What *To* Put On Your Baby Registry

Our friend Jacklyn gave us ideas about what not to put on a baby registry. But what should you ask for? What kinds of things do you need to put on your registry? Here are some ideas.

Overall, I'd say putting anything you're going to need help paying for on your registry is a good rule of thumb. You don't want to put a lot of expensive things you don't really need on the list (tuxedo from Baby Gap, anyone?), but babies aren't cheap. Since most of us don't have piles of cash lying around, the help will be appreciated.

Cribs. In a previous article, I explored whether or not secondhand cribs are safe for your baby. The verdict was mixed, but leaned strongly toward “no”. If you need a new crib, feel free to put one on your registry. These can be very expensive, so a few people may go in on one together. You could also put crib mattresses on the list, since one size does not fit all.

Portable cribs aka “Pack and Play” are also good things to register for, since you will definitely need them if you are going to travel.

Car seats. Car seats are another thing that shouldn't be bought or used secondhand. Like bicycle helmets, car seats are designed for one accident. It might look fine, but sometimes internal parts that affect the structure and safety of the seat can be damaged, making it less likely to fully protect your child. Many parents like the car seats that have a detachable “carrier” that can be used to transport an infant. Others will ask for convertible child seats that can be re-arranged to suit your child as he grows older. For more information on car seats, check out http://www.babycenter.com/0_buying-guides-infant-car-seats-convertible-car-seats-and-boo_10310502.bc.

Infants will always need a rear-facing seat.

Rockers or gliders. These are chairs you can sit in while breastfeeding or generally holding your baby that allow you to move back and forth, creating a motion that tends to soothe infants. They can be very helpful in getting your baby to sleep. Baby swings are also good for this.

Strollers. These are essentials any time you take your baby out of the house. The exact type of stroller you need will greatly depend on where you live, what you will be using it for (shopping vs. jogging) and how many children you will be carrying. Some strollers are set up to accommodate your baby's car-seat carrier to reduce the amount of “jostling” your baby experiences between settings. Some can be adjusted as your child grows older, and still others carry multiple babies at a time. For more information on strollers, check out http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-buy-a-stroller_1427.bc.

Changing tables. You might not necessarily need a table specifically for changing your baby, but it's a good thing to have. If you find one that doubles as a dresser, you can use it in your child's room for years. Even if you don't get a table, though, you will need changing pads that can securely attach to whichever surface you are using. Whichever option you choose, make sure it has straps that are strong enough to accommodate a squirming baby.

These are just a few of the items belong on every baby registry. For more suggestions, visit http://www.babycenter.com/102_baby-registry_10378735.bc.

Best Places To Do Your Baby Registry

Having a baby is mind altering. The entire experience from initially learning you're pregnant, to picking out highchairs and bibs. Bringing another human being into the world does not happen overnight, and you will not have everything you need for he or she when the big day arrives. As you get used to having your newborn around, you will quickly notice that the amount of products, foods, clothing and love they require can be daunting. Relax, and start off with your best foot forward by planning ahead and completing a baby registry to obtain some of those needed baby items.

On a baby registry, you will be able to list items you feel will best suit your newborn's needs. You can put virtually anything on one from diapers to cribs. Think carefully when creating your master list for all to choose from as it can be intimidating at first and even create a little shopping monster! Think of what items you know you will be needing and what items you may even need others to chip in help you afford during your very busy year ahead.

The top places worth looking into to create your baby registry are:

Babies R Us: It simply doesn't get any easier than this retailer for a registry. When it comes to babies, they certainly have done their homework and make it as smooth as possible for the new mommy to be. You can even take advantage of the seminars they hold in the stores on everything from breastfeeding to car seat safety awareness.

Target: Target is fantastic in that they have a store located in virtually every major city within the United States. This makes it easier for grandparents and uncles to just walk into their local store and choose which item they want to buy for your new baby. Their registries can be done through the guest services counter, and they have a kiosk at the front entrances for those seeking to print one out your registry and begin shopping.

JcPenney: This shop has been around for decades, and one service they can handle is registries. They specialize in registries for babies, engagements, weddings and anniversaries. They have staff on board in those departments to aide you in creating your list and your registry shoppers can buy stuff online as well using their registry.

