One thing I learned from my baby shower is do not register for clothes or blankets! Unless you are absolutely in love with an adorable outfit, or want a specific blanket for the nursery do not bother! I was overwhelmed with the amount of clothes that I received at my shower. I cannot even tell you how many clothes we got at the shower that my son never even got a chance to wear. Also any clothes you do get see if it will be the right size for the right season. If your baby is due in May and someone gave you a fleece swaddler in size 0-3 months you will never use it. The only clothes that may be worth registering for is clothes in larger sizes. Trust me you will get tons of the small size clothes. A lot of people will also bring an outfit for the baby the first time they meet him or her. If they gave you a gift receipt your best plan is to return it. The same goes for blankets. We got so many blankets for my son it was crazy. I registered for one blanket and got about 20!
Put items of all price ranges on your registry. Not everyone has $100 to spend on a gift. Some people will get the big items. Others will go in on one big item with some friends. However, most people will probably feel more comfortable buying one moderate priced item or a few inexpensive items. If you put a decent amount of inexpensive items on your registry people will be able to put together a nice basket for you with out having to spend too much. Best of all you will be getting items that you want and need.
Register at more than one store. It is best to register at more than one store that way people can go where ever is convenient for them. This way if someone is running into Target they can get you something off your registry while they are there. This is a good idea because some people may not live near a store you are registering at. Another good reason to register at multiple places is that a lot of stores have some kind of incentive for registering. Some places will give you a gift, gift card, or discount on unpurchased items.
So what should you put on your registry?
The Big Items:
- Crib
- Swing
- Bassinet
- Car Seat
- Breast Pump (If you plan on breast feeding)
- Baby Monitor
- Sheets
- Boppy Pillow (or some kind of infant support pillow)
- White Noise Machine ( they are a life saver! )
- Bottle Starter set
- Diapers in various sizes and wipes ( you can never have too many )
- Baby Care Products ( shampoo, lotion, medicine, grooming kit, first aid kit....)
- Play Gym
- Infant Seat
