Baby Registry Essentials
Create a baby registry so that your guests can help you get prepared for the new baby. If you have never created a registry before, it’s very simple. Just make a list of everything you think you'll need when the baby arrives.
The main categories for a baby registry are clothing, feeding, diapering, bathing, toys and travel gear. There are plenty of items in each of these categories that are considered baby necessities, so make sure they’re on your list.
You can also include optional items for the baby such as, specific outfits, nursery décor, and convenience items (a diaper genie for example). Keep in mind that the optional items are not as important as the necessities, so focus on getting the stuff that you’ll really need.
After you’ve created your list, your next step is to either go to the store or use the internet to add the items to your baby registry. Either way you do it, and regardless of the store you choose, the store will give you step-by-step instructions.
Usually, if you go to the store, someone at the customer service desk will enter your information into the store’s gift registry log. They will then give you a scanner which you can use to add the items to your log.
When you see something you want to add to the list, all you have to do is point the scanner to the item’s bar code, press a button on the scanner, and viola! That gift has automatically been added to your baby registry.
If you choose to create your registry online, the process is just as simple. Most store websites have a designated area on the homepage for gift registries. Just click on the area for the baby registry and follow the instructions.
Most likely, the instructions will tell you to enter your information (parents’ names, the state in which you live, and the date of the baby shower) into the store’s log, and then you can just browse though the items online and click on whatever you want to add. After your registry is complete, you can always go back to the website or store and make any changes to your list.
Your final list should be similar to the one below. The only difference is that your list will most likely have brand names for the items, but the brand names will depend on which store your choose for your baby registry.
For the nursery room:
*Cradle or bassinet
*Crib and mattress
*Sheets and blankets
*Mobile
*Changing table
*Dresser
*Rocking chair
*Hamper
Feeding
*Bottles and nipples
*Bottle sterilizer
*Breast pump
*Baby formula and food
Baby Safety
*Crib cushions
*Socket covers
*Baby monitor
*Safety gate
Bath & Body
*Diapers
*Rash ointments
*Baby body wash and lotions
*Baby wipes
*Baby bathtub
*Washcloths and towels
Clothing
*One pieces
*Plenty of shirts and pants
*Socks and booties
*Sweaters
*Outerwear (hat, gloves, scarf, coat)
*Sleepwear
*Shoes (dress and casual)
Travel Gear
*Stroller (both newborn and toddler)
*Carseat (both newborn and toddler)
*Diaper bag
Toys & Entertainment
*Stuffed animals
*Rattlers
*Teethers
*Toys for the car and stroller
Learning & Education
*Baby einstein items
*Baby story or activity books
*Information on inducing labor naturally
- The information on this website is a great gift for a mom-to-be,
especially around baby shower time, because she'll be anxiously
awaiting the baby's arrival. Click on the link to learn more.
Miscellaneous & optional items
*Nursery accessories (wall border, lamp, area rug, picture frames,
etc.)
*Baby journal book (to keep track of the special moments)
*Personalized gifts
Tips for creating a baby registry:
*Try to include more than just newborn items. Keep in mind that babies grow fast, so you should ask for items within the newborn to 24 month age range.
*When selecting a store for your registry, choose either a department store, a childrens' store, or both. I personally think department stores are a better choice because they will have more of a variety.
*Be sure to tell your guests what store you've selected. You can insert a registry card in the invitation, or you can print the registry yourself and give each guest a copy.
You have now created your baby registry. Click here to return to the home page.