If you’re a first time mother-to-be, the idea of registering for baby gifts may seem a little daunting. After all, until you have had a baby, it’s difficult to envision all the things you might need. Fortunately, there are some basic items that no new mom should be without. These items—and a few extras—are listed below for your convenience.
Baby Gear
The most important item in this category is the car seat. You can’t even bring your bundle of joy home from the hospital without one of these! There are some infant car seats that are designed to fit in a matching stroller. This is both convenient and practical as you will almost certainly want a stroller.
The other must-have item in this category is a place for your baby to sleep. Unless you are co-sleeping, you will need a crib, bassinet, cradle, or Moses basket along with extra sheets.
Though not as necessary as the above items, most moms would probably agree that baby monitors, bouncer seats, baby swings and play yards are almost necessities and deserve a place on your registry. Also, consider a sling, wrap, or other carrier to keep your baby close and your hands free.
Feeding and Nursing Supplies
If you plan to breastfeed your baby, you will want to register for a breast pump and bottles for those times when you need to be away from your baby during feeding time. Other breastfeeding niceties include nursing cover-ups, nursing pads and a nursing pillow.
If you are going to formula feed your baby, you will also want to register for bottles (at least six designed for newborns and another six or so designed for older babies). You can also register for additional nipples as they will wear out long before the bottles. Depending upon where you are registering your gift list, you may also be able to register for baby formula.
Burp cloths and bibs are helpful items for both breastfed and formula fed babies.
Diapering
If you are planning to use cloth diapers, registering for them can greatly reduce your start-up expense. It is also becoming a common practice for parents to register for disposable diapers. Just be careful not to register for too many packages in any one size—particularly newborn size, which most babies will grow out of in just a few weeks. Also, register for a diaper bag if you don’t already have one.
Clothing
Chances are good that your new baby will sport at least a couple of different outfits every day so be sure to register for plenty of clothes. You will need eight to ten onesies or bodysuits, at least five one-piece pajamas and/or gowns, five T-shirts, ten pairs of socks, four caps and ten outfits. Also include a couple of wearable blankets and swaddlers. Make sure you register for clothing in an assortment of sizes so your baby has something to wear beyond his newborn weeks.
Bath Accessories
As soon as your baby’s umbilical stump falls off, she will be ready for her first bath. So be sure to add these items to your registry list: a baby bathtub, baby wash, at least ten baby washcloths and five adorable hooded towels. Though you will probably receive enough samples to get you started, you may also want to register for powder and lotion.
Extras
The above items will get you through the first few weeks of your baby’s life. If you want to plan ahead, though, consider registering for these extras: a high chair, a play mat or gym, an Exersaucer, a jumper, a mobile for the crib, a Bumbo seat and a convertible car seat.
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