Baby Registry Advice

Here's another advice column for my friend who is expecting.  We lucked out and got most of our big items from friends and family.   I was rather surprised at how little Colby did until like 4 months-and he was pretty content to just sit in one place and watch whatever I was doing so he didn't need a lot of things to entertain him.  So here's a run down-hope this helps-now that I look at the list I guess a lot of little things come with babies so ask for A LOT! 
The Goods:
Swing:  Probably good.  Colby didn't really care for his.  If possible I'd get one that plugs in so you don't go through too many batteries
Bouncy Chair/lounge chair with some danglies-this will be what you use most probably.  Ours vibrated too. 
Play Mat:  Also good-definite need
Night light
Crib toy:  When he's older one that attaches to the crib and plays music and has lights so when he won't nap he can entertain himself
Wipes and Diapers-It was awesome to have some on hand so we didn't have to run out
Strollers:  The umbrella stroller is nice to throw in the car-jogging stroller-good for walks because it is more stable-medium sized stroller good for short walks or trips to mall-we didn't have one that fit the car seat but it would've been nice
Car Seat: We went with the Chicco Keyfit 30-it takes up a lot of room in the car but it was highly rated by consumer reports
Mirror for car so you can see him in the back seat
Books:  He loves ones with textures, shapes that pop up, and peek a boo ones
Bottles:  I wouldn't go too overboard because I've talked to a lot of moms whose babies went through like 4 different kinds of bottles before they'd drink out of them.  We use Mag's old Avent ones for when I pump
Breast Pump:  If doing this.  I got the First year's mipump.  Next time I'd get a bit more expensive and one that has a rechargeable batteries that you can plug into the wall. 
Bibs, burp cloths, spoons, sippy cup-you will need these things sooner then you think-might as well ask for things you'll need:)
Pacifiers: We totally weren't going to use these, but after him crying for a whole night and trying to feed him repeatedly-he just needed  to suck-so I'd get a few to have on hand-we just got nuk ones.
Baby Wash Cloths
Tub Toys-some foamy ones that stick on the wall
Baby-bath tub: We just used the tub or later Jeanean got him an Inflatable duck to bathe in.  We got a small tub from the hospital so I imagine you'll get a small tub as well
Non-skid mat for tub floor so he doesn't slip
Swaddle or Sleep Blankets:  These were nice to keep him warm-we just had like 3-we liked the halo sleep sack a lot. 
Monitors-we just have the one sony monitors with 2 speakers.  It is voice activated which is nice.  We could probably just due with 1 speaker thing.  One friend up here has the video  monitor- i guess that would be nice for peace of mind too. 
Baby nail clippers, hair brush, thermometer, baby tylenol/pain reliever, baby wash and lotion (colby has eczema so we can't use these, but they smell great), vaseline for circ., saline nose drops for crusty noses,  butt cream-the burts bees stuff is awesome and expensive so I'd register for that
Outlet covers-ones with a tab you pull down are way easier then the ones without
Carrier:  We had a front snuggli which Colby liked and I found a moby wrap at a garage sale and it is awesome-I wish I had one when he was really little because you can nurse him in it and no on would no. 
3-4 Fitted sheets and mattress covers
Bassinet-had one from a garage sale.  Great to have by bed for middle of night feedings.  He was in it until 3 months

Odds and ends:
Don't worry about blankets-because I"m sure you'll get plenty and the receiving blankets are kind of worthless after a few weeks
Crib tent-My husband was worried about the cats trying to sleep with him so we got a mesh tent that zips up and keeps the kitties out.
Baby hats-he was born in the winter so I thought he was cold all the time so hats were good-just light knit ones
Excersaucer/bouncer-we used an exersaucer for a few months and he enjoyed sitting and spinning around playing with the toys attached.  It only lasts a few months though.  A lot of babes I know like the johny jumper things but we didn't have one

For you:  If breastfeeding get some lanolin cream, breast shields-or washable ones, boppy pillow, cover, pump.  For after the delivery I'd have quite a few pads on hand, tucks pads, hemmroid cream, tylenol, ducolax pills to help you poop (this may be worse than pushing the baby out), ice packs for your boobs, some nursing tanks-pretty much lived in these things with comfy pants

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