While creating your baby registry is (ideally) meant to be an exciting experience: finding the best items that align with your style, home and needs– it often ends up being overwhelming and even defeating.
Googling “baby registry checklists” can leave you feeling as hopeless as it does when you look up "headache symptoms" on WebMD.
With the infinite combinations of registry checklists provided by big box stores, mommy bloggers, minimalist parents, extravagant parents, etc.. you’ll be faced with thousands and thousands of pages of suggestions, many of which might leave you feeling at best confused and at worst like you’re about to be totally unprepared for your newborn. If you’re a first time mom and you have no idea what a baby needs, it’s completely understandable that you’d turn to Google to get ideas about what you and your baby might need.
If you’re just getting started and you’re feeling like this is a daunting undertaking, it’s because it is!
There is so much information out there:
Every checklist claiming to be the ultimate checklist. Sifting through them all would be impossible. Having access to the abundance of information can be a good thing but can make the decision making process feel really confusing.
Differing advice and opinions:
Ask your sister in law about her favorite crib and she might tell you something completely different than your best friend. For every great product review out there, you’ll be able to find someone that hates the same thing. When you’re trying to find the best for you and your baby, all of the differing opinions can cloud your judgment.
Changing trends and technology:
Even the most high-tech baby gear from 10 years ago has been replaced time and time again by newer, better baby gear. Things get recalled, and even the latest trends for baby care might not align with how you want to do things with your baby. Some of these checklists don’t get regularly updated, and sometimes a baby item from years prior might actually be a better fit for your needs. It can be difficult to make a decision based on what other people are saying about trends and technologies when they don’t know your exact needs and preferences.
So, how should you go about putting what you want and need onto your registry if you’re not using Google?
Consider your lifestyle:
First, assess your own lifestyle before looking for baby products. If you consider yourself a minimalist or are hoping to lead a more Montessori lifestyle, the products you register for are going to look a little different. If you have tons of space that you’re wanting to fill, your registry is going to look different than someone living in a small apartment. Are you getting hand-me-downs from family or friends? Or do you want everything brand new? All of these factors will impact the way you choose to fill your registry.
Register for what makes the most sense for you, your home and how you live your life.
Use a trusted few for advice:
As you’ve probably already learned, when someone knows you’re pregnant, they offer up tons of advice, often unsolicited. When it comes to creating your registry, find a few friends who aren’t that far out of the baby registry making game. Ideally these folks are people who have a similar lifestyle to yours and their values match yours. This way you can get honest suggestions and feedback for your registry.
Consult with a registry professional:
Yes, this is a thing! You can work with someone who has the latest and greatest knowledge on baby gear, who also understands who you are, what your lifestyle looks like, and what items will fit all of the parameters you have. Having personalized help with your registry will help you stay focused on your unique desires for you, your baby and your home while receiving the best information on the baby gear you want (and opening your eyes to items you might not have yet considered). To work with a BeHerVillage Gift Registry Advocate, click here!
(And if you're a birth worker and you want to BECOME a BeHerVillage Certified Gift Registry Advocate, head this way!)
(And if you're a birth worker and you want to BECOME a BeHerVillage Certified Gift Registry Advocate, head this way!)
Don’t let the 1.8 million Google results for “baby registry checklist” leave you in analysis paralysis.
While it can be totally overwhelming, it's essential to remember that the ultimate goal is to prepare for the arrival of your little one. Try to stay focused on your baby’s fundamental needs, your desires, and what makes sense for your home. In doing so, you’ll be better equipped to create a registry that fits your needs while still embracing the joy and excitement of this special time.
BeHerVillage is helping parents like you get the funds they need for the support they deserve! Are you having a baby and are looking for support? Create a registry for support today and get gifted funds directly into your bank account to pay for your support team. You deserve this.
Are you a birthworker who supports new moms? Use BeHerVillage to help your clients pay for your support. Create your free profile here and you can be the best baby shower gift a mom will ever get!