Overwhelmed

Going to start my registry tomorrow and feeling so unprepared and not ready. Especially when it comes to car seats. Has anyone else felt overwhelmed? I'm trying to research safety and all and just so overwhelmed. Help

Re: Overwhelmed

It can be really overwhelming. You don't have to do everything at once. If there are items you want to do more research on you can always add later. And if you change your mind on something, you can always change it on the registry. I found the Baby Bargains book helpful and I also talked to my friends who are already moms to get their opinions on what you need, what brands are good, etc. It's a lot so try to do a little at a time if you can.

Re: Overwhelmed

Beyond overwhelmed! I read baby bargains and I still don't know what I want to register for!!!

Re: Overwhelmed

Reading Baby Bargins and Jen, that is how I feel. How do I know what matches with my car, LATCH, harness, safety, works with snap and go and/or jog stroller ugh.

Re: Overwhelmed

Just do a little at a time. The first time in the store we did most of the big items and just a few small things. I went back the next week and added a bunch more on my own since DH doesn't have the patience. Over a month later and I'm still adding and swapping things. I used the BB book for some of the big things but mostly I just looked at what was highest rated on the BRU website. Keep in mind this is far from a one day job!

Re: Overwhelmed

I read bext baby bargains and also looked at some friends registries. I have done a lot online too when i was too tired to walk.

Re: Overwhelmed

Where are you registering? I registered at BBB and found the salespeople to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable (unlike BRU).

I also read Baby Bargains and made myself a list broken down by category and 2-3 options for each item based on the ratings they got in Baby Bargains. For example:

Convertible Seat-
1. Britax XXXX
2. Graco XXXX

Highchair-
1. FP Rainforest
2. Chicco XXX

Umbrella Stroller-
1. Maclaren Techno
2. City Mini

etc. Once at the store, I 'tested' everything out and registered for whichever one I liked the best in person. Since I had my outline of the highest rated options, I felt comfortable with whichever one I chose.

If you start feeling overwhelmed just remember that you don't have to get everything done in one day! You can always go back another day or finish/tweak it online.

Have fun!!

Re: Overwhelmed

Thank you ladies so much!

Re: Overwhelmed

Bring someone with you if possible who has had a child in the last 5 years. I brought DH to start it, then I went with my sister to finish it.
Also read Baby bargains.

Re: Overwhelmed

My advice is to go only for 30 or 45 minutes the first time. Set up a personal shopper to help you. Then go home and do some resgistering online. Then go back when you have the personal shopper and their knowledge.

Re: Overwhelmed

I was so overwhelmed when I registered with my first pregnancy. Baby Bargains and LIF were extremely helpful.

Re: Overwhelmed

I have a 18 mo old DD and remember being so overwhelmed.
Do you have any family membors or friends with kids who you can take with you? I found that very helpful.
I also read the Baby Bargains book and hit the Parenting board on here - everyone there is so much help on things you are confused on.
I personally loved my choices of carseats...we did the Graco Snugride for an infant seat and a Snap-N-Go (stroller for that car seat) to go with that....could not live without the Snap N Go. And for convertible carseat we got a Britax Boulevard...DD has been in that for quite some time now and no issues - we love it. It's got side impact safety that seat...that's why I chose that one.