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.

I clearly remember braving Disney's Hollywood Studios with an infant in tow. It was a beautiful May day when just outside the Tower of Terror those blue Orlando skies turned gray and a downpour soon followed. All we had on hand to keep our baby dry was a plastic poncho, with which we hurriedly covered her stroller. If only we'd had a WooBee blanket from Rain or Shine Kids!

The WooBee blanket is a lighter weight blanket made from super soft velvet with a weather-resistant backing. Its lighter weight makes it perfect for any season and any climate, from chilly autumn air in Utah to warm rain showers in Florida. But what makes it truly an all-weather blanket is its wind- and water-resistant DWR (durable weather resistant) coated, 100%-nylon backing. You’ll be able to keep baby warm while keeping her dry! Sure beats a $3 plastic poncho! The WooBee also has striped grosgrain ribbon ties for securing it to strollers, carriers and even car seats. Use it as a play mat indoors and out or as a changing pad while on the go.

The WooBee blanket is machine washable and dryable and available in seven color combinations with contrast stitching accents. Though the WooBee is a bigger investment than a rain poncho, it will keep your little one warm and dry a heck of a lot longer! You can purchase the all-weather WooBee for $70 from Amazon.com. - Emily H.

Amazon is offering 40% off on Baby Planet Solo Sport Strollers, making the current price $100. If you aren't familiar with the Baby Planet brand, they're a fantastic company with a focus on safety and an innovative donation and recycling program. Baby Planet collects any brand of stroller to donate to families in need and also collects unusable Baby Planet products to recycle. The Solo Sport Strollers compactly fold, feature a padded, reclining seat, and will fit children up to 55 lbs. This stroller is currently in stock in Charcoal, Crimson, and Cobalt Blue.

Amazon is also offering free shipping on orders of over $100 through several of their stores. Right Start is one such store in this category, and they also have the Svan highchair 20% off for $208. The Svan highchair grows with your child from infancy to adulthood, is constructed of solid wood, and is rarely found on sale making this markdown and free shipping combo an excellent deal! Other stores through Amazon offering the free shipping over $100 deal are Baby Because and Pampered Tot (on Bugaboo and Quinny merchandise). - Jenn

As much fun as it is to read the numerous product reviews and recommendations from popular blogs and sites it can pretty overwhelming when it’s finally time to make a decision. Which products do you really need and which ones are right for your family?

The giggle Guide to Baby Gear helps you navigate the aisles of strollers, cribs, car seats, and diaper bags. The book is written by giggle’s CEO, Ali Wing, and serves as a shopping companion complete with checklists for every stage. The giggle Guide to Baby Gear doesn’t assume there is just one right car seat or one right diaper bag. It helps you choose the right car seat or diaper bag for your lifestyle. You’ll be able to shop for that stroller armed with an explanation of what features to look for and which ones you can do without.

It would have been nice to know which baby items my newborn needed and which ones she and I could have done without or purchased later. I’m a big believer in simplifying, and the giggle Guide to Baby Gear is the perfect tool for simplifying—and demystifying—the sometimes overwhelming world of baby gear. You can purchase your own copy of the giggle Guide to Baby Gear for $14 from Amazon.com. - Emily H.