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Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can be overwhelming. You want everything to be just right, and you want to be sure that you have everything that the little one will need to be happy and comfortable. There are so many things to think about that even if you are expecting your second or third child, you may be feeling the stress of the situation.

Many expectant parents have family and friends who want to help by purchasing goods in anticipation of the baby’s arrival. Diapers, toys, cute little baby outfits, booties, and much more can all prove useful and most parents would love to receive them.

On the other hand, there may be some things that they already have and don’t need, so to receive a duplicate is not terribly helpful. Then of course, there is the matter of personal taste. Some parents may not want certain styles of colour for their baby’s belongings, or may not wish to support trademarked characters and name brands. 

So, what can a parent do to make things easier on themselves and those who wish to provide gifts for the baby?

The answer is to make a baby registry.

What is a Baby Registry?

A baby registry, for those who are not familiar, is a list of items that the parents would like to receive, whether at a baby shower, or at any other point before the birth of the baby. The registry is usually set up at a local store, or perhaps online, and it contains items selected by the parents. As a general rule, baby registries are set up around 4 weeks prior to the baby shower, or just before the invitations are sent out.

Why Should You Have a Baby Registry?

We’ve already mentioned a few good reasons to have a baby registry, but we’ll expand upon them and add a few more here.

• It Helps You Get Organized

If you have already gone shopping for baby items, then you know that there is an incredible variety of products available and within each type of product, there are usually countless brands to choose from, which is what leads some to feel overwhelmed. Using a baby registry, you can track what you need and how many of each, if applicable, so that you can plan accordingly for what you will need to get yourself.

• It Helps Ensure You Get What You Want and Need

As mentioned above, without a registry you could end up receiving something that you simply don’t want. Many consumers these days are becoming more conscientious about what they buy. They may avoid certain brands based upon their business practices, company ethics, or any of several other reasons. When you have a baby registry, you can be more confident that money being spent on your behalf is going toward companies and businesses that you choose to support. Additionally, you  get to choose the styles that appeal to you, which may be important for certain accessories if you are going for a specific look or theme.

• It Avoids Unwanted Duplication

There are some things that you can definitely use in multiples, but for other items, having more than one might be a waste. Avoid having duplicate items that you will never use in favour of something that you will find more useful. Once an item on your list has been selected by one buyer, it will no longer appear for anyone else.

• It Helps Those Who Want to Give You a Gift

Some of your friends and family may legitimately have no idea what you need. If they are scratching their heads trying to determine what they can get you, they will be glad to be referred to a baby registry. It takes all the guesswork out of selecting an appropriate gift for you or your baby.

• It Helps You Feel Secure and Prepared

Your baby registry helps ensure that you get the things that you need and want most. As your due date approaches, this can help take off some of the stress that you may be feeling. You’ll be more relaxed knowing that the most important baby essentials are taken care of.

How Does a Baby Registry Work?

A baby registry can and should be quite easy. You can choose a local store and pay them a visit to create the registry. You will simply choose all of the items that you wish to include on your list and a store clerk can scan them to make a computer file that will be used to build your registry. The store may also allow you to do it yourself online. 

When friends and family wish to buy a baby product for you, they will go to the store and see which items you have selected. Once they choose what they want to buy, they will make the purchase and the item will be removed from the list, making it unavailable for any other buyers who follow. 

Creating the Perfect Baby Registry

The first step is choosing where you want to create your baby registry, which may not be difficult at all if you have a store that you like to visit, or wish to support. After that comes the fun part, which is choosing the items you want to place on your list. 

You may find yourself worrying that your list is too long, or that you aren’t asking for the “right” things, but there’s no cause for concern. You aren’t likely to receive everything on your list unless it’s very short, and putting more items in the list simply gives gift givers more options. 

It’s up to you if you want to include big-ticket items, but that’s a personal decision. In many cases, friends and family will be happy to assist you however they can, but if everyone you know is on a tight budget, you can certainly keep that in mind as you put the list together.

Here are some things that you can consider adding to your list, by category:

Bathtime

• A baby tub is a handy option for a quick clean up, rather than struggling to clean your little one in a regular tub
• Every parent can make use of a couple of washcloths
• Of course, you’ll also need some shampoo and body wash
• Bathtime is far more fun with some toys
• After the bath, a soft, absorbent hooded towel keeps baby warm
• Don’t forget some lotion to keep skin soft and moisturized

Bedtime

• To keep baby safe, avoid blankets and pillows, but you will need some fitted sheets

• Play it safe with a waterproof mattress protector

Clothing

• You’ll probably want a couple of footed sleepers for now
• And some rompers for later
• You’ll also appreciate having some onesies
• Increasingly popular, sleep bags are also a great choice
• Several pairs of socks will come in handy
• Burp cloths are more for you than baby, but you’ll be glad to have them
• Bibs will also come in handy
• Summer weather will require a sun hat

Feeding

• You may find a breast pump helpful

• Freezer bags for your breast milk

• Nursing pads

• No nursing mom should be without nipple butter

• Baby bottles are a must-have

• Bottle brushes

• Bottle drying rack

• Highchair

Diapering

• Whether you choose cloth or disposable, you will need some diapers
• A diaper pail for your nursery
• Baby wipes for home and on-the-go
• Diaper Cream
• Cotton balls and swabs

For the Nursery

• The crib is the most obvious necessity
• A bassinet
• A changing table
• Night light
• Baby Monitor or camera
• A rocking chair is a classic essential

On the Go

• A car seat, if you plan on driving with baby
• Stroller
• Diaper bag
• Travel playard

These are just a few of the things that you can include on your baby registry, though there are of course many other items that you will probably need and want. 

Try to focus on the necessities. There are several baby accessories that may look appealing, but which might never end up being used. Also keep in mind that there are some things to avoid, such as pillows and other bedding for your bay’s crib, which can pose a danger. You also won’t need a ton of toys and probably don’t need to request them since you will most likely receive several without asking.

If this is your second child, there are many things that you can probably reuse, such as clothing, a changing table, and several other accessories. Just keep in mind that some items do expire, such as car seats. If you still have one from your previous child, you need to check the expiration date. You can always ask for a new one for the baby that’s coming.

Creating the perfect baby registry isn’t too hard as long as you take some time to think of all the items that you truly need, and it will definitely prove helpful to you, your family, and your friends

For more information or to get started on your baby registry, please contact us today!