Registering for baby gifts is so exciting, but can be a little stressful when you have no idea what you need. As a new parent, you’ll most likely be thrown many product suggestions from retailers, friends and family. You might be tempted to add everything under the sun to your registry, but let me tell you why that is not a good idea.
When creating your baby registry, try to focus on products that you will really need versus products that you may not need, but really want. Pinterest can be very helpful as a new parent, but it can also be very misleading. We often Pin products that are easy on the eyes and stylish, but they may not be practical. I look at Pinterest as more of my “fantasy” life, and don’t really follow through with many of my Pins.
I have listed five products below that most registry sites insist that you need, but I find them to be a waste of money and space. I’m not suggesting that you forego the ultimate baby registry checklist that your favorite store gives you, but be mindful when placing products on your wish list.
Five Baby Products You Probably Don’t Need
Changing Table
I am a huge fan of multi-purpose baby products and the changing table is NOT one of them. It’s just another piece of furniture to crowd up the nursery and becomes useless after your little one is out of diapers. Instead, purchase a dresser that is wide enough to place a changing pad on top of. Once your little one is out of diapers, just remove the changing pad and decorate the top of the dresser.
Bottle Warmer
My girls never took a bottle, but according to some of my readers, sticking the bottle under warm running tap water works just fine. A bottle warmer is just another product to crowd your kitchen counter and once again, becomes useless once your little one is done with bottles.
Fancy Bath Tub
It can be so tempting to register for that spa-like bath tub with the shower extension. Don’t do it, though. Products like these are more of a hassle than a helper. You’re better off sticking with the most basic infant bath tub you can find. The basic tubs are easier to clean and easier to keep mold-free.
Newborn Clothes
In most cases, your newborn will grow out of the “newborn” sized clothes within the first month. Keeping this in mind, don’t spend too much time registering for newborn clothes. Instead, try to focus on the next few sizes up.
Bassinet or Cradle
Sorry, bassinet lovers. I find bassinets and cradles to be stylish and trendy, but a complete waste of space. Register for a portable crib like a Pack ‘n Play which comes with bassinet and changing table attachments. These pieces can be removed once your baby gets a little older and you still have a multi-level portable crib to travel around with you.
As you can see, I’m all about registering for multi-purpose baby products. By the time you have your first baby shower, you’ll probably have a nursery full of useful baby products because you mindfully registered for them. Just think of all the useful things you may not have gotten if your friends and family bought those not-so-useful products you registered for.
Registering at a store that carries everything you need for yourself and baby is also important. I just recently discovered Diapers.com and ordered everything from shampoo to batteries, toys and kids clothes in addition to diapers. What’s even better is that it arrived the very next day. Talk about easy!
GIVEAWAY
To help get you started on your parenting journey, we’ve got a fun giveaway! Enter to win a $50 Diapers.com gift card using the Rafflecopter form below. We will choose one winner after 10/3/16. Good luck!
Elvia Cortes says
I recommend registering for a Rock n' Play Sleeper made by Fisher Price. We got a lot of use out of ours with my first daughter and now with my son we still use it and he is almost 6 months old. It's an inclined sleeper/ seat. It folds up nice for easy storage, its portable so good for travel, plays music and easy to wash.
denisekonkel says
Aden + Anais swaddle blankets!
Nicki Joseph says
I would recommend the mamaroo!
Wendy Browne says
A swaddle set or newborn carrier shirt.
Rebecca W. says
I always like to have a swing for my babies and a cute diaper bag! It's always nice to receive lots of diapers as gifts as well!
Kristie says
I always buy diapers!! Everyone uses diapers. I buy size 1. And wipes are multipurpose too. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Gabrielly Margutti says
I would recommend diapers and wipes.
Dianne Hall says
A solly wrap. I love mine!
hannah says
I recommend registering for some swaddle blankets!
Gail Williams says
I recommend they register for nursery items and diapers.
EverythingSarah says
A boppy for breast feeding it saves your arms!
crazyweirdo33@yahoo.com
Laurie Nykaza says
I like to tell new parents to buy a swing loved one for my kids
Isaiahsmom says
I recommend diapers for you go through so many.
MaryAnn says
Diapers and wipes
kenny hall says
Diapers and a diaper genie
Deanna Watson says
I have heard the 4moms mamaroo is an amazing product.
Stacey Roberson says
I would recommend registering for a baby carrier. These carriers are a life saver.
[Whatever U are, be a good one!] says
I would recommend a breast pump 🙂
Thank You
Fiona N
Yvonne Woodstock says
Thanks-for-this-list-….our-24-yr-old-daughter-is-in-her-final-trimester-with-our-1st-grandbaby-and-I-need-to-throw-her-a-baby-shower-and-poor-girl-is-feeling-overwhelmed-just-making-a-registry.