Toys R Us: They are remarkably similar to the Babies R Us selection even though many assume they only sell toys. The company revamped their shops over the past few years to create more stores with a larger baby section inside them. They have everything you will need inside from swings to booster seats and the folks at the customer service desk are willing to help you out any way they can.

Should You Circumcise Your Newborn Son?

Becoming a new parent is overwhelming. It is equally as exciting and has endless precious moments. When your baby is still in the hospital, there will be a few things you and your spouse will need to come to terms with. Vaccinations is a big one, and the second biggest newborn decision parents of boys have to make is should you circumcise your newborn son?

You may thinking this is an easy answer, but some honestly have no idea what it even entails. If you have never had a child, or spent time around a new baby boy this may all be new to you. Circumcision is when the doctor removes a piece (or in some cases, all) of the foreskin on the penis. It's word derives from the Latin word "circum" which equates to be around. Some have found by having the procedure they can prevent issues with the following ailments:

Alanitis

Xerotica

Obliterans

Paraphimosis

Balanitis

Posthitis

Balanoposthitis

Urinary Tract Infections

There are many who are against this controversial surgery. Some believe it is for those practicing certain religions, while for others it is merely 'what everyone else does'. Many moms have it done because they want their children to 'look the same' as everyone else and not stand out. However, there are more men today that do not have "fixed" foreskin in the world than those that do. It isn't a very popular trend in Europe for example, but in the United States there are around sixty to sixty-five percent of baby boys having it done each year. Some women will suggest they have never even witnessed a male that is one way or the other depending on where they live. Out of those women, most have no preference to the surgery as far as sexual practices may be concerned as well. Most of the things you may have heard are usually from those that have not had the procedure, similar to men that have not had a vasectomy telling others it was horrible. No one can tell the difference unless they have had the procedure well into their adulthood.

In the past few decades however, that number has begun to decrease, even in the states.

You have to make this decision whether or not to have your son circumcised with your spouse. That other party may have very strong opinions of such a practice, and in that case you really should weigh out all of the pros and cons of the surgery and go from there. Ask other family members, even friends that have sons and find out the most information before having your son go through with it.

Items Every New Mother Needs

When my friends (I'll call them Bryan and Julie) found out they were going to have their first child, they were so excited. Excited, and scared. Suddenly they found themselves in this 'world' they knew nothing about, a world filled with diapers, car seats and 'onesies'. They didn't know what they would need for their new addition, so they got advice from everyone around them. Unfortunately, they were told so many conflicting things and ended up registering for items they had never heard of before and ended up not needing. Is this you, or someone you know? Are you wondering what you really need for your new baby, as opposed to the random things your cousin has been telling you? Never fear, I'm here to help (cue Mighty Mouse theme)! Here are a few of the things you need for your new baby; it's not as long of a list as you might think.

Are you going to breast-feed? Make sure you get at least one nursing bra. That way, you don't have to go topless to feed your baby. Also, get some good nipple cream. Your nipples can get pretty chapped by nursing, so it's important to get something that can soothe them. You can find it at most drug stores. Also, some women have a problem with embarrassing 'leakage', so get some nursing pads you can wear in your bra to keep any excess milk from showing and staining your tops.

Many women like to use breast pumps so that they can fill bottles and feed their babies on the go. A good one is worth its weight in gold!

Since you probably won't be staying in one place all the time, you will need a good car seat. The best ones will have a detachable 'seat' so that you can carry your baby around without having to unbuckle him. Trust me, if your are able to get your child to sit still or sleep in the chair, you won't want to disturb them if you can possibly avoid it! There is a right and a wrong way to install a car seat, so either follow the directions from the box or have someone show you how to use it properly.

Also, find yourself a good diaper bag big enough to store diapers, wipes and lotions. Another thing that is helpful is a pack of disposable changing pads you can cover public changing tables with, or use to keep other surfaces from getting dirty. Huggies makes both washable and disposable changing pads.

