NEW: Check out our new sister site, SuburbanCEO.com!


 

Help support BTDTMom.com (without spending money)!

  What to Register For

Thinking about baby registries can be overwhelming. Below is a list of the basic categories of things you'll need for the first few months of your baby's life. I've tried to make it as simple as possible and boil it down to the very basics.

Other than big-ticket items that you may want to ask for as a gift, don't worry too much about the stuff you'll need when your baby is older (e.g. childproofing supplies, games, etc.) You'll feel like an old pro by the time your baby is a few months old and will know exactly what to get!

 

Bath Time

  • Baby bath tub
  • Baby bath gel/soap
  • You could get some baby washcloths and towels but don't really need them

Breastfeeding

  • Boppy nursing pillow
  • Washable Boppy slipcovers
  • High-quality breast pump if you plan to pump

Night Time

  • Crib
  • Cradle or Pack N Play (if you want baby next to your bed for the first few weeks)
  • SnuggleNest Co-Sleeper (sort of useful if you plan to co-sleep)
  • Baby monitor

Diapering (Disposable)

  • Diapers (a couple different brands to try out)
  • Changing table
  • Diaper bag (you could probably use any bag you already have, diaper bags aren't that special -- and when picking out designs remember that your husband might often be the one to carry it)
  • Diaper disposal unit (Diaper Dekor or Diaper Genie)

Feeding

  • High chair
  • Baby spoon (small, coated in plastic)
  • You won't use cups, plates or utensils for quite a few months so you don't really need to register for them

Getting Around

  • Car Seat:
    • Infant car seat + base (the base allows you to easily pop the carseat carrier in and out of the car); OR
    • Infant-to-Toddler carseat (nice that you only have to buy one seat, but you can't use it as a carrier like with an infant seat)
  • Stroller:
    • Lightweight (very portable but not as comfortable, easy to maneuver); OR
    • Basic (heavier but more comfortable and durable); OR
    • Travel System (a larger stroller to which you can also attach an infant carseat carrier)
  • Personal Carrier:
    • Sling (harder to get used to but super convenient and portable once you get the hang of it, and works even with toddlers); OR
    • Baby Bjorn (easy to start using, comfortable)
  • Car mirror (lets you see your baby in a rear-facing seat)
  • Pack N Play (wonderful portable cribs for travel, can also be used as a bassinet in baby's first few weeks)
  • Jogging stroller (optional but REALLY nice to have if you're into walking/jogging)

Photos, Video and other Memories

  • Camera
  • Video camera (get one -- your videos of your baby will be priceless to you later)
  • Photo sharing site (especially nice if you have friends and family who live out of town)

Clothing - Basics

  • Onesies (Your baby will probably go through two or three Onesies per day, so you'll want to have plenty. Register for the 3-6 Month sizes as well as newborn since your baby may grow out of the newborn sizes quickly).
  • Hats (Even if you live in a warm climate it's important to keep baby's head warm when she's a newborn.)
  • Weather-appropriate gear (Heavy blankets, coats, socks, etc.)
  • Receiving blankets (Great for swaddling, you'll also use a couple of these basic little blankets per day.)
  • Cloth diapers or burp cloths (Get a ton of these. Cloth diapers work well as burp cloths.)
  • Socks (I actually didn't use socks with my first baby since his ankles were too chubby and we lived in a hot climate, but you'll want to get some just in case).
© 2006, 2007 Bishop Consulting Group, LLC (my web development company)