Our family has now grown by two feet! Corban has arrived and we thank God everyday for our precious, healthy little boy. Thank you for visiting and joining us on our adventure as we learn about parenthood and how to raise a Godly man.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Baby Registry Etiquette

All of you that know me well know that I am always concerned with the proper way to do something. Well, the time has come to register and I've been curious as to the do's and don'ts of a baby registry. Although the tips are not lots and hard to find any good ones on the internet, I've listed some things below if you have been curious yourself.
Do your research. The vast variety of baby products available in stores can be intimidating for the first-time mom as she begins to pick things out for her baby registry. Before you even go to the store, look online and read reviews of different strollers, bouncers, and any other items you want to include on the registry to help you decide exactly which products you want.
Include plenty of choices within a wide price range. Consider all the people who will want to shop from your baby registry -- your family, friends and co-workers as well as your husband's family, friends and co-workers. You want to be sure there are enough choices in different price ranges. This lets everyone feel as if she can afford to get you something you want.
Be realistic. Putting a $1000 crib on your baby registry is probably not the best idea. Nor is asking for a tricycle. Keep your requested items to reasonably priced items and things your baby will need in her first nine months. Even though you are asking people to buy you gifts, it doesn't mean you should take advantage of the opportunity. Stick to the basics and think about the following categories when picking out items: baby hygiene and diapering needs, baby nursery items, baby safety and health, baby toys, and infant clothes or layette items. Leave personal items for yourself such as nipple cream and hemorrhoid pads off your baby registry.
Don't register at more than two stores. Choosing to do a baby registry at a major retail chain like Target or Walmart allows your friends and family who live far away as well as the ones who live nearby to easily shop for a gift, whether or not they like to shop online. These stores also offer a wide variety of items in a large price range. BabiesRUs is another popular choice for baby registries. If you register at more than two stores, it can be confusing for your shower guests to find a gift. You also risk getting duplicate gifts if you have more than two baby registries. If it is impossible for you to find everything you need at only two stores, consider using a service like MyRegistry, which allows you to add things from any store you want onto one registry.
Remember it's the thought that counts. Realize that not everyone is going to purchase a gift off your baby registry. Some people are going to buy you whatever they want, and that's okay. Be kind and gracious when accepting these gifts, and be grateful for gift receipts if the item is truly something you do not want.

Know any others?

1 comment:

Laurie in SC said...

I like it, Amy, we need more etiquette in the world - in every way! I've seen people register for such personal things so many times. Thanks for sharing the info, I'll pass it along....