A big mistake that expectant parents make is to overwhelm their baby gift registry with unnecessary or impractical baby items. Nothing could be worse than to end up with baby gear that is not used while the parents are struggling to make do with limited essentials. These tips will help ensure parents receive practical presents.
Convertible Carseats and Booster Seats Have Expiration Dates
Though they will not spoil like milk a week passed its expiration date, parents need to be aware that car seats also have expiration dates, generally from 6 years after the date of manufacture. The clock starts ticking on the car seat from the date it leaves the factory, not from the time the baby begins to use it. In some cases, the seat may be on the shelf for a year or more, further reducing the time it can be used. Parents should wait to purchase seats used for older babies until it will be installed and used.
Choose a High Chair Based on Body Type
While high chairs won't expire as car seats do, it may be better to postpone purchasing one until the baby needs it. High chairs are all made rather differently, and some chairs fit certain babies better than others.
When it comes time to delve into the world of puréed peas, bibs, and tiny plastic spoons, parents should take their baby down the high chair aisle and allow him to take the chairs out for a test drive. They should be looking for a seat that suits their child's build and allows him to sit comfortably and securely.
Infant Formula Intolerances
Parents intending on formula feeding their infant may be compelled to register for infant formula with the intent on stocking up. However, this can be a very unwise, if not costly move. There is a chance that the baby may have an intolerance or allergy to that particular formula and require a different one, such as soy based, elemental, or lactose-free. Parents should only begin to stock up on formula when their newborn shows no food intolerances.
Babies Grow Quickly Out of Newborn Size Diapers
It is not uncommon at all for infants to outgrow newborn size diapers by the second or third week of life, sooner if the baby was particularly large at birth. Rather than registering for newborn size diapers, parents should consider requesting the next size up, typically called "Size 1." Having too many newborn diapers on hand may mean that they never get used.
Clothing and Outfits vs. Simple Onsies and Sleepers
Baby clothing and layette is undeniably hard to resist. While parents may spy an outfit that they feel they simply must have, it may be wise to leave outfits off the registry. The reason is simple, it is pretty typical that friends and family are going to spy adorable outfits on their own and purchase them. This results in a baby closet chock filled with fancy dresses, little man button-down shirts, and other outfits that are certainly cute, but do not get worn often.
It is much better to register for clothing used daily- onsies, sleepers, and night gowns. On the practical side, having a decent sized stash of every day wear will help cut down on the need to laundry frequently.
The baby gift registry is an ideal tool to help parents prepare welcome their newborn home. However, parents need to make wise choices when they register, and be sure that the presents they receive will be practical and well-used.
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