When selecting a place to register, try to select a store with more than one location. Try to avoid exclusive baby stores, which can be hard to find and filled with items often outside of your shower guests' budgets.
Visit the store yourself and look around. If the store has a broad range of baby items, and you feel the prices are within reasonable limits, go ahead and start a baby registry!
You can generally register at the service desk or online. Many stores will give you a baby registry list, which contains commonly asked-for items. You will then "check off" those products you would like to receive. Be sure to include inexpensive items, such as baby bottles, so that all of your shower guests will be able to contribute.
Make sure you are choosing products you will be happy to receive, and remember to think ahead. Clothing sizes change frequently, so it's smart to register for several sizes. The staff at the store where you have registered can help you with your selections. They can make suggestions as to which brands and products work well.
Useful items to include on your baby registry may include the following:
- Bath and Grooming Items: washcloths, baby wash, brush and comb
- Baby bathtub
- Bibs
- Bottles
- Bouncer seat
- Car seat
- Clothes: onesies, kimono shirts, sleepers
- Crib bedding
- Diaper bag
- Health items: thermometer, baby nail clippers, teething gel
- Monitor
- Playpen
- Receiving blankets
- Stroller
- Toys
Consider discreetly asking your guests for gift receipts. The store should also have a running list of purchases from your registry, and this can serve as a receipt for returns or exchanges.
Whether your baby shower is planned in advance or a big surprise, it will be all the sweeter with the help of a baby gift registry.