My husband and I are having our first child in October. As first time parents-to-be we are feeling rather clueless and overwhelmed by the amount of baby stuff that is out there.

We'd like to go set up our registries this weekend - we are thinking Target and Babies R Us to give people a couple choices. I don't want to go overboard and end up with a lot of stuff that we won't use too much.

So my question is: What are the absolute essentials to put on the baby registry? What are the things you used the most and just couldn't do without?

Thanks!

since this is your first, i would definately do onesies, sleepers(pretty much what my son was in for quite a while after he was born), ear thermometer, baby washes and lotions(hypoallergenic of course), diapers, bottles, bottle washers...i could go on and on....pm me if you would like more info...ANYTIME!!!

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Jaime

"Live each day like its your last"

my vitals were: onesies, sleepers,socks, a couple of outfits for outings to the doctor or store, bottles, bottle brush, wipes, diapers, bouncy seat, carseat, crib, changing table pads(disposable), baby bath, baby towels, recieving balnkets, and a bigger soft balnket if you go somewhere. Also a good stroller combo works wonders.

Just so you know: we only recieved 2 things off of our registery when our first son was born and that was the Pooh bouncy. We loved it and it lasted through both of my boys.

I actually strongly advise against putting clothes on a registery. 1-people know enough that you need clothes so that's what they will buy for you 2-they're cheap enough people will buy them for you and 3-they are cheap enough that if you have to buy stuff after the shower, that's something you can afford (not to mention you're sure to like them!)

Defiently bottles (if you're planning to bottle feed), bottle brush, bottle drying rack. If you're planning on nursing, a good pump (i reccommend manual and electric), and a boppy (good even if you're not nursing).

I would register for Little Remidies Parent's surival kit. I think it includes gripe water in it. That stuff is amazing to keep on hand. If your baby is fussy or has stomach problems, its a mirical worker! A bumbo seat with a play try is something that really comes in handy when they can start sitting up by themselves. A swing, pack-n-play (don't forget the sheets!), crib bedding, a graco travel system (stroller and car seat combine), ear thermoter, diaper genie (although not important), any room decore, a small lamp for those late night feedings, diaper bag, changing pad, nursary furnature, books, baby einstine dvd's (if you want), bath tub, towels, washclothes (the disposable ones are awesome!), snugglie, um....i think thats all I can think of at the moment.

Babies R Us gives you a packet with stuff you "need" to register for. You really don't need all that stuff. We didn't know what we were having so I think thats why I got most of the stuff off my registery.

Let me know if I can be of any more service. I have some great reccommendations and things to stear clear of if you need to know brands and whatnot.

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LOL when I was pregnant with my first one, dh and I went to babies r us and did a registry. I didn't think to put all the clothes, crib sheets, ect, I don't know why. When we finished my registry was a measly 1 and half pages. Then I took my MIL and Mom with me to see what I registered for. They got the gun back out for me and was scanning just about everything in the store! They registered me for a ton of stuff I never thought about! By the time we were done, my little registry went up to about 7 pages! LOL

But thats it, register for EVERYTHING. We put crib sheets in coordinating colors, bottles, wipes warmer, car stuff, travel stuff, diapers, bibs, you name it, it was on my registry. Don't forget the big stuff like the stroller, the crib, the changing table, the pack and play, swing, and all that stuff either.

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~Missy~Mommy
Meghan8.Samantha7,Cameron4

Thanks for the ideas.

We've gotten a crib, pack & play, & highchair on loan from my cousin. I can't remember if she has a swing or not so I'll have to ask. My dad & step-mom bought us a really nice bedding set for the crib and my cousin had some extra crib sheets & sheets for the pack & play. A friend also made us the sweetest blanket and we know we have at least 2 more homemade blankets coming from family & friends.

I know my step-mom will go crazy buying the cute little outfits and my mom likes to buy the onesies and sleepers. My cousin did give us some bottles. A friend of the family also JUST had a little girl a week or so ago and I know they will pass along some things as she out grows them.

I think the big things that we still need are the car seat, stroller, & diaper bag. It is just amazing how much stuff there is out there for babies.

I'd highly recommend the book Baby Bargains. I found that really helpful in identifying top brands and helping you figure out what you needed and what you dont.

I personally just registered at Target b/c BRU just had too many choices. I did go to BRU to buy some stuff Target didnt have but it was a little overwhelming plus Target was more conveinent.

I also agree to put a lot on your registry and even stuff you dont think people would buy. You will get a coupon after your due date for 10% off whats left so you can use that to get stuff you still need.

Make sure you register for some small receiving blankets too. I had a bunch of people handknit me blankets but honestly, I used the receiving blankets much more.

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Laura