Above all, you will need something that is just for yourself! Having a new baby around can be very stressful, so you will need some way to relax. In addition to getting your husband or other family members to help with the baby so that you can actually get some sleep, it might do you well to get a pedicure or some comfy slipper socks; the ones I have have shea butter inside them to help soften your feet as you wear them. Julie had a really hard time doing things like pedicures, toenail painting or leg shaving for herself at first because she still had some of the 'baby belly' left. Not only did a gift of a pedicure do well by her feet, it also saved her sanity by getting her out of the house with 'just the adults'!

I hope I've given some good ideas for things for your baby registry or wish lists. It can be overwhelming with so many options, so it's good to know where to start!

Giving A Personalized Baby Gift Basket

Every parent thinks that they have chosen the best name for their new baby and they just love seeing that name on gifts that they receive for their new little addition. A personalized baby gift basket make an unforgettable baby gifts for the new baby or for a great shower present, too. This unique baby gift can include everything and anything with the new babies name on it. A great shopper can put together a personalized baby gift basket with a teddy bear, blankets, cups, nursery items, to even diaper or two.

There are thousands of companies each day on the internet that offer the largest selections of personalized baby gift basket items. They also seem to be completing these personalized orders in record time and some offer overnight delivery, as well. All making for a pretty impressive gift for any new family to enjoy. There are, additionally, companies that offer personalized baby gift items that are organic, special colors and unique styles and even some at wholesale prices that can fit most any gift budget. Some of the absolute cutest baby gift items that can now be personalized for a special baby include: tee shirts, blankets, piggy banks, stick on signs for decorating their nursery, bonnets, pacifiers, burp clothes, dresses, hoodies, and even receiving blankets.

The best way to give a beautiful and personalized baby gift basket is to really plan and think ahead. Think about what type of selection you would like to include and how you want to display your end result for your special gift. A lot of the outlet malls now have stores that are loaded with personalized items that you could easily include in your baby gift basket. Many stores also have available special ordering that you are able to select from a book full of items that can be custom ordered with the new babies name on them all. This avenue works out well especially if the new baby has a very unique name or a different spelling to their name. Then, they are not left out due to their unique name as many children in the past have been.

A great idea is to do an all organic theme for the personalized baby gift basket. It could include all items that are environmentally proper. This works well especially if the parents have strong beliefs in this area, they will appreciate your attention to detail regarding your selection of organic products and clothing for their little one. Look online for various specials on personalized baby gifts, you can find some really good deals. For holiday offers, look online for web coupon specials as well.

What Not To Put On Your Baby Registry

Getting everything ready for when the big day comes is so exciting. You have so many things to worry about, getting your baby registry together is the fun part! While you may be anxious, there are several things not to put on your baby registry.

The first item is trinkets. These are those sentimental items that you see such as a plate that you can place the baby's hand prints inside as a keepsake forever. While it may be the most adorable thing you have ever seen, it is not exactly something you cannot buy for yourself. Instead, choose items that you will need for the baby now to make your life easier when he or she comes. Small keepsake items can be bought anytime through the baby's first year of life. It is also a better idea to search for items you may need help paying for to place on the registry. If you have plenty of friends and family members coming to your baby shower, or that just want to buy some things for the baby, allow them to do it and name all of the items you know you need right off the bat.

Diapers and formula. While these may be no brainers, believe it or not many new moms do this. They put these two items on their registries and coming from experience, if you will be having a baby shower you will leave with diapers. Diapers are also something that you can get on sale and with coupons and you may desire a certain brand once the baby is born as well. Use coupons each week and get your own, and the same theory applies to formula. Formula can be changed every week if your baby has an issue with theirs. The pediatrician also generally gives you a certain type of formula to put them on, as well as modifications if necessary. Some pediatricians even give you free samples of formula so you get started also. If your baby has any allergic reactions to it, they instantly change the formula brand and then you would be stuck with loads of a brand you simply cannot use and most stores will not return it either.

Boy or girl specific items. Even though you may think you know the sex is of the baby, there have been miscalls and millions of women out there still prefer not to know. If you are one of them, then ensure you are putting colors such as yellow, greens, whites, creams and other various unisex shades that can be fitting for a boy or a girl. This is great not only to prevent getting styles you cannot use later on, but you can use them over again should you have another baby or give them to a friend that may need them!