Hello moms ! I am 5 months pregnant, and have no family here. I have had the same job for 4 years, and my supervisor at work is dead set on throwing me a baby shower. She wants me to make a list of people to invite and she wants me to fill out a registry. If I mention to her stuff I buy, IE I already bought a stroller,car seat duo thing..she gets upset and asks why am I buying things because I'm having a shower.Here's the deal- I'm one of those people that feel uncomfortable accepting high priced gifts, especially from people I'm not even close with. To be honest...my supervisor (who is a cute old lady) is the only one I really talk to at work. Even though I have friends at work, I wouldn't consider them close and wouldn't expect them to get me anything. Besides the fact that I'm super picky when it comes to buying stuff, and so I prefer to buy larger items ( stroller, crib) myself so I know I like what I'm getting. That's where you moms come in ! I have no idea what to ask for on this registry besides maybe diapers ...What are some things you found you just couldn't live without? What are some low priced items that are must haves ?
If they really want to get you or the baby something ask for gift cards. That way you don't end up with 30 of the same thing and you can get what you want. Let your boss know that that is the way you would like it. But, the baby can never have too many clothes! If you are going to divulge the sex of the baby you can't go wrong with clothes! Diapers are always good but a friend of mine ended up returning a bunch of packages cuz everyone got the same size! Oops! Good luck!
I couldn't have lived without my Boppy Pillow. It was by far the most useful item I received. I don't know if you plan on nursing, but if you are and even if you aren't it makes things a lot more comfortable.
I also was very appreciative of the Johnson's Baby Relief Kit http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2404651&cp=2255957.2273447.3591720
It really came in handy when my child became very gassy and when he had his first cold. It comes with infant Motrin, Mylicon, Desitin and lots of other goodies that I was grateful to not have to run out and buy with a sick baby.
I could probably go on and on about things to buy, but I know many other moms will chime in as well with their awesome advice.
Good luck and have fun.
Peace,
Jeanie
I understand your feelings, but they are wanting to do this to help you and your baby (very nice of them!). Here are some things that are not pricey, but functional:
- Make sure you register for diapers that are larger in size. I've been using size 4 (toddler) longer than any other size. Don't forget to register for wipes
- Gift sets (Babies R Us has tons that include baby shampoo and lotions & get one that has all of the medical items with clippers and hairbrush - you will need them for many years to come)
- Bottles (they have gift sets for these too)
- An umbrella stroller (a throw away type that's awesome for when they're 6 mths plus and only costs $20)
- Bath tub, towels, and washcloths for baby
- Humidifier
- Burp cloths
- You can register now for bowls, spoons, sippy cups, bibs (both baby and toddler)
- a walker (it has wheels and a tray - awesome at about 8 mths+ and there's one at Babies R Us that's $35)
- Toys! There are tons of educational toys now that each cost around $20. Don't forget to register for the basic teethers (plastic keys, etc.)
- A food mill in case you want to make your toddler pureed food (worth it!) and storage containers for the freezer
- An activity playmat (a must-have). When they're small, you can use it for "tummy time" and as they grow they can look up to see the hanging animals. Get the one with the mirror because babies love to look at themselves
- Register for clothes (not infant because EVERYONE loves to get the newborn size), but register now for clothes up to 18 months. Keep in mind that usually when a baby is 1 yr they are most likely wearing 18 month size.
Good luck and blessings to you and your family!
Onesies~ they are fantastic in cooler weather as an extra layer, and in warm months they make a great 1 pc. outfit! I'd ask for them in multiple sizes...babies do grow quickly.
In addition, booties and/or socks, as well as gowns which have built-in hand covers (so they don't scratch themselves) are items that are often missed, and very much needed. Btw, the gowns are the first sleepwear for your new one.
I'd also consider asking for clothing in sz. 9mos....you'd be surprised how soon your nlo will fit that size....and most people will buy nb to sz. 1, but seem to miss this size.
Also, consider stating what you want in terms of bottle feeding or nursing, pacifiers or not, etc. etc. That way you won't get items you specifically don't plan on using.
I think it is fine, to let them all know that you appreciate what they are doing, and prefer to buy the larger items yourself.....if anyone gets "offended" that is their "issue", you have every right to have what you want.
Finally, and more than anything, congratulations and remember, anything is returnable, at least for a gift card to the store....so at the shower, if you get things you'd have preferred not to, smile, say thank you and then feel free to return.
Best wishes to you and your baby!!!
