Registering...Check!

Ok....maybe it's a little premature to put a "check" after that. I did make a huge dent in it though! We will be registering at Babies R Us and Pottery Barn Kids and I got quite a bit done at Babies R Us today.

I went with my friend who has an almost 2 year old and a newborn. She was a life saver!! The only times I have been in a Babies R Us is to purchase shower gifts and really, the place terrified me. All of those choices of things that you didn't even know you needed! Plus, my friend is really anal about looking into reviews, safety ratings and consumer reports. (As I'm sure most new moms tend to be.) All I know is that she saved me lots of time! I certainly did some research on my own, but reading isn't the same as her first person experience. I mean-- in the breast pump department alone! Who knew!?

Some highlights...

• I really like the infant car seat/carrier/stroller that I registered for. (Chicco "Cubes") It's black and has a subtle pattern, which I like.

• The diaper Genie II. I'm only including this because as my friend was explaining why it was the best one, like three other moms and a dad at the store all chimed in about how great it is. Phrases like... "It's the only one that traps the odor," "It has a foot peddle so you don't have to get poo on the lid," were flying all around. I just thought it was funny. Apparently the Diaper Genie II is the one to get. (And as they all told me-- don't forget to register for the refills!")

• The McClaren Volo stroller. This is just an umbrella stroller for quick shopping trips and when you don't want to lug the big one around. It's pricey for an umbrella stroller, but my friend pointed out that it's the only one where the handles are the proper height so you aren't pushing it around looking like a hunchback.

• The Bundle Me. I just love these little baby cocoons and think they are essential if you are having a Fall or Winter baby.

Some low points...

• There are just some items that didn't come in a gender neutral option. Like a swing, for instance. None of the electric ones were gender neutral. (I don't want to be changing batteries all the time.)

• I seriously registered for this...

There were cuter ones, but everything I have read says to get the really bright gaudy ones because babies need that kind of contrast. I guess I have a few more months to get used to the idea of this eye sore sitting around my house.

• Rectal Thermometer. Did you know that you need to take a new baby's temp....through the back door? My friend didn't until her newborn had a high fever and poor Dad had to rush out to get one. Wonder if anyone is going to opt for the rectal thermometer purchase off the registry. :)

And two suggestions... I would have totally passed up these two items...

• The cloth cover for your crib rail. This is for when the baby is much bigger and you would rather not have tooth marks in your wood. There are more stylish looking rubber ones that just grip onto the rail, but my friend says they all leave a sticky residue and slide off easily.

• JJ Cole strap covers for the car seat. They are softer than the straps of the car seat, so there is less abrasion. Plus, they go at the points right near the baby's face. (AKA the area that gets drooled on and spit up on all the time.) You can just undo them and throw them in the wash.

Well, 175 items later, I have a registry! Today was mostly about essentials. No bedding, blankets, books, or anything like that yet. I guess I still have some work to do!