Registry recommendations

Registering for a baby should be lots of fun, yet the process causes many otherwise even-keeled parents to begin to panic. Jessica Hartshorn, Senior Lifestyle Editor for American Baby, has secrets to happy shopping.

Start by going when you have the energy.  Do it during your second trimester rather than your third.

You don't have to register for everything all at once and all at one store.  Register here and there.  Picking things at different stores widens your selection and gives friends and family a variety of different places to shop if they're buying your baby presents.

Even if you're registering online, visit the store.  It helps to see and test the baby gear you're considering before you buy it.

Bring a friend who really knows her baby stuff.  Fill out your registry with a mommy friend who has had a baby within the past two years and is familiar with the latest offerings.  She will be of tremendous value.

Take the store's registry list with a grain of salt.  You won't need everything on it!   And Watch big ticket items.  It may take time for the factory to ship furniture to you.

Don't forget to add diapers to your list.  A year's supply costs $500 to $1,000.  So, having a few months' worth will save you a bundle.

For more information on registering for your baby and other parenting tips, click here.