Since this is your first baby register for everything and if you get something that you don't like or what a different one of just return it and get the one you want if she wants to do this for you just let her it's nice to have people that want to do it!
Hi Stephanie - congratulations on your pregnancy!
Even though you don't feel really close with anyone at your office, they still care about you and are happy for your pregnancy and are going to want to chip in on a gift for you. It will be a way for them to make a connection with you and you will feel closer to them when it's over. I agree with your co-worker - wait on some big items like your stroller or baby carrier and register for them. You still get to pick exactly which one you want and no one is going to think you are greedy. Also, if someone only wants to pitch in $5 or $10 - going in on a bigger gift is an easy way to do that.
Consider registering at a couple of places - like Target and Babies R Us. It really is helpful for out of town family and your co-workers to know your style choices and what you need. Choose a wide range of items. BabiesRUs will give you a checklist of suggestions.
Register for the things you dont have yet, diaper bags, bedding, quilts, lamps, curtains, rugs, baskets, extra crib sheets and mattress covers, changing table supplies like baby soaps, wipes, lotion, diaper creams. Register for diapers of different sizes to cover you over the first years. Register for toys and binkies and sippy cups and bottle supplies and cleaners. Register for onesies and pajamas and socks in a couple of different sizes. Specific clothing items and outfits are okay but they can be difficult to locate from a registry list.
Consider looking outside the baby aisle for things related to your time with baby - I registered for a zip-up picnic blanket at Target for times when the little one and I would be at the park. I got 2 of them and we use them all the time!
best of all things to you and your little one!
I, also, am one of those people who hate to have people buy me things. But the shower isn't really about you. It's about people wanting to do things for you. Most women like to buy baby things, so just accept with grace and keep the receipts.
As far as what to ask for: Baby blankets, outfits (for the 3-6 months age, not newborn), little baby toys, soft things, and lots and lots of diapers. Not newborn. Neither of my kids used the newborn for more than a few weeks. Also, baby thermometers, bath items, wipes (I recommend against the warmer), a carrier, bottles (even if you decide to EBF, they come in handy for juice and water).
Good Luck and Congratulations!
Steph, Go to the store and register and register for things like diapers, wipes, onesies in multiple sizes, outfits in multiple sizes, diaper bags, blankets, bedding (you will be amazed at how many recieving blankets and sheets you will go through in a day) socks, booties, boppie, changing table, books, toys, childsize dishes, bottles, cups, silverware, pacifiers, themometer set, babybath stuff, lotions, gels, dreft for laundry, little hangers. these are all little things nothing super expensive which will fit in with what you need and what people will love to by. People love to buy for new babies. And just don't mention anything else that you buy to her. I would fill out a registry at target and maybe toys r us. target is our go to store of choice they have such great selection. Good luck with your new baby and let people celebrate with you.
Well, that's the great thing about registries - you will know what you are getting, because you picked it out! :D I have only had one baby and had a "work" shower that was slightly awkward. I'm pretty much blushing in all the pictures because it felt weird to receive all these things and sit in front of the women who bought them - I was unsure how to act. Now, in high-sight, I'll tell you this. Don't compromise your wants for your baby - put what you really want on the registry. Just because items are listed there do not mean that the guests have to buy them - it's just an option for them. BUT if they are going to buy something off the list - it might as well be something you really want and really intend to use. Otherwise they would be wasting their money in the name of you being polite, right? But how polite is it for them to waste money buying ANOTHER inexpensive teething ring? That was just an example, course. As for ideas.... You'll need a good baby tub (not one with lots of crevices where mildew will grow). Maybe some organic/mild baby bath soaps? The little baby wash-cloths also come in handy - your reg sized ones will be too large. You'll also need lots of fitted sheets for your crib, for those middle of the night changes! :D Also, do you have a baby mattress yet? Then, you'll want safe sleepers - I love the gowns that are long and have elastic at the bottom to keep those little feet inside. And don't let anyone tell you those are just for girls (in case you are having a boy) - they are for babies period and are usually unisex in color. If you want a pacifier, do your research and pick a good one - think about those orthodontic bills later when making this choice. ;) Check: wubbanub.com. Okay - that's enough for now, I have to stop myself or I'll just keep going! :D I love shopping for baby things. One more thing: http://www.mytinyhands.com/
That product worked wonders.... :D
Congratulations!
Congratulations! This is a very exciting time for you!
I am a giver, but an uncomfortable receiver also.
