Registry must haves!

kristapennie

Hi Ladies!

So I'm getting a lot of pressure from friends and fam to start a registry! (But I'm only 16 weeks!)

So I figured I'd start researching what I'd like to use for baby and thought we could all share our ideas and opinions on baby items.

To get you started here are a few web links that are good references of what is needed (where am I going to put all this stuff???)

http://www.dearbornbaby.com/pages.php?pageid=8
http://www.giggle.com/Best-Baby-Registry-Checklist/best-baby-registry-checklist,default,pg.html

So let's have at it!

Are you a Medela fan or Avent?

Who's researched a jogging stroller?

etc

Opinions welcomed!

VelociMama

We decided to go with the Playtex bottles with drop in liners. We used them when my siblings were little, and they were so great for preventing gassiness especially if you formula feed or supplement.

My sister in law just bough cheap basic bottles, and they work really well for her also. She pumps and uses them to freeze breastmilk.

You can definitely start a registry now with the basics (onesies, crib, crib mattress, sheets, blankets, etc.) then decide on what brands or types other items you want later then add them at that time.

We decided to go with fragrance-free diapers and wipes. My husband has really sensitive skin issues with certain fragrances, so I didn't want to chance it with the baby.

As for the jogging stroller, I looked into getting one, but decided to wait until after baby comes. No one in my family could afford to buy the one I wanted, so I decided not to add it and buy it ourselves later if/when we needed it. Babies can't use them until they're about 6 months old anyway.

We ended up getting a LOT of our stuff secondhand from friends, craigslist, and coworkers who were desperate to get rid of baby stuff.

My advice is just to make sure you have a good variety of items at all different price ranges. Some people will want to buy something expensive or do a group gift, but others won't be able to do that.

vim_n_vigor

There is a ton of baby gear out there that I don't know that anyone uses, but it seems like everyone gets it!. We are on our third child now, and our list of necessities is now much smaller than with our first:

1. A really good diaper changing pad. This pad should fold in half, be easy to clean, and have side edges so the baby can't easily roll over. This can be moved to a variety of surfaces beyond just a changing table (which we won't use)
2. water proof bed pads (something like this - http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3368919). Especially at first, you will find many nights that the baby quickly soaks through their diaper and their bedding. I don't know if it is just getting that practice to get the diaper just right or that the newborn diapers just don't soak up as much. I always put layers - water proof bed pad, fitted sheet, water proof bed pad, fitted sheet, you get the picture - about 4 layers. That way, during the night I didn't have to change bedding. I just took the top layer off whenever it was wet and replaced it with clean stuff in the morning.
3. backpack diaper bag - this way I can easily get my husband or kids to carry it
4. Some pre-mixed bottles (even though I am nursing). These bottles come in handy in the car, or when just stuck someplace that breastfeeding is uncomfortable or unsafe in some way.
5. long range baby monitor. If there is a long range, you will be able to go out in the yard to enjoy some sun or even just be able to get to all areas of the house and still hear the baby.
6. Diaper rash ointment. For diapers in the summer, it is easier to prevent diaper rash than to get rid of it once they have it. We will either use Butt paste of coconut oil this time around. It will be applied after most diaper changes.
7. Unscented wipes, soap, lotions.
8. Baby tub
9. All the onesies and pajamas. These will make up most of what the baby wears for the first few months, especially in the summer.

kellykneppergrundy

Babies don't really need much. A lot of stuff like highchairs, etc can wait until baby's a bit older. We got most stuff secondhand or borrowed it and after it got trashed or broken I was glad we hadn't spent much on it. I never used a single bottle for my first (that won't be an option this time) and we used cloth diapers and really there was very little we needed the first few weeks especially. This time around I would like a swing but will probably be borrowing one. Save your money for when your cute baby isn't a baby anymore. Older kids don't get as much stuff and they cost more as they get older. You could always register for giftcards to use after the baby is born and you know better what you need.

Rosered3333

This is my first baby and I have my baby shower on Saturday so we'll see what I actually use once the baby gets here.

I did read a great thing about jogging strollers: look it up on Craigslist. A lot of people who get jogging strollers can't actually use them because the baby doesn't like them, so you might be able to find a cheap one there.

Good luck! Registering was really intimidating. I followed the registry lists at pregnantchicken.com and alphamom.com. They have pretty good basic registries with practical items.

Good luck with registering!

RBXChas

Hehe, I'm an Avent fan (definitely better than Medela IMHO unless we're talking about the Medela Symphony, which is a hospital-grade pump that costs ~$1200)!

