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Counting Down to the Baby Shower

What Items Should a Mom-to-be Ask For?

By Jacqueline Bodnar

Pregnancy can be one of the most interesting and exciting times of a woman's life. It can also be stressful. It's a good thing that the baby shower is one thing that the new mom-to-be doesn't have to take care of, with everything else going on.

While you are busy taking your daily dose of folic acid, getting all your water in and reading up on what to expect during the labor and delivery, you can rest assured that someone else close to you is thinking about your baby shower.

Still, what you do in the months leading up to the shower makes the difference between getting items you'll use frequently and ones you'll need to dust off each time Aunt Betty comes to visit. When it comes to a baby shower, a little planning really does go a long way.

Even before someone near and dear to your heart starts talking about planning a shower for you, start giving thought to what you need and want from your shower. While baby showers can be fun and the host will make sure the guests enjoy themselves, don't forget that the purpose of the shower is to get some things you will need for that new bundle of joy – and, of course, to hear advice from those who have been there already.

Start by taking inventory and planning what you would like for your baby. The most important area of the home will no doubt become the nursery. One of the most exciting things about expecting a baby is having the chance to decorate the nursery. Be sure to give some thought to what will make you comfortable.

"Newborn nurseries are for mothers," says Beth Neumann, owner of Baby U've Arrived in Reno, Nev. "The nursery should be a special space for Mom and Baby. Give some special attention to what you want that room to be like and what you want in it."

Along with the furniture you'll need, like a crib, rocking chair or gliding chair, changing table and dresser, you'll also want to give some thought to color. Before you ever go register for your shower, it's wise to make sure you have a color scheme decided on. In choosing the color of your nursery, think beyond blue and pink.

Surprisingly, there is an entire psychology involved, as colors are believed to influence mood and attitude. According to the Paint Quality Institute, orange is a good color to use because it produces a warm, inviting feeling. Cool colors such as blues, greens and violets are also ideal because they produce feelings of tranquility and relaxation. The Institute advises parents to steer clear of yellow for a nursery because it can be too strong and lead to anxiety in infants.

Now that you have decided how you want your nursery to look and have browsed the stores to check out some of the latest products, it's time to get registered. With the new technology today, there is no need even to go to the store in person. If you so chose, you can register right from your computer. Major department stores have made it easy to go to their site, do a quick signup with your personal information, and beginning looking at and adding products to your registration.

This is also an extremely efficient way to make changes when you have second thoughts about something you have chosen. Still, if you'd rather venture out and see the items in person, you can do that as well. Many department stores have a small kiosk where you can register and then walk the store, scanning items you'd like. If you aren't sure how it all works, just stop at the customer service department. They'll get you started.

This is the time to make sure your list includes the essentials for newborn care, like a car seat, stroller, bouncy seat, swing and monitor system. Of course, you aren't likely to get everything you put on your list, but it's a good reference point for people who want to see what you have in mind.

Showers generally take place a month or two before the baby's due date. Usually, a close friend will throw the shower, although family members do often get involved. Although showers are usually kept small, to around 20 people, the immediate members on both sides of the family should be invited, as well as your closest friends. At the shower, be sure to have someone take notes about whom each gift is from, so that you can send a thank you card. The most important thing to keep in mind is to have fun. It's an exciting time, and you may only experience having one baby shower thrown for you in your life.

The One Item If you could only get one item at your baby shower, what would it be and why? "A [nursing] pillow is great! It helped with breastfeeding in those early days ... And a footstool to go with it, so you can be totally comfortable, which makes breastfeeding so much easier." – Pam Zangardi, Severn, Md. "The one thing I enjoyed most of all was my car seat. It had a base that allowed me to pop it in and out of the car. It was perfect because I have a bad back. Bending over is a major problem for me, plus, at the time, I had a small, low-to-the-ground car." – Cindy Hale, Nesbit, Miss. "My [baby] swing that went sideways like a cradle and forward and back like a regular swing. The seat also had three positions of recline. Love, love, loved it with both my girls!" – Sheri Gallo, Land O' Lakes, Fla.

Baby Needs Checklist Here are items to consider when registering for your shower: Crib Stroller Swing Bouncy seat Jumper Activity gym Monitor system Bedding Car seat and/or carrier Diaper bag Clothes Infant bathtub Highchair Play yard

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• Six Baby Shower Games: Get Aquainted and Have Fun!
• Showered with Memories: Hosting a Scrapbook Baby Shower
• Nursery Safety Checklist: Tips for Designing Baby's Room
• Talk about it!
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