So this is our first pregnancy. There is so much stuff out there. I am trying to start figuring out what to put on the baby registry and was hoping that from some mommies that have been through this already what are some things you feel are absolutely necessary and what kind of things are not so needed. It's so easy to get caught up in the this would be helpful - bottle warmers and such. We are on a tight budget and hoping that we can get a lot of of the needed items from the baby shower. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Also I just started my 4th month, when should the registry be completed? I am so lost and confused by everything lately.

Thanks.

Everyone has a different opinion on what you need and the things that are useless. Here's what we found essential:

boppy (or similar)
bottles
port-a-crib (we also used this as our changing table)
baby bjorn (or sling etc - we hardly used our stroller for the first 8 months)
good, thick, hooded towel
carseat of course

I wouldn't worry about registering for too many toys, clothes and blankets, because they are so cute you're likely to end up with too many anyway.

As for when you register, anytime is fine. I registered right after we found out we were having a girl (18 or 19 weeks) because my sister was in town and it was a fun thing to do together. If you are having a shower, you should register before people receive their invites so they can ask where you're registered.

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It's not what you make; it's what you spend.

boppy
maybe some books
A baby gym
Baby sheets
diapers
wipes
portable high chair and swing
extrasaucer
bottles
pacifiers
baby towels and wash clothes
a baby tub
diaper bag
boucey seat
stroller
car seat

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If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.

C.S. Lewis

One suggestion is to register for the basic stuff ahead of time and then wait until closer to your shower date to register for any clothing/seasonal items. We had to change some of our registry when our daughter was born because Target clearanced some of the clothes we had chosen.

Another tip is to be careful if you register at multiples stores for the same items--especially bigger things. My coworker registered for a jumperoo at multiple stores. She got 3 of them at one of her shower's. Everyone who gave her one was suprised because they all said it was not taken on the registry list. =P

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I even registered for things like baby tylenol, wipes, breast cream.

a boppy is a MUST if you are nursing

I would not get too crazy with outfits/onsies and recieving blankets. they grow out of them so quickly.

don't be afraid to register for higher priced items, many people will "go in" on these things

I even registered for a electric kettle for me, as I love tea, and it was a nice help to have hot water in 30 seconds after baby was born

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married 8 years to a crazy Brit, mommy to a banana, she is 4 and a pineapple who is 1 year, mommy to 3 ~angel~ babies

If I were starting over, I would probably register for...

car seat/stroller combo
crib
Pack N Play - you can use this when they're older plus most have the bassonet feature for when they're younger
bedding - (although all you REALLY need is 2-3 sheets, a bed skirt, bumper & maybe a waterproof mattress)
glider
reclining booster seat (I used this instead of the high chair for ds2 & ds3 - I sold the high chair after ds1 outgrew it - it was just too big)
sling or bjorn-type carrier
receiving blankets for swaddling
cloth diapers to use as burp cloths
hooded towels & washclothes
bottles - I got a few even when I was nursing just in case
diaper bag
paci's
bibs

Hmmm... that's all I can think of right now. I never got a wipes warmer or bottle warmer. I never used the boppy pillow for nursing, but use it now if I want to lay ds3 down to drink a bottle.

I would personally not register for a lot of toys. My kids have WAY too many baby toys and generally play with very few of them. Keep it simple and stick with some basics. I love some foam blocks my boys got from Toys R Us (they may have them at Babies R Us too). Maybe a rattle or two. Kids really don't need much!

If you have any friends or family members who have had kids recently you may find someone to go with you. One of my sisters went with me before DH & I registered and showed me a bunch of things that were needs along with many things you don't need! If a friend of mine asked me to go with them I'd be thrilled to help out!

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Stay at home mom to my 3 boys... ages 5, 3 & 1!

I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Thanks everyone for the information. We are going to Babies R Us on Saturday and going to get the registry started. I have a pretty good idea of what I want. Some things though I hadn't thought about even registring for, so thanks.