Remember showers are as old as pregnancies. It is a tradition in every society. Just relax your own feelings and allow others to be supportive of you.
When I was given a shower, I was amazed at the amount of what I considered "Large items". People collected money and gave large gifts as a group.. It was awesome! I was more touched by the effort to tell you the truth than the gifts..
Baby monitors, car seat pad, cars seats.. so you will not have to switch out for each car. Play saucer. high chair booster chair.. Think into the future.We were very blessed and it seemed like each time I needed something, I had it.
Not related t the shower....Also try not to fall into it has to be "brand new" mentality. If people offer to loan you something, consider really borrowing it. Your child will go through stages so quickly your head will spin. I was offered a cradle. It was wonderful and our daughter only used it for 3 months. Her swing was borrowed, she only used that for about 6 months.
Her walker, only used for 2 months... I put the owners name and phone number on each item, so that when we were done I could get it back to them with a casserole or cake as a thank you.
Also storing all of that stuff for the next child is hard to do. If it is borrowed, you can give it back to the owner and in the future borrow it again if needed. Infants do not know that the items they are using are not brand new.
You ask for everything on the registry. Your co-workers may all pitch in and buy you one of the larger items and only have to pay $20 each as opposed to spending $40 - $50 on a gift and gift wrap and as well, they all pitch in and only one person shops. That is pretty normal.
On your registry, you scan the exact item you want and that should be what they get. Anymore so many stores automatically ask if a gift receipt is needed and if it doesn't work out for you, you can return it.
I was having a lot of trouble at work and didn't speak to anyone for quite some time even before my pregnancy. I invited 3 people from the entire building to my shower and they ended up throwing a shower for me in the office. People I didn't expect to get me anything, did.
I think you will really hurt this ladies feelings if you don't go along with it. I don't worry much about hurting people except when they are trying to help you. Not in a bad way, but you can't always mind everyone's feelings, but I am sure she is just looking out for you.
Congratulations!
I agree that some of the more expensive stuff you may want to choose yourself or let family members buy for you - however, it all ends up the same because all that other baby stuff really adds up!
I am a first time mom to a 6 month old, and these were the things that I consider must-haves so far:
Boppy (or two, I kept one in the car for when breastfeeding on the go, especially when my son was smaller.)
Activity mat/play gym
Cool-Mist Humidifier
Baby Monitor
Rear mirror for car (so you can see your baby's face as he/she sits in the rear-facing car seat)
Miracle Blanket swaddle (the BEST swaddle)
Burp cloths - you'll need a few
Hooter hider/bebe au lait (nursing cover)
Diaper bag with a changing pad
Moby Wrap or some kind of sling.
Bundle Me
Footed pjs
Couple of different types of bottle - your baby may prefer one over the other. We started out with Medela glass bottles but also found them to be a bit leaky. Now switched to Dr. Browns. My baby didn't like the Avent nipples and wouldn't take that bottle.
Bouncer
Swing
Diaper bin
3-4 receiving blankets is plenty.
Decent infant tub (the ones that slot together tend to leak - we exchanged ours for one that is all in one - but now he's outgrown it anyway and I bath with him.)
You can also register for the consumables like baby lotion/shampoo/body wash/baby oil (for cradle cap, that worked best for me), diapers, wipes.
Re washing the baby's clothes, just use something like All (Free and Clear) - my ped said Dreft is a crock :). It is not free of smells etc which is what can irritate the baby's skin. Try non-scented lotions and washes as well. Actually, our ped recommended Cetaphil lotion for the baby, so we use that, and sometimes California Baby products.
I wouldn't register for clothes actually - people buy you that anyway, and I packed away so many outfits my son never even wore!
That should give you enough items for your work shower at any rate!
Good luck to you - all the best with the rest of your pregnancy!
Nicky
Hi Stephanie,
The best thing my husband and I got was a pack-and-play portable crib. We used it as a convenient place for the boys to nap around the house (living room; kitchen; etc) when we wanted them to learn to nap around noisy places.
It was also perfect for our traveling lifestyle (vs. borrowing a hotel crib: a little scary sometimes: lol!). Our one Pack-and-play we got in 2005 is still in perfect condition and ready to be passed on to my sister and her new baby: we are so very thankful for this gift.
Just remember: the baby shower is mostly for baby. I'm also uncomfortable about accepting gifts, but in the case of my babies (and how much money our friends, family, and co-workers helped us to save) I was grateful. Go register with someone else to make it more fun!
