I spent a lot of time researching items I thought I would need when I became a mom. I looked at tons of sample registries, and most importantly I asked lots of moms. Its so hard to know what you will actually need and use until you are a mom. Even then, some of the things that worked for other families may not work for yours. But I learned a few things, and thought I would share!
I registered at Babies R Us (BRU) and Walmart. BRU because it has such a huge selection of baby items, and Walmart because it was closer to our house and you can get pretty much anything there. So I'm gonna break it down by store, and then I'll talk about some products!
Babies R Us
Like I said, huge selection which is a great plus. They are used to dealing with pregnant women, and have a sample registry list to look at, and they give you a gift bag when you register that has samples and coupons! You should definitely sign up for the rewards program, you get points for every dollar you spend (including gift cards) and then you get rewards dollars! They send the rewards to your email so you can use them in store or online. They also have an "Endless Earnings" program. Honestly I don't know how I got signed up for it and what the details are but about 2 months after Jackson was born I got an email with a gift card code for over $200! I think all moms seriously love free money to spend on their kids! The only complaint I have about BRU is that I have gotten several incorrect or damaged items in my shipments. And when the closest store is 1 1/2 hours away thats a big deal!
Walmart
So Walmart is not my favorite store but we live in the middle of nowhere and that's what is close. I would suggest registering at Walmart or Target or even Amazon, stores where you can get more than just baby stuff. Getting gift cards to these kinds of places are fantastic because during a hectic, expensive time of your life its really nice to be able to buy or order whatever random item you need to make your life a little easier.
Things you should definitely register for!
-The Fisher Price Rock and Play Vibrating Napper. Jackson loves it and so does mommy! Its lightweight and easy to move, its super comfy for baby and convenient for mom. Jackson is still sleeping in his, its great for babies with reflux because of the angled back that keeps their heads elevated.
-A play mat. Which ever one you like! It's a safe easy place to put your little one down where they can play and move around. Ours plays music and has lights and things that hang down that Jack can kick and hit and look at.
- A Humidifier. Especially if you live in a dry climate or have a winter baby. It keeps their sinuses nice and moist at night so they don't get stuffy noses.
-A good stroller. I love our jogging stroller, it has the bicycle type tires and it is so easy to push around. Unfortunately it is also pretty heavy and kind of a pain to get in and out of the car. (make sure you mess with it at the store first)
-Baby Carrier. When you don't want to deal with the car seat and stroller or you just need your hands while you're holding your kid. There are tons, we have the Bjorn, which honestly isn't my favorite. I wish I had been able to actually try the different carriers with a kid before I bought one.
Things to skip
-Diaper Genie. Its expensive, and big and you have to buy special bags to refill it and you have poop sitting around forever, and its only in one room. We just use plastic grocery bags, we have a million of them, they hold enough diapers and you can tie them up to block the smell, and they are free! We hang them on a hook at the end of the changing station and take them out every day or so to make sure the nursery doesn't start to smell.
-Wipe Warmer. This is just silly. Your baby's bottom can handle a room temperature wipe.
-Fancy Bath Tub. They are too big and bulky, and really you can tell if the water is too hot without a bath tub telling you it is.
Other Tips
Don't forget about you! Which I pretty much did, until the last minute, and thank god for friends that had just had kids and knew what I needed! Nursing pads (I like the reusable ones, they're softer) nipple cream, breast pump, storage bags, comfortable bras.
I'm sure there are a ton of other things I have an opinion about, but that is plenty for now!
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