Registering for the real basics

A friend recently asked me what to register for. Now, my list of recommended items is probably more bare-bones than most, so I am likely to neglect things other people would want. So I thought I’d review some baby registry lists I found online to see what I thought of them. My assessments of six lists from leading parenting websites and retailers are below.

Good lists

Parents.com: I was impressed by this list. Sure, the quantities are off (8 pairs of socks? We had two, and we had a winter baby, and that was enough) and some things are not truly necessary (like a crib bumper, which is not recommended because of small increase in SIDS risk) but really, it is a good list. [Link]

Babyfit.com: A nicely organized, non-overwhelming list. Some things were a little odd (belly casting kit?) but most things were practical and safe. [Link]

Decent lists

Giggle.com: A good list. Again, too many of some things (seriously, how is a stroller blanket different from a crib blanket?) but not overwhelming and not very materialistic. [Link]

Target: Target’s Newborn and 0-3 month lists are comprehensive - overspendy but a good start to whittle down from. For instance, you do not need a diaper stacker, diaper disposal system, or diaper disposal refills, in my opinion. But that is your decision. And according to roughly 95% of the internet community, you can skip the wipes warmer. I know I did. [Link]

Bad lists

Baby/Toys R Us: Totally insane and overwhelming, this page would have made me cry. Unless you love to shop (and thus spend money), avoid. [Link]

Walmart.com: Whoa. Do not follow this list. Far too long, lots of unnecessary things, and at least one thing that is unsafe (sleep positioners). Finally, they completely lost me at “elbow cushion” for the bath list. Are they serious? I did not know such a thing existed. I think the "elbow cushion" of choice for 99.9% of moms is called a "towel." [Link] - Leigh G.

Mobility opens up a whole new ballgame in childrearing. While your pride swells with what your baby is learning to accomplish on their own, your mind also reels at the amount of trouble they can get into! Ultimately, baby proofing should be done before your baby is actually mobile. You don't want to find out what your baby can get into by them actually getting into it. WebMD advises that you think like a baby, get down on the floor, crawl around, and see what exactly your big trouble areas could potentially be. Their article on babyproofing highlights some areas to pay particular attention to throughout the house.

So now that you know where you need to babyproof, what do you do about it? Safety 1st makes several kits that will give you a good start. Their Drawers and Doors Safety Kit contains 25 pieces to secure cabinets and doors, cover knobs, and protect small fingers from being pinched. You can pick up this kit from Amazon for $15, 32% off the regular price. The Safety 1st Family Room Child-Proofing Kit (which is also on sale at Amazon, 25% off for $23) is a one room solution containing outlet covers, blind cord wind-ups, a VCR lock, power strip covers, furniture corner covers, and door knob covers. Several other kits are available from Safety 1st through Amazon.

In addition to the locking and covering aspect of baby proofing, most families will also need a baby gate or two. There are basically two types of standard baby gates - pressure-mounted and hardware mounted. Pressure-mounted gates require no tools to install and leave no holes or marks where they are used. The KidCo Center Gateway is a great choice for a pressure-mounted gate as the center part swings open without dismounting the entire gate. These premium gates are typically quite pricey, but their Center Gateway is currently on sale at Amazon for 74% off, at $63! The KidCo Angle-Mount Safeway Gate is an excellent choice for a hardware mounted gate and is 75% off for $58 at Amazon. This gate is ideal for use at the top of stairs and can be mounted in any position, including angled areas.

Hopefully you're now geared up and ready to attack the whole babyproofing thing. Enjoy the mobility! - Jenn