Getting the most out of your Baby Registry

Are you getting ready for your first child or have a friend who is? This list is meant to be used as a guide to help you grasp what you need. It includes recommendations from other moms as well. We can all get by with a little help from our friends! I realize there will be many differing opinions on the following information; however, I would like to share some tidbits I wished I had known before registering!

First of all consider this...learn the return policy on any store where you wish to register before actually doing so.

Target - All returns to Target must include either the original receipt or the gift receipt. If you do not have the original receipt, associates may be able to locate the original receipt information if you purchased the item using a credit or debit card. In order for them to utilize this method of locating information, you must present the exact credit or debit card originally used to purchase the item at the time of the return.

Gift givers are strongly encouraged to include a gift receipt whenever the gift is purchased. Gifts receipts do not display any pricing information and make it easy for gift recipients to return their items if necessary. Gift givers are also able to request as many gift receipts as they would like during checkout at any Target store. In short, no receipt...no return.

Walmart - Accepts returns within 90 days of purchase. If you do not have a receipt, WalMart will give you a cash refund if the purchase is less than $25.00 and a store credit if over $25.00. If you return more than 3 items within 45 days without a receipt, then the cash register system will automatically flag the transaction and a customer service manager must approve the return.

Babies R' Us - If you are returning an item using a gift receipt or .com packaging slip, your return will be in the form of a merchandise credit.


If you have no receipt and the original payment was made with a debit or credit card, they can look up the purchase using their register system and credit card information. If the item was purchased from a baby registry, they can look up the purchase using the baby registry system and will issue a merchandise credit. They reserve the right to decline any return.


Even though I have given the latest word I have received on return policies, please make sure you check again for yourself!


What to register for...

A good way to get started is by finding someone who is similar in personality to you that recently had a baby. Ask her if she would print out her baby registry, go through it, and mark what she was glad to have registered for and what she ended up not needing or using. (I did this; thank you, Jenna. It was a huge help.)

I asked several of my friends to give their opinions on each of the following items, and here is what we came up with:

1. If you don't mind getting things second-hand make of list of things you're okay with receiving this way: crib, changing table, stroller, etc. For example, I got word out that I needed a crib and a changing table. Within very little time, a friend emailed me that she had a crib and a changing table that she only used once. She had also loaned it to another friend of mine who also used it once, yet it still looks as good as new!

2. Check out Craigslist, http://www.craigslist.com/, for free items. Join Free Cycle: http://www.freecycle.com/. It is similar to Craigslist, but it has a higher volume of items being given for free. Also, Free Cycle quickly alerts you as to whether an item has been taken and is no longer available.

3. Brand new furniture: I am sure there are some of you who want to purchase brand new furniture. To you I say go for it; however, just remember all the costs add up and this is an expense you can avoid if you are willing to go second-hand. If you are going to purchase a new crib, I suggest getting a versatile crib that converts into a twin bed. As far as what type and design, that is up to you.

4. Bottles - my suggestion is that you make sure they are BPA free. Most suggest the Avent brand.

-Dr. Brown's is a top-rated brand but unless your baby has colic, I wouldn't use them. They have several parts and are a pain to wash (speaking from experience).

-If you are planning to breastfeed, I would not register for a lot of bottles. A few will do to get you started. Breast Flow Complete or Adiri are easy to use and clean and can be used for nursing mothers interchangeably.

5. Breastfeeding - Lily Padz, they are silicone pads that stick to you and apply just enough pressure to prevent leaks. You can reuse them for up to 2 months. A Boppy is a must (you can buy one second hand).

-Nursing cover- Bebe Au Lait or Peanut Shell. You will most likely want to rent a breast pump from the hospital for a couple of weeks and then figure out if or what kind of pump you want to buy. Natural Nipple butter for sore and/or cracked nipples.

6. Bibs - Carters bibs that snap received the most votes here. If you choose a different kind just keep in mind that there are two types of Velcro. Old school Velcro and new school Velcro. Old school is thick and scratchy and if it isn't on just so, it can scratch your baby’s neck. The new school Velcro is smooth. They're a little challenging to find but worth it.

-Another suggestion is to get bibs with plastic backing - it keeps clothes from getting wet from food and drooling.

