Baby registry list ideas

Making a list for your baby registry

Making a list for a baby registry can be a daunting task because you are usually bombarded by all these popular products which may not necessary be the best products. There is also the issue of excitement, especially for first time parents who buy way more than they need.

When making a list, there are a few questions you should ask yourself;

• What do I really need?
• How long I’m I going to use it and how I’m I going to use it?
• How much I’m I or others ready to spend?
• What’s my style?

Lets begin from the top;

What do I really need?

Each person could give you a different list here but there are some basic things that I believe are very necessary to have when you are about to have a baby. These things range from cloths, bath supplies, body lotions to hardware. By hardware, I mean things like car seats, strollers, cribs and you name the rest.

I am going to focus on those hardware that area basic requirements for every parent with a child in the US.

Car seats

Car seats are very important for every family planning to receive a new born. Many hospitals in the US require you to bring a car seat at the time of discharge and some even go as far as providing an employee who will help you securely install the seat in your car.

Even in countries that don’t make having a car seat a requirement, it is very useful. Without a car seat, it will require two people to take a child in a privately owned car anywhere (one driving and the other holding the child). P

Car seats are not only important because they help hold a baby in a car but they are a very safe way to transport a child. Car seats that meet all safety requirements are designed to protect a baby during transportation and in the event of an accident.

To read more about car seats, read the post titled 4 Things to consider when looking for a car seat. For a review on car seat read Graco Nautilus 65 LX 3-in-1 Harness Booster.

Baby cribs, play pen, baby gyms and mattress

Cribs are not required by law but they are very important. Let’s divert a little bit and I will tell you a short story.

When I had my third baby, life was still very difficult for us. It had been five years since we came to the US. With very little support, we struggled with rents and many other things. I personally considered a crib a luxury until one day when I left the baby on our bed for just a few minute to use the restroom. I came out and found my two year old struggling with the new born. Apparently the baby woke up when I was in the restroom and he went and pick him up.

The baby was too big for him so he decided to drag him all the way to the living room. I freaked out when I saw what had happened and immediately realized that this couldn’t have happened had the baby been in a crib ( well I’m sure there are some supper two year old that can climb into a crib but that will take some effort).

Cribs are design as a safe place for a baby to sleep. In many cultures, parents share their bed with their newborn but this is discouraged by pediatricians since it is believed that this is associated with a higher risk of SID (sudden infant death).

For more information about cribs visit the post on top line baby cribs, or visit amazon.com for their vast collection of cribs, playpen and baby gyms.

Strollers

Strollers are not required but in such a fast pace society like ours, it is an important tool. It can come in handy when shopping or just taking a walk in the park. Parents today can stay healthy with the help of strollers. Parents who were avid runners prior to pregnancy can continue to run after pregnancy with the help of sports strollers that are designed to withstand the stress while keeping your baby safe.

To read more about strollers, check my page on sport strollers. Follow this link to read reviews on some strollers. You might have some ideas for this list; please don’t hesitate to leave a comment.

How long I’m I going to use it and how I’m I going to use it ?

Before you decide what to add on your list, you will need to figure out how long you plan on using that particular thing. For example, when you buy a car seat you need specifications about minimum and maximum weight requirements, height requirements and expiration date.

If you want a car seat that will last for a long time, then you could decide to buy a convertible version like the Graco Nautilus 65 LX 3-in-1 Harness Booster (it is design to last for ten years).

The ‘how I’m I going to use it?’ question is also important in that it lets you know what to buy. Let’s look at another car seat example.

When you have an infant, you generally take them for doctor visits and other visits regularly and need a car seat for transportation. There are many kind of car seats out there but in this case you need one that can be taken out of the car with you. Now you see that a portable infant car seat  is preferable to a convertible car seat at this stage because unlike the infant car seat, the convertible car seat stays in the car (you will need another car seat if you want to take the baby out of the car).

How much I’m I or others ready to spend?

When you make a list for your baby’s registry, keep in mind the price ranges that are reasonable. Reasonable is a relative term because people vary in socioeconomic status and what one person thinks is outrageously expensive is normal price for another person.

If you think just for a minute that you couldn’t spend that much on something, then avoid putting it on your list in the hope that someone else might buy it for you. What I am trying to say is that most of our friends are typically of the same socioeconomic status like us and will tend to think like us (however, it is not always the case).

What’s my style?

Everyone has a style; some people are lay back and others are snazzy and there are a whole lot of styles between these two extremes. There is so much variety in baby products that everyone can find with great satisfaction products that match their style. However, style should never compromise safety.

The trick is to start early and give yourself plenty of time to think things through. By doing this, you will avoid anxiety and the whole process will be a ton of fun. Enjoy your baby bump; it’s a blessing !

I realize this is a very big topic and that I have only scratched the surface. So please parents leave us a comment or  advice. It might come in very handy to others! Remember to share this post.

Denise Cheers!