I have probably spent WAY too much time researching what to put on our baby registry, but I have enjoyed it! Based on a Facebook poll, lots of Pinterest articles, asking friends, and blogs, I have come up with my baby registry list. I'm certainly no expert since I haven't even had a baby yet, but I wanted to share some of my research with you because I found it SO helpful when I was first trying to figure everything out. I will also do an updated post once we've had Baby DiPrima to share what my favorite registry items ended up being, what I could have gone without, and what I wish I had gotten. I know every baby is unique and so a list that works perfectly for one mom won't necessarily work perfectly for me. I look forward to learning and figure out exactly what my baby likes!
First of all, I decided to register at Amazon and Target. I really debated about Amazon because I was nervous people would want to go into a physical store. But so far that hasn't seemed to be much of a problem (except maybe for a few older relatives!) and it has been much easier for out of town friends and family! And these days with Amazon Prime, it seems like many people prefer to shop online rather than go into a store anyway. I registered for most things at Amazon because they are usually less expensive on Amazon and Amazon has the largest selection. I also love Amazon's registry benefits which include a one time 15% completion discount and a $100 diapers and wipes credit if $1000 is spent from your registry. Another cool thing about Amazon's registry is that you can add items from other websites (so I was able to list a few items from Etsy, Land of Nod, etc.). The other place I decided to register was Target. I ended up double registering for some things in case people prefer to purchase them in person rather than on Amazon. I really debated back and forth between Target and Babies R'Us but I landed on Target because Target is convenient for most everyone and because they have really cute nursery items, bedding, clothes, etc. I also like that Target has a one time 15% registry completion discount. The downside of Target is that they don't have a huge in store selection but I did my best to try and select as many items available in stores as possible.
If you'd like to see my full registry, you can find them online at Amazon and Target.
Without further ado, here's some of my top registry items:
Travel:
City Select Stroller: This was one of the items I did the most research about. After talking with several friends and reading lots and lots of reviews, I decided the City Select Stroller sounded like the best fit for our family. I love the City Select Stroller because it has 16 different configurations and you can attach an infant car seat, buy the second seat to turn it into a double stroller, etc. The options are endless and it really seems like a great fit for a growing family. I felt that, while in the short term this is more money than a lot of strollers, it will hopefully save us money in the long term because, Lord willing if we have other children, we shouldn't have to buy a separate double stroller. If you'd like a less expensive option or don't feel you need one that can later be converted to a double, I've heard great things about the Baby Jogger City Mini GT.
Chicco Keyfit Car Seat: I also did a ton of research about the car seat! I ended up choosing the Chicco Keyfit because it has great reviews, I have several friends who love it, and I've heard it's lightweight and easy to use. There's an adapter you can purchase with the City Select stroller to add this car seat to it.
Skip Hop Diaper Bag: I heard from many people to consider getting a backpack diaper bag so I can have my hands free. I absolutely LOVE how chic this bag is and I can't wait to use!
Ergo Baby Carrier: A friend ended up giving me her Ergo Baby carrier and I can't wait to use it! I've heard this is an amazing carrier and is great when you're baby gets a little older.
Solly Baby Wrap: I think the Solly Baby Wraps are GORGEOUS and I love the idea of keeping my baby close to me when he's very little. I've heard these wraps are great for young babies before you want to put them in the ergo.
4moms Breeze Playard: This was an item I debated a ton about. It's definitely a splurge and I know there are certainly other great and much less expensive playards out there. I had actually originally registered for a less expensive Graco pack n'play and changed my mind but if we don't end up getting it, I know there's other great options! One of my good friends shared with me that she thinks it's worth investing in some of the key baby items you'll use over and over again because they'll last longer, be more user friendly, and hopefully help us get through multiple children. This playard has amazing reviews and I love that it is simply, looks minimalistic, is safe for newborns and toddlers, and, most importantly, it's supposed to pack up in a "breeze!" The playard is something I imagine we'll use a lot, potentially in the beginning as a bassinet and then later for travelling, taking naps away from home, etc.