7. Pajamas - I would start out by saying you should register for at least 2 Halo Sleep Sacks. They keep baby snug like in the womb and are great for when the baby first arrives.

-Regarding regular pajamas, believe it or not there are a couple of types. One is a gown. I didn't like these because they were always sliding up. They made it easy to change a diaper, but for me not a plus. The basic pajamas with zippers were great. Also, keep in mind collars. They can get in the way, and I don't think I'd enjoy sleeping in a collared shirt. Why would my baby?

8. Shirts - Two kinds again: one snaps in the crotch or just plain t-shirts with no snaps. My husband had an opinion on this. He didn't like shirts that snapped because they were always riding up. Shirts with snaps look nice, neat and stay tucked in! I also didn't like hoods on shirts when my son would lean back (especially winter shirts). He couldn't lean back all the way because of the hood.

9. Pants - I prefer no snaps…just regular pants; this is up to you.

10. Shoes - Okay, most babies just won't keep them on. Some like my son have feet that are just too pudgy. I have tried to smush his feet into shoes wanting him to look extra cute, but trust me it isn't worth it. Another alternative is Robeez shoes. They do sale socks with all kinds of printed shoes on them and they are really cute.

11. Diapers - The diapers are usually listed by numbers 1, 2, 3, and so on (it is figured by the weight of your child). I would start with number 1. Newborn and preemie sizes aren't needed unless your baby is born prematurely.

-As far as brand, it is a matter of preference. I chose to use Pampers and Pampers sensitive wipes. Whatever brand you go with I suggest sticking with it.

-If you choose to go the cloth route, Fuzzi Bunz is the best for ease of use and style. You can check out http://www.fuzzibunzseconds.net/ and purchase coordinating terry cloth liners at nuturedfamily.com.

12. Pacifiers - No need to register. The hospital will give you some when you leave. If you want you can try other brands later. My friend who adopted suggested Gerber Silicone Nuk Orthodontic Pacifier. Every baby is different, and you'll have to figure out what they like as they grow. If you are breastfeeding, Soothies was the recommended brand here.

13. Soaps - Johnson & Johnson is always a favorite. Another suggestion was Method brand at Target: t is hypoallergenic and made with 99% natural ingredients. You won't need to register for much; it goes a long way! For babies of color, the recommendation is Carol's Daughter. It's a little pricey but you will see the difference in your baby's skin and hair.

14. Detergent - Anything without perfumes or dyes.

15. Burp Clothes - Plain old fashion thick cloth diapers work best.

16. Teething items - You won't need these right off but when you do it's good to have them on hand. Gentle Naturals are recommended here (with the Winnie the Pooh character on the front). Also, teething rings are okay but put them in the refrigerator and not the freezer.

17. Bath Tubs - I suggest Fisher Price tub. It has a net so while baby is in the first months, his or her head isn't close to being under water. Then as he or she grows you can remove the net. If you get a hand-me-down and it's a little big, register for a bear sponge (It's a sponge made in the shape of a bear). This is great for keeping baby snuggled and comfy.

18. First Aid Kit - Any will do just make sure it has a nasal aspirator and saline.

19. Q-tips - Johnson & Johnson has Q-tips for children, and they are made with a larger cotton portion on the stick so you don't put the tip in too far. (The box is a light purple).

20. Car Seats & Strollers - Be sure to check out Consumer Reports for the best rated car seats. I would choose an infant car seat at first. You can snap the removable seat in and out of the car so baby can be in a carrier when you go out. Running errands is much easier this way! Be sure if you have two cars that you have two car seat bases so you can just snap in the car seat and go.

21. High Chairs - The response from all here was the same...DON'T DO IT! Instead get the booster seat with a tray that fastens to any seat. It's easy to clean, is transportable and doesn't take up space. Three different suggestions here: one was Fisher-Price that allows you to adjust the height as your child grows, and the others were Safety 1st Recline and Grow Stage 5 Booster Seat.

22. Formula - If you are unable to breastfeed, I found that Earth's Best worked the best for us. The best type of formula for your baby may take some trial and error. As long as the formula doesn't cause your child to be constipated or have reflux, then in theory any brand is okay.

