
The hip thing looks a little out there, but I dont suppose it can hurt anything. Looks like a great registry overall though!
Those little stuffed veggies are the cutest! Looks like you guys are gonna get some great things!
I think doing a baby registry would be fun! I had a rough time with my wedding registry, though. My husband and I made it more complicated than it should have been – we both perfectionists and overanalyzers. I will never forget a woman in Bed, Bath & Beyond laughing at our “discussion” over why decorative bed pillows are needed!
The “itzbeen” is VERY useful. My baby is 13 *disabled* and I still use it all the time. I’d be completely lost without it. You’re going to love it.
xox
Ahhh how fun! The hip thing does look a little bit weird, but also somewhat believable so I don’t know. Did you check reviews on Amazon?
I’d say gimmick on the last thing…but who knows.
Glad to see Motherlove nipple salve on there..it’s…THE BEST. Calendula, jojoba, camomile, (going from memory so dont quote me on those) but seriously the best. And it makes a great diaper salve, too.
The pump and bottles…if you pump, it’s always a guessing game WHICH brand of bottle the baby will like. Some babies will not take a bottle of xyz brand but they will take abc brand.
And you’re right about people buying you clothes. And more clothes. And blankets & bibs. I must have gotten 20 bibs..but no one bought me one diaper!
And I spy a couple Bum Genius CD’s on your list…that’s the brand I used and loved them the best of all the cloth dipes I tried.
Carseat. I maybe missed that on your list but that’s another big ticket item to not be afraid to register for, IMO.
Your body is an amazing thing that will do surprise you in so many ways after your little one is born. Things will go back and reshift. I’m a size smaller than I was before having my baby and didn’t use any of those post baby contraptions. Also, Averie has a good point about bottles. Some babies won’t take certain kinds. It can be a PITA.
Couldn’t survive without my Moby. Here are 2 things I would recommend also: http://www.amazon.com/JJ-Cole-Collections-All-Purpose-Blanket/dp/B0013K1NXE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315352003&sr=8-1 and http://www.amazon.com/Vulli-Sophie-the-Giraffe-Teether/dp/B000IDSLOG/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1315352015&sr=1-1
Looks like a great registry! I love shopping for baby showers. Being in Babies R Us definitely gives me the baby bug. Makes me want one and at my age it would be wholly inappropriate, lol. Better stay out of that store until I’m at least 25! lol
You HAVE to get Motherlove diaper rash & thrush cream too. No other brand worked for me. Also Earth’s Best diapers are awesome. Even other natural diapers caused my baby to have a TERRIBLE rash almost immediately upon switching. Those are my 2 cents!
i wore a post-pardum support belt for a couple weeks after, but i had a c-section! It’s a totally different experience than a natural birth but it helped IMMENSELY with pain, and i truly believe it helped the swelling and bloating go down! If you end up in that bout, which i hope you dont, i would get one!!
Totally agree…I had a c-section and the belly bandit made a world of difference as far as decreasing pain and swelling. I doubt it made me get back to pre-preg size/shape any more quickly.
You forgot the Baby Magic Bullet. http://www.babybullet.com/whatyouget.php
You either love it or hate it.
I just bought the shrinkx!
I’ve heard it works well, but feel like it may be a gimmick, too. I’m due today, but no baby yet, so I’ll let you know how it works once the baby arrives and I get to try it out 🙂
Yes, please do! I’m so excited for you!!!
What is a baby care timer for?
I see you registered for an ear thermometer, please remember for the first year, you should be doing a rectal temp. Other methods are not accurate in a baby under one year. After that, ears are MUCH more convenient 🙂
yes, i would prefer the ear method, haha.
it tells you how long it’s been since you’ve fed the baby, sleep timers, diaper changes so you can easily keep track of everything
BRILLIANT! I wish I would of known about this when I first brought my son home….oh how the hours and days just blurred together. We manually wrote down when we changed and fed him etc.
I bought the Belly Bandit and never once used it. It was too bulky and just not comfortable at all especially when I was in my pajamas the first month anyway. I’m 8 weeks postpartum and my hips are not back to their original size (oh – how I miss my jeans!), but I know they’ll get there in their own time….no need to force them there!
definitely get a rectal thermometer as well. It is the only accurate way to measure the first year and if you ever call the pedi the first few months and say the baby has a fever they will only accept a rectal reading.
love the moby wrap!
good to know.. even though the thought of that gives me the heeby jeebies. i know when the time comes i’ll man up, though
FYI – my son was born 2 months early and in the NICU they never checked (and never advised us to) check his temperature rectally. They put the thermometer underneath his armpit and they do the same at our doctor’s office. When you interview pediatricians you could always ask what method they prefer.
i like that so much better 🙂
The itzbeen rules!!
This is so cool — I love the high chair you want. The shape is so cool!
