You would think it an easy exercise; walk around a store and scan whatever you want. Not so my friend. First, you have to figure out exactly what the baby will need, and for how long. Do you buy a ton of infant stuff, when the baby will likely outgrow everything in a few weeks? That by itself took up a good portion of the day. But then other questions started creeping in. Is it proper protocol to register for clothing? What about diapers? Surely you don't register for diapers, do you? Do we register for the stroller here? Which one should we get? What does Consumer Reports have to say on the matter. (I actually pulled out my Treo and Googled Consumer Reports' choice for best stroller...) This is serious stuff. Serious and tedious stuff.
In the end we scanned a bunch of things we know we'll need. Bottles, and educational materials (this kid will have the entire Baby Einstein library at the rate I'm going!), baby monitor and a few other day-to-day things that we know Peanut will need for at least the first year. But after that we just ran out of steam and called it a night. The problem is we didn't go in prepared, and by that I mean we didn't create a list or consult our sources on tips for a successful registry experience. We should have! From example, take a look at this list that Auntie Sammy found on the National Women's Health Information Center's website (a service provided by the Department of Health & Human Services):
WHAT THE BABY WILL NEED AT THE HOSPITAL
Undershirt
An outfit such as a stretch suit, nightgown, or sweater set
A pair of socks or booties
Receiving blanket, cap and heavier blanket or bunting, if the weather is cold
Diapers and wipes (some hospitals provide an initial supply of these)
Safety pins or velcro attaching strips, and rubber or nylon pants (if you are using cloth diapers)
Infant car seat
Diaper bag
SAFETY ITEMS FOR HOME
Night lights or soft lighting
Baby monitor
Baby nail clippers/scissors manicure set
THINGS YOU WILL NEED TO TRANSPORT THE BABY
Car seat - you will need to find out the specifications for a car seat that will fit in your car. All car seats are not made alike.
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/travel/auto.html
Stroller
Backpacks and soft carriers
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/learning/products.html
Diaper bag - since this is something you will be carrying around for about three years, choose one that is comfortable and durable for you.
ITEMS FOR THE BABY'S ROOM
Crib and crib linens
Play pen or portable crib
Changing table
Dresser
Glider or rocking chair
Clothes hamper
SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR YOUR HOME
Diapers or cloth diapers - you can get a couple of different brands of diapers so you can test them out and choose your favorite.
Receiving Blankets - for safety information, click here:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5049.html
Clothing - for safety information, click here:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/slpwear.html
Breast pump - if you plan to breastfeed.
Bottles - be sure to get the correct size of nipples, such as preemie, or newborn.
Rectal or digital ear thermometer
Bathtubs
Washcloths and baby wipes
Diaper rash ointment and/or petroleum jelly
Hooded Towels
Diaper disposal system - good to have, but not necessary.
Burp Cloths and waterproof lap pads
Bulb syringe - for suctioning baby's nasal passages if necessary. Your baby's doctor will tell you if, when, and how to do this.
THINGS YOU WILL NEED AS THE BABY GETS OLDER
Outlet protectors
Toys
Books
Walker
High Chair
Gates
That's a lot of stuff folks - and I suspect this list doesn't fully capture all of the stuff Peanut is going to need...
