First time parents can get overwhelmed when preparing for a baby – planning a nursery space, buying clothing, picking a car seat, a stroller and everything else. Do you need wipes warmers? What about seasonal clothing?
Obviously, friends and family who have already had their first baby can be helpful and offer their advice, but what works for one family won’t always work for another. Which is where the experts at baby stores come in.
While it can seem overwhelming (and frankly, a little bit scary!), heading to a baby store will actually help you wade through all that you need – staff at baby stores are trained to give you expert advice. And while it might seem like you need to throw all your eggs in one basket when it comes to shopping for your babe, online shopping and the rise of the digitally savvy mom have allowed us to have more choice, which is why it’s a great idea to register at multiple baby stores.
Yes, you read that right: registering at several baby stores will help you not only get exactly what you want for your baby, but it will also help you get exactly what you need, too. And while it might be easy to feel overwhelmed, breaking it down into your must-have buckets will help you shop strategically and actually make your life easier.
To make things simple, think about the stuff your baby will need, and break it down into categories: Travel/on the go, clothing, feeding, bathing, home décor and diapering. Next, it’s time to do your research. Many stores may carry a wide selection of just about everything, but they each have their own unique offering.
While you might be able to get your dream stroller at several locations, only one store may offer repairs. You might really love the idea of cloth diapering, but want disposable backups for on-the-go or overnight. Pick stores that fit with your life and wants, and they will be able to guide you.
But remember, don’t wait until the last minute to sign up for your registry, or you’ll be overwhelmed. Many stores offer a small discount to registrants who sign up before the due date and get all their items purchased in time.
Have questions about baby registries? With several retailers to choose from, The Baby Show will help you get organized for your new baby’s arrival. Check out our list of retailers here.
