Magalog Flashback: Registry Q&A

What do you get when you combine a catalog with a magazine? Our magalog, Surprises, is your guide to the best of our baby gear selection and the top toys of the season. But there’s more: each issue of Surprises is loaded with informative articles about babies and kids, and common-sense advice that you can use.

Just in case you missed them, we’re reposting our magalog backlog here on the Spilling the Beans blog. And we’ve got a great new issue on the way, launching in November 2012. Go here and sign up to make sure you get yours!

Registry Q&A: Jamie Grayson (The Baby Guy) Explains It All
Jamie is a NY-based baby gear expert who writes for StrollerTraffic.com. He blogs at BabyGuyGearGuide.com.

A great baby registry can pay dividends for years, because you’ll get the things you really and truly need. Figuring out exactly how to create that registry can be a challenge. But it should also be fun. We asked Jamie Grayson (The Baby Guy), our favorite registry shopping partner, for his take on achieving registry nirvana. When you’re ready to start your registry, we’re here to help, with trained staff and an easy-to-use online interface.

Q: Why should I do a baby registry? Is it weird to ask for gifts?
A: I approach a baby registry as a checklist for expectant parents so they make sure to get everything they need. You don’t even have to make your registry public. That being said, the people who love you actually enjoy purchasing gifts off a registry, so don’t feel guilty!

Q: At what point in my pregnancy should I do my registry?
A: Most of my clients approach me at the beginning of their third trimester. Feel free to research earlier, though!

Q: How should I decide where to go to make my registry?
A: There are many options now for registries: online, “big-box stores,” independent retailers. I think it’s important to build a registry where it’s easy to edit the list, where customer support is strong, and where it’s convenient for friends and family to make purchases.

Q: Is there anything I shouldn’t put on my registry?
A: Don’t “over-register” for multiple items such as strollers, bottles, clothes. You don’t need five strollers (at least in the beginning), and you certainly don’t want to take a car full of returns to a store with a newborn. Babies have bottle preferences, so get one or two of a few different kinds and find out what your wee one likes, and then purchase more of that brand. Don’t even get me started on clothing! You can register for whatever you want, but people will buy what they like instead. Just register for basic onesies, socks, hats, etc. You can also register for gift cards – a great way to give yourself lots of flexibility.

Q: How do I figure out what I really need on my registry?
A: Email me. Ask in stores. Or talk to people who’ve had children recently. Gear changes constantly, so if your best friend had a baby five years ago, you may trust her advice, but it’s probably antiquated at this point. Ask your friends where they shopped and about their experiences.

Q: I don’t know if I’m having a boy or a girl. What do I do about choosing colors?
A: Girls look good in blue! I happen to look good in pink! These are progressive times, folks! Don’t feel stuck in the color/gender trap. Look for different shades of brown, green, gray, yellow, or orange. There are plenty of other colors to choose from!

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