LilSugar

Get the Gifts You Really Want! 5 Unique Baby Registry Options

Lisa Horten — Mon, 14 May 2012 06:47:51 PDT

For some moms-to-be (myself included), there's something just slightly uncomfortable about specifying a "wish list" for friends and family to gift you and your new baby with. People expect it though, and if you're having a shower, it's almost necessary to create a registry to ensure that you don't end up with a stack of identical baby blankets, or frilly, feminine nursery decor for what you were envisioning as an ultra-modern baby room.

The trick is to look at creating a registry as doing your loved ones a favor. They're not required to abide by it, but if they want to give you something special, and need some guidance, it's there. Alternative registries have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and the best thing about them is that they offer a wider breadth of options than heading to a single store. Here, five unexpected registry spots that we think are worth a click through.

Source: Sara Westbrook Photography

10 Dad-Friendly Finds to Add to Your Baby Registry

LilSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:56:06 PDT

Deciding on the perfect nursery components and layette essentials are baby prep responsibilities often left to the mom-to-be. But it's only fair that Dad gets in on some of the fun - isn't it? We've found 10 dad-friendly items to add to your baby registry - from the must haves to the mostly-for-fun.

Lil Community: Choosing a Car Seat

babysugar — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:00:55 PDT

It's registry time! LilSugar reader Beaner is approaching her due date and is picking out all of her baby gear. As she selects a car seat, she asks our readers for some help in The Pregnancy Posse group.

I'm completely confused about what size car seat to get. Friends and family have recommended the Graco Snugride, and they make one that holds a baby up to 22 pounds and 29 inches tall. But they also have one that goes up to size 32 pounds and 32 inches tall. The first one is a bit cheaper, but will a baby outgrow it before they are one year old, when it's time to move up to a new car seat? The main reason I'm tempted to stick with the 22-pound car seat is because a friend gave us some extra bases, so that would save us some dough. But if our baby will outgrow it at 6 months (I heard some can), and we'll have to end up buying the 32-pound car seat, then that would not be saving us money. Any advice?

Want to talk pregnancy with other expectant mamas? Get the conversation started in The Pregnancy Posse group!

Baby Bump: Register in Person

LilSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:00:39 PST

Your first child brings on a lot of other firsts: morning sickness, maternity clothes, baby showers, and selecting baby gear! Some mommies register for their new arrival, and one piece of advice for picking items for your wee one is to go in person.

The Internet is fabulous, but when it comes to your newborn's goods it's helpful to head on over to the store. All those toys, swings, bassinets, and decorations look a lot different when you see them first hand, and since you are about to acquire a lot of gear, you want to make sure you actually like the stuff you get. It's better to take care of the legwork before baby is born, than lug him or her back with your returns after.

Thinking she had outsmarted the system by sitting on her couch and shopping, my pal registered online. Then, she spent a good deal of time exchanging goods once the gifts poured in. Learn from a fellow expectant mommy's mistake and do it right the first time.

Did you register in person or online?

Source

Did You Register For Your Baby?

babysugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:00:28 PDT

The concept of a gift registry makes sense - visit your favorite stores, make a list of all of your gift preferences and have friends and family buy them for you so you don't have to spend your time returning unwanted and duplicate items. Wedding registries are common practice these days, having been around since Chicago's Marshall Field's department store created them in 1924.

If first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage, it is no surprise that baby registries were the next thing. Every time a celebrity announces she is pregnant there seems to be news about whether she has registered for pink or blue items. With so many bottles, cribs, swings and baby carriers on the market, it is no wonder pregnant women state their preferences.

Source

Baby Registry Tips

LilSugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:00:47 PST

I didn't know about baby registries until I was pregnant with my daughter, but since I like the surprise involved in opening presents, I never put a list together. Lately, it seems like more and more stores are registry ready. From Pottery Barn Kids to Babies "R" Us, and Giggle to Amazon, everyone is in on the action.
Here are my must haves for any child's registry:

Britax Boulevard Car Seat - Since you can't drive around with baby without one, I recommend this one ($299) that provides side impact protection for children who are 5 to 65 lbs.
Nano Highchair - I have an old-fashioned wooden highchair, but after cleaning all the nooks and crannies after each meal, I'd much prefer The Nano ($180). It's simple design looks easy to wipe down and you can fold it up to store between feedings.
Baby Einstein Musical Motion Activity Jumper -My son leaped like crazy in this brightly colored musical contraption ($80) until he walked at 10 months.
Baby Einstein Neptune Ocean Environment Play Gym-Baby can travel under the sea during tummy time and play with plush aquatic friends on this mat ($70).
Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium Cradle Swing - This swing ($100) lulled both my kids to sleep and was light enough to move around the house so I could keep an eye on them while I tidied up or showered.