I have many opinions on this topic, so I will simply link to another thread we had going on this a while back. (I'm not trying to be a jerk and say that the OP should have searched - it took me a few minutes to track this down, so I totally understand the need for a new thread!)

Here it is, and I posted at length. I'm verbose, and I know it!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/786561-my-must-haves-for-baby-list?hl=baby+registry#posts-11720008

I hope some of that info (either from me and/or from others) is helpful!

rabbit__food

I used this link as a guideline

http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=3200390

vettle

I'm going to go with Medela since I've heard a lot that the Advent bottles leak and the pumps are messier. Of course, there's always the user that could be doing it all wrong but haven't heard this about Medela.

RBXChas

I'm going to go with Medela since I've heard a lot that the Advent bottles leak and the pumps are messier. Of course, there's always the user that could be doing it all wrong but haven't heard this about Medela.

I never pumped into bottles and fed from those same bottles. I always pumped into storage bags or bottles, so you can use a Medela or Avent pump (or whatever other brand) and use bottles from a different company.

I have an Avent pump but used Born Free bottles. I'm thinking of switching to something else this time around, though.

FitFunTina

I hate dishes so the drop-in liners were amazing for me. Not to mention if you were going out for the day you didn't need as many bottles in your bag - I would pack extra liners/nipples in a ziplock.

Good things to have: cloth diapers (they make amazing spit cloths), a sound machine (portable and one to stay in the nursery).

Things I think you don't need to register for: clothes (people will buy them regardless, trust me!), wipe warmers (I hear they dry the wipes out), bottle warmers (my baby had no problem with cold breast milk/formula).

kristapennie

Wow, a lot of great ideas already, keep em coming!

I am pretty sure I'm going to pump into liners now - I also hate dishes so great tip!

I was going to go for the jogging stroller but waiting and buying one second hand makes sense. I hear you can't really use them until 6 months anyway (?) and by then I'll be in the dead of winter so that rules that out.

And thanks for the link to that other thread....that's an awesome list and very helpful too!

RBXChas

Things I think you don't need to register for: clothes (people will buy them regardless, trust me!), wipe warmers (I hear they dry the wipes out), bottle warmers (my baby had no problem with cold breast milk/formula).

I'm thinking about switching to the Playtex drop-ins. My Born Free bottles had so many parts and took forever to clean, plus they did leak from time to time.

Also, wipes warmers do dry out wipes. I used them when my son was a newborn but stopped shortly thereafter. I got mine from my sister, but you can buy those for cheap ($10 or less usually) on craigslist or at a consignment store. No need to pay $20-$40 new, if you still want one.

As far as warming bottles, I did work my son up to drinking cold bottles, but I never used a warmer. I'd take a mug of water, nuke it, then put the bottle in there for a minute or so. Works great, and you can do it anywhere there's a microwave (eg, visiting friends or family).

RBXChas

I was going to go for the jogging stroller but waiting and buying one second hand makes sense. I hear you can't really use them until 6 months anyway (?) and by then I'll be in the dead of winter so that rules that out.

I got a $200 jogging stroller for $75 on craigslist, and it was clean and everything. It has everything my sister's brand-new BOB Revolution has. (Though if you can buy that secondhand for a good price, do it!) You can't use them for a while because they aren't designed for smaller babies, but I know the BOB has an attachment so that you can use it with an infant carrier.

TaraFTMVA

I love my Jeep jogging stroller, it has a front swivel wheel which can lock and makes it great for running! I am bummed I cant use it this go around and need to upgrade to a double :frown: really I need a triple, but I figure worst case I will take my oldest and just run before the twins are up with him or figure something out! I just love running with a stroller because its free extra calories :happy: .
I havent quite decided what to put on our registry, but I am hoping my mom will buy one highchair and my hubbys parents will buy the other since we need 2. So thats the big item. I am trying to buy a lot myself since our son isnt even two yet, because I feel bad even having a shower but my mom wants to throw me one since we are having twin girls...people say I should have one because there are two and they are a different sex, but I still feel guilty!

FitMama2013

I have a 2 week old and the one thing we ran out to buy more of was Aden & anais swaddle blankets. They are a little more expensive, but soooo easy to swaddle with and baby seems to like them!

Also, the onesies with long sleeves and the mitten things at the ends - Camden will pull off any mitten and scratch his face to death, so the attached ones are great. It also keeps him from getting cold when he breaks out of the swaddle.

rosy003

a random thing I used every single day was a stroller sunshade extender. Like this one: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2302843

It kept the kiddos completely covered. We still use it in the summer time and I will use it again with this baby.

learningtolove

I just had my baby six weeks ago,and recently made a blog post of my top 5 baby must haves: http://amberandbaby.wordpress.com/2013/02/17/motherhood-a-month-in-review/

Rubyayn

I am actually working on a lot of this myself for #2. We had sooo much unnecessary baby stuff with my daughter, so I only want what is needed this go around.