Have fun :)
t
Dear Stephanie,
Congrats! Registering at Babies R Us/Toys R Us and Target sounds good to me. This way all of your out of town family/friends can get ideas what you want and your co-workers can decide to pitch in together or pick out items individually that you really want. I happen to live far away from a lot of my own family members and close friends but have used these resources and had things shipped off a registry with gift receipt in order to avoid duplicates and so far, I have never had any problems. Your supervisor and your co-workers have already given you a big thumbs up without you ever realizing how well thought of you are! I would take this as a huge compliment!
Take lots of pictures at this super happy event to reflect back on and enjoy yourself!
As someone who has done a lot of baby showers and enjoys to do them. Here is something that I have noticed. There are alot of things that new moms and even us old pros don't always get that we need for the new baby. Here is a list of items that I like to give because the new mommy usually never gets these items and usually ends up having to run out and buy them herself.
Ask for things like:
pacifiers
teethers (for the freezer / and for travel)
hooded towels and wash clothes
rattles
toys that attach to the car seat
shopping cart seat cover
first aid/safety kit (includes nail files and scissors, and tons of other misc items)
shampoos and baby washes
feeding utensils (you will need them in about 6 months anyway)
bottles (depending on the type of bottle / liners)
blankets
bibs
diapers (the next sizes up to keep you for a while)
dishwasher baskets to make washing bottles and parts easier
Hope this helps.
Shelly
Congratulations!!
You have a lot of responses so I'll keep this short. Two things I can think of quicly were must haves in my home.
1. Sound Machine, we got the radio with ocean sounds built in.
2. Blanket Sleeper since they can't have blankets for a long time.
They always threw baby showers where I used to work and it was always uncomfortable to give presents to people I barely ever really spoke with... so I LOVED it when one of the showers was a BOOK themed shower. It was approached so that everyone was to buy the baby a book to help build his/her library. That way, if you didn't know her well, you could just spend a couple of bucks on a book, and if you did you could buy several and/or throw in another gift with a book.
To be honest, even if you register, people will just go out sometimes and buy you what they feel like buying without looking at the registry, or you'll end up with more than one of something. So no matter what, just know that if you register at Target or Babys R Us that you can pretty much exchange anything and use the store credit to buy what you want or just buy more diapers
Congratulations on your new blessing.
Do not worry about what price the items are on your registry. Try to get a mix of things. you never know when several people pitch in and get one more expensive gift. What that in mind.. the products that I loved for my son are.
Video monitor. we got the Summer on, it is hand held and can plug into the tv for a larger picture and portable so you can bring it around the house with you. we absolutely love and have no regrets in getting it.
Swing- Our son liked it, it was nice and relaxing for him. He did not sleep in it much, but we liked having it.
Boppy pillow. It acts like somone is hold them We put our son in it a lot. It also helped with nursing. But even if you decide not to nurse, it is still very helpful.
The stroller with the infant carrier. We got two extra bases. Since you want them nice and secure it is easier not to switch the base from car to car all the time. So we had one base for each of our cars and one extra for sitters, who might need them. When lookin at a stroller. Look at how easy it is to open and close, the weight. and how much it sits up. Our did not sit up as much as we would have liked. Also think about how much you will or will not use it. We live in a condo with and elevator. We used it daily until he went into the convertible car seat. In hind site we should have gotten the carseat that went with the jogging storller. Because here in Chicago with the ice an snow, the jogging stroller would have taken the turaine better.
Highchair. we got one, but they are so big. We also use one of the booster seats, that sit on a chair with the tray in front. we like our regular highchair, but we like the to use the other one as well.
We got a smaller pack n play, with the bassinet on the top. We use that as the changing station.
Small items. Baby clippers, nose plunger, baby bath, Tub (we did not use much, it was easier to put him in the sink to wash him until he got bigger, then he went into the tub on his own). Blankets, towels, wash rags, slip covers for the changing pad ( you will need extra ones as they mess them up you can have more to put on). Sheets, sheet protectors, Cloth diapers for spit ups. Bibs, Mirrors for the car (we got a nice bigger one with a small light) .
People will usually get outfits on thier own and if you put certain ones on the registry by the time people go to get them they may not be there.
Remember also that the registry is a wish list. You may end up buying these things on your own but most store offer a 10% discount if it is on there.
Good luck and congratulations.
I could do a detailed answer but I won't...Go to babycenter.com and on there you can find a list of necessities you will need. If that doesn't work, pratically anywhere you register should give you a checklist to carry around the store with you.