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.

This adorable bird mobile by Spool Sewing will be the highlight of your nursery decor. All you need are some scraps of fabric, batting, some branches from your tree, a few eye-hooks, and some string.

The pattern for the birds can be found here. While reading through the comments on the post, I found that they used a little bit of rice in the bottom of these birds to help weight them properly for the mobile. They also mentioned that to connect them to the branches they used some dark thread sewn through the bottom of the birds and then wrapped around the branches several times. It was recommended to start at the bottom of the mobile, place the birds where you would like them, then determine where to place the string by finding the correct balance point on the branch. Best of all, it's completely customizable to your taste! - Trisha

Trying to decorate on a budget can be hard. I know I wanted cute things for my daughter's room, but couldn't afford everything we wanted.

I came across this tutorial from Homemade by Jill that is a great way to turn an old dresser into something truly unique. With wrapping paper being on sale with all the after Christmas sales, now would be a great time to look around and get the perfect paper, and save some more money on this already great deal.

This would also be very easy to personalize. All you would have to do is cut out an initial out of coordinating paper. Then you would want to put the coat of mod podge, then the base paper, then another coat of mod podge, and while it's still wet, add the initial onto the drawer. Then add the other two coats of mod podge as the tutorial states to seal the paper.

Another tip is to use a foam brush. They seem the be the easiest way to help avoid the brushstrokes when the mod podge is dry. - Trisha

After we had finished all the required paperwork and meetings for our adoption application, there was really nothing left for my husband and I to do except wait. So with all this time on my hands I set about putting together the nursery.

I cleared out all the guest bedroom items, painted the walls, and began to plan for furniture, but something wasn't sitting right with me. I found all the standard baby and kid furniture out there to be kind of dull and one-dimensional, and we couldn't afford any of the over-the-top custom sets which cost thousands of dollars. So one of the things I did to liven-up the baby's room was replace all the drawer knobs with colorful custom ones.

This was back in 2001 and our local shops and the internet were not exactly overflowing with affordable options, but now, 7 years later, you can find lots of great choices and some of the very best are handmade! A great example is Sweet Mix Creations who has a couple beautiful sets of hand painted knobs for $25.

The wood knobs are painted with non-toxic acrylic and then coated with a hard-wearing finish to stand up to regular use. Sweet Mix Creations will do all sorts of custom work for you so contact them with what you need. Your baby's room will look fabulous with the addition of some handmade craftiness. - Erika

Marking milestones during the first year is not only about celebrating big changes and developments. There are times when parents can mark the physical growth of their child, too! This is where growth charts can come in handy.

Yes, door jambs can be fun, but I love the growth charts from Red Envelope. Each style is made from cotton and beautifully designed, almost so much so that I hate to think of marking them! But use them I will, especially with the adorable designs of their Enchanted Growth Chart (pictured above), with either flowers or trees. Personalize the chart with the child’s name and birthdate, and you are all set! Want more of a personalized touch? Check out the Photo Growth Chart, in which you can add three pictures of your precious little one.

No matter which you choose, all of Red Envelope’s growth charts come with string for hanging and two fabric markers with which to mark all your little one’s unbelievable growth. Before you know it, your tiny baby will be taller than you, but at least you will have proof that was not always the case. - Sara I.