First-time parenthood can have a pretty steep learning curve, especially the part about figuring out exactly what baby gear you’re going to need for your little one. I still remember being a first time mama-to-be, dumbfounded by the sheer magnitude of baby gear staring back at me from the aisles at my local Babies”R”Us. Registry scanner in-hand, I attempted to navigate this world that was so foreign to me, and the first time was a bit rough. I say “first” because I ended up giving up and leaving after about 20 minutes. There was just so much stuff, and I had no idea what I was doing.
Thankfully, I was able to come back prepared for the second go-round. I went home and after a bit of planning, came back ready to divide and conquer that registry. Here are some things that made the process more enjoyable.
1. Do your research.
Look up the most important items on your to-register-for list ahead of time and do some research. Read safety reports and consider your lifestyle. Asking myself what was most important to me and what was most practical really helped me narrow down the items I knew I really needed/wanted.
2. Take a seasoned mama friend.
This is the most important tip of all for a couple of reasons: 1) A friend who has already been a mama can give you the lowdown on what items are truly useful and which ones you may want to wait on, and 2) It will make the process a lot more fun. She’ll show you the ropes of this baby registry business and you’ll have some fun bonding time in the midst of it!
3. Register at Babies”R”Us.
I ended up registering at two places, one of those places being Babies”R”Us, and I am so glad I did. They had all of the essentials I needed, so many product options, and really helpful associates to answer all of my questions. But, the main reasons I loved my Babies”R”Us registry were 1) They are great about returns, which was definitely not the case at the other store I registered with, and 2) I was able to earn a percentage off for completing my registry, so we were able to purchase anything we didn’t receive at a discount. Currently they also have a really cool program called “Endless Earnings” where you can earn 10% back on all of the items purchased from your registry. I definitely would’ve taken advantage of this when I was a first-time pregnant mama!
4. Ask associates for help.
As I mentioned above, it can be really helpful to ask associates for help as you register. They know these products, so take advantage of their expertise!
5. Create plenty of options.
When choosing where you’ll register, I found that it was really helpful to choose a place that offers people both an in-store and online shopping experience (which is why I like Babies”R”Us: see above). Older friends and family members may prefer the in-store experience while the online option is great for the busy mamas in your life who may not be able to get to a store. Also, be sure to register for items at a variety of price points. Some people will want to splurge a bit more or go in on bigger ticket items together, so don’t feel guilty about adding more expensive items to your list (think car seats and strollers). Likewise, be sure to include plenty of less expensive items for people to choose from. You don’t want anyone to feel left out.
6. Take snacks.
Completing your baby registry can be pretty time consuming, so come prepared with snacks. I recently went with a friend to help her register and it took us nearly four hours! Low blood sugar equals grumpy mamas, so snacks are definitely crucial.
There is no need for putting together your baby registry to be a stressful experience. It can be a magical time for a mama-to-be as she prepares for the arrival of her new babe. With a bit of forethought and planning, you can make it memorable and fun!
{Photo via Coeur de La Photography}