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Baby Registry Etiquette - Expectant Mom

Years ago it was viewed as rude to go to a store and request items that could be purchased for a new baby. Now it is seen as helpful for guests that would like to make sure they get you a gift - you are going to use.

Picking out what your child is going to need before they have even arrived is a big task and it can be overwhelming, especially if you are a first time mom.

Here are some tips that may help you register for your baby:

  • Know What You Want - Do some research before you head to the store. Read reviews and see what other moms are saying. Know which bouncer, swing or stroller you are looking for. Seeing so many products in one place is confusing, which may cause you to pick out something that looks good as opposed to something that IS good.
  • Take Your Time - The whole registry doesn't need to be done in a day. You can make a few trips to the store to complete the list. Start by doing gear (stroller, swing, bouncer, bassinet and exersaucer) one day, the nursery another and layettes and accessories on a third visit.
  • Be Modest - Just because other people are buying you gifts, it doesn't mean that you can ask for more than what you need. Remember that too much gear will clutter up your house.
  • Register Early - A safe time to register is around 28 weeks. By that time you will know that your baby is developing well and that gives your guests a few weeks to decide on what to get. Showers are normally held between 32 and 36 weeks.
  • Keep Your Registry To 2 Department Stores - It is confusing for your shower guests and family to have to go to more than 2 stores to find your gift. If you want a specialty item from a third store you may want to suggest it to your parents or purchase it yourself.
  • Do NOT request cash gift cards - If your friends and family want to give a cash envelope at your shower, they will. It is a bad idea to suggest that anyone wishing to get you a gift should do cash or a gift certificate at a particular store.
  • Keep it simple - Request gift sets as opposed to single items (thermometer, nail clippers and medicine dropper, spoons and bowls). Having friends and family who don't have babies search high and low for individual items will just frustrate them and cause them to abandon ship. Bath sets, feeding sets and safety kits usually come with all of the necessary pieces.
  • Ask for what you need - A baby shower is usually thrown to get you started, not to set you up for life. Keep your requested items to the first 9 months of your baby's life.

Getting started:

Here is a list of items you may need to get started:

  • 5-7 sleepers
  • 5-10 onesies
  • 2 newborn hats
  • 1 sweater
  • 2 hooded towels
  • 10 wash cloths - to get started 10-15 more as baby gets older
  • baby wash, bum cream, lotion
  • thermometer, nail clippers, soft hair brush
  • infant Tylenol (dye free)
  • Diaper bag
  • 2 sheets for crib
  • 3 light blankets
  • change pad cover
  • 2 heavy blankets
  • 3 -4 burp pads
  • 4 bottles - even if you are breastfeeding

Baby Gear:

EXTRAS:

  • Resist buying too many items for 0-3 months. You baby will grow out of that stage VERY quickly.
  • Buy nicer clothing in sizes 6-9 months. The weight gain will start to level out by then and your baby will be able to use these clothes for longer that a few weeks.
  • In order to save time and money, you can wait a few months to purchase items like the highchair, exersaucer and developmental toys.

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