Baby Registery 101

As soon as I found out I was having a girl I wanted to run to Target, grab a "laser gun" and start scanning every single pink thing down every baby isle. In fact…that's pretty much what I did and not just at Target…Babies 'R Us, Kohls, Walmart…I went overboard BIG TIME. Give me one of these:

http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/files/2012/02/babies-r-us-registry-scan-gun.jpg
 
and I'll scan every item in an isle like this:

http://blog.zulily.com/2011/05/06/the-newbie-registry-overload/

I had a really hard time finding a good list of everything I'd NEED (and nothing more) online. So we are going to do our best to help you with a great list of all the items we couldn't live without and some tips to keep you from over-registering.

Did I use the 4 boxes of newborn diapers that I registered for? No. Did I use the 3 nursing cover ups that I received? Nope. What about 235 pacifiers? Not a chance. And only some of those things I was able to take back and get gift cards for. 

So how do you avoid over-registering? Simple...take a list with you and stick to it! Do lots of research BEFORE the laser gun is in your hand. The lists provided by the stores is a great starter…but please know they are there to sell, sell, SELL! You really don't need everything on the list so in an effort to keep you from pulling your hair out, please see our post on baby registry essentials here and things you can live without here. 

So you have your list but it is also a great idea to have a recent new Mom come with you. If you don't know anyone, just ask any questions to a Mom in the store while you are registering. Haha!  New Mom's are always willing to answer questions and were in the same boat not too long ago. :)

Another great tip is to keep in mind store's exchange/return policy while figuring out where to register. Knowing the in's and out's of these policies is kind of a pain, but it will help you get the most out of your registry if you need to make returns. 

Gift cards are wonderful and can sometimes feel like "free money". Haha! Don't go on a huge shopping binge after receiving a ton of gift cards at your shower. Use them for the things you NEED but it is also a good idea to hold on to them so that in 6 months, you can have some extra money to spend on baby's changing needs. 

Good luck and remember to have FUN! It isn't everyday someone lets you loose in a store with a laser gun for free stuff. :)