You’re having a baby. And, to celebrate this new arrival, people will buy you things. Gift registries were created in an attempt to channel all that good will into getting the things you really want. Detractors will claim that they are too blatant and some worry that they stifle the creativity of loved ones. But, these days, gift registries are really mainstream, and the relatives who desperately want to get you something unique will probably just ignore your registry. For better or for worse.
So, you’re starting a gift registry. And the real question is, what will you actually need? We’ve created a list, and broken it down into three categories, to help with prioritizing. The “must-haves” list is just what it sounds like. Items you really should have either before or immediately after the baby arrives. The “should-haves” are things you could probably live without, but would be put to good use. The “for later” category contains items that you won’t use right away, but that will be completely necessary before you know it.
Must Haves
• Nursery furniture and bedding
• An infant car seat
• A wheeled car seat frame (converts an infant car seat into a stroller)
• A stroller
• A baby carrier
• If breastfeeding, a pump of some sort
• Cloth diapers/burp cloths (8-12)
• Cotton onesies (6-``10)
• Terry bibs (3-6)
• Baby washcloths (3-6)
• Flannel receiving blankets (6-8)
Should-Haves
• A play-yard
• A bouncy-seat
• A nice hooded towel or two
• A really soft, small blankie to be used as a lovey
• A baby monitor
• Baby skincare products
• A warm sleeping bag for the car seat/stroller
• A floor gym with hanging toys (Gymini or other)
• A selection of toys and teethers
For Later (but quite useful to get)
• A high chair
• An exersaucer and/or doorway bouncer
• A really lightweight travel stroller
• A convertible car seat
