One of the funnest things about being pregnant is having a baby shower -- a reason for all your loved ones to buy tiny shoes and adorable blankets. A shower is also a great way to get baby items you need to prepare for your new bundle of joy. However, the most successful baby showers (meaning full of things you need, and not in triplicate) are those accompanied by thorough and well planned gift registries. Here are a few ways you can get gifts you actually want and need.
When and Where Should You Register?
The general rule of pregnancy is to keep it to yourself until you get through the first trimester. With that in mind, it’s also a good idea to wait until at least the fourth month to start a registry -- but you don’t want to wait too long. Start out by selecting two or three places easily accessible to the majority of your friends and relatives. Places like WalMart or Target are reliable, standard choices. Specialty stores like BabiesRUs tend to have a wider variety of goodies more specific to the needs of a pregnant woman or new mother.
Online retailers, like Amazon, are also great -- not only because they have a wider selection of absolutely everything, but also for out-of-state relatives who still want to send a little something for the baby. Some websites, like myregistry.com, also allow you to create one master list, combining registries from multiple stores, so your loved ones can look at everything at once, rather than visiting six different sites or stores.
What Should You Include in Your Registry?
Make sure to pick out items in a pretty wide range of prices. This lets friends on a budget chip in for smaller items without overdrafting their bank account to get you the $150 Baby Bjorn instead of the perfectly useful $30 version. More expensive items are great to include as well for loved ones who can or want to spend more.
Because the stork rarely comes bearing diapers and formula, it helps if you not only register products online, but also in the store, since many physical stores run specials and discounts that online retailers just don’t offer. Feel free to include as many packs of diapers in as many sizes as you want -- but do keep in mind that not every baby responds well to every diaper brand.
It’s a good idea to include a variety of clothing options, from five packs of standard onesies to a handful of cute little outfits, in every size from newborn to nine months. (Everyone loves buying baby clothes.) In fact, there’s no reason not to include everything you want. Just because you ask for it, doesn’t mean you’ll get it. But if you don’t ask, you definitely won’t. Remember, some people prefer to go off list; be gracious and say thank you, even if you hate it.
What are Some Things You Might not Have Thought to Include?
It’s absolutely amazing how many things a baby needs. Think about the curtains you want for their nursery, how many outlets and cupboards you need to baby-proof, everything. From soft, baby washcloths and gentle soap, to where you’re going to put all those diapers you asked for after they’ve been used. Keep a running list in the weeks before you actually make your registry -- it’s easy to get overwhelmed and miss essentials.
