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.

Once you’re well into your second trimester and quickly moving into your third you’ll find yourself - mostly your blossoming belly - looking for a little more support. When I was at the end of my third trimester there were times the purchase of a maternity belt crossed my mind but for some reason I just couldn’t buy one. I was either afraid it would pop open and fly across the room or cause very unfashionable lumps and wrinkles under my already unfashionable maternity clothes.

Perhaps if the BellyBra had been around I’d have received more than just moral support during those big-belly months. The BellyBra is a light-weight, almost sports-bra-like maternity garment with a unique stretchy back panel. The panel helps evenly distribute weight between your shoulders and the two-inch bellyband lifts weight off your pelvis. (Heaven knows I could have used that towards the end of my pregnancy!) The design means less back pain due to pregnancy. And because it has no buttons, snaps, hooks or Velcro, it's most likely the most comfortable support garment you can wear while pregnant, and we moms know comfort is top on the list!

The BellyBra comes in white, black, nude and nude with black lace. It has a low-cut neck, full-torso design and accent trim. You can actually wear it on its own under jackets or sweaters. (With that higher body temperature, the fewer layers the better!) The BellyBra usually runs about $40 but you can save 25% when you purchase two or more. Just enter code BB2799X when checking out from BellyBra’s online store. - Emily H.

Though I didn't suffer from a severe case of acne while pregnant I did experience more than the occasional pimple. Whether mild or severe, who wants to deal with blemishes when you've got morning sickness and heartburn to worry about (and that's only the tip of the iceberg)?

Novena doesn't want you to worry about acne either. Their Organic Citrus Blemish Lotion helps prevent and treat breakouts due to stress and hormonal changes and does it without the use of harmful or toxic chemicals. The lotion has 94% organic ingredients, including aloe juice, witch hazel, green tea, lavender and Vitamin E, is 100% vegan and not tested on animals. And using it will absolutely, positively make your skin as fabulous as the woman's in the picture. (Okay, she's probably been Photoshopped and isn't even pregnant...)

Novena's Organic Citrus Blemish Lotion is a bit of an investment at $28, but right now you can receive 15% off using coupon code 11109 on Novena's website. Plus Novena has a 100% satisfaction guarantee policy: If you are not happy with the product you can return it for a full refund. For me great skin is always worth the investment, especially if it means one less thing to worry about while pregnant! - Emily H.

Maternity jeans have come a long way since I was pregnant with my first child in ’97, but there is still this crazy in-between stage where normal jeans no longer fit yet maternity jeans end up around your ankles. Making your own maternity pants is a good hack for that situation.

But then you have that post-pregnancy body with the same problem. I tried hair elastics and rubber bands but shied away from safety pins for fear of a wardrobe malfunction (i.e. getting poked in the belly). Thankfully, there's now an off-the-shelf solution, too: Apparently someone else had the same problem I did because it led her to design the Instant Button for Jeans.

The Instant Button for Jeans is your go-to fashion accessory for that temporary waistband problem. This removable button instantly and seamlessly alters your waistband up to one and a half sizes. How? You place the Instant Button in the desired location next to the original button and insert the post through the jeans. Then secure the Instant Button with the clutch fastener and fasten your jeans using the Instant Button for a tighter fit. That’s it!

The Instant Button for Jeans set includes two buttons (6 mm and 8 mm posts) in bronze or brushed silver to accommodate a variety of jeans, jean shorts, and jean skirts. This fabulous fashion accessory isn’t just for during and after pregnancy. It also helps solve the problem of that annoying gap between the body and the back of the waistband and comes in handy when you’ve lost a button on your favorite pair of denim. Genius! You can purchase a set of Instant Button for Jeans for $15 from InstantButtonforJeans.com. - Emily H.

When I was pregnant with my first child I had books about what to expect, lists for what to buy and websites for answers to my questions since I could never remember them during my check-ups. I would’ve loved having everything in one place, and though I did a little less research my next few pregnancies I still would have benefited from a little prenatal organization.

The Essential Pregnancy Organizer is an easy-to-use organizer for every stage of pregnancy. Its stylish cover hides a wealth of prenatal tools: a detailed pregnancy calendar, suggested interview questions for caregivers, prenatal check-up pages and even questions to help you formulate a birth plan. You’ll also find a practical - "practical" being the keyword - baby shopping list for parents, gift tracker, feeding and diapering records and a handy pocket for paperwork.

The Essential Pregnancy Organizer fits nicely in your handbag or purse so you can easily take it from bedside to office waiting room. With a little extra space for answering questions about your pregnancy and your baby’s birth, this little organizer turns into a journal of your pregnancy, childbirth and early weeks as a new mom. That is something I wish I had way back when. Those 40+ weeks will be over sooner than you think and it’s not always easy to remember the little things that made it so wonderful. You can purchase The Essential Pregnancy Organizer for about $14 from Amazon.com. - Emily H.