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PiscesDon't Freak About Your Registry!
Lara Shriftman: For first-time moms, registering for a new baby can be very daunting.
I didn't even know what registering was! There are so many different websites and stores of all sizes and price ranges, from baby boutiques to megastores like Target and Babies "R" Us. To add to the confusion, everyone is there to offer different advice. Unfortunately, even with all of the advice, I registered for my son completely wrong! However, after a million returns, exchanges, and endless shopping trips for all of the things I actually needed, I think I have finally figured it out.
Here are some of my tips for a hopefully stress-free baby registering process.
Stress-Free Baby Registering Tips
Tip 1
Devote a day to doing research for everything you need and compile a list. Look online, in stores, and ask your "mom friends" who have already been through the process.
Tip 2
Many websites, like petittressor.com and babiesrus.com, have checklists for expecting mothers. However, it is important to remember that everything they suggest will not be everything you need! Seriously, there are so many things you don't need!
Tip 3
Register at two or three different stores. Pick one store where you "love" everything you see. The other store should be someplace like Target, Babies "R" Us, or diapers.com, where you will constantly be shopping for the necessities and which you can use not only now, but for one and two years later. You will need diapers until the baby is 2 or 3.
Tip 4
Develop a relationship with the person registering you at the store of your choice. He or she will not only help you with creating a list, but will also help you down the line with exchanges for items that you really need.
Tip 5
Inevitably, you will receive several outfits for your baby's first three months. However, your baby will grow out of all of these clothes before you know it, and it will be time to buy whole new sets. To save yourself the trouble, register for some clothing in larger sizes that your baby will be able to wear throughout his or her first, second, or third year. (You can return some of them if you get too many.)
Tip 6
When your baby grows out of clothes or toys, you can sell them on handmedowns.com, give them away to someone else who is having a baby, or donate them. Keep in mind that many of your friends will be handing things down to you as well.
Tip 7
Think for the future. It is important to register for things other than what you need right now. For example, you should register for gift certificates that you will always be able to use for the essentials,at places like Target, Babies "R" Us, and diapers.com. You can also register for baby classes, like Fit for Kids, swim lessons, or art classes for when your child is older.
Tip 8
Keep in mind that babies' toys change as they get older. You can always register for more advanced toys, books, or Baby Einstein DVDs. I would also suggest registering for a high chair, walkers, and things like a door jumper that your baby can bounce in.
Tip 9
If I could do it all again, the following items would be on my list.
Click here to view and print the list.
Check out Lara's website for more info.
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Luxury, fashion and lifestyle expert Lara Shriftman co-founded Harrison & Shriftman in 1995. The agency specializes in public relations, marketing and events for high-profile luxury brands. Harrison & Shriftman currently has 50 employees spanning three offices in New York, Los Angeles and Miami. Over the years, Lara has assisted in building world-class brands that include Juicy, Jimmy Choo, W Hotels and Grey Goose. Harrison & Shriftman's impressive client list continues to expand its reach within the global market. In addition to serving as a correspondent for Extra with her own segment, Party Confidential, Lara and partner Elizabeth Harrison have authored four books on entertaining, Fete Accompli (Random House, Clarkson Potter; Fall 2004) Fete Accompli Workbook (Random House, Clarkson Potter; July 2005), Party Confidential (Bulfinch Press, a division of Time Warner Book Group; November 2006), and Party Confidential: New Etiquette for Fabulous Entertaining (St. Martin's, July 2008). www.partyconfidential.com |
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- 9 Comments
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.
Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.
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Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.
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Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it’s a fatal mistake, which, at least, others can learn from.
Asking your friends who have already had children was the most helpful to me! Also your tip for developing a relationship with the person who is registering you at the store is so important!