Baby Registry – What to Consider

By Cody Hanson

When you first find out you’re expecting a baby, nine months can seem like a long time — even more than enough time to get everything you need.

Next thing you know, you’re well on your way into your third trimester, the to-do lists are long and there’s still so many things to prepare for your little one. That’s where a baby registry and/or baby shower come in to help save the day.

Baby showers are a time to celebrate the quickly-approaching birth of your baby with family and friends. It is a time to hear other mothers’ stories, listen to their words of wisdom and to gather those last-minute baby items you haven’t ordered yet.

Often, parents like to build their nursery themselves, so a lot of the bigger items like a crib, changing table, rocking chair or strollers are already purchased. But a baby registry can help fill all of those drawers, baskets and the closet with the other necessities your little one will need.

Filling your registry is a fun task and it is easy to overload it with cute clothes, books and décor, but there are a few things you should be sure to include. To help, we asked Angela Hazen, a registered nurse at MultiCare Valley Hospital’s family birth center, to put together a list of the Top 10 things you should include on your baby registry:

1. Baby clothes. Be sure to request a range of sizes from newborn, early months, all the way up to 1 year. Some newborns never fit into the smallest clothes and others grow quickly. You’ll want to be sure you’re outfitted for many months. Also remember that layering items are key to keeping your baby’s body temperature regulated in all seasons.
2. Sleep sack/swaddle blankets. During the first two months of your baby’s life, providing a sleep environment that resembles the womb is key to ensuring they are sleeping well and safely. Sleep sacks and swaddling provide a sense of safety and security, help maintain baby’s body temperature while keeping them from becoming overheated and prevent sudden movements, which can wake your baby.
3. White noise machine. Another valuable tool in helping your baby fall asleep, stay asleep or calm down in loud or stressful environments is a white noise sound machine. Baby-specific sound machines replicate how noises sound when heard from  in the womb. Some may even include heartbeat-like noises to replicate the sound of the mother’s heart beating. A few things to note however:  Nott all babies respond well to white noise; they should always be played at low levels; and should only be used occasionally, so your baby does not dependent on the noisesto sleep.
4. Nursing supplies. From nursing bras, creams, pads, pillows, covers, breast pumps and supplies, there are a lot of items needed if you are choosing to breastfeed your baby. And don’t forget about burp cloths, bottles and bottle cleaning supplies. whether you are making a breastfeeding or bottle feeding plan, be sure to  talk with your doctor or a lactation specialist before adding to your registry to determine the best equipment for you..
5. Baby bath and hygiene essentials. Just like adults, babies need a lot of hygiene and daily care supplies, and these are often things you may not even think to grab while shopping for your baby. Be sure to register for baby-specific shampoos, body wash and lotions/oils to keep your baby’s skin clean and hydrated. You’ll also need baby nail clippers, thermometer, baby aspirin and suction bulb for congested noses. Baby bathtubs, along with soft baby washcloths and towels are also important for their hygiene care.
6. Diapers. You can never have too many diapers! Just like clothes, be sure to register for a range of sizes so you’re not left with boxes of unusable newborn sizes once your baby jumps to size 1 or 2. Be sure to research the brand you prefer or register for varying brands so you can pick and choose which ones you prefer to use moving forward.
7. Toys to grow into. Toys that help with your baby’s developmental stages are great to register for! Play mats for all the coming tummy time is great, especially those with crisscrossing soft bars over the top to hang rattles, mirrors and other toys from. Stick to soft, bendable and safe to gum/chew toys in bright colors, with different textures and with or without sound features. As they get older, books will also become a great developmental item to have around.
8. Baby monitor. Baby monitors come in a range of functionality levels from the basic sound monitor to those with cameras, two-way communication, smartphone compatibility or monitors that wrap around your baby’s ankle to track things such as their temperature, heart rate and more while they sleep. Be sure to check things such as the monitor’s range and battery life before deciding which one to register for.
9. Travel supplies. Diaper bags have come a long way over the years and come in all varying sizes, colors and styles to work for every kind of outing. Look for a bag with a durable strap that won’t dig into your shoulder when heavy (backpacks are a great option for this). Keep in mind these bags are designed to hold more than you imagine, so even if it seems small, the many pockets and additional features diaper bags are designed with can carry everything you need. Some even include insulated pockets for bottles. Along with the diaper bag, you’ll want stroller accessories, such as a cover for the sun, toys and blankets in case it gets cold.
10. Big-ticket items. Sometimes family and friends want to help with some of the bigger baby purchases, such as a crib, stroller, car seat or highchair. If you haven’t already purchased these and are putting them on your registry, be sure to be specific about the make, model and features you want. These are big items that you will be using every day and you want to ensure you will be happy with them  — more importantly, you want to be confident of your baby’s safety while using them. Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask for a gift receipt if you would prefer another version.