Toss, Keep, or Donate? What to Do With All That Stuff Your Baby Outgrows

Kate Stahl — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:48:26 PDT

One universal truth all new parents quickly learn: babies require a lot of stuff. And while you'll probably use almost everything you put on your registry - and buy even more once your bundle arrives - your little one outgrows once-vital bottles, onesies, baby food, and that infant car seat incredibly quickly. So what to do with all that leftover (and sometimes super expensive) stuff? Simply follow our handy guide to determine whether to toss, keep, or donate!

Sugar Shout Out: Get to Know Hot Olympian Ryan Lochte

Lauren Turner — Mon, 14 May 2012 23:55:59 PDT

Graduation Registries: Tacky or Useful?

Anna Monette Roberts — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:45:48 PDT

Online registries have long been reserved for marriages and baby showers, but recently, high school and college graduates are creating them too as a virtual wish list for relatives looking to celebrate with a gift. Nevertheless, it's hard to say whether it's appropriate or not to ask for specific items from relatives and family friends.

Walmart, Target, Amazon, Dorm Co, and MyRegistry are just a few registry options for graduates. These companies offer a wide range of price points, so graduates can tag inexpensive items like desk supplies as well as expensive items like computers or kitchen gadgets.

What do you think about graduation registries? Are they tacky or useful?

LilSugar's Baby Registry Essentials

LilSugar — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:56:34 PDT

It's amazing just how much stuff a person as tiny as a newborn baby needs. But as anyone who's gone through it before can tell you, babies are high-maintenance little people! If you're lucky enough to have friends and family who want to gift the new addition, they'll likely be looking to rely on your registry.

Consider registering at a larger, all-inclusive baby store, like Giggle or Buy Buy Baby in addition to a smaller, local specialty shop to provide the greatest variety in terms of projects. Sites like MyRegistry.com and AmazingRegistry.com allow you to create a customized registry from a variety of different online sources, making them a great option when family and friends are spread out around the country. Make sure that you get the most out of your registry by following our guide to everything you need to bring home baby!

LilSugar's Registry Must Haves
Every mom (and every baby) is different, and while we recommend using our list as a starting point, it really helps to see products in person, and talk to other new parents to find out exactly what worked for them. While this list encompasses what we believe to be the essentials, don't be shy about adding on some "just for fun" selections as well. If there's a piggy bank or stuffed animal that you've been coveting, go ahead and put it on there - people love gifting pretty presents. Happy registering!

At Home and on the Go
The amount of living/storage space that you have available should be a factor when making your decisions about whether you need a bouncy seat, playmat, and swing. When it comes to selecting a stroller, think about how soon you may be considering baby #2 - if it's within a year or two, you'll want to check out double strollers or convertible options. And now's a good time to think ahead to a toddler car seat (if you have room to stash it).

Stroller (or two)
Stroller Blanket
Footmuff or Bunting
Infant Car Seat
Toddler Car Seat
Swing and/or Bouncy Sea
Portable Crib
Carrier or Sling
Tummy Time Mat or Blankets

Layette (and Beyond)
You'll quickly learn that people love buying itty bitty baby clothes . . . but the 0- to 3-month wardrobe doesn't last very long! Register for a variety of outfits for baby's first year, but not beyond that. Since you don't know how quickly he/she will grow, it's hard to forecast what your needs will be for more than a year out.

Receiving Blankets
Swaddling Blankets
Side-Snap Undershirts
Coming Home Outfit
Onesies
Rompers
Sweaters
Sun Hats and Beanies
Socks
Sleep Gowns

Keep reading for the rest of our registry essentials!