Baby Hangers and other Nursery Essentials

Getting your nursery ready for the arrival of your new baby is an exciting time. Whether you are nesting or planning ahead, being sure that you have everything can seem nearly impossible.

Registering for a baby shower is a great way to make sure that you have or get everything you need. Here are some categories for you to use so that you can go in with an idea of what you will be looking at.

Furniture for the nursery is a good place to start. Do not forget to get a rocking chair or glider rocker. Make it a comfortable one that can be washed if necessary. Buy a new crib, if possible, so that safety standards are current. Play yards are not always necessary, but make good, portable beds for travel. Some day cares will require them to be left at the day care for nap time, so it is possible that you will need two of them.

The next items that you will need on your list are car seats, carriers and swings. Almost everyone registers for an infant seat, but few people look beyond the newborn months. Your baby could be out of the infant seat in as little as three months. You may choose to register for a larger convertible car seat that can be used for infants and toddlers.

Strollers are another big item. Be careful if you choose a jogging stroller because they generally do not fit into the trunk of a car. Do not count on this to be your only stroller if you do not own a truck or SUV. Jogging strollers with a small, front, swivel wheel take up less room and will fit into most car trunks. Plus, the maneuverability is far superior to that of other joggers.

Bedding, clothing and blankets are next. You will need a lot of casual clothes and bedding that is not too plush. Diapers, wipes and rash ointment should be on your registry as well, because you will go through a lot of them, especially in the first few weeks.

Be sure to register for a pump and a nursing pillow if you plan on breastfeeding. Bottles are hard to register for, because you cannot predict what type of bottle your baby will take to. Many people register for one of each kind that they like and then purchase more of the ones that the baby does best with. Formula is the same way. You just cannot predict which kind will work best for your baby. Your pediatrician will give you recommendations and most likely samples of different types of formula to try.

Use the nursery closet as a storage area to keep things in order. Remember that diaper ointment, lotions, baby powder and baby oil all need to be kept out of reach. Using the closet will help you ensure that the baby cannot get to these potentially dangerous items. Use infant hangers to hang special clothing that you do not want snagged, stretched or wrinkled. Once you are registered and organized, you will be ready for the arrival of your new baby.