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.

Ever had to dig through a plastic Ziploc bag or drawer full of baby bottle caps looking for the match to the baby bottle in hand? And of course you’re already running late so caps are flying everywhere as you desperately hunt for the right one.

If this scenario rings as true for you as it does me, you’re going to love the new Baby Safe Cap, a flip cap designed specifically for baby bottles. This BPA-free flip cap fits all standard size bottles and is spill proof. Besides keeping the right cap right there, the Baby Safe Cap helps keep germs, dust and dirt off the nipple. Flip the cap (it even snaps back so it’s out of the way), feed your baby and then flip it closed. We've only seen a prototype to date, which had some problems with their closure; we'll report on the design once they've sent us a finished version.

But again, we love the idea - especially for day care settings, where childcare providers can simply flip the cap shut as soon as your baby is done, preventing other little ones from “sharing” your baby’s bottle while avoiding the risk of lost caps and germ exposure. Sharing is a good thing but not when applied to pacifiers, bottles and sippy cups!

The Baby Safe Cap comes in six colors; you can purchase a three-pack for $14 from the Baby Safe Cap online store. - Emily H.

If you use a breast pump, you know that the parts need to be kept scrupulously clean. Sometimes, especially in an office setting, the cleaning routine is sort of awkward, kind of embarrassing, or just plain impossible without a decent sink and countertop. Here are two alternatives you might want to consider.

Calculate how many times you pump per day and buy two times that number of bottles and “horns” (for left and right sides, of course). That will let you pump and store milk without the washing routine - just take it all home at the end of the day and clean it there. Depending on your pump, there may be a valve that is much easier to clean before milk dries, but this part alone might be easy to take to the kitchen or bathroom for a quick rinse.

If you really don’t need that many bottles, you can save money and cleaning by pumping directly into the storage baggie. You can affix the clean baggy around and below the outlet for the milk using a standard clothespin, metal twist tie, or another strong clasping-type device. You’ll still need enough “horns” to last you through the day, but you’ll save money on bottles, do less cleaning, and even eliminate one potential source of contamination (stubborn bacteria clinging to the plastic bottle). - Leigh G.

Have you ever warmed up your baby’s bottle and then been distracted by an emergency diaper change, telemarketer’s call or UPS delivery at the door only to find the bottle needs warming up yet again? Well, I have and though my baby is almost out of the bottle stage I am considering purchasing the Bottle Cozy from Petite Miette.

The Bottle Cozy was inspired by traditional tea cozies and is made from 100% organic cotton with a natural cotton twill drawstring. The cozy uses multiple layers of quilted fabric to keep your baby’s bottle warm. Just place the cozy over the bottle. I wonder if it would work just as well for sippy cups; I may have to test out that theory!

You can also use the Bottle Cozy for travel - simply invert the cozy, drop the warmed bottle inside, pull the natural cotton twill drawstring tight and secure with the sturdy cord lock. That’s it! The Bottle Cozy is available in five colors (my favorite is the pomegranate) and can be purchased online for $30 from One Stop Modern. - Emily H.