Getting ready for your new baby may have you overwhelmed. Many soon-to-be parents create a baby registry to help with the cost of a new baby. But with so many options out there, how do you decide what your baby really needs as a new parent? It’s hard to decipher what is necessary when so many influencers are promoting sponsored products, and companies put out guides that only promote their products. One way to filter out the noise is to ask other parents and listen to experts like labor and delivery nurses, doctors, and doulas. We hope that these tips backed by experts will help you craft a baby registry that fits all of your needs.
1. Register for Multiple Diaper Sizes
A number one tip from parents is that babies grow out of newborn diapers very fast. Especially if you’re having a shower and doing a diaper raffle, ask guests to bring diapers up to size 4. This way, you’ll have diapers for months to come.
2. Vary Clothing Sizes
Most babies are only in newborn clothing for a short time. It’s better to focus on larger sizes. You can also ask for clothes up to 12 months. Most experts say that new parents should have a few footie sleepers, a variety of onesies, baby socks, a few hats, and a layering piece or two if you are having a winter baby. While fancy outfits may be adorable, comfort is the main focus here. Your baby is just getting used to life outside the womb and fussy clothing might not be their favorite thing. Of course, if grandma buys your baby a cute outfit, it’s fine to wear that when you and your baby go out. But, at home, you’ll want comfy clothes, preferably with zippers!
4. Focus on The Essentials
Things like diaper and bottle warmers are nice to have, but not essential. A bowl of warm water works fine for warming bottles, and most babies don’t care about cold wipes. Infant shoes are also adorable, but socks are fine until your baby actually starts walking. You can look to experts like labor and delivery nurse Tina for more recommendations.
5. Set Up a Cash Fund
Having a baby is expensive and there are inevitably things that you will need that won’t make the list. It isn’t bad ettiquette to register for gift cards like DoorDash or set up a cash fund for diapers and formula. Many registry sites like Babylist allow you to set up a payment method for all cash donations utilizing Paypal, Venmo, etc.
6. Make Big Ticket Items Group Gifts
Many registry sites let you create group gifts for more expensive items. A 2024 Wells Fargo study found that 67% of Americans have decreased spending because of economic conditions, so group gifts may make people feel like they are able to contribute more. Group gifts can alleviate some of the stress of not receiving big-ticket items. If you need a crib, stroller, high chair, or car seat, it may be best to label these as group gifts.
7. Choose The Right Bottle
You probably won’t need 10 different kinds of bottles, but you may need to try a few different ones to see what works best for your baby. The really important thing is to focus on the type of nipple shape. If you’re breastfeeding, this is especially important for your baby to latch onto a bottle.
8. Make Safe Choices
Did you know that mittens could be a choking risk? Most babies don’t need them unless they scratch their faces often. Sometimes trendy items are not the best for your baby. Another example is weighted sleep sacks. Any pressure on your baby’s chest could be dangerous. Do your research and know what is safe for your child.
9. You Don’t Need The Most Expensive Baby Gear
Fancy strollers and car seats are great, but not necessary. If a stroller is heavy and bulky you’re going to regret that purchase. The best advice is to go to a local baby store and try out different models before adding them to your baby registry. You may find that less expensive models are easier to maneuver. Car seats are also another item where safety is paramount, not high price tag. Instead, proper use like installing the car seat correctly and following manufacturer guidelines for height and weight are most important.
10. Ask for Help and Favors
Your registry doesn’t just have to include gifts that cost money. You can include a meal train, babysitting, house cleaning, or other favors on your registry. After all, it takes a village to raise a child! Your friends and family will be happy to offer support.
Take The Stress Out of Creating Your Baby Registry
Hopefully, you won’t need to spend hours pouring over your registry and researching the best products. The truth is, sometimes you just won’t know what you or your baby prefers until they arrive. Make sure to listen to the experts for the best advice on how to prepare for your little one’s arrival. And of course, congratulations on the soon-to-be addition to your family!