23. Suggested Reading - If you want to make your own baby food I suggest Super Baby Food.

-If you plan on teaching your child basic sign language I suggest http://www.signingtime.com/.

-For fun reading check out http://www.dadlosophies.blogspot.com/.

-For current car seat ratings check out consumerreports.com.

-Other suggestions are Dr. Sears Library, The Vaccine Book and The Birth Book and The Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg.

24. Bouncy Seat - A must. This is how you as a mom will be able to take your OWN bath...LOL! I suggest making sure if it comes with music or vibration that it isn't at the baby’s feet facing face up. The one we got was and it didn't take long for my son to kick it until it didn't work anymore.

25. Toys - Excersaucer, swing, and a playmat with hanging toys by baby Einstein were great! It's best if you can get them through your registry. If not, second-hand is the way to go. They will outgrow them before you know it. My son is 11 months and now enjoys boats in the bathtub. Another mom with baby girl suggested buying a Barbie made from plastic so your daughter can take it in the tub with her. Plastic babies are easy to dry.

26. Other Suggested items: Baby Bjourn, Bumbo Seat, and a cover for shopping carts.

Good luck, and I hope this is helpful to you! Please email or comment here with any specific questions. If I can answer them, I will. If not, another mom will surely be able to help!

How to save money...Coupons, Coupons, Coupons...

When I recently decided to be a stay-at-home mom I had to find ways to start saving money so, I turned to a classic...couponing!

I think the best way to get started is to make of list of items you buy monthly then, go to the website of each manufacturer (MFR) and sign up for their newsletter. Once they confirm you're registered save the registration in a folder on your email user because if you haven't received any coupons (and you have the time) you might want to check their site to be sure your not missing out on any good deals.

Now listen, if you already getting overwhelmed don't worry. I had to do a little each week until I got into the swing of things and you might need try to add on another idea each week. Print out this blog and read it whenever you need a refresher.

Secondly, you need coupons. The best place to find them is the Sunday newspaper. I buy two papers at a time (they usually sell them in a bundle of two), which is only 50 cents more than buying one. One way around buying the paper is asking friends, family and neighbors if they use their coupons from the Sunday paper, If they don't, ask them if you can have them and save yourself the $2.50. You can also find coupons in the grocery store entrance/exit at the marketing kiosk. They contain tear off coupons and magazines (Publix has a magazine called "Green Wise", it is one my favorites) that contain coupons. Also, stores have Blinkie's, which are the little kiosks in the aisles that spit out coupons. Always pull two or more if it is something you use frequently.

You can also call 1-866-221-4141, the number for the Kroger Corporate office. They will send you other coupons by mail.

There are also a few good websites you can visit that I use:

http://www.shortcuts.com/

http://ppgazette.com/

http://www.couponcabin.com/index.htm

http://www.moneysavingmom.com/

http://www.couponmom.com/

http://coupon-printable.blogspot.com/2008/01/free-grocery-food-coupons.html

http://www.zombiemommy.blogspot.com/

Make sure you have a preferred customer card for everywhere you shop. These cards are offered at most stores, and they provide perks and additional discounts. CVS, Kroger and Publix are examples of stores where you should get shopper rewards cards. Kroger currently has rewards based on the dolloar amount you spent. The amounts equals points that allow you to purchase gas at a discount and CVS actually rewards customers on a quarterly basis with Extra Care Bucks (ECB's) based on the amount you have spent in their store for that quarter and Publix has a Upromise card. This card allows a percentage of what you spend to go toward a college fund for anyone (including yourself).

Next, most grocery stores double coupons up to 50 cents; however, most pharmacies do not double coupons. Make sure to compare prices after you take into account the coupon being doubled vs. the pharmacy sale prices. (I know Publix and Kroger definitely double up; be sure to ask your local grocer if they offer this service).

Thirdly, did you know that you can use coupons on buy one get one free items (BOGO)? Here is how it works: The BOGO item is Nabisco cookies and you have two $1.00 Nabisco cookie coupons, you can use one coupon on each item and basically get both items for FREE or a low discounted price.

