Preparing for Baby: Baby Registry
Last week I told you the books that we were using to prepare for the birth of baby #4. Today, we're talking about the most fun and yet one of the overwhelming parts, the baby registry.
I find it especially helpful to read lots of birth stories. No birth is the same. I can plan and plan for what I want to happen, but that's not guaranteed. I didn't plan on having an epidural with my first. And had I known I was already 8 cm with my second, I wouldn't have gotten an epidural, because I knew from reading those stories, that I was almost there. It helps to know that other women have been right where you are.
We're still debating on whether to find out whether the boys will continue to outnumber the girls in the house, or if we will finally be even. March is SO CLOSE! It almost seems silly to find out now. BUT, nesting is in full force around here, and I'm feeling the need to plan. The thought of taking 4 children out by myself to pick up basics from the store, already makes me question my sanity. It would be nice to know what clothes I could sort and send to consignment. Whether my daughter would get a roommate or if we would have to get a bunk bed for the boys. Then I could delete whatever gender we aren't having from the gift registry. I know. I know. They have gender neutral for a reason. But I would much rather have either pink or blue. I really only like green and yellow if they are combined with pink or blue.
Two weeks ago we finally registered for this baby at Buy Buy Baby. By the time baby #4 comes along, you would think we would have everything. Right? Kind of. Most of what we had, got worn out by the three other children. Our infant car seat expired. And we had some things that just didn't work for us, so we sold or donated them. Oh, and crib mattresses apparently weren't made to last through four children. At least the one that we bought for our daughter didn't. I recently had to take it out of the bedroom because the plastic was cracking and the insides were coming out. That's obviously not safe. We didn't plan on having #4, but this baby didn't surprise God.
Baby Registry
For most everything, we registered for both pink girly and boy boyish things.
Swaddle Blankets
aden + anais Classic Muslin Swaddle Blanket 4 Pack, For The Birds
aden + anais Rayon From Bamboo Swaddle Blanket 3 Pack, Tranquility
aden + anais Classic Muslin Swaddle Blanket 4 Pack, Liam The Brave
Aden + Anais swaddle blankets are amazing. I have two that I bought at consignment sales. They are great as swaddles but also double as nursing covers, and floor coverings.
Baby Monitor
Motorola Additional Camera for Motorola MBP36 Baby Monitor, Brown with White
We used Summer Infant in the past. But once they discontinue their monitors, that's it. I also love using video monitors when the kids get older. Especially for naps, when they know they shouldn't be out of their beds, but they are. It stinks that one of our Summer Infant cameras broke and the monitor won't stay charged. But they said there wasn't anything they could do. So we'll move on.
Health & Safety
Dexbaby Safe Lift Universal Crib Wedge, White
When my kids have colds, they sleep much better when we raise one side of their crib mattress. I usually stick a flat-ish pillow under the mattress, but this seems safer. I've registered for one with each baby, but have yet to get one. I think they are ingenious!
Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water, Liquid, 4-ounce bottle
Gripe water was a lifesaver with our daughter. I've even been known to drink it when I need something to settle my stomach. Much better to have it on hand than wake up at 2 am and wish I had some.
Playtex Diaper Genie Refill, 270 counts (pack of 3)
We have a Diaper Genie from when our daughter was born. We go back and forth using cloth and disposable diapers. It really depends on how overwhelmed I am with life and housekeeping. If laundry is backed up, then disposables it is. I can't justify letting my family wear dirty underwear just so the baby has clean diapers to wear. That being said, we also registered for…
Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive Newborn Diapers Jumbo Pack – 30 CT
Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers Size 1 Economy Pack Plus 174 Count
Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers Size 2 Economy Pack Plus 156 Count
Pampers Sensitive Wipes 12x Pack 744 Count
Nursery/Bedding
This is where not knowing what we are having gets tough. I've never been one for neutral bedding. I tried. It's just not me. We will need to buy crib sheets if it's a girl. I think we have enough boyish crib sheets, although most of them do have holes. I LOVE the Aden + Anais Dream blankets! Even my four-year-old can sleep under one still. They are perfect for car rides even now!
aden + anais Muslin Dream Blanket, Liam The Brave, Medallions
aden + anais Muslin Dream Blanket, For The Birds – Medallions
Summer Infant Ultimate Organic Crib Sheet
Naturepedic Organic Cotton 2-in-1 Ultra Crib Mattress
I wish we didn't have to buy another crib mattress. But with a23-month-old and a newborn, I'm not sure how to get around having two cribs.
