- REGISTER FOR WHAT YOU WANT. You only, typically, get one shot at a baby registry and you better make sure that anything & everything that you want is on that list. After your baby shower(s), anything left is going to be up to you to buy so I recommend putting everything you’re thinking about on there so your guests have plenty of options and you don’t end up with a million random onesies. Someone told you wipe warmers are a complete waste but you still think you might want one? REGISTER FOR THE DARN WIPE WARMER. It’s YOUR baby and YOUR registry so don’t let anyone sway you from putting what you really want on that list. You can always return what you decide you don’t need later, but you don’t want to regret not getting what you really wanted.
2. SAVE YOUR CASH & GIFTCARDS. It can be tempting to hop online and immediately order everything left on your registry but I have 2 reasons why I want you to wait:
a) Most places offer a registry completion discount. X days after your shower date or due date, depending on the store, you will receieve a code for typically 10-20% off of anything left on your registry. Use those giftcards + the discount code for maximum savings.
b) I can’t tell you how many things we bought, washed up and then NEVER used. And once the tags are removed and the item is washed…you’re stuck with it. We used all of our giftcards right away, buying all of the remaining registry items which were almost exclusively non-essential items. If you still need diapers, wipes, Tylenol, bath towels, etc. – then yes, by all means please purchase those items. But if you’re thinking about buying that travel bassinet or crib mobile that you wanted – please wait. Wait until you actually need those items and then order them. Most places have 2 day shipping and you never really know what you need until baby is here. My best example is the travel changing pad. We never use it, and we have 2 kids under the age of 2. Most diaper bags come with a matching changing pad and that is more than good enough for public restroom changing tables. At home, or at a friend’s house, you’ll end up just changing them on a receiving blanket 99% of the time.
3. DITCH THE CUTE NEWBORN OUTFITS. Every parent will agree with me on this one…don’t bother with any form of newborn clothing unless it’s a zip-up sleeper. Bonus points if the sleeper has fold-over mittens and a 2-way zipper. Snaps are the devil at 2 a.m. and unless you’re doing newborn photos, the cute little outfits: a) aren’t very comfortable for baby and b) are a pain to get them in and out of. When your little one is screaming their head off and this is outfit change #5 of the day, you’ll thank me.
4. DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF (OR YOUR BABY) TO OTHERS. This one is obviously easier said than done because I still find myself doing it but it is SO TOXIC. Just remember: every baby moves at their own pace, a lot of “important” milestones are arbitrary and 99% of what you see on Instagram is fake. You’re the best parent for your baby and you both will be just fine.
5. DON’T WAIT TO OPEN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT FOR BABY. As soon as I got the social security card, I was online opening an account for each of my little ones. We personally chose to open youth checking & savings accounts, which we will have full control over until they either turn 18 or we allow them access. Any and all cash/checks we received as gifts for them went into their savings accounts or piggy banks (to later be deposited). We are big believers in starting good habits young and we want our children to have a head start when they go to buy their first car, pay for college, etc.
If you’re a parent, what do you wish someone had told you before you had children? If you’re a parent-to-be, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received so far?
