Overwhelmed by Registering

Any tips? I plan on doing my big registry at BBB and a smaller one at Pottery Barn Kids. I went on the BBB website last night and lasted about 5 minutes becasue I was cmpletely overwhlemed.

Where did everyone start? How did you narrow it all down? Also, I keep seeing all these posts about swings, exersaucers, etc. What's essential, good to have, not really needed?

Finally, did you make an appt at BBB to register? I want to go with DH so we are really limited to weekends when the store is basically a zoo.

I need to get this done within the next month, when I will be 22 weeks, because my baby shower invites will be going out.

Thanks!

Re: Overwhelmed by Registering

You do not need to make an appointment to register. I went to the store after my 20 week sono

I suggest starting with the big stuff (and do this at the store so you can try things out and see in person): stroller, infant car seat, pack n play, swing. These things are all necessary IMO. Then slowly fill in the smaller stuff as time goes on. I read the baby bargains book before I registered and marked off the things I felt were necessary for our lifestyle.

Then I had a friend who had a young toddler go with me to BBB and walk with me through the aisles and explain when I would need certain things and what stuff was not necessary. She was so helpful and had lots of tips. If you have someone who could help you in that way I think that is one of your biggest assets.

And then a little at a time every night I would fill the rest in online.

Message edited 2/27/2013 12:47:00 PM.

Re: Overwhelmed by Registering

BBB has a checklist of items. You don't need to buy everything on the list of course. Get the book Baby Bargains to help with well rated items. You can bring a friend/ relative that has a little one or have someone on here look at your registry. I have a very detailed list/ recommendations that I sent a friend that is having a baby. I'd be happy to FM you it. It's a bit over the top b/c I'm a little type A and my friend had no clue what she was doing.

Re: Overwhelmed by Registering

Posted by baby22012

BBB has a checklist of items. You don't need to buy everything on the list of course. Get the book Baby Bargains to help with well rated items. You can bring a friend/ relative that has a little one or have someone on here look at your registry. I have a very detailed list/ recommendations that I sent a friend that is having a baby. I'd be happy to FM you it. It's a bit over the top b/c I'm a little type A and my friend had no clue what she was doing.

Re: Overwhelmed by Registering

Registering really is overwhelming! I felt the exact same way when I started ours. What helped for me is asking some of my friends for advice on the bigger items to buy. I also brought two of my friends with me to register and that was a huge help. Another thing that helped DH and I narrow down (even after I went with my friends) was that I bought the book Baby Bargains. That book has been such a lifesaver for me! It has "grades" for all sorts of various baby items and an overview of the brands and things like that. It was very helpful and I learned a lot from it.