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What You Really Need to Register for:

When I had my first baby I took the list that I was given at Babies R Us and followed it religiously.  With each additional baby the list of needs and wants has changed quite a bit!  There were so many things that I received that I did not use or need.  So this time I registered I decided to make a list of the baby items I really needed.  If people are going to spend their hard earned money on me I would rather then spend it on things I need as opposed to things that will go unused.

I know that you are wondering what I took off of the list.  So many first time moms wonder what they really need to have for the baby!  So here is my list of needs:

• Car seat:  You will need an infant car seat right away.  As for booster seats and car seats for older kids you do not need them for at least a year.  This will mean that you will have to store this item for a year or more until you are ready to use it.
• Stroller: I would say that this is a need.  It is too hard to go out into the world with a baby and not have something to help you in your travels.  I would recommend a travel system.  This way you will not have to wake the baby each time you go somewhere.  You just take the infant carrier and move it into the stroller.
• Backpacks and Carriers: I would say that you need a carrier but could skip the backpack.  There are many carriers that convert into a backpack as the baby grows.  If you get the backpack it will be another item that you cannot use right away which means more storage items.
• Play Yard: For me this is a need.  When the baby is first born we use the play yard as a bassinet in our room.  As the baby grown the play yard acts as a wonderful place to contain the baby while you take that much needed shower or while you do the dishes.  The play yard will act as a bed on vacation for at least 2 years.  It is well worth the $100-$150 you will spend on it!
• Swing: Up until my youngest I would have put this as a baby need.  My first two girls loved the swing and it afforded me an opportunity to relax a little.  My youngest was unable to see as an infant and was only in the swing 2 times. All in all I would say that a baby swing of some sort is a need.  There are many options from cradle swings, to travel swings to traditional swings.  I would say your house only needs one.
• Baby Gym: These are also a need. Many parents forget how important tummy time is for babies!  The more tummy time a baby has the quicker they will crawl and walk.
• Bouncers: I would say that this is also a need.  The nice part is that there are many swings now that have a detachable bouncy seat.  This is like getting 2 items for the price of 1.

• Bottles: Even if you are breastfeeding this is a need.  You never know when you will need them but most mommies find that they need them at some point.
• Burp Cloths: While these are a need I recommend buying cloth diapers and using them as burp cloths.  This is cheaper and to be honest they hold a lot more spit up and are bigger.
• Eating Accessories: In my opinion these items are not a need.  These items are items that could be purchased at a later date and will again have to be stored.  Skip the spoons, bowls and so on for now.
• Baby Bath Tub: Again this is not something I consider a need.  Using the kitchen sink is so much easier.  There is also so much less to clean up this way.  A baby bath tub means that you will have to do a lot of bending or that water will be where it should not!
• High Chair: This is another thing that I would consider to be a need.  It is important to have a few places where you can contain the baby.  Because many high chairs recline and have 5 point harness systems this offers a safe place to put the baby down while you are eating.
• Baby Gates: These items are another group that could wait until your new little one is moving around somewhere.  This is also an item that is safe to buy in garage sales or off of Craigs list.  The choice is yours but in my personal opinion I would wait.
• Bedding: While this is not a need I would say register for it if you know what you would like your nursery to be.  Other bedding such as blankets and sheets should make it onto your baby registry.

I would not put clothing on your baby registry.  When people are shopping your registry list they will not be able to resist the cute clothing in each aisle.  Most of all have fun.  Make sure that you take a few hours out of your schedule to register.  I walk up and down each aisle and see what I need and what I want.  Most of all… Have fun!

Becca

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