Baby Registry Ridiculousness

I was looking forward to making a day of baby registration. My husband and I had so much fun when we registered for our wedding, and I just knew baby registry would be a blast. WRONG! Babies-R-Us was beyond disappointing. The Babies-R-Us had been absorbed into the Toys-R-Us and was a sad four aisles of returns and messy piles of mismatched goods.  The whole reason you go to the store to register is to touch, feel, and try out all of the products that you know nothing about.  It’s very difficult to compare high chairs when there is only one returned to look at. 

Don’t get me wrong, we spent a good hour in the stroller/car seat aisle trying to figure out how to snap, hook-in, collapse, and unload, but the one we decided we liked didn’t actually have a box. The employee told us we could just add stuff online.  Ummm…. That’s like buying a house you’ve never stepped foot into. Okay, maybe it’s not that dramatic, but my pregnancy hormones wanted to snap her into the stroller.  We ended up not registering for anything at the actual store and promptly went to Target, which was a MUCH better experience.  The scanner even had a checklist feature. 

I used my pre-made list to decide on what to scan. I am an insane list maker, so it should come as no surprise that I made two draft lists before finalizing a list of items for which to register. I looked at several lists from experienced moms that named items that they didn’t need at all and items that were absolutely necessary. Some blogs even listed specific brands that were the absolute favorite.  Additionally, I asked around with all of my friends. Below is a list of all things needed for baby that I came up with. As far as registry goes, I’ve been advised not to register for any clothes because everyone will want to buy clothes and the availability at different locations will vary. 
Essentials (These were listed as necessary or life savers)

• 5-10 onesies/undershirts (Carters are best)
• 3-8 gowns/sleepers (Halo sack was highly touted)
• 3-6 bibs
• 5-10 burp cloths (Aden & Anais or Gerber prefold diapers)
• 3 swaddlers (Aden & Anais was a favorite)
• 2-3 fitted sheets
• 2-3 hooded towels
• 3-5 wash cloths/mitts
• Baby soap, lotion, shampoo
• Brush and comb (Safety first EZ grip)
• Diaper wipes (I will likely home-make these)
• Nasal aspirator (Nose frida)
• 4-6 bottles in various sizes 
• Bottle brush/ sponge
• Nipple brush
• Beast pump
• Milk container bags
• Crib (My amazing husband actually built the best crib for little Ellie)
• Crib mattress
• Waterproof mattress cover
• Stroller
• Car seat
• Boppy
• Breast pads (Lansinoh disposables)
• Nursing cover
• White noise machine
• Baby hangers

Convenient Items (These were highly suggested)

• 2-7 footed outfits 
• 2-5 two piece outfits
• 2-3 sleep sacks
• 1-2 sweaters
• 5-6 socks
• 2 waterproof pads
• Diaper rash cream
• Nail clippers
• Pacifiers
• Bottle and nipple drying rack
• Bassinet (or other sleeping equipment for baby’s first weeks. Many suggested the rock n play)
• Play yard (could be used as bassinet)
• Changing pad
• Diaper pail
• Glider/rocking chair
• Baby monitor
• Night light
• Diaper bag
• Baby carrier (Moby or Boba)
• Bumbo
• Playmat
• Safe place for sitting baby (swing, vibrating chair, bouncer)
• Changing pad covers
• Hamper
• Milk savers
• Hats
• Diaper covers
• Wet bag
• Sanitizer
• Dresser/chest
• Changing table
• Quilt/blankets

Nice to have items, but could certainly go without 

• Cool most humidifier 
• Bouncer seat
• Baby bath
• Mobile
• Toy chest 
• rattles
• Car seat mirror
• Bath toys and storage
• Mittens
• Mesh feeder
• Faucet extender
• Wipe warmer 
• Mess Matt for under high chair 
• Formula dispenser
• Sock ons
• Door silencer
• Bottle sterilizer
• Baby shoes
• Bed skirt
• Matching bedding
• Sippy cup leash 
• Toy tether

Need for down the road 

• Sippy cups
• Feeding bowls/utensils
• High chair
• Food freezer tray
• Baby food maker
• Snack cups

Items that were pretty universally noted as completely useless 

• Baby robe
• Diaper stacker
• Stroller rain cover
• Bottle warmer
• Bath thermometer
• Bottle scrunchy
• Baby tub/scale combo 
• Bottle holder helper
• Wearable monitoring
• Formula mixer
• Pillows
• Shopping cart cover

We didn’t register for any clothes. People love buying tiny outfits, and they will likely buy things they think are adorable. Also, we really wanted to get the items we need.  Super Target was definitely the way to go for us. We got a little scan happy, but we got the below swag. 

    
I really appreciated the motivation from Target. “You got this!” After accomplishing the registration hurdle, I did feel a bit closer to parenthood.