Creating a registry that hits the mark (with The Baby Guy)

Creating a registry that hits the mark: Useful items at a range of price points and lots of great advice from The Baby Guy

Putting together your baby registry can be overwhelming, but don’t panic! We brought in gear expert Jamie Grayson to answer some of your most pressing questions.

Q: Why should I do a baby registry?
A: Think of a baby registry as a list of your needs and wants, preparing your home and life for your new arrival. Even if you’re not having a baby shower, this is a great checklist to make sure you have what you need when that little nugget comes home. People will buy you gifts, so why not make sure they get you what you need?

Q: When should I do my registry?
A: Begin looking at products and doing research about halfway through your second trimester or at least by the beginning of your third. Make sure you have your car seat, stroller, baby carrier, and breast pump at home and are familiar with how they work before that kiddo comes home. You’re going to be surviving on very little sleep, and the last thing you’ll want to think about is how to properly buckle a kid into a car seat properly.

Q: What are the pros and cons of registering with big companies versus small companies?
A: Large companies have an insane assortment of products to choose from, but very little truly informed help. When you register with a smaller store, your selection might be smaller, but you will usually have a much more informed retail associate who can guide you in choosing products.

Q: How many items should be on my registry?
A: I wouldn’t worry about the number of items, but you should consider price ranges. Not everyone can or will buy you an expensive stroller, but they might jump at the chance to make you a basket with swaddle blankets, skin care items, and a Sophie the Giraffe.

Q: How do I figure out what I really need?
A: Connect with a store associate and work together to evaluate your lifestyle. Apartment living can be different from living in a house, and suburban is very different from urban. Registries really are like a math equation: once someone figures out what your lifestyle is like and what you enjoy, it’s fairly easy to assess your needs.

Q: Do high-ticket items belong on my registry?
A: Many people do hesitate to place higher-end items on their registries, but this is a personal choice. I do know from experience that oftentimes friends or family will go in together to contribute money toward the purchase of a more expensive item.

Q: Should I register for things I’ll need when my baby is older?
A: Registering for a high chair or your convertible car seat is always a nice idea. Time flies and you’ll need these before you know it.

Q: Are there any items or brands that you recommend for every registry?
A: Registries truly are lifestyle-specific, but I will say that two items that are no-brainers to me are the Nosefrida and Dapple Baby Bottle & Dish Liquid Soap.

Jamie is a NY-based baby gear expert who writes for StrollerTraffic.com. He blogs at BabyGuyGearGuide.com.

Just in case you missed them, we’re reposting our articles from the our most recent magalog. What do you get when you combine a catalog with a magazine? Our magalog, Surprises, is your guide to the best of our baby gear selection and the top toys of the season. But there’s more: each issue of Surprises is loaded with informative articles about babies and kids, and common-sense advice that you can use.

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