DISCLOSURE: This post, written by NYC Dads Group member Aaron Yavelberg, is sponsored by Huggies® diapers and wipes.
I don’t like shopping.
I can handle grocery stores when I have a list. I can survive clothes shopping if I’m looking for something specific like a dress shirt or a pair of jeans. When I don’t have a guideline, though, I get very anxious. I have trouble making decisions when too many options exist.
Putting together our baby registry to help others shop for us and our new bundle of joy might have been hardest of all. There are five different kinds of everything from strollers to crib bedding to baby monitors. This swing has a light and mobile on it, but that one plays better music. Car seats and strollers have so many features and attachments that you might as well be buying a car. Add in the knowledge that you’re preparing to care for another human being and it’s no wonder people like me can be reluctant to even step into the store.
Fortunately, as with most activities, even building your baby registry gets easier with practice. Shopping for my daughter, who is now 2 months old, was much smoother than for my son a few years ago. Here are five tips to help make your experience a positive one:
Baby registry tip #1: Remember the basics
Underneath all those adorable onesies and rompers, every baby needs a diaper. My wife and I were constantly running out to buy diapers when our first child was born; fortunately, we learned and stocked up on diapers and wipes before our daughter arrived. We chose the hug-inspired Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers because they are hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and help keep baby’s skin clean and healthy. They also have a wetness indicator to let us know when it’s time for a change. I was also impressed by the curved waistband to keep the diaper away from her healing umbilical cord. Bonus tip: Put a few boxes of larger size diapers on your registry, too. Babies grow faster than you think!
We choose Huggies Natural Care Wipes for similar reasons: hypoallergenic, and free of fragrances, paraben and alcohol that could irritate our baby’s skin. What they do have is triple-layer strength along with a little soothing aloe and vitamin E.
Baby registry tip #2: Do your homework
Research brands and safety ratings. Take measurements of the spaces in your home. Gadgets and gizmos exist for almost every aspect of parenting but not all are critical so consider which items you are most likely to use and, especially for people in “cozy” city apartments, which items you actually have space for.
Baby registry tip #3: Bring a buddy
When filling out your baby registry, take along someone you trust to help you stay focused, calm and to remind you of questions you wanted to ask. Even if your ally is only there for emotional support, you’ll be glad they came.
Baby registry tip #4: Remember self-care
Building a baby registry can be exhausting for anyone, let alone anxious (or pregnant) soon-to-be parents. Bring a snack and water, and don’t feel pressured to get everything at once. Use multiple shopping sessions or add items to your registry online.
Baby registry tip #5: Ask for help
Don’t be embarrassed to ask store employees their opinions, including which brands are higher sellers and which items they think are actually necessary. There really is no such thing as a stupid question.
Finally, remember to relax. You’re having a baby; don’t let shopping anxiety keep you from enjoying preparing for your new bundle of joy. Have an idea of what you’re looking for from the start so you won’t get overwhelmed by the process. You won’t make a wrong choice with your registry and, even if you change your mind, you can always return or exchange the item. If you remember why you’re shopping (“We’re having a baby!”), you’ll smile and have fun.
And don’t forget the Huggies!
About our sponsor
Huggies® believes deeply in the Power of Hugs. The simple, loving act is proven to support babies’ emotional and physiological well-being. Huggies® diapers and wipes are inspired by a parent’s hug – to nurture baby with care, cradle baby in comfort and surround baby in protection. Make sure you embrace baby’s bottom with Huggies® Little Snugglers Diapers to deliver our best skin care to help keep baby’s skin clean and healthy. Learn more at Huggies.com. #HuggiesCouncil
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