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Choosing Your First Baby Registry
Just as you are excited about welcoming your first baby to the world, so too are your friends and family. You will have plenty of people itching to buy baby shower gifts from the moment you make your announcement. They want to share this experience with you, and you will likely get the question, “where are you registered?” more than once. If you’re not sure what this means or how to get started, keep reading for some answers and tips from Parentingwithkris.
What is a Baby Registry?
A baby registry is essentially a list of gifts that you wish for your baby to be given. According to WebBabyShower, they were established along with baby showers sometime after World War II during the great baby boom.
Many expectant, first-time moms are anxious about having a baby registry, mistakenly believing that it comes off as selfish or greedy. To the contrary, your friends and family want to provide your bundle of joy with both practical and personalized baby gifts.
Best Personalized Baby Gifts
Before you make your baby registry, it’s a smart idea to decide what you want. Personalized baby gifts are a great choice when you’re looking for high-quality baby items that will later serve as cherished keepsakes. Onesies, towels, bibs, baby books, and christening gowns are just a few items you can have personalized.
Personal List Or Public Registry?
When it comes to making a baby registry, you have two options: create a private list that is distributed exclusively to your closest confidants or sign up online or at a local store. There are pros and cons to each.
If you choose a personal list, you can include baby gifts from local and online stores that don’t have a dedicated registry. To create a personalized list, use Google Docs and link directly to items that you wish for.
Choosing a big box store, such as Amazon or Target, is easier and more convenient. But your friends and family don’t have many personalization options. The choice is completely up to you.
What To Include In Your Gift Registry
This is the burning question on many of your minds. While it seems like there is an endless and ever-evolving list of things your baby could need or want, the truth is that it’s best to keep it simple. You’ll want to add swaddle blankets, bottles, bibs, a nursing pillow, and a baby carrier. You should also add more expensive items, such as a baby swing or crib. Rookie Moms notes that you can also add a meal service subscription, which will free up your time to focus on your little one.
You are not limited to simply asking for things for your baby either. Don’t be shy about telling your friends and family some things that will make you more comfortable and confident as a new mom. Comfy and versatile clothes, like a delivery gown, nursing and maternity pajamas and nightgowns, bras, and a robe to wear at the hospital and during the postpartum months, will all be valuable additions to your registry. And your loved ones will gladly pamper you now in return for baby cuddles in the future.
There are also lots of things that you do not need to include on your baby registry. A changing table, shoes, toys, and a wipe warmer all have very little value during the first several months of your child’s life. Babies are simple creatures, and all they really need is you, breast milk or formula, dry clothing, and a place to sleep safely.
Best Online Registries
When you have friends and family located far away, you’ll want to look at an online baby registry. A few of the best include:
It’s important to note here that Target and Walmart also make your baby registry available in-store. Store purchases will be noted on your registry so that you do not get duplicate items from people that choose to shop online.
Whether you choose to have an in person baby shower or an online event, your baby registry is an opportunity for those who will soon be in your little one’s life to show them some love before their arrival. From personalized gifts to food subscriptions, the above can help you decide what to add, what not to, and which registries to consider.
What are some things you found important when choosing a baby registry? Leave a comment with your thoughts!
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