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.

Products that are good for several things at once save time, space and effort. One favorite item of mine is Weleda Calendula soap. It’s a regular bar of soap, but in our house it has served three important purposes.

When I was pregnant, and for the first two months post-partum, I developed several horrible full body rashes. Itchy, miserable… I shudder to even recall the torture. This soap was suggested to me by an herbalist at a local natural body product shop, and I have to say it definitely was soothing. It didn’t cure the rashes (that unfortunately required prednisone) but it did make me feel better.

Once the baby was here, I noticed the soap was labeled for use with babies. Sure enough, it is great on my son’s skin, and works really well for a shampoo as well. As a bonus, it smells great.

So there you have it - balm for rashy moms, soap for newborn, and nice-smelling shampoo for baby’s hair. All for a reasonable price considering it is a very long-lasting bar! - Leigh G.

Occasionally you'll run into something that is overpriced just because it is for babies. I am not talking about something that is uniquely useful or made safe for infants - I am talking about an almost identical thing for a different price. With a little forethought you might be able to spot these markups and save money. Here are a few examples of where this might happen.

Small “Tupperware” style containers in cute primary colors. Try the regular ones, which should come in sizes just as small, and save a dollar or two.

Washcloths. Why is a small pink one three times the cost of a normal white one? Compare them before you buy.

Soap. There are many inexpensive, scent-free, hypoallergenic soaps that might do just as well on your baby at a fraction of the cost of the fancy baby-labeled stuff.

Laundry detergent. Most, but admittedly not all, babies will do just fine with washing their clothes in the same load as the adult clothing, especially if you use a fragrance- and dye-free detergent.

Basically, just think for a minute about whether or not you use something just like the baby version, and then do a price comparison. Every once in a while you’ll be shocked at the markup.

What items have you seen that belong on this list? - Leigh G.

I don't know about you, but I took a lot of baths when I was pregnant. It was just more comfortable. Well, you can make bath time even more relaxing with homemade bath bombs that can fizz away the stress and aches and pains of pregnancy - or of the day-to-day abuse new parents' put their bodies through to keep up with little ones once they've arrived.

There are many bath bomb recipes out there, but this one from teachsoap.com seemed simple and straightforward, and has lots of yummy recipes to get you specific types of bombs. For the basic recipe, you'll need citric acid, baking soda, witch hazel, and whatever colorings or fragrance you want, plus something to mold it in; more specific bomb recipes call for additional ingredients like oil, epsom salts, or cornstarch for creamier or fizzier effects.

Fragrances can be soap-making fragrances or essential oils. Make sure what you use is appropriate for the skin, and not something used for other types of crafts like candle-making.

You could use any type of candy mold to get different shapes. I've seen a lot made into a ball using the plastic Christmas ornaments that come apart. Use your imagination, then put those bath bombs to good use to melt stress and pain away! - Trisha