With the new arrival approaching, it made me start thinking about what I needed to pull back out, and what I need to purchase.  It also made me think about my baby shower with Mr. Toddler, and what I wish I had known the first time around.

If you are expecting your first bundle of joy, here are a few tips for creating a baby registry.

1. Start planning early:
Afterall you are excited about being pregnant, so don’t be afraid to start doing research on some of the essential items, or thinking about your nursery theme.  A good time to start creating the registry is around your second trimester at 4-5 months pregnant.  This will give you something to focus your excitement on, and also give you time to make any changes or additions to your registry before your shower.

Begin looking through store advertisements to get an idea of what’s available, and how much things cost. Go to your local baby store (Babies R Us, Baby Depot, etc.) and check out all of the gadgets to familiarize yourself with the new world you are about to enter.

2. Where to register: Think about your needs, what is local in the area, and what has an online registry.  The online option makes it very easy for family and friends.  Also when you register check the stores return/exchange policies.

There is also a registry called, Deposit a Gift, where you can pick the items you would like to be featured, and then instead of the people buying you the gifts, you receive cash gift cards to purchase the items of your choosing.  Great idea!

3. Think about your needs:

It is important to think about the space you have for your child.  Do you have a large house, or 2 bedroom condo?  Will your baby be sharing a room, or have a room of his/her own?  Do you live in the city, or suburbs? Do you own a car?  Will you breast or bottle feed? How will you use your stroller- do you want a lightweight stroller to get to the store, or do you want a jogging stroller?

Above were just a few of the questions to start.  There are so many baby items available that may look great and you want everything, but just think about your lifestyle, and the space you have for your baby.

4. Nursery Theme:
It is great to familiarize yourself with your options and think about the room uses.  Do you want to remain neutral in color, or do you know the sex of your baby?  Also remember, your baby will grow up soon and toddlers have their own interests, and that might lead you to change the theme of the room.

5. Ask for friends or families help or suggestions:
Don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions from friends, family, coworkers. People always love to talk about their children, and usually are happy to tell you about products they like or dislike, or products they did not find helpful with the baby. Also you might find that friends or family have hand me downs that you can borrow.

6. Research:
Research the big items: cribs, crib mattress, changing table options, pack n play/bassinet, stroller, and car seat, breast pump, or bottle brand. These are the main items, and the items you will need within the first few months.  Read online reviews of products.  Read baby books or parenting magazines.  Check out consumer reports.

7. Use the registry checklist:
As a first time mom, you might not know exactly what you need for the newborn.  Most baby stores have an online registry with a helpful checklist option with suggestions listed under appropriate categories.

8. Choose basic items, and items from all price categories:
When creating your registry add both pricey and cheaper items.  You want a range for people to choose from.  I was worried about putting something more expensive on the registry, but then some of my friends got together and bought the pack n play, and the car seat. The registry is set up to help friends and family know what you need, and they can pick and choose what they are comfortable buying.

9.  Leave tags on everything: You will be happy to exchange things that you don’t need or the baby outgrows before they wear!

I hope my tips have helped you out. The bottom line is to have fun creating your registry.  Just remember to create a registry that fits in with your families lifestyle, and the new addition that is about to arrive.