Baby Registry: Making the Most of One or Two or More

It's exciting and scary. So much needs to be done, planned, purchased. Having a baby is more than a life altering occasion; it's also about playing it smart. With so many baby registries at so many different department stores and baby stores, how do you choose?

From Babies R Us to Wal-Mart or Target, how do you decide? And what do you put on your registry?

First of all, think like your family members and friends. Where do they primarily shop? If they're bargain buyers, then you definitely want to include a department store near by, whether you choose Target, or another. If you've got more extravagant shoppers in your loop, then include the Babies R Us registry (some items are also available at Toys R Us).

A mother of two, and another on the way, I advise you to sign up for more than one. But here's the caveat - try not to duplicate items you only want one of.

Many mothers to be sign up for registries but find out that it was never used.

Market your registry. Sound selfish? That's a close call. Most relatives and friends won't think it selfish - they'd rather get you what you want and need than duplicate or pick unwanted stuff. Naturally, there's always one or two in every family that won't agree.

So how do I advertise my registry? If your chosen store is online (many are), check to see if they offer email links to your registry. Then email away.

Some registries also offer cards for you to mail out. Do so.

And don't just notify friends and family when you first sign up, send out a reminder a few months before you're due. You may also want to note that gift cards are also desirable. Especially if you have some large items on your list. You may be better off requesting the gift certificates and putting them together to get your big purchases.

Now, how do you manage two registries at once? Pick items that you need several of from both places. (Bottles, pacifiers, onesies, etc.) If one place has a furniture set you like better, than use that one for those items. Toys cheaper at the other? Then pick them that way.

But don't count on the registry to work for some items. For example, if given choices for a friend, would you buy them diapers for their shower? Most wouldn't. So you may be better off keeping diapers off the list, or list larger sizes, and stock up on the newborn size yourself so that you have them. Same goes for bottles - make sure you get a few.

With the internet, you can monitor your registry and update online. Don't be bashful in doing this. Your taste may change, or you may go ahead and pick up some items on your list. You can also track to see what's already been purchased. That may take some of the surprise out of things, but there are times in life when practicality wins out.

P.S. - Don't forget the thank yous!