Baby Registry 101

It doesn't take much surfing on the cost of having a baby to make your head spin. Seeing just how much "the experts" say babies cost their first year inspires another decade of birth control.  The bare bones truth is you have a huge amount of control over most of that deep pocket digging and can direct how much money you spend on Junior.  One of the many mercies of this financial preparation is the baby shower.

If someone has offered to give you a shower, accept the kind gesture.  This is no time to shoulder the entire burden of collecting baby stuff on your own--if a friend offers a helping hand, let them.  Most likely she will include your registry location on the invitation to help guests see the gifts you need.  It sounds like a perfect system, but wandering the aisles of Megababydom is intimidating--and you have no clue as a first-time parent what to select.  Take it from someone who has far over-bought and misspent well into the hundreds on baby stuff.  You must keep the following tips in mind before getting scan-happy:

1. Investigate the return policy.
Many big-name stores have drastically changed their tune when it comes to returns and exchanges.  Even though you are bringing them hundreds of dollars worth of revenue, they are adamant about no exchanges of any kind without proof of purchase.  Target is the absolute worst.  Some allow a return if the product is on your registry.  Ladies who haven't experienced trying to return three Bumbo chairs don't know how crucial it is to include a gift receipt because it's never been a huge hassle in the past.  Know exactly what the registry store requires and let the hostess know as well to pass the information along.

2. Ask at least two friends with babies to look at the "store approved" list.  
They will be delighted to share their experiences and save other from making the same ignorant mistakes.  Obviously, we all have our preferences, personalities, and parenting styles that alter your personal list.  But many of the extraneous "must haves" are gravy and I wouldn't waste a dime on them.

3. Be a product review fiend.
Like most newbies I sort of assumed that if the store sold it, how bad could it be?  Bad.  Very bad, in fact.  When you read product reviews you have a better understanding of different dimensions you might not think about before Junior gets home.  

For example, the first travel system (infant carrier, car base, and stroller) we registered for and were gifted was a middle of the line brand that seemed fine in the store.  Little did I know that the carrier was ridiculously long and didn't fit in the back seat, or that the stroller rolled like a busted Walmart cart.  Reading reviews later revealed what I had to find out the hard way.  Items to carefully review include strollers, breast pumps, play yards, high chairs, and especially car seats.      

4. Stay within bounds of what you need.
This is no time to get greedy.  Friends don't like to buy for people who register for $600 Cadillac strollers and Wii game systems.  Stick with the necessities and don't take advantage of the situation.

5. Be leery of new products that offer convenience.
Among the myriad of unused products in our house were the travel bottle warmer, wipe warmer, baby food processing system, and back seat car mirror.  Many of these items occupy too much space in your home and/or brain and don't really help simplify the overwhelming experience of newborn life.  

6. If you have a girl, don't register for clothes.
Every Aunt Jean, neighborhood mom, and church friend will emerge from obscurity to bring you something pink.  That little girl will probably have time to wear each outfit only once or twice.  Don't sweat buying anything more than a pack or two of onesies and pants if you're worried about her.  Plus the first four months or so you want her to be comfortable.  Save the trendy stuff for later.

7.  Request diapers or wipes.
When random friends find out you have a new addition and want to bring something, tell them diapers (brand specific) or wipes.  Don't turn down their generosity--you will need help with diapers.  If you choose the cheaper route with cloth diapers, adjust your request accordingly.

Above all, pass on the blessings given to you when others have a shower.  Pre-baby, I never gave much thought to just how valuable it is to get a little extra help from friends and family.  Don't forget the generosity shown to you and extend your knowledge and finances to others down the road.