"Showered with Gifts" excerpt from Full Of Life

If you haven't already registered at a store for baby items, the second trimester is probably the time to do it. The biggest recommendation I can give you is to get a friend who is a relatively new parent to help you. My friend Suzi Q. was over at my house when I went online to register at a couple of stores. A mother of two young children, she gave me gave me great advice, such as:

• No need to register for cute little baby clothes, stuffed animals, and blankets. These are the most popular gifts and you will receive plenty without adding even more to your collection by registering for them.
• Register for things that people won't automatically think to give you, such as baby hangers (they aren't cheap), a second car base seat (for Daddy's car), a diaper disposal system, a baby sitter seat (helps baby learn how to sit), baby carriers, handheld or plug-in nightlights, and baby socks (all your baby will wear the first six months).
• If you can't resist yourself and you decide to go ahead and register for a few baby clothes, here are some suggestions:
  • Register for older sizes like 12 months and older. The nursery closet will get filled with a ton of newborn through nine-month clothes given as gifts. Babies grow so rapidly and are sometimes months ahead of the suggested age on the clothes.
  • Register for soft clothes only. Some of the ornate outfits are darling, but your baby won't be comfortable in them.
  • Consider baby clothes that are organic, which are healthier for your baby.