Just an FYI, you may want to check with the hospital to see if they have breast pumps for purchase. I got my brand new Medela Pump (came in the black backpack with all the accessories) from the hospital (in Dallas) 2 years ago and I want to say it was about $200-220. SO much cheaper than anywhere else I could find it.
wow- awesome tip! thank you 🙂
Also, I would check with your insurance to see if they cover a breast pump. I had been given a lower grade breast pump by a friend but when I was in the hospital after my daughter was born the lactation consultant checked for me and said my insurance fully covered that Medela breast pump. I paid nothing for it! It was truly a lifesaver when pumping so I later returned the other one that I never used.
the My Breast Friend (AWFUL NAME) is GREAT for nursing, much better than the Boppy. But the Boppy is great for propping the baby up during the first few months…and I also brought the Boppy to the hospital and (TMI ALERT) sat on it when my lady bits were killing me.
ohhhhhh great idea!
Great registry! The Bum Genius diapers are awesome. My best friend is using those now for her daughter. 🙂
The baby bjorn travel crib is amazing, so light, and our 2 year old still uses it. You prob don’t need the bath thermometer. Just use your elbow to gauge the temp, its the most thin area of skin on your body, so would be like a baby. Also, unless your baby is teeny tiny, you don’t really need the infant insert for the ergo. Hope that helps!
it does!! thank you!
Goodnight Moon and the cute headbands put the biggest smile on my face 🙂 I also love love love your bedding set! Super cute 🙂
plenty of burp cloths, unfolded cloth diapers work best and provide the most coverage. Bulb aspirators and get a few because they are always lost or dirty when you are panicking during the first cold. Shades for the car seat. and an accessory mirror if you don’t have one built into the car to watch the back seat. A+D ointment is great for preventing diaper rash. Gas drops for colic…they will be your friend. Baby tylenol and an accurate dosage dispenser.
you are a rockstar- thank you!
We have the Stokke Tripp Trapp and love it! Definitely get he cushion be size its a little slippery when the baby just sits on the wood. We never used the baby seat attachment, though.
One item you might want to look into is a Bumbo seat. It’s a great product!
And my two cents on the cloth diapers.. If you’re anything like me, you’ve done a ton of research. We use bum genius 2.0 and g diapers. I love that bum genius is one size, but they are VERY bulky… As in, barely fit under some clothes, especially when snapped up to be a smaller size. G dippers are sized, so when baby is tiny you can get a perfect fit (plus they have disposable inserts in addition to cloth inserts). A plastic bin with a snap lid works great for storing dirty diapers. Love seventh gen products- we still supplement he cloth diapers with those when we go out and have a babysitter. Cloths are great for he environment but are A LOT of work. I’m doing laundry every day, and ugh all the folding, snapping and stuffing gets old sometimes.
So many cute things! You should make it where the bloggers that follow and love you can buy you stuff too :)!
aaaaaand my ovaries ache 🙂 I have a mental love affair with the Moby wraps, that’s for sure. Can’t wait to see your baby shower and find out what you get!
Aden + Anais swaddle blankets are AMAZING!!! I live in South Florida so I never felt that my kids were sweating in these AND my kids are 4 & 7 and I STILL find uses for these blankets! They are their favorties and are perfect for my youngest to take to preschool for naptime!
Oh and I too purchased my Medela breastpump at the hospital for MUCH less!!! I had the backpack one as well, less than $200. Purchase an extra set of the storage bottles (I think they come in a 4 pack?)
aw, we love ‘where is baby’s belly button? ‘ around here. so much so that it’s ripped into pieces 🙂
love california baby. c had eczema and their calendula cream (not the lotion, but the pot of cream) was the only thing that worked, along with feeding her lots of good fats.
Awesome registry! Oh it reminds me of all the fun things that come along with a new little miracle! 🙂
My girlfriends and I agree hands down, we couldn’t live without our swings and without the woombie. Made swaddling much easier in the middle of the night when you are so tired, plus as baby gets more active they can move their hands more and still are snug as a bug.
http://www.thewoombie.com/
The swing is so great since they love the motion and it reminds them of being in the womb. Note: Make sure you have batteries on hand because you will do anything to get new batteries in when it stops and baby screams 🙂
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3090973
I wore the belly bandit starting the day after she was born. I wore it to go up to the NICU to see her and it made such a huge difference in the support I felt I had in my abdomen (gave birth naturally) and slapped the Shrinkx on when I got home from the hospital. Some people think it is all a pain but I was determined to do whatever to help speed the recovery process along and I am smaller now than I was before.
Some other things that are helpful: Whatever outfit you take baby home in make sure it has legs-sleep sacks are hard to get in and buckled in car seat. I wasn’t aware that there was that big of a difference in the newborn size of clothing versus the 0-3 months. We had to stop on the way home and get premie clothes (5lbs 10oz) so keep that in mind that newborn is a different ball game!
