I don’t know about you, but when I was pregnant with my first, I was inundated with lists of “must-haves” for the pregnant mom, new mom, newborn, and new family. It was overwhelming to say the least. But I went ahead and took all of their advice and registered for it all! I ended up having 3 showers and was so thankful for everything given to us, but then I still had to go out and buy MORE stuff.
Two years in, I wish I could tell my pregnant self not to get so worried about having all of it, all at once. I realize that every baby is different, every mom is different, every family is different. We all have varying needs and likes; however, I’d like to share a few things I learned that I wish I could go back and do differently.
What NOT To Register For…
Clothes :: I’m going to go out on a limb here and make a promise to you that you WILL receive baby clothes without registering for them, so don’t waste your time. People just can’t help themselves when it comes to tiny clothes. Plus, stores all carry different inventory, so the likelihood of the particular outfit you registered for being in the particular store of the shopper is not high. If there is an outfit you “must-have” — then buy it yourself or wait for a gift card. I didn’t feel bad for exchanging clothes I didn’t like either. {Sidenote :: Overalls for a newborn might be cute, but they are super annoying to get on and off for the hundred or so diaper changes you will do each day!}
Pajamas That Snap :: Why oh why do they even make these anymore? Trust me when I tell you that you will learn to hate these no matter how cute the pattern may be. Opt for the zipper footed pajamas instead! You will thank me in the middle of the night when you are doing a {should have been} quick diaper change.
Baby Shoes :: They may be teeny, tiny, and oh-so-cute, but your non-walking newborn does not need shoes. Would you like to lounge around all day wearing shoes? I didn’t think so.
Baby Lotion :: I registered for Johnson & Johnson and Aveeno Baby Lotion. They smelled great and seemed like quality brands. I was lucky and received said lotion. Tons and tons of said lotion. We were probably stocked for a year! Too bad my baby ended up having terrible eczema and needed special prescription lotion. What a waste! We ended up donating most of it. Lesson learned.
Nursing Bras :: You have no idea what size you will end up needing, so I say wait on this item until baby comes. You can always order online from Amazon if you aren’t able to leave the house.
Wipes Warmer :: My mother tried to warn me about this one! “Why do you need a wipes warmer? We didn’t have these when I had you!” is what she told me over and over. “Because mom, the registry lists say I do!!!” I should have been clued in when most stores don’t even carry wipes warmers in-store anymore. Because they are stupid. They waste your time, dry out your wipes, and get your baby used to something that you can’t access everywhere. How will you warm up their wipes when you are out? Skip it!
Bumbo Baby Seat :: I know some people really like these baby seats for feeding and for practicing sitting up, but by the time my baby was old enough to use this, his legs were too chubby to fit in the thing! And I’ve heard this complaint from many other moms too. He would cry and cry when trying to get him in it. This thing is totally impractical and takes up too much space to make it worth your money.
Breast Pump Items :: Maybe it’s just me, but I find it odd to put breast pump items on a registry that your family will be viewing. The thought of my dad holding my registry list and seeing Nipple Butter just seems inappropriate; however, I’m guilty of doing this for my first baby. No one bought me this stuff, and I ended up purchasing myself with gift cards. Thank goodness…can you imagine how embarrassing that could have been opening at a shower?!
Baby Wipes Case :: This falls into the category of why? Your wipes are already packaged in a great, travel friendly package. Why take the extra step of opening them and stuffing them in a bulky case. Houston Moms Blog contributors also found that they actually dried out the wipes faster than just leaving them in the original package.
Baby Toys :: Similar to clothing, people will buy these for you anyway because they just can’t resist. Your baby will outgrow these toys so fast that you simply don’t need a million items cluttering up your house. If you don’t receive anything from your showers, these items can be easily purchased {for cheap} on Amazon at the last minute.
Anything that won’t be used until child is older :: I would tread with caution on buying too many items that won’t be used for awhile like sippy cups, high chairs, baby food makers, etc. With so many new items coming on the market each month, wait on these things until you actually need them and know what is going to work best for you.
Other Things to Consider…
Gender Neutral Colors :: I know you are excited that you are having a boy/girl and want to get everything in the available blue/pink colors, but let’s think ahead. How nice will it be to reuse the items for your next baby and not go through this whole charade again. My advice is to boy or girl it up on the clothing, but opt for gender neutral items for the “big” things like carseats and strollers.
Don’t Buy Too Much Of Anything :: Unless you can read the future, you don’t know what items will work for you and your baby until your baby is actually here. I recommend not buying multiples of anything {except diapers} until you know what your baby prefers. I ended up having way too many Swaddle Wraps for mine when he ended up not liking them at all.
Weather & Time Of Year :: Do you really need that baby bunting cover living in Houston? What about those thick, way too expensive stroller blankets from Pottery Barn Kids? Don’t just register for things because they are on a registry list. Think about the season that your baby will be born and what it will be like in YOUR city.
Amazon Prime Membership :: Just trust me on this! I can’t tell you how often I used my Amazon Prime Membership in those early days {and still today}. There will be items on your registry that you will come to love and must have a million of them. With Amazon Prime you can find anything and have it on your front door within 2 days without ever having to leave your house. Genius. This includes diapers, wipes, formula, toys…anything!
We actually love using the snap pjs for our baby (the ones that go up both legs) so that we don’t feel like we are completely undressing her for a diaper change! Also gotta say that I LOVE the oxo wipe despenser because it truly helps you just get one at a time. Completely agree about putting nursing items on your registry- might as well add a package a maxi pads to it if you do!!
Thanks for reading and commenting Kristin! That is a very great point about the snap PJ’s. It is nice that you can just unsnap the bottom half. Thanks for mentioning that for others to read! Also thanks for chiming in about the OXO wipes dispenser. That might be a great product for other to try since we know it works! Love that brand.
I know I’m one of VERY few who didn’t register for a wipes warmer after reading that they were impractical (and agreeing) but ended up sending my husband to pick one up the day after we brought our tiny 5lb girl home. It was early January and actually pretty cold for Houston and everytime a cold wipe touched her bottom she screamed bloody murder. Enter diaper warmer and happy diaper changes. Even if it only works for when we’re home, that covers the vast majority!
Thanks for reading and chiming in Tara! That’s a great point about the time of year and a possible need for the wipes warmer. My son was born in the summer so a cool wipe probably felt good, but I can totally see myself doing the same thing in your situation! Thanks for mentioning it so others can consider.
I didn’t register for a wipes warmer, but it’s one of my favorite shower gifts (who would’ve guessed that?!!?) I assumed my son would get spoiled on it, but he’s always been okay with cold wipes when out and about.
My one big gripe with my registry is we decided to use cloth diapers and at 3 showers, I didn’t receive a single cloth diaper. I did, however, receive a TON of disposables. Not cool, man, not cool.
Thanks for reading Jess! That is super annoying about the diaper situation. I guess people thought they could change your mind!
Hahaha, totally cracking up over the nursing supplies! I registered for those goodies as well and did actually receive them. But then had to explain what everything was to my 20 year old cousin…at my shower…in front of everyone.
We never had a wipes warmer and have definintely survived with two kiddos. 😉
I do have to disagree on the Bumbo seat. Both of my kids absolutely love(d) it! Actually when we got it back out for Stella, Wyatt started sitting in it again as a chair. Crazy kid!
And just another tip, try to borrow those big items from friends when you can. It definitely saves from having to try and store a big swing when they’ve outgrown it.
Great post, Chelsea!
Thanks for reading Ashley! That is a great tip about borrowing those bigger items. They are necessary in the beginning but only used for a short time! I have heard lots of people now say that they loved the Bumbo so thanks for chiming in for others considering it. I won’t get rid of mine just yet!
Totally disagree about the wipes warmer. Didn’t even make them when I had my first, but love the warmer now. What a difference it makes in diaper changing. Wouldn’t be without it.
So happy you found a product you love! After I wrote this post, suddenly “Team Wipes Warmers” came out of the woodwork! Lucky for us there is not a shortage of awesome products on the market for moms and babies. Thanks so much for reading and continuing the conversation!
I definitely agree with this list! We registered for the bare essentials and STILL ended up with way too much foofy stuff!
I have to strongly disagree with your phrasing about nursing supplies. There’s nothing embarrassing about the way you choose to FEED your child. People aren’t embarrassed about receiving bottles at a baby shower and I don’t think new moms need any other seeds planted in their brains about breastfeeding being inappropriate in ANY form or fashion.
Hi Jaclyn! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment! I apologize if my phrasing on the nursing products gave off a different view than what I intended. I am 100% pro-nursing and breast fed my son for over a year. I used every nursing product under the sun and think they are all awesome and totally necessary. My point was to just proceed with caution on adding these items to your registry list depending on your comfort level with those viewing it and giving you gifts. Although I knew I needed a breast pump, nursing bra, nipple shields and nipple cream I was not comfortable with my mostly male, conservative office viewing these items and giving them to me to open at a public shower. I like to keep a private profile in that sense and don’t want people thinking about my boobs. I’m just more of a private person in that sense. We also had a couples shower my men including dads, grandfathers, etc. and I just wasn’t comfortable opening these items in front of everyone so I opted to purchase myself. Based on the heavy criticism I received on this one, it seems that the majority of women are comfortable having these items listed and opening these items at showers. That is amazing and more power to you! That just isn’t me. I find opening a bottle very different than opening a bra in front of coworkers, but again, just my preference. I love that we can all make out own registry lists and as I stated in the post, this is a totally subjective list based on only one mom’s experience. Thanks again so much for reading and continuing the conversation!
Check with your insurance company about pump stuff. Mine provides a double electric pump and 150 storage bags every quarter! Your health savings account will pay for lanolin cream if you need it. And you probably will.
love the list. What’s better than zipper pjs? Magnetic ones!! My grandma gave some to use for our newest baby and they are perfection!
I didn’t have a baby shower until my fourth baby. She was a total surprise and we were starting completely over, so my friends wanted to throw one. We didn’t know if the baby was going to be a boy or girl so clothes were out, except for white onesies. I did register and receive breastmilk bags, nipple cream, and nursing pads! Some of my favorite things and things I knew I would absolutely need. Otherwise I agree with a lot on the list.
The other reason I would strongly suggest adding breastfeeding supplies to a registry is bc it notifies your family and friends that you ARE going to try breastfeeding. Nursing a baby can be a long, hard struggle and your registry is alerts your support system (aka the people showering you) that you’ll need just that: support.
An alternative for the Bumbo seat is a Summer Infant SuperSeat — plenty of space for the little legs, plus more fun to be had!