Fourthly, is coupon stacking, bear with me on this one... Okay, let's say Publix has a coupon for $1.00 off pistachio's (it's a store coupon issued by Publix and doesn't have a barcode) but you also have a MFR's coupon (MFR's have bar codes) on the same item for a $1.00 off. Well, you can use both! Coupons are usually MFR's but Walgreens, Publix, RiteAid, Kroger and many other stores offer their own store coupons and then you can add you MFR coupons with it. The amount of discount doesn't have to match, just make sure one is a store coupon and the other is a MFR coupon.

Lastly, Kroger (and sometimes Publix) have a online upload for coupons. Basically, you register your Kroger card online then you click on the coupons they have listed you'd like to use. At the end of the transaction they are automatically added to your Kroger card. When you go to grocery shop the discount is automatically taken off when you purchase the item and guess what? You can also use a MFR coupon on top of the online coupon! For example, the other day I had a $5.00 MFR coupon for a Brita Pitcher and Kroger had a $5.00 coupon available online on the same item. I then uploaded the $5.00 online coupon to my Kroger card and then used my $5.00 MFR's coupon on top of it, so I purchased the pitcher that is regularly priced at $19.99 for $9.99!

A few more tidbits...there are couponers who decide not to cut coupons and keep them together by date (the date is usually on the fold of the paper). There are websites that will tell you where you can get the best deal using your coupon by giving you the date it was in the paper. For example couponmom.com has a great database that includes the date of issue in the newspaper of each coupon according to your city/state. I don't use this but I have friends who do and like it. You can trade for coupons at places like http://www.hotcouponworld.com/ or http://www.organicgrocerydeals.com/. Also, you can get on an envelope train and people mail each other coupons. You can also buy coupons for really cheap on ebay and other clipping sites. I haven't done this yet but I am sure their are some readers who can respond on the best way to go about this and what is legitimate.

Here is how I prepare to shop:

*I check my email to see if I received any coupons from MFR's I registered with.

*Then I buy the double Sunday paper for $2.50.

*I write down the name of the store, the item and price (Continue to do this through each ad).
-Afterwards I see what stores have sales on the same item and which has the better deal.

*Next, I clip my coupons and sort them using the envelope system (you can do whatever is best for you).
-I sort them into categories: Diary, snacks/desserts, carbs, health & beauty, cleaning supplies, and so on. Then I look at what items I have written down and see if I have coupons to match. If so, I put them envelopes (I have one for each store I visit) based on the store having the best price or sale. I do this on Sunday night and then Monday night my husband watches our son and I head out to the stores. I visit CVS, Walgreens, Publix and Kroger. They are all within blocks of each other and it works for me, you'll have to figure out which stores and what works for you.

*Every week Publix has a 1 cent item. The Publix where I shop keeps these items at the customer service desk. The items have ranged from cheese, to pizza, to salad dressing and breakfast cereal. Even if you don't use the item, take it! Someone you know might need it. I have started buying BOGO items if I have a coupons where I am basically getting both items for free and the 1 cent item as well. Then I package them up for families in need and deliver them in secret.

For my own personal encouragement at the end of shopping, I add up how much I spent and how much I saved. It reminds me it's well worth the time! I have figured out that I save anywhere from $70-$100 dollars a week! Before couponing, I feel as though I was throwing my money out my car window. Now I am saving anywhere between $3,640.00 to $5,200.00 a year!
Now, as you continue in your couponing venture you will start to learn that CVS has rewards bucks and most weekly ad's say to check the Sunday paper for coupons. Walmart takes coupons but doesn't double up but they do price match any sale price (not BOGO). Kroger and ? will give you the item for FREE if it rings up wrong at the register. So be sure to watch the register monitor as your items are being scanned. Kroger also has a 10 for $10.00 sale. At the Kroger where I shop, you do not have to buy all 10 items to get the discount. They ring up $1.00 each no matter what. This is great! Especially if it's $1.00, and I have a $1.00 coupon! FREE!! Oh yea, if items ring up for the wrong price at Kroger and Publix, wait until after you pay and then go to the customer service desk and show them your receipt. You will get your money back and the item for FREE! (You can ask your local grocer their policy).

Okay, their are still a lot of tricks of the trade not mentioned but I'm hoping others will chime in with their coupon successes and get this blog going! Please let me know if you feel this information is helpful and if there is anything you'd like to learn in future Blogs! Please let your friends know about the blog! I love helping others save money!