Registering for your baby shower can be super intense; I mean, you have no idea how much a little person needs until you go to register for them. One of the things that helped me the most while I was pregnant was advice from other women. Stores will give you a checklist but if we're being honest, you don't need half of that crap. And as a second time mom, there are certainly things that were left off the list that ended up being a lifesaver.
Some things to remember when creating your registry:
Price point variety: whether it's $1 or $500, add a good variety of items to your list. This gives people a good selection to choose from when going to register.
Over register: Don't feel bad about doing this; people like selection and the more items you have on your list, the more comfortable your guests will feel when they go to purchase items. When the selection gets low, people feel obligated to purchase items they wouldn't normally purchase and you certainly don't want to make anyone uncomfortable.
Discount: After your baby shower has passed, Target will send you a coupon for 10% off the remaining items on your registry. So even if you have some super expensive items on your list and you know that no one is going to gift them to you, put them on your list anyways so you can receive the discount down the road. AND if you have a Redcard, you'll get an extra 5% off too!
Non-baby items: This is where you get creative; yes, this is a baby shower and all things should be for the baby. But at the same time, there are things that aren't traditionally baby items that are super useful. I'll add those to the list at the end.
So here it is; a breakdown of everything you should register for, broken down by aisle. Hopefully this makes it a little easier when you head to the store to register for your little nugget!
Toys: Tag blankets, rattles, car seat toys, etc. Be sure to pick toys your baby can grow with and toys they can use throughout the first year of their life.
Play gym/mat: You'll want an activity mat for tummy time as well as playtime during the day.
Bouncer
Rock 'n' play sleeper (LIFESAVER). Seriously, this sleeper had my kid sleeping through the night almost immediately. Granted she's taken steps back now but for the first few months, it was golden. We kept her in our room (easier for nursing) until she was about 4 months and then moved her to her crib.
Bathtub: Choose one that your baby can grow with or make sure it has inserts for the different stages.
Bath toys
Rinse cup
Toy holder
Mobile/soothing bedtime items: Sound machine, lights, aquarium, etc.
Potty seat
Towels
Washcloths
Monitor: We chose an Angel Care monitor because we liked the feature that sounds an alarm if that baby stops moving (breathing). I sometimes wish I would have gotten a video monitor but that's totally a personal preference. Also register for a plain and simple monitor you can use in other rooms of the house or take with you when you go on trips.
N3
Crib: We chose a crib that was a 3-1; however my son never used it as a toddler bed and went straight to a full size bed. But I loved the option and I just loved our crib.
Dresser/changing table combo: The changing pad can be removed and you can use it as a regular dresser when they are no longer in diapers. They have a selection in store but a ton of options online as well.
One of the biggest mistakes I made was registering for an entire bedding set. Pediatricians recommend babies have nothing IN their crib; no toys, blankets, etc. So register for the following pieces separately.
Sheets
Mattress pad
Breathable bumper
Boppy
Boppy cover
Baby hangers
Closet organizer
Mobile
N5
Travel system (stroller and car seat combo): We chose a Graco but there are so many great travel systems out there.
Umbrella stroller: Travel systems can be bulky and sometimes, you just want a small stroller to throw in the trunk.
Baby gates
Pack 'n' play: We have a Graco pack 'n' play with a few different options so it can grow with them. Ours has a changing table section as well as a removable layer for when they get bigger. It's also come in handy when traveling since it's so easy to fold up and throw in the car.
Convertible car seat: I totally didn't register for this when I created my registry and after attending a shower for a friend, realized I should have! You'll need it eventually so register for it now.
N8
Diaper bags: It's nice to have a fully packed bag in the car in case you forget anything and then one you carry around all the time. And sometimes Dad needs a more "manly" one too.
Mirror: for the car. It will be your best friend.
Car seat strap covers
Travel pillow
Shopping cart cover
Canopy cover
Formula: whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed, register for a few containers of newborn formula. Because God forbid you plan to nurse and can't, you'll want to have a backup on hand at the house.
Plates, bowls, travel containers: because they'll be eating solid food before you know it and you'll need to put their food on something!
Silverware: seriously, register for multiple packs of forks and spoons. Nolan goes through them fast and you may not have time to wash them all throughout the day.
Bibs: make sure you get long ones and ones that will actually catch the food. When a baby starts to learn to feed themselves, it's going to be a disaster.
Bumbo: this is great for mealtime as well as playtime when they're learning to sit up.
Bumbo Tray: I didn't have this the first time around and I wish I would have. A lot more convenient than a high chair sometimes.
Bottles: register for a few different kinds because you never know what type of nipple your child will take. My second child wouldn't take ANY bottle and Lord do I wish I would have tried more options sooner.
Extra nipples
Breast pump: I chose a Medela Electric Breast Pump. If you aren't comfortable breastfeeding, pumping and bottles is another great option. But if you are breastfeeding and returning to work, you'll need a good pump. They're super expensive but perhaps some of your guests will want to go in on it together and at the very least, you'll get a discount if no one gifts it to you.
Nipple shields: if you're baby is having a hard time nursing, you'll want to have some of these on hand to make the process a little easier.
Nipple cream: because I won't sugar coat it, breastfeeding hurts in the first few weeks of doing it. It will get better, promise.
Gel pads: If you're nursing, you NEED these. Lots of them.
Breast pads: you'll wear these for the first few months after childbirth, until your body knows how much milk to make and when. There are disposable and washable ones but I preferred the disposable.
Pacifiers: neither of my children took pacifiers and I'm not sure whether I introduced them too late or I tried the wrong kinds. Register for a variety of different kinds and try them all!
Baby food maker: There are a ton of options out there! I used a Baby Bullet with Nolan but am using a Cuisinart Baby Food Maker with P and I LOVE it. And you can enter to win one right now too :)
Bottle cleaning brush
Dishwasher container
Drying rack
N12
Body washShampoo
Lotion
Diaper rash creme
Baby powder
Wipes
(Register for multiples of these... you will need a lot)
Diaper Genie: We actually have two; one downstairs and one upstairs.
Diaper Genie refills: I totally forgot to include refills on my registry and you will blow through these. Add a ton. And right now, if you buy 3 varieties of Diaper Genie refills , you get a $25 Spa Finder Wellness gift card. And trust me, mom will NEED that! All you need to do is keep your receipt and head to the website above. While supplies last of course ;)
Diaper caddy
Diapers: We preferred Pampers Swaddlers because they had a line that changed colors when they needed a diaper change. And as a first-time mom, I had no idea when that was. I also found they had the best fit and least amount of leaks. But register for a few different kinds and then find the ones that work best for you. Exchange the ones that don't :)
Changing pad: We had one in the nursery and one downstairs as well.
Changing pad cover: Get a few, they will get messy when you least expect it.
End caps:
Humidifier
Grooming kits
Thermometer
Baby carrier: We have a Baby Bjorn and Moby Wrap and love them both!
Toddler bed rail
Baby proofing items: safety covers and devices
Clothing: You can certainly register for onesies, socks, hats, etc but I wouldn't necessarily recommend registering for clothes and outfits. By the time people go to your registry, the seasons may have changed and the item may not be available anymore. Stick with things that you know they will always have.
Gift cards: Be sure to make this an option... some people just prefer to let you choose things for yourself.
And there you have it! Hopefully this makes registering a little less intimidating for you :) Good luck!
