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!
I would highly suggest NOT registering for NB diapers and sticking closer to the 1-2 size range. Even if it will be a few months before the little one is in that size.
With my first daughter I registered for NB size diapers and that seams to be all we received. When my daughter was born she was over 9lbs. Needless to say of the 8 packages of NB diapers we received, we only use 2 packages before she was already in size 1.
Diapers will not spoil, so go a head and register for what you are guaranteed to use. I’d rather buy the NB diapers as I need them and have a stock pile of Free size 1 and 2s when I’m ready for them.
I hear ya Stephanie. Good point!