The Baby Registry…

One of the most daunting things I ever did was walk into Babies ‘R Us for the first time. Talk about intimidation. I was about five months pregnant, and had NO idea that huge big box stores devoted entirely to babies existed. Now, two years into this whole mom-thing Babies ‘R Us and other such stores have become a staple in my shopping routine. I wish, however, that as a mom-to-be I had someone to hold my hand as I braved the store aisle by aisle with my little registry gun telling me what I really needed and what would end up at a consignment sale with the tags still on.

So, I might not be there to hold your hand at Babies ‘R Us, but here’s a mini-list of what I would register for if I could do it all over again.
The obvious:
– newborn and 0-3 month clothing, including footie pajamas
– swaddles (the ones with the velcro were my fave, check out the kiddopotamus brand)
– crib/bassinet and changing table
– monitor
– baby bath
– combo stroller/car seat
– infant swing
– play mat
– first aid kit

What I wish had registered for:
– high chair: you start feeding rice cereal between 4 and 6 months
– an exersaucer: This was my ticket to free time as soon as Graham got neck control.
– pack ‘n play: This thing means freedom. If you want to travel, or stay late at a friends house, bring this with you, and you’ve got a safe bed for your little one. This becomes especially important once the infant car seat is outgrown.
– NB and Size 1 diapers: You’re going to go through a lot of them. May as well have a few boxes on hand before bringing home baby.
– night light: It’s only natural to want to check and make sure your baby is still breathing in the middle of the night. What you don’t want to do is wake them up by turning on the lights when you do it.

What I wish I had before getting home from the hospital:
– breast pump: No matter what you decide to do in regards to feeding the baby, this will probably work its way in to the routine in some capacity, like it or not.
– bottles, bottle brush, bottle rack
– breast pads & overnight pads: I don’t think I need to explain this one.

What I wouldn’t register for again:
– potty training stuff: You’re going to deal with diapers for at least a year. Embrace it.
– toys/books: Those will come whether you register for them or not.
– blankets: A very popular gift.
– bottle warmer/wipe warmer – If they don’t know it’s an option, they won’t need it!
– child proofing stuff: It’s going to be a while before your little one is getting into things, and you may as well wait until you know what kind of dangers your kid will be attracted to!