We have decided on a Hygeia pump this time because they are WHO compliant AND have a closed system pump. I was not well versed with pumps the first go around and bought a Medela for almost $300. Turns out they use an open system motor and are only recommended for one baby. You also are not supposed to resale them as milk can back up into an open system motor and mold. Sadly, I had to toss the pump and am hoping to either sell the Hygeia after or give it to someone that needs it since it is closed and can be used my multiple people and babies.

We swore by the Tommee Tippee bottles for my daughter. When I went back to work we had a hard time getting her to take a bottle, but she was ok with these. She also loved her little vibrating chair, but hated the swing. I would buy these things used if we needed them, but luckily we still have ours. If this turns out to be a boy the poor little fella will be in a pink swing!

We are also registering on Amazon for cloth diapers and extra disposable and organic cotton liners. I am sickened by how much we have spent on diapers with our daughter, especially since I started watching my neighbors son who uses cloth diapers... they are AMAZING!!!!!

A lot of the so called necessities really aren't needed and some you don't need until the baby is older.

ybodwen

I agree with other posters that less is more! Most things are only used for a short time and take up lots of space.

I'll tell you what my must haves were but keep in mind my baby is now 4 so there are newer things I'll probably invest in for this next little one!

diapers- don't buy too many to start with because 1. you never know which brand will work best for your baby 2. they grow fast!

bottles- same thing! try 1 or 2 and see if they work for your baby. I bought 10 different bottles before realizing my son only would use the Avent

swing or bouncer- I would buy 1 and not both- they serve the same function IMO. We have a Fisher Price swing and were not able to use it for long because it had only a 3 point harness and my little man was (and is) extremely active.. try to find one with a 5 pt harness if you can

Baby carrier- this was a must for me from day 1! Loved being able to hold and rock my baby hands free while doing housework or take a cozy walk outside when the weather was nice. Planning on getting an Ergo to replace my old ratty baby bjorn

Bassinet- I would not get a straight up bassinet since that period of time is so fleeting and they take up so much room- I recommend something more multifunctional like a bassinet attachment for a stroller (nice because you can rock the baby to sleep) or a pack n play with a bassinet insert (worked well for us)

Play mat/gymini- great for tummy time! We had the tinylove one and it was great because we could just fold it and stick it behind the couch when not in use

Sterilizer bags- munchkin makes these- makes sterilizing bottles etc so simple! you can use each one 20 times in the microwave- I invested in these after melting a pacifier into a sauce pan

Car seat- not sure which is the best one out there right now but I do recommend getting an extra base if you are a 2 car family- makes life much easier! Also I loved my snap n go- between that and the baby bjorn we really didn't use a stroller the first year.

That's all I can think of right now- HTH!

ybodwen

Also just noticed the jogging stroller talk- if you are a runner the BOB is absolutely amazing!! Even our double was effortless to jog with, even with 2 toddlers in it!

RBXChas

Also just noticed the jogging stroller talk- if you are a runner the BOB is absolutely amazing!! Even our double was effortless to jog with, even with 2 toddlers in it!

The BOB Revolution (the Revolution Duallie is the double) is fantastic! My sister had the single and then the double, so I got to try hers out plenty while watching her kids. It is seriously worth the money - but check out craigslist because, while they're still not cheap, they still pop up from time to time and can save you a couple hundred bucks off the original price. Then you can re-sell later :happy: I didn't even use them for jogging (a skill I never mastered) but just regular walks, and they are awesome strollers.

SeamsSewWright

One thing, that I just now got for my 2 year old is a pee pee pad for the carseat. I don't know why we didn't get one earlier- but on the rare occasions that they have a blowout- this is a definite catch all, and can be used through the potty training stages. Helps you from having to constantly wash the carseat fabric if there's a spill or mess.

RBXChas

One thing, that I just now got for my 2 year old is a pee pee pad for the carseat. I don't know why we didn't get one earlier- but on the rare occasions that they have a blowout- this is a definite catch all, and can be used through the potty training stages. Helps you from having to constantly wash the carseat fabric if there's a spill or mess.

That's genius! I've had it where my son's diaper leaked (just pee), and I still end up pulling off the cover. It's not that hard to get off and launder, but putting it back on is a pain, and obviously we can't go anywhere while it's washing/drying.