Parenting Pep Talk: Don’t Get Buried By Your Baby Registry
Many aspects of becoming a new parent are overwhelming. Lifestyles change, careers may be put on hold, and things like house cleanliness and personal appearance might temporarily take a back seat. Deciding what your baby (or babies) will need and budgeting to buy it all can also be extremely stressful.
Babies need a lot of stuff! Luckily there is this wonderful phenomenon called “registering” that allows you to log what you need, and family and friends will often chip in to help you get it. New parents beware, however. Registering is a huge business, and many stores will have you convinced that you must own each and every new gadget. Here are some tips from seasoned parents and registry experts to help you prepare for this daunting task.
Do your research. Talk to friends and family with young children about which products you want to buy, particularly big-ticket items. When you Google “the best” stroller for twins, for example, you might convince yourself you need a $1,500 stroller when in fact a $500 one has great ratings, is safe, and works exceptionally well. Seasoned parents can also tell you which items are considered a waste of money (e.g., many parents swear that wipes warmers just dry wipes out) versus which are tried and true (e.g., the Snotsucker aspirator).
Include stores people can visit. Websites like Amazon are fantastic for new parents and for registries, but it is also a good idea to include stores like Buy Buy Baby and Babies R’ Us that are convenient for people to visit. Some relatives feel more comfortable purchasing items in person, and chain stores like those are easily accessible to most people.
Borrow and accept hand-me-downs. Many baby items are expensive, take up a lot of space, and are short lived, particularly those designed for newborns. Swings and bouncy chairs, for example, can be very helpful for a very short time, so consider borrowing and returning them, or buying them and passing them along to other expectant parents. Check safety guidelines, however, when borrowing cribs or car seats. Regulations change frequently and you want to make sure your child is safe.
Register for items at different price points. Friends and family might be willing to chip in, but not everyone can or will spend a lot of money. Don’t feel bad about registering for big-ticket items and register for plenty of smaller items too. People will buy within their budget. Books, pacifiers, and even outlet covers, for example, are cheap enough for people to buy without breaking the bank.
Check the store’s return policy and completion program. Some stores will allow you to purchase registry items that were not bought at a discount, so be sure to check those policies when contemplating where to register.
Don’t forget your co-parent. Keep your co-parent in mind when registering, particularly for things he or she will use frequently like strollers and diaper bags. Some strollers have adjustable handlebars but some don’t, so if you and your partner are different heights, definitely check that your stroller of choice has that feature. Also, diaper bags will be worn as frequently as handbags and brief cases, so consider getting two to suit both of your tastes.
Dr. Jaime Black is a licensed psychologist practicing in Westchester and New York City. Jaime works with high-functioning individuals on the autism spectrum, doing psychotherapy, conducting evaluations, and facilitating various socialization groups including an improv social skills group. Visit www.spectrumservicesnyc.com, e-mail JaimeBlackPsyD@gmail.com or call (914)712-8208.
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