I’m not sure what the birthing center will have but my friends and myself who did hospital births were all glad we brought wipes with us because the ones they give you are dry and the first poops are like tar 🙂
Also look into Sophie the Giraffe, that is a must for chewing and a Bumbo is great too. Also, go ahead and take a baby CPR class sooner than later.
So happy for you! xoxo~
this comment helped SO much- thank you!!!
You can also get the white terry automotive cloths at a warehouse club! They are much cheaper for a ton of them! And you can always have some fresh and clean stored everywhere! My SIL has a stack stored in her van and has them in different places in the house! Great for burp cloths or any baby clean up needs!
Haha, I think that you are gunna love the hip things! Your registry looks amazing! You will be more than set I think!
Hi! I have been reading your blog for a few weeks and love it! Wanted to let you know that the stoke tripp trapp can tip over easily… I dont have one but saw on someone else blog a video- go to YouTube and type on stoke tripp trapp one will come up saying warning or dangerous sorry I am a new iPhone user and don’t know how to copy or attach link. Again I don’t have one and they might be making them differently now but I just wanted to make you aware of this 🙂 have a great night!
I don’t know about the hip shrinking thing but I DO know that my friends registered for the wipe warmer and they never plug it in. I think the idea is nice but the baby doesn’t care! Esp. since you live in Tucson : ), the cool wipe is probably refreshing after having a hot dipe on those buns.
Speaking of hot buns, a different friend is doing cloth diapers and she said it makes her baby run really hot. If they have levels of warmth, I recommend the lightest you can find.
Thanks so much for posting this! I just found out I’m expecting, and I’m finding the registering a bit overwhelming. One site you should check out is http://www.theportablebaby.com. They have reviews on all kinds of strollers, carriers, and really nifty stuff!
HOw fun 🙂 P.s. Where is the PILOT’S POST?!
he was watching football instead. punk. haha
If you’re going to put a changing pad on a dresser, then make sure you get a little rug pad (or use one of those rubber placemats) to keep it in place, because they slide alllll over the place. I caved and bought a changing table when my daughter was 2 weeks old and then got that tip later on 🙂
Also (just because I wish somebody had warned me) 7th Generation diapers are awful!! They are crunchy and stiff and they are actually DYED brown to make them look more “natural” – which they fully admit to on their website. 7th Generation does a lot of things well, but diapers aren’t one of them! Pampers Swaddlers are awesome for the first couple of months. If you’re looking to go the ‘natural’ route, then Huggies Pure & Natural are better than the 7th Gen.
Totally agree with the 7th Generation diaper comment…I remember I bought a few and they were awful!! There is nothing like Pampers Swaddlers! 🙂
We have the Puj tub but don’t use it anymore. I like the idea of it but the water drains from it quickly and our little Peanut was getting cold. 🙁 I LOVE my Itzbeen! Favorite baby tool so far!
My sister bought the same highchair for my niece and it is awesome! Great idea to have the child be part of the table experience, it was awesome for adjusting as she got bigger (she just moved out of it to a regular chair, she is 3.5).
It must be sooo exciting shopping for baby things 🙂
I grew up with the Trip Trapp chair! My mom has had it for a good 25 years (same chair)…used it with all of use kids and now is using it with the grandkids. It is great! Super sturdy, only time it’s ever tipped over is when we’re idiots and tried to climb up the wrong way 🙂 I’m expecting my first child now (woohoo 13 weeks) and want one for my kids to use!
Love reading your blog–my baby just turned 6 months and the advice people gave me for registering was wonderful! Here are the things I could not live without:
Wipe warmer—but I live in the Midwest so the warm wipes were wonderful during the cold nights!
Muslin blankets—used for everything: burping, swaddeling, and as a regular blanket
Soothies pacifiers—these are the ones that they give you at the hospital—they are the best and are sold at target
Just a quick note about the breast pump–i have that same one that I bought at the hospital–most insurance companies reimburse you for some of the cost–I only ended up paying $60 for mine. If you buy at the hospital, they will usually just turn it in to the insurance for you.
Buena Suerte!
i agree with pp on muslin blankets. also, the ergo sucks. bad. i have a moby for my 4 month old that we have used since birth. the infant insert is great if your baby loves swaddling and it’s not hot. summertime ergo sucks more. plus, the baby has to put the legs out front and since it is wide, the baby has to be 6/7 months for it to really work. there are rental places online that you can try first which i would encourage before you pay $150 on something you hate. we’ve used the becco gemini which is soft, light weight, and is sort of like an ergo but better. the baby bjorn has no lower back straps which puts pressure on your neck.
put the nipple shields from the breast pump in your hospital bag — they come standard at 24 mm but i found out (due to blisters and pain) that i need a smaller size. a LC can size you up. i only pump very occasionally but when i do, i want it to not hurt.
To each their own I guess…I LOVE my ergo. Never had any trouble with my son sitting in it and we have used it since he was 3 months old. Yes it can be hot (any carrier is hot, even the moby or a sling), but it is the most versitile carrier and it is my #1 favorite baby accessory!