Nursing/Feeding
This looks amazing. To have bags I can go ahead and pump into, screw on the top, and pop in the freezer, would be amazing. I have spilled so much milk trying to pour it from the bottle into the bags. I'm all about simplifying my life right now, and the Kiinde would definitely help with that!
I didn't register for bottles because we have several. But if you don't register for the Kiinde system, I'd highly suggest registering for bottles.
Bamboobies 2 Pair Ultra-Thick Overnight Nursing Pads, Natural
Bamboobies Super Soft Washable Nursing Pads – Multi-colored
After using mainly disposable nursing pads with my daughter, and washable nursing pads with my boys, washable nursing pads are the way to go. BUT you have to be careful, or at least I do. Some washable nursing pads are just circles with no contouring or anything. Those ALWAYS show through my clothing (affiliate link). Always. That's embarrassing. These hearts look like they would work. If not, look for contoured nursing pads.
Nursing Tanks are another must-have for mama. I prefer nursing tanks over nursing bras. They are so much easier and they keep your tummy covered.
Natursutten BPA-Free Natural Rubber Pacifier, Rounded Small, 0-6 Months, 2 Pack
These were a favorite of my youngest son.
While the oldest loved MAM Trends Silicone Pacifier, Pink, 0-6 Months, 2-Count
Pack of 2 MAM Baby Dummies/ Glow in the Dark Soothers / Pacifiers 6+ months Pink
I keep going back and forth on this one. How great would a glow-in-the-dark paci be at 3 am when the baby wakes up and can't find it?
Aden + Anais Bamboo Burpy Bib – Azure 2 Pack
Aden + Anais Bamboo Burpy Bib Tranquility Solid Rose and Tranquility Beads Bib Set
I love that these Burpy Bibs double as burp cloths and bibs. I'm all about products that multi-task!
Stroller
Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double Stroller, Black/Shadow
Baby Jogger Glider Board For City/Summit
Baby Jogger Car Seat Adaptor Double, Mounting Bracket
A place for everyone and everyone in their place. My daughter could ride on the glider board, the two middle boys could be in the stroller, and the baby would be in their car seat. Sounds great to me!
Miscellaneous
We registered for some board books for baby and their own Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether
We bought the Cybex Aton Infant Car Seat
We're hoping by the time this little one is in the convertible car seat, our oldest son will be in a booster seat. Hopefully.
Did I forget anything? I feel like I have. But we don't need a super amount of stuff. Registering can be so overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Just stick with the basics and you'll be fine.
Great list!! My 4 week old daughter loves her bouncy chair (Fisher-Price Deluxe Bouncer we got it from Amazon). It’s great to pop her in while I try to do laundry or grab something to eat. Although I haven’t used it all the recent baby showers I’ve been to the moms rave about the NoseFrida® Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator.
Thanks! We’ll see if we get anything from our registry. LOL. We love our Mamaroo swing from 4Moms. It’s kind of like a bouncy seat, but it stays downstairs. While I do love the NoseFrida®, it makes me gag every time. Haha!! It’s so much better than the bulb syringe, but there’s just something about trying to suck snot that makes me gag. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, not long now! Good luck with it all and thanks so much for sharing with the Monday Pin It Party. I am getting very excited for you 🙂
I know! In two months I’ll probably be holding this tiny baby. Thank you :).
so many great ideas. We have the diaper genie and have had it for 7 years works great on keeping the smell down. Thanks for linking up at Tell Me About It Tuesday. We hope you hop over and share with us again next week.
Visiting from Link Party Palooza. I don’t have a baby yet, but I have several friends who are pregnant, so I appreciate the ideas. Looks like I’m going to be getting them some aden & anais gifts!
Great list! I remember doing my registry as if it were yesterday and you need so much stuff. Its great to give people an idea of exactly what you need!
Hope to see you back next week!
Congratulations on #4! You don’t have to wait much longer, and I can tell that you’ll be all set! Children are such a gift from God! Thanks for linking up with the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board!
We all have our ways of raising babies for sure. I am such a planner. I wanted to know the gender both times. Congrats on #4, it will be right around the corner. Thanks for linking at Pintastic Pinteresting Party!