Registering for baby products is one of the most exciting steps in the whole process of having a baby. If this is your first baby, you’re likely to go hog-wild with your registry because you don’t have actually to pay for the products. This is a time to let your loved ones spoil you, but be sure you don’t make these common mistakes:
Don’t Overdo It
You can ask any first-time parent. Everyone over-registers their first time around. There are really only a certain number of products you’ll actually need, though. Everything else is just extra and tends to create clutter in the nursery.
Know Before You Go
What I mean by “know before you go” is do your research. Ask your friends who have recently had babies what their favorite products are. Search around on the internet for minimalist baby registry tips. Chances are the baby registry websites will mislead you and trick you into registering for things you don’t actually need.
Blankets, Burp Cloths and Bibs. Oh my!
This sort of contradicts my first statement of avoiding overdoing it, but from my experience, you can never have too many blankets, burp cloths, bibs, changing pad covers, bedsheets, etc.
In the first six months of having a baby, you’ll notice yourself reaching for a burp rag every 15-20 minutes or more. And once you use one, it’s pretty much soiled. Needless to say, stocking-up is a good idea.
As far as bedding goes, you’ll want to stock-up on both the waterproof mattress covers and regular bed sheets. I personally love to layer the sheets to make life a little easier in the middle of the night. I created a video called “Parenting Hacks” in 2015 which goes into more detail about what I mean by layering.
Changing pad covers are also a good idea to get more than one of. You’ll notice that accidents, many many accidents happen during diaper changes. Extra changing pad covers are a must and Miracleware has so many cute ones to choose from; and since their products are available at Buy Buy Baby and Babies ‘R Us, they’re easy to access.
Parenting Tip: If you are going to push for your little one to use a blankie, I recommend starting with a small, lightweight security blanket. This way your baby isn’t dragging around a giant blanket everywhere you go. Be sure to get many of the same kind, too. (My little one’s favorite)
Forego Individual Store Registries
Instead of registering at multiple baby-supply stores like Target, Babies ‘R Us and Restoration Hardware, go for an all-in-one baby registry site like my article from 2014.
The Gift of Sleep
No. I’m now talking about a registering for a free weekend of baby sitting, although that does sound amazing! I’m talking about registering for products that will: A) help your baby sleep more comfortably/safely; and B) help you have peace of mind while your little one is sleeping.
I’m a huge advocate of sleepsacks for babies and toddlers. Miracleware‘s pediatrician recommended Miracle Sleepers®TM come in multiple sizes to accommodate your little one at various ages. It’s essentially a wearable blanket that allows for easy access during midnight diaper changes. Once your baby is out of the swaddling stage, a Miracle Sleeper®TM is the way to go.
