When you are registering for baby gifts, it can be hard not to go a little crazy. I mean there is so much cute stuff out there, and those little pricing guns at the store are so stinking fun!
Am I right?
But…that’s how you end up with a ton of crap on your registry that you don’t need, and then find yourself later buying the essentials.
Trust me – two kids here and I learned my lesson from the first shower!
So I’m about to drop some registry truth bombs Mama! Sit back and listen up. Here’s how to create a baby registry with stuff you actually need!
Also, be sure to check out my free printable at the end of the post!
1. Forget the cute crap
I know, it’s hard to resist. You’re so excited and want all the cute things! But so does your Aunt Glenda and cousin Sally. They want to buy the cute crap and they are gonna buy it whether you registered for it or not. You’ll be lucky if they stick to your registry anyways. So if you want cute, make sure it’s practical too.
2. Don’t register for lots of clothes
You will get an abundance of clothes. People love to buy baby clothes. Love to! Register for the essential clothes only. They may buy it off your registry, but they will also buy 10 other outfits not on your registry. You will get more than enough clothes. Probably too much. Especially in newborn and 0-3 months. If you do register for clothes, be sure to register for bigger sizes.
3. Sleepers with zippers
Speaking of clothes… Sleepers with zippers are where its at! Sure, some of the button up ones are super cute, but they are also super impractical. You do not want to face off with a button up sleeper when you’re tackling a poo-pocalypse at 4 in the morning.
4. Limit the newborn stuff
Most kids are in newborn clothes/diapers for like two weeks. Two weeks! Some babies skip right over the newborn size! Unless your babe is measuring a little small, it’s safe to say you probably won’t need too much newborn stuff.
5. Get all the diapers
Did you know it’s likely you’ll spend more on diapers than almost anything else in your babies first year? It adds up fast. So do yourself a favor. Register for diapers in all the sizes and start a stockpile. You won’t regret it.
6. Register at different places
There are two reasons you should consider registering at multiple places. A.) You make it easier for your guests B.) You get even more free stuff and completion coupons! I generally register at Target, Babies R’ Us and Amazon. However, I also registered at Walmart and Buy Buy Baby to score their free swag! I got quite a few new bottles and samples of products I discovered I loved!
7. Register for things at all price points
One of the most annoying things when shopping off a registry is not being able to find a gift in your price range. Most people also like to give a few things when giving a baby. So be sure to register for lots of stuff in the $10 and under category as well as alot in the $15-20. I’d keep the majority of things under $30 but don’t hesitate to register for the more expensive stuff too! You may have some co-workers wanting to throw in on a big gift or a generous grandma!
8. Register for the nontraditional gifts too
One of the neatest things I’ve seen someone register for is Newborn photos. If you’ve done them with your child, you know most often the best photographers are kind of pricey. Adding this to your registry is a smart way to help with that expense.
9. Seek wisdom from other Mamas
This is crucial! Other Mama’s are the queens of sage advice. If possible, take a BTDT (been there, done that) Mom with you to register. They can tell you what works, what doesn’t, what’s essential and what’s completely useless. You have a treasure trove of wisdom at your disposal, be sure to take advantage!
10. Register for the future also
So right now all you can think of is cute squishy baby snuggles. But we all know that’s not gonna last. Before you know it, that teeny newborn will be crawling then walking, then running away and refusing to hold your hand. Go ahead and register for things you will be able to use in the first couple of years. Adding baby proofing gear, and first utensils, cups and plates can be very helpful. Also, I know I mentioned it earlier but it’s worth saying again. Register for bigger size diapers and clothes!
Let’s be real though. No matter what you register for, or what you get, it’ gonna be awesome. Truth is you’ve got friends and family who love you and support you during this new stage of life. Ultimately, that’s what matters.
Check out this handy dandy registry cheat sheet I created for you! Print it out and use it as an easy guide to making sure you’ve got the essentials! Click on the picture or here to download.
If you are looking for specific recommendations on products and brands, I got you! I will soon be sharing a post with tons of my favorite baby products and why you need them in your life!
Stay tuned! And until then, be sure to